History of Mass Communication Essay

On June 19, 1965 Republic Act No. 4379 was passed, providing for the establishment of the University of the Philippines Institute of Mass Communication (UP-IMC). Dr. Gloria Feliciano was appointed director, and later dean, of the Institute. UP-IMC was formally established as an academic unit on August 23, 1966 offering journalism courses leading to the A.B. Journalism degree. In school year 1966-67, the A.B. Broadcast Communication and the M.A. programs were instituted. It was also in May 1967 that the Institute graduated its first batch of students—nine A.B. Journalism majors. By September 9, 1969, the Institute had transferred from the College of Arts and Sciences to Plaridel Hall. The third undergraduate program of IMC, the A.B. Communication Research, was instituted on April 7, 1975. Seven years later, in school year 1982-83, the Ph.D. in Communication program was instituted. It was also during this school year that the merging of the three undergraduate programs into one B.A. Communication program with major in any of the three old programs (journalism, broadcast communication, and communication research) was undertaken. Likewise, the three masteral programs were merged into one M.A. in Communication program and students could major in either broadcast communication, journalism or communication research. In school year 1984-85, the Film and Audiovisual Communication’s program was added to the Institute’s undergraduate course offerings. The following school year, Prof. Georgina R. Encanto was appointed new Dean of the Institute, succeeding Dr. Gloria D. Feliciano. December 1, 1987 marked the reactivation of the DZUP under the management of the institute. On April 28, 1988, almost 23 years after it was established, the UP IMC was elevated by the UP Board of Regents. Dr. Delia R. Barcelona then became the Dean in 1991. Prof. Luis V. Teodoro was dean from 1994 to 2000. During his term, the A.B. Communication program was divided once more into four distinct courses. Construction of the new Mass Media Center began in late 1996 during the term of Dean Teodoro, who conceptualized the Center to prepare the College for the 21st century, and raised the initial funds for its construction. In 1998, the Commission on Higher Education named the Journalism and Communication Research departments as its Centers of Excellence in the study of communication. The Broadcast Communication and the Film departments, meanwhile, are candidates for Centers of Development. In 2002, during the deanship of Prof. Ellen Paglinauan, a new MA Media Studies program was instituted with specializations in Broadcast Communication, Journalism, Film. The latter is considered to be the first (and only) graduate program in film in the Philippines. Dean Nicanor Tiongson, meanwhile, started two new Mass Communication institutions: the Plaridel Journal and the Gawad Plaridel.

Observation paper Essay

The Child’s name I have chosen for this observation paper is a 5 year old female named Janiya, she seems to be a happy normal child. Her mother and father are of African American descent. Her mother and father are married yet separated. Janiya lives home with her mom and aunt, her mom keeps her toys inside her room where Janiya regularly accesses her bedroom and bring toys in and out as she pleases, as well as plays inside her room when she wants. Her toys consist of a bike, baby dolls, Barbie dolls, tablet, computer, and PlayStation 4. These are the toys Janiya plays with everyday according to her mom. Observation Janiya is a very bright little girl with a huge personality she loves attention and loves to watch cartoons and play with her toys. The observations I made were in the living room, kitchen and her bedroom and observed her for 30 minutes. Janiya is a very creative little girl adapting to her surroundings and nothing was never too high for her because she climbed on top of furniture when she wanted to reach things that was too high for her I seen Janiya climb on top a chair to get some chips out of the cabinet she used her physical strength to pull her weight up until she was able to reach them. I was amazed at how smart she was when it came to thinking of a way to get things she wanted instead of asking for assistance anything she needs access to and is too high for her to reach she climbs on furniture to reach it or asks her mom or aunt to get it if she couldn’t according to her mom, Janiya is displaying her gross motor skills. She then came in the living room and proceeded to change the channel to Nick Jr. and Sponge Bob Square pants was on and Janiya started singing the theme song standing up in the chair dancing and singing showing off her cognitive and functional play skills trying to do what she sees on tv and also displaying her language development. Janiya’s mom then walked from her bed room in the living room explaining to Janiya that she has to help her with her homework  before she watches cartoons so she needs to go to her bedroom to retrieve her book bag Janiya is in the kindergarten. Janiya runs in her room to get her book bag and quickly came back into the living room with it displaying her gross motor skills again. Her mom pulls out her homework which consists of writing her first name 10 times and writing her last name 10 times she gives Janiya verbal cues on writing her name writing Janiya write and telling her which letter to write next she is encoding this information inside Janiya’s memory and she will eventually have this information in her long term memory and will be able to write her name without verbal cues in the future right now she is now processing information and developing her memory. After doing her homework Janiya went in her room and bought out her dolls and begin playing with herself in the living room displaying dramatic play I heard her talking to her dolls and pretending that was her baby. This was the end of my 30 minute observation; Janiya seems as if she is coming along well with displaying skills, language, playing and her imag ination. She was really a bright little girl and I enjoyed observing her and seeing the changes children go through to develop most of their skills that are going to be used every day when they get older! Observation Paper: Janiya Psychology 221 Michelle Bennett The Child’s name I have chosen for this observation paper is a 5 year old female named Janiya, she seems to be a happy normal child. Her mother and father are of African American descent. Her mother and father are married yet separated. Janiya lives home with her mom and aunt, her mom keeps her toys inside her room where Janiya regularly accesses her bedroom and bring toys in and out as she pleases, as well as plays inside her room when she wants. Her toys consist of a bike, baby dolls, Barbie dolls, tablet, computer, and PlayStation 4. These are the toys Janiya plays with everyday according to her mom. Observation Janiya is a very bright little girl with a huge personality she loves attention and loves to watch cartoons and play with her toys. The observations I made were in the living room, kitchen and her bedroom and observed her for 30 minutes. Janiya is a very creative little girl adapting to her surroundings and nothing was never too high for her because she climbed on top of furniture when she wanted to reach things that was too high for her I seen Janiya climb on top a chair to get some chips out of the cabinet she used her physical strength to pull her weight up until she was able to reach them. I was amazed at how smart she was when it came to thinking of a way to get things she wanted instead of asking for assistance anything she needs access to and is too high for her to reach she climbs on furniture to reach it or asks her mom or aunt to get it if she couldn’t according to her mom, Janiya is displaying her gross motor skills. She then came in the living room and proceeded to change the channel to Nick Jr. and Sponge Bob Square pants was on and Janiya started singing the theme song standing up in the chair dancing and singing showing off her cognitive and functional play skills trying to do what she sees on tv and also displaying her language development. Janiya’s mom then walked from her bed room in the living room explaining to Janiya that she has to help her with her homework before she watches cartoons so she needs to go to her bedroom to retrieve her book bag Janiya is in the kindergarten. Janiya runs in her room to get her book bag and quickly came back into the living room with it displaying her gross motor skills again. Her mom pulls out her homework which consists of writing her first name 10 times and writing her last name 10 times she gives Janiya verbal cues on writing her name writing Janiya write and telling her which letter to write next she is encoding this information inside Janiya’s memory and she will eventually have this information in her long term memory and will be able to write her name without verbal cues in the future right now she is now processing information and developing her memory. After doing her homework Janiya went in her room and bought out her dolls and begin playing with herself in t he living room displaying dramatic play I heard her talking to her dolls and pretending that was her baby. This was the end of my 30 minute observation; Janiya seems as if she is coming along well with displaying skills, language, playing and her imagination. She was really a bright little girl and I enjoyed observing her and seeing the changes children go through to develop most of their skills that are  going to be used every day when they get older!

Puddle Girl Essay

She gazes out the window, self-consciously adjusting the straps of her shirt. She shivers as a chill creeps out from the weathered window pane and draws a limp cardigan from the overstuffed chair she has perched herself upon. The pounding of the rain slowly begins to abate and diverts into a soft, gentle roll of tears from the sky. She clasps the cardigan closer to her body, as she mentally counts off the number of ribs she can feel through the heavy, wool blend. Haplessly she utters the sigh of a woman far beyond her years and reaches to open the beckoning door. Her frail, ivory hand encloses on the scuffed brass door knob and she abruptly looks about her, as if she is waiting for someone to reprimand her. She braces herself against the wind’s knocking chill and steps out into the blighting, crisp, after-rain air. Though she is wearing the two layers she had previously dressed herself in that grey morning and the four other layers she had wrapped herself in throughout the day , she still shivers, the drizzle gently pinpricking her spine. The soft, baby hairs rising on her arms, she raises her diminutive hand to touch the baby-fine smattering of gold silk upon her head, to find that it drifts off through her bony fingers to the earthen ground. She touches her head again and this time her gaze lands upon the aimless settlement of one golden strand. Whirling and twirling, it’s angelic decent is cushioned by the tender rain’s droppings that had accumulated into a softly swirling puddle. In an impulsive childish manner, she squats down alongside the water mass and peers at the blustery, silken strand. As it writhes and dances across the still body of water, it creates perfect, symmetrical ripples of movement and sooner than later, to the young girl’s objections, the hair is stifled by the peaceful puddle’s saturation. And just as her lips utter yet another far-matured sigh, a reflection subsequently appears and the girl, in a melancholy, self-induced habit stares at the image impressed upon the water’s glass. There is a girl in the puddle and she stares back with a desolate stare. Where once sparkling blue eyes glistened is now replaced with the color of grey misery, the twinkle engulfed in the world’s shallow appetite. Her cheeks sunken with the sharp edge that only appears with years of self-destruction and facial expression contorted into the tightness of concentrated self-loathing. Convulsing, the young girl abruptly shatters the ebbing puddle girl’s image, sending her nose, eyes, and tight-lipped un-smile into all directions. Trembling from  anger, fear, pain–a mixture of such pure and raw emotion that to describe it would be impossible–the young girl crumbles down onto the cold, unyielding cement. Cradling her head, allowing the swirling torrent of feelings to take over her being†¦once again the rains begin to fall and as each drop rolls down her once rosy cheeks, she sobs and thinks of days gone past.

Research proposal ( Role of M.R.I spectroscopy in differentiation Essay

Research proposal ( Role of M.R.I spectroscopy in differentiation between the Malignant and the benign tumours ) - Essay Example In MRI Spectroscopy, water protons are utilized in creating images, and for producing images of the brain that are detailed and sophisticated. This is because various brain tissues contain varying amounts of water. Non-aqueous protons, which consist of the hydrogen nuclei protons which are not in water are scattered throughout the biologically significant brain molecules. The significant signals from these molecules are invisible when attempted to be viewed otherwise, due to the fact that they are overshadowed by the greater signals of the aqueous protons. Each non-aqueous molecule possesses a unique radio-frequency that is specific to that particular chemical, and which is different from the water proton frequency. The strength or amplitude attained by these radio-frequencies depends on the concentration of the molecules inside the volume in question, and each of them has its own discrete position of frequency. Thus, a graph can be displayed showing the relative amplitude peaks for various biological molecules, and these peaks of amplitude can be detected and displayed more easily if the signals generated by the aqueous protons are suppressed. MRI Spectroscopy uses an imaging technology that is non-invasive, and which records information as regards the chemical makeup of human tissue without any need for biopsy or surgery. The aim of this research is to ascertain the role of MRI Spectroscopy in the diagnosis of cancerous (malignant) tumors in contrast to benign and healthy growths that are non-cancerous, based on chemical information. â€Å"Although the spectral features of prostate tissue markedly change after radiotherapy, MRI Spectroscopy combined with multivariate methods of analysis can accurately identify histologically malignant biopsies. MRI Spectroscopy shows promise as a modality that could integrate three-dimensional measures of tumor response.† (Michael D. Kuo, 2006) This research on The Role of M.R.I spectroscopy in

CIO ORGANIZATION PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

CIO ORGANIZATION PAPER - Essay Example Among the 22 people in the IT department, there is an overlap of roles as was revealed during Carol’s interview with the staff. This calls for the need to change the type of leadership to the department if the new outfit of a CIO organization is to yield intended results. The most appropriate leadership style given the facts is Transactional Leadership. This style has the fundamental concept that; team members agreed to remain obedient to their leader at the time of accepting the job. It follows the principle that the members are paid for their effort and compliance with the rules, failure to which the leader is at liberty to punish (Kippenberger, 2002). It is the right style because it clearly defines everyone’s roles and responsibilities which will bring to an end the present overlap, and rewards performers, so any ambitious member of the team will receive reward for extra effort. The reward system under this style challenges employees to work hard and find a reason t o love their jobs. Given the current situation, Transactional leadership will bring new ways of conducting business in the CIO organization and inject fresh energy among employees for optimal productivity. The current IT framework at WW appears to be segmented with various systems serving specific areas of the organization. Accurate Financial System serves finance; Mobile Application is intended for sales staff, route optimization and freight checking system for operations and dispatch with fleet maintenance system meant for scheduling routine and preventative repairs. The fragmented aspect of this system implies that IT support staff is needed at each terminal with six support people currently offering support at the present six terminals, one per location. This has left few members of the team to handle development of new systems, carryout routine system security checks and keep tab with the new financial system. To ensure WW

In Depth Divorse Law Case Study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

In Depth Divorse Law Case Study - Assignment Example Fixed resource bargaining or simply â€Å"Zero-Sum† is sometimes referred to as win-lose or distributive bargaining. It is a negotiation strategy in bargaining that is usually employed in the distribution of fixed resources like money hence the name Fixed resource bargaining. Each party in the negotiations usually feel that their objectives or interests are in a balance and therefore the major goal is the trying to and securing concession from the party that is unwilling. Hence one of the parties will lose and thus the name win-lose bargaining.It is a bargaining type that is significant since it aids in solving disputes that would otherwise no have been resolved by employing any other method. In the event that the stakes involved are very high, the resistance to decree is oftenly heightened. It is very difficult to announce as to how the matter that is being negotiated will be dealt with.The captious layout in the â€Å"Zero-Sum† bargaining method is analyzed by a †Å"bargaining some model of negotiations†. There are three vital negotiation points in the model in the book. The first is the offer point in which one side opens an offer to the opposite side. By doing this, expectations from both groups are stipulated as a beginning point. Nevertheless this is done with the supposition that stipulating the desired point in which they contain their rational and final agreement. Of course the other party will rebut this favoring the target they contain.

What factors determine a bond's rating Why is the rating important to Essay

What factors determine a bond's rating Why is the rating important to the firm's manager - Essay Example A manager must appreciate that when credit rating of a firm is low; it is more expensive to borrow money since firm has to pay high interest on bonds. As a result higher expenses mean lower earning per share. In the end company will earn low profits and low bond ratings.Calculation of bond rating depends on several factors, these factors are enumerated as under:- 1. If the firm is dependent on debt for its maximum operations its bond rating will be lower. 2. If firm is not making profits, it is obvious that its share value and bond rating will go down. 3. If a firm gives continuous production with little variations in output, its portfolio will be strong and bond rating will be high. 4. Big firms have strong financial reserves, these firms can absorb financial pressures and investors are comfortable to invest in these firms. Big firms have less chances to default than smaller ones therefore bond rating of these firms are generally high. Fortune 500 companies consist of big firms. 5. If loan payback capacity of a firm is high, its bond rating is high. 6. Quantitative analysis is a major factor in determining bond rating of a firm. It includes following assessment :- a. Capacity and ability of a firm to repay its debts and obligations. b. Determination of cash flow, financial stability, balance of payments and returns, capacity to pay interests, capacity to repay principle and financial cushion available to company. c. Evaluation of cash reserves, revenue, investment history and trends, market standing, current and future income trends, safe investment of its capital and projected future profits. d. History to pay back liabilities and projected capacity to pay debts. 7. Qualitative analysis is another factor in determining bond rating. It determines following :- a. Willingness and desire of the company to repay its debts. b. Overall management credibility, ongoing projects and investments, future planning and risk management. Why is the Bond rating important to t he Firm’s Manager. Bond ratings are not static and show variations depending on issuer’s financial position. Ratings are extremely important to a firm’s manager since firm’s existence depends on bonds ratings. Bond ratings are important to the firm’s manager due to following reasons:- 1. Bond rating is an indicator of default risk by the firm and therefore a measure of competence of the manager. 2. Bond rating has a direct influence on interest rate of bond and cost of debt for the firm. Low rated bonds are expensive for the firm and the manager to maintain. 3. Mostly institutions purchase bonds. These institutions are bound by law not to invest in low rated bonds. Therefore it is a matter for survival for the manager and his firm to keep bond ratings higher. 4. If the bond rating is high, investors will have confidence in the firm and invest in bonds. High bond rating indicates that it is less risky to invest in these bonds. 5. In order to succeed , a manager must display thorough understanding of markets where company’s bonds and shares are traded. Although sometimes speculative, bond ratings generally reflect approximate financial picture of a firm. 6. If a bond rating is going down, immediate corrections are required by firm’s manager. A firm manager must re evaluate for Tax shelters and avoid depreciation and losses. He must arrange assets to support borrowings and convert assets to cash if there is a requirement. 7. A manager has to appreciate that bond rating has far reaching implications for the selection and availability of capital structure and ultimate market standing of the firm. 8. A manager must realize that bond rating is an indicator for investors about future financial position of the firm. 9. There is another dimension to importance of bond ratings: many state laws demand minimum bond ratings for presentation as legal investment for insurance, pension funds, trusts and banks. If ratings are lowe r than acceptable value or fall within speculative range, firm’s market standing may collapse. 10. A firm’s desire to access capital markets is also displayed by its choice of bond rating objective.

Checkout paper 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Checkout paper 2 - Essay Example She even agreed that not able to attend schools due to sickness was causing a hard time for her. â€Å"I believe that I am feeling ill most of the time and sometimes the intensity of sickness increases which compels me to take off from the school. Since I am missing my classes, I am lagging behind from my classmates and it is quite disturbing for me. It is even giving me a hard time.† I think it was the right time to ask for clarifying me her viewpoint so that I could probe her for more information. I even realized that she was having difficulty in sharing her feeling and my question gave her space to open up and she responded to me appropriately: It was important to summarize and reflect on her responses so that we both were on the same pace and the matter could be resolved. Her response shed light on the solution which she was seeking for undertaking few measures for getting fit and healthy: â€Å"The medications make me tiresome and I feel sleepy during the classes too. It is quite irritating for me as I want to focus my attention on class lectures and compensate for the loss caused due to my sickness. Moreover, I want to move towards a routine which incorporates exercise regime.† With this statement, it was evident that she wanted support for implementing a lifestyle which will be in compliance with her requirements. At this point, I had to ask more information so I used the paraphrasing technique: This statement clarified everything that she wanted to get rid of the inactiveness caused due to sickness and motivate herself to include exercise in her routine. In order to summarize the interview, I said: The client agreed with my response and it was a productive activity as it highlighted the main area of concern. During this exercise, I made effective use of reflection, summarization, clarification and paraphrasing. Overall, I believe that I learnt about my

Social Interaction and Relationships Research Paper

Social Interaction and Relationships - Research Paper Example A Closer Analysis on Child Abuse The welfare of children has been the primary concern of social scientists through time. The penultimate objectives of parents, teachers, social workers through local communities and state agencies globally acknowledge the need to promote and safeguard the well-being of each and every child. Sad to say, there are some relationships between parents and children that result in maltreatment and abuse due to various factors. Children have been found to be highly susceptible to abusive relationship and behavior by adults due to their tender age, naivety, immaturity, and incompetence to fully decide for themselves without realizing the effects and repercussions of actions imposed upon them. In this regard, the essay aims to proffer issues pertinent to social interaction focusing on child abuse, as one type of relationship between a child and his or her parents, as studied through the eyes of a social psychologist. ... ience, direct or indirect, coincide with the conclusions made through social science research; and finally, (4) if one could study the same behavior, how could it be done differently and how would one’s method ensure a higher level of accuracy. The Study of Child Abuse The Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (CBSSE) published a report entitled Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect in 1993 delving into the critical issues pervading child abuse including its identification and definitions, the scope of the problem, etiology of maltreatment, prevention, consequences, and treatment, among others. As indicated, it was only in 1976 that the first relevant statistics on child maltreatment was revealed and covered by the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (CBSSE, 1993, 78). The incidence and prevalence of child abuse and maltreatment were revealed to be sourced from â€Å"congressionally mandated maltreatment reports, population-based surveys of speci fic types of maltreatment, surveys of maltreatment in special population subgroups (e.g., disabled children), and cross-national data† (CBSSE, 1993, 79). Current statistics from the National Child Abuse agency show a continually increasing trend of abuse and maltreatment from 1995 until 2007 (Child Help, 2011). The figures reveal an alarming number of approximately â€Å"5.8 million children were involved in an estimated 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations†¦ (of which) 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members† (Child Help, 2011, 1). The mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect has been expounded by Smith (2009) to indicate that â€Å"all states require certain professionals and institutions to report suspected child abuse,

Neural Network Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Neural Network - Essay Example Last line means to say that if the letters are placed in some tilted position, then also algorithm must tackle this problem. Pattern Recognition or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a pipelined process consisting of several stages in proper sequence. They are shown in figure 2. Each character is represented as a combination of pixels. All pixels together make a huge feature vector. Total number of pixels is equal to wh where w is the number of pixel in width side and h is the pixels present in height. Figure 3 depicts the way pixel forms one particular character. xi is the fraction of ink in pixel i. Classifier must be adaptive (generalize) in nature so that it can be able to recognize patterns encountering first time. A typical character image is 6464 pixels large and for each such pixel 256 grey values are required making feature space large. For training a recognizer hence, requires huge amount of data to fill this vast space. In order to reduce the dimension space Principal Component Analysis is mostly used which transforms into lower dimension space (Yeung & Ruzzu, 2001). OCR also should make a distinguishing between ‘O’ and ‘6’. Figure 4 shows one case example. If t/b comes smaller that means letter is ‘O’ otherwise ‘6’. A good algorithm must define the tolerance level (T) adequately. Other examples of such cases are letter ‘q’ and digit ‘9’. First identify the maximum rotation number whether it is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6. Then check any mirror is present or not (m). Is there any indecomposable glide reflection (g)? And finally whether there is any rotation axis on the mirror present or not. Other than this Genetic Algorithm also works as PR. Selection of patterns play an important role in PR process as it determines the accuracy of algorithm, its learning time, and the necessary number of samples. Best selection of feature plays important

Free Trade and Developing Countries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Free Trade and Developing Countries - Essay Example Therefore, the notion that increasing the volume of commerce by promoting free trade would spur economic development is not applicable to all countries, especially in the developing world. This paper examines the various reasons why free trade is appropriate for promoting economic development in particular developing countries. Free trade provides more opportunities of accessing international resources in both developing and developed economies. However, unregulated access to international markets, especially of developing economies is disastrous to development and sustainability of local industry in these nations (Wilber and Jameson 1992). Therefore, for countries to reap maximum benefits of globalisation, they must device appropriate trading practices that encourage expansion of trade, while protecting the local industries at the same time. Free trade presents several benefits to developing countries. Some of the benefits include availability of cheaper and high quality commodities in the market due to increased competition. Globalisation promotes specialisation where countries specialize in large-scale production of goods and services (Barro, 1997). According to Barro (1997, p19), specialisation lowers the cost of production because the countries concentrate on production of goods and services that they can produce cheaply and more efficiently for the mass market. In addition, free trade promotes competition in the international market, which eventually benefits the consumers. According to Walter and Snyder, (2007), competition at international level compels companies to reduce the costs of their products and improve the quality in order to enhance competitiveness of their products in the market. The competition encourages innovation and adoption of more efficient technology in addition to encouraging more efficient use and management of the available resources. Therefore, free trade discourages entrenchment of monopoly in the global market. Trade monopoly c auses several adverse effects in the market, including high prices, low production and reduced quality of goods and services produced (Colman and Nixson 1986). Market expansion is another important benefit of free trade to developing countries. Industrial growth and development is usually undermined by a constricted market. According to Bates (1981), limited market especially in least developed economies undermines division of labour, which ultimately leads to low production. Free trade encourages adoption of modern technology especially in developing economies that mostly rely on traditional methods of production, limiting mass production of goods and services (Bienen and Jeffrey 1996). In spite of the existence of free trade for a considerable time, developing economies still lag behind in utilization and adoption of modern technology in production. This undermines economic development and flow of capital in developing economies (Collier, 2008). In spite of the apparent advantages of globalisation to developing economies, free trade has negatively affected the economic growth of these countries in various ways. First, free trade promotes large scale and unsustainable utilisation of the available natural resources in the country (Blanchard 2008). Some of the natural resource includes mineral deposits, such as gold, diamonds, oil, copper and platinum among other valuable

Financial Analysis of Competition Bikes Essay Example for Free

Financial Analysis of Competition Bikes Essay Financial Analysis of Competition Bikes Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In financial analysis a complete assessment of a business organization covering competitiveness, profitability, liquidity and stability concerns. Financial analysis of a business is undertaken by reviewing the business’ financial statements. Summarized financial statement reports are frequently presented to executives and top managers for setting up business goals as well as making decisions. Analysis of the financial statements of Competition Bikes demand evaluation of the internal operation focusing on vertical, horizontal, ratio and trend analyses and the working capital. These evaluations communicate profit margins enabling projection of budgets and restraining sales and costs potential. Annual comparison of production performance subject to profit versus overhead helps in forecasting of budgets for production ingredients on a monthly basis (Shim, J. and Siegel, J. 2009). Competition Bikes Horizontal Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the examination of percentage changes in comparative statements of a business. In this case, it is the evaluation of Competition Bike’s comparative statements between the year 6 and 7 as well as 7 and 8. The horizontal analysis chart helps in indicating the value of accounts payable differential in year 6 and 7 as well as year 7 and year 8. The company’s net sales soared up by 33.3% between year 6 and 7 at $1,495,000. However, net sales differential between year 7 and 8 was a negative implying that sales decreased by 15% at $897,000. Therefore, it is essential that Competition Bikes increases annual sales to reap higher profits. The value of gross profit registered was a negative figure of $266,600 equivalent to 16.3% decrease. Interestingly, the company registered a 37.5% gross profits increase between year 6 and 7 at $447,000.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The time period between purchasing of raw materials, manufacturing and distribution of goods is referred to as the operating cycle. The net period in collection of receipts from payments and sales is the cash conversion cycle for the different ingredients consumed and produced by Competition Bikes. The company witnessed a decrease in the operating cycle between years 6 and 7 from 50.52 to 48.00 days. This is explained by the increased growth of sales relative to the inventories growth rate. The cash conversion period between year 6 and 8 was relatively negative. This is because Competition Bikes Inc has a high liquidity owing to the short receivables period supplemented by a lengthy payable deferral period. It is indicative of the efficient management of the company’s resources.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The aggregate of administrative and general expenses between year 6 and 7 increased at $156,440 equivalent to 20.4% increase. However, the increase between year 7 and 8 was significantly lower at $11,004 equivalent to 1.2% increase. Still, Competition Bikes Inc operating income between year 6 and 7 increased at $191,820 equivalent to 154.6% increase. However, this parameter decreased at $318,392 equivalent to 61.9% decrease. Higher profits were registered between year 6 and 7 relative to year 7 and 8 which registered a dcrease in profits.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition, the company’s cash account differential between 6 and 7 was a decrease of $142,451 equivalent to 54.6%. However, this differential increased between year 7 and 8 at $326,475 equivalent to 275.4%. The net liabilities difference between year 6 and 7 was $128,620 equal to 1.2% increase. According to horizontal analysis, the total liabilities differential from year 6 to 8 was a decrease at $35,500 or 1.9% (Brigham, E. and Houston, J. 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Still, Competition Bike’s common equity differential between year 6 and 7 was a 2.9% increase equating to $119,914 increase. Horizontal analysis of the same parameter indicates a fall between year 7 and 8 equal to $2,400 or 0.1% decrease. Since year 7 and 8 registered a lesser loss comparative to the gain between years 6 and 7, Competition Bikes Inc. broke even in the former years from the aggregate of year 6 and year 7. Competition Bikes Inc Vertical Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In vertical analysis, an exploration of a company’s statement of financial position is considered to validate each element comparative to the total assets as a percentage. For the income statement, vertical analysis involves exploration of the various variables subject to total sales. This analysis helps in evaluation of the financial performance of Competition Bikes Inc with time. The tabulation below indicates the Vertical Analysis of the Competition Bikes Inc’s Balance Sheet Account elements Year 6 Total assets ($4,199,303) Year 7 Total assets ($4,319,217) Year 8 Total assets ($4,316,817) Notes and accounts Payable 1.6% 4.5% 6.1% Accrued Salaries and other expenses 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% Accrued Expenses 0.5% 0.6% 0.6% Mortgage 42.9% 39.4% 37.1% Long term Liabilities 2.1% 2.0% 1.9% Stockholders Equity 52.5% 53.3% 54.1%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Competition Bikes Inc Vertical Analysis assesses the liabilities, equities and assets of the company. Overall, the operating expenses fluctuated in little figures indicate a strong internal control policy. Therefore, there was little depreciation on the company subject to the operating sales versus costs. The proportion of liabilities decreased over the three years indicating an improved ability in Competition Bikes Inc to settle debts. The proportion of common equity relative to debts increased over the period signifying a growth in the net capital of the company. Competition Bikes Trend Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the evaluation of the financial performance of a business over time. Firstly, Competition Bikes Inc balance sheet figures increased tremendously between years 6 and 8. This signifies growth and expansion trend in Competition Bikes. On average, the company grew at 3.3% which is a sustainable growth rate. Over the three years, the sales dropped significantly and especially between year 7 and 8. Nonetheless, the profit margin was relatively strong due to little fluctuations in overhead costs such as materials, productions costs and carrier fees. Therefore, it is potentially possible that the future sales in years 9, 10 and 11 high provided the company maintains the current growth and expansion rate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Based on trend analysis, it is anticipated that the company’s sales in future will remain strong. This inspires the shareholder to invest more in the company over the next three years. Profits are anticipated to increase at 103.2%, 107.6% and 111.8% over the next three years respectively. In additional, further prodding of the company’s financial statements indicates a declining rate in sales growth rate. For instance, the company sales increase at 8.65% between year 6 and 7 as well as 9.85% between year 7 and year 8. Nonetheless, the significantly small sales growth rate is associative to higher boost in net income which rose by 12.82% and 14.46% in year 7 and 8 respectively. Competition Bikes Ratio Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is the determination of the past years financial performance relative to other companies ratios, trends as well as those of the company/business under review. These ratios include liquidity, profitability and efficiency ratios.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Liquidity ratios extracted from the statement of financial position determine the ability of the business to pay its debts at and as when they fall due. The fractions are significantly important in computation of the business ability to meet its short term and long term financial obligations and goals. Quick ratio is computed by dividing quick assets by current liabilities. The company registered a low quick ration of 3.11% and 3.21% for years 8 and 7 respectively. This is because as a motor bike retailer, the company must hold high levels of inventory meaning that most of the working capital ends up tied. Considering that the company enjoys a small inventory turnover ratio, this is not a worrying level.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Efficiency ratios include the inventory turnover ratio and the average collection period. The former is obtained by dividing total sales by total inventory. This ratio indicates the efficiency and the rapidity with which the company manages to sell its bikes. In year 7 and 8, the company’s inventory turnover fell from 46.7 to 45.9 indicating decrease strength in paying off debts. The latter ratio is the anticipated period of cashing owed receivables from clients. Competition Bikes Inc current average collection period is 102.6 days. It is not an ideal duration because it implies delayed conversion of receivables into cash for clearing debts and expenses.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Profitability ratios include return on assets and gross profit margin. The former ratio assesses the aptitude of Competition Bikes to raise revenue from its assets. The company’s return on asset parameter in year 7 and 8 was 4.52 and 4.25 respectively. The gross profit margin at the same period was 27.4% and 27% respectively. However, this was a 4.7% drop from the previous 5.3%. The fall in profits translates to poor operations and hence the need to evaluate the company’s strategies. Competition Bikes Working Capital   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the difference between the current assets and the current liabilities. It is important to a business because it determines the available resources for increasing production, hiring additional staff, merging and buying out other companies as well as investing in expansion projects. The company had a working capital of $2,123,000 and $1,768,000 in year 7 and 6 respectively. The increased values in working capital indicate an advanced working capital over the three years. Internal Control Strengths and Weaknesses   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These are predominant in the accounts departments. The company has adequate resources to finance its operations now and into the future. This is because all activities are adequately covered financially. Besides, the company boasts a readily available clientele with a potential to attract additional clients. The company maintains a check and balance system to control sales, purchase and cash management translates to a strong internal control system.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Corrective action in weaknesses lists changes to be made to enhance completion of targets and achieving of total significance in a business. The operations and management for implementation are executed by the management to ensure resolution of identified weaknesses. When the firms adopts a tracking system, execution of identified strategies top resolve the deficiencies is easily executed. Corrective actions were installed to improve production and purchasing deficiencies. This is to help in constant inquiry as well as cooperation among various departments in the business. Risks   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Businesses face constant risks and threats and therefore, it is important to identify, address and mitigate the risks. Competition Bikes is susceptible to numerous risks such as increased competition resonating to low profit margins. Therefore, the company must strategize on maintaining and attracting additional clients. Still, the internal controls are a threat to the company. Impromptu competition between purchasing unit and the accounting department may result to delay in payment of invoices. Proper communication lines must be set within the company to address broken communication. Compliance   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Competition Bikes Inc compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley is indicative of the stringent monitoring controls that the company has installed for internal auditing purposes. This assures stakeholders of the efficient management of the company as well as in compliance with different regulatory framework. Compliance entails provision of an admirable working framework such as motivation of employees, retention of skilled labor and recycling of products. Recommendation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Considering the past performance of the company, it is recommended that the firm must maintain a sound internal control system. This will report deficiencies such as weaknesses in financial reporting. It will help in securing a lock tight financial recording and documentation. Closer monitoring and evaluation of the excess raw materials and manufacturing surpluses will be maintained in reasonable amounts reducing overspending and potential theft. References Bateman, T. S., Snell, S. (2013). M: Management. New York, NY.: McGraw-Hill Companies. Internal Control Systems. (2011, July 4). Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tread way Commission (COSO). Retrieved December 12, 2013, from http://www.coso.org/documents/COSO_ERM_ExecutiveSummary.pdf.Kieso, D. E., Weygandt, J. J. (2012). Intermediate accounting (9th ed.). New York: Wiley. Shim, J. K., Siegel, J. G. (2012). Schaums outline of financial management (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Source document

Balance sheet ratio analysis

Balance sheet ratio analysis Balance Sheet Ratio Analysis Important Balance Sheet Ratios measure liquidity and solvency (a businesss ability to pay its bills as they come due) and leverage (the extent to which the business is dependent on creditors funding). They include the following ratios: Liquidity Ratios These ratios indicate the ease of turning assets into cash. They include the Current Ratio, Quick Ratio, and Working Capital. Current Ratios.The Current Ratio is one of the best known measures of financial strength. It is figured as shown below: Total Current Assets Current Ratio = ____________________ Total Current Liabilities The main question this ratio addresses is: Does your business have enough current assets to meet the payment schedule of its current debts with a margin of safety for possible losses in current assets, such as inventory shrinkage or collectable accounts? A generally acceptable current ratio is 2 to 1. But whether or not a specific ratio is satisfactory depends on the nature of the business and the characteristics of its current assets and liabilities. The minimum acceptable current ratio is obviously 1:1, but that relationship is usually playing it too close for comfort. If you decide your businesss current ratio is too low, you may be able to raise it by: Paying some debts. Increasing your current assets from loans or other borrowings with a maturity of more than one year. Converting non-current assets into current assets. Increasing your current assets from new equity contributions. Putting profits back into the business. Quick Ratios.The Quick Ratio is sometimes called the acid-test ratio and is one of the best measures of liquidity. It is figured as shown below: Cash + Government Securities + Receivables Quick Ratio = _________________________________________ Total Current Liabilities The Quick Ratio is a much more exacting measure than the Current Ratio. By excluding inventories, it concentrates on the really liquid assets, with value that is fairly certain. It helps answer the question: If all sales revenues should disappear, could my business meet its current obligations with the readily convertible `quick funds on hand? An acid-test of 1:1 is considered satisfactory unless the majority of your quick assets are in accounts receivable, and the pattern of accounts receivable collection lags behind the schedule for paying current liabilities. Working Capital.Working Capital is more a measure of cash flow than a ratio. The result of this calculation must be a positive number. It is calculated as shown below: Working Capital = Total Current Assets Total Current Liabilities Bankers look at Net Working Capital over time to determine a companys ability to weather financial crises. Loans are often tied to minimum working capital requirements. A general observation about these three Liquidity Ratios is that the higher they are the better, especially if you are relying to any significant extent on creditor money to finance assets. Leverage Ratio This Debt/Worth or Leverage Ratio indicates the extent to which the business is reliant on debt financing (creditor money versus owners equity): Total Liabilities Debt/Worth Ratio = _______________ Net Worth Generally, the higher this ratio, the more risky a creditor will perceive its exposure in your business, making it correspondingly harder to obtain credit. To financial ratio analysis Top Income Statement Ratio Analysis The following important State of Income Ratios measure profitability: Gross Margin Ratio This ratio is the percentage of sales dollars left after subtracting the cost of goods sold from net sales. It measures the percentage of sales dollars remaining (after obtaining or manufacturing the goods sold) available to pay the overhead expenses of the company. Comparison of your business ratios to those of similar businesses will reveal the relative strengths or weaknesses in your business. The Gross Margin Ratio is calculated as follows: Gross Profit Gross Margin Ratio = _______________ Net Sales (Gross Profit = Net Sales Cost of Goods Sold) Net Profit Margin Ratio This ratio is the percentage of sales dollars left after subtracting the Cost of Goods sold and all expenses, except income taxes. It provides a good opportunity to compare your companys return on sales with the performance of other companies in your industry. It is calculated before income tax because tax rates and tax liabilities vary from company to company for a wide variety of reasons, making comparisons after taxes much more difficult. The Net Profit Margin Ratio is calculated as follows: Net Profit Before Tax Net Profit Margin Ratio = _____________________ Net Sales Management Ratios Other important ratios, often referred to as Management Ratios, are also derived from Balance Sheet and Statement of Income information. Inventory Turnover Ratio This ratio reveals how well inventory is being managed. It is important because the more times inventory can be turned in a given operating cycle, the greater the profit. The Inventory Turnover Ratio is calculated as follows: Net Sales Inventory Turnover Ratio = ___________________________ Average Inventory at Cost Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio This ratio indicates how well accounts receivable are being collected. If receivables are not collected reasonably in accordance with their terms, management should rethink its collection policy. If receivables are excessively slow in being converted to cash, liquidity could be severely impaired. The Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio is calculated as follows: Net Credit Sales/Year __________________ = Daily Credit Sales 365 Days/Year Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable Turnover (in days) = _________________________ Daily Credit Sales Return on Assets Ratio This measures how efficiently profits are being generated from the assets employed in the business when compared with the ratios of firms in a similar business. A low ratio in comparison with industry averages indicates an inefficient use of business assets. The Return on Assets Ratio is calculated as follows: Net Profit Before Tax Return on Assets = ________________________ Total Assets Return on Investment (ROI) Ratio. The ROI is perhaps the most important ratio of all. It is the percentage of return on funds invested in the business by its owners. In short, this ratio tells the owner whether or not all the effort put into the business has been worthwhile. If the ROI is less than the rate of return on an alternative, risk-free investment such as a bank savings account, the owner may be wiser to sell the company, put the money in such a savings instrument, and avoid the daily struggles of small business management. The ROI is calculated as follows: Net Profit before Tax Return on Investment = ____________________ Net Worth These Liquidity, Leverage, Profitability, and Management Ratios allow the business owner to identify trends in a business and to compare its progress with the performance of others through data published by various sources. The owner may thus determine the businesss relative strengths and weaknesses. Return on Equity(ROE,Return on average common equity,return on net worth,Return on ordinary shareholders funds) (requity) measures the rate of return on the ownership interest (shareholders equity) of the common stock owners. It measures a firms efficiency at generating profits from every unit of shareholders equity (also known as net assets or assets minus liabilities). ROE shows how well a company uses investment funds to generate earnings growth.

Analysis of Performance of Registered Nurse

Analysis of Performance of Registered Nurse INTRODUCTION Critical reflection acts as the precursor for transformative learning, which takes place by altering the level of personal understandings and the behavior (Mezirow, 1990). Critical refection leads to improved learning, assessment and thinking with respect to the system and the society (Smith, 2011). Critical reflection enables an individual to look beyond the horizon and visualize the bigger picture and develop reasonable views about the situation so that the assessment can become easier. Critical reflection is taught in various professional fields, including the health care system. This concept is not just theoretical but requires practical applicability also. Theoretically there are three models for reflecting critically. The first is the Dewey’s model of reflective learning which advocates that knowledge can be obtained by relating the past and present experiences. This approach is referred to as the pragmatic approach. The second model is that of Habermas’, which ad vocates the critical theory behind this approach and demonstrates three areas of knowledge, namely, practical, technical and emancipator. The third and the last model is the Kolb’s model of reflexive learning (Patricia Lucas, 2012). The Australian Nursing Federation’s standards of competency for a nurse have identified r put forward three domains of better level competencies: adaptation of practice, conceptualization of practice and leading on with the practice (Australian Nursing Foundation, 2005). AIM AND OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to critically examine and reflect on my professional skills and performance as a registered nurse, in the domain of adaptation of practice. The paper discusses about the main concept of critical reflection and also the competencies in the aforesaid domain. This essay is written in first person, as it will help in better understanding of the critical competencies possessed by an individual. DESCRIPTION The initial period of working in any professional field is very difficult and tiring. When I started to work as a nurse, in the emergency, I used to work for 6 days a week. The timings were also very stringent, from 8.00 AM till 3.00 PM. The work load was much higher as compared to the task force available. The number of nurses was reduced considerably and the health staff was under continuous stress as they had to cater to so many patients. Another problem faced by the health staff was the duration of stay of the patients and the workload on the emergency section. In my country, general statistics show that patients stayed for minimum two days. With each nurse catering to 6-7 patients at one time, it is nearly impossible to pay adequate attention to each on simultaneously. Plus this increases the work load to a greater extent. Most of the nurses, who worked, just had a diploma in nursing, while I and two others had the bachelor’s degree. This is what distinguished us. We had better theoretical as well as practical skills as compared to them. This plus point kind of added to the workload I had. I was made responsible for all the emergency situations and for looking after the patients who were brought in emergency conditions. One of the main procedures of emergency is suturing. Since suturing requires both practical as well as theoretical skills, I was the one who was given the task of suturing, assessing the wounds of the injured, examining any other damage like that to arteries or tendons or nerve fibers. The morning task was to review all the patients along with the doctors and then for the latter half of the day each nurse was assigned 6 to 7 patients to take care of. OVERVIEW OF CRITICAL REFLECTION Nursing literature frequently mentions about critical reflection but nowhere has this term been defined precisely (McBrien, 2007). Vaguely it has been mentioned as the process of analyzing practice through regulated self reflection (Crowe O’Malley, 2006). Although everybody has the ability to think with a different perspective, the aim of critical reflection is to enhance knowledge and redefine our understanding about self, by increasing self awareness and self consciousness, thereby focusing on the outcomes of our actions (Forrest, 2008). There are too many scenarios in the health care system, where the nurses are exposed to unexplained judgments, interpretations and decisions. To relieve the stress burden from our shoulders, it is important to inculcate critical thinking in our lives. Yes, it is true, critical reflection will give fire to anxiety, conflict and also cause self doubting issues but it will, eventually, alter the professional practice in an affirmative way (Oâ €™Connor, 2008). The new energy within will help in challenging the beliefs and assumption, that already exist and lead to better understanding of the things and thereby bringing about a change for benefit of all. Because of the increase in expectation from the nurses, they face complex demands, change and higher accountability. To comply with such situations, they need to develop skills of thinking on a higher level and improvement in the reasoning abilities (Crowe O’Malley, 2006). SchÓÂ §n (1983) has put forward two major reflections: reflection in action (which occurs when the action is being performed and is a result of thinking critically) and reflection on action (which is reflected after the action has been performed). Reflection in action involves many skills like being a good observer in every situation and trying to learn something out of every situation, interpreting, recording and understanding your feelings and responses to a certain situation and then inter relating your previous experiences, always make yourself counted in the experience via taking a ‘ witness’ stance. On the other hand reflection on action is the most common form of reflection as what you have learnt or understood from your past encounters, all reflects in your future actions (David Somerville, 2004). Critical reflection is important for nurses because they need to incorporate change in their daily interaction, apply and update their professional skills, should develop self awareness and self directedness. They can successfully utilize the opportunities only if they ponder upon the feedback of their interactions and their impact on the patient, their families, colleagues and the health care unit as a whole. Therefore, critical reflection forms the most important ingredient for cooking the recipe of good conduct. DOMAIN OF INTEREST Day by day the complexities of the health care system are increasing. Thus, to meet the requirements various competency standards have been set up for registered nurses for advanced nursing. These competency standards aim to distinguish between the general and advanced nursing practices (Australian Nursing Federation, 2005; International Council of Nurses, 2010). The domain of interest here is the domain of ‘adapting practice’. It contains the competency abilities of advanced registered nurses to comply with and adjust or adapt to the challenging and more complex situations and still yield in better outcomes in terms of services offered (Australian Nursing Federation, 2005). The standards that are set, help in encouraging post graduate education for development in the field of advanced nursing practices and also enable each individual to individually critically analyze their competency in different domains (McGee, 2009). Like every other domain, the domain of adapting pr actice also stresses on understanding and meeting the needs and requirements of the patients who are suffering from complex and critical conditions (competency standard 4). This domain also states that improvement in the predicted outcomes should be made by referring to the past experiences and gathering information from other sources as well (competency standard 6) (Australian Nursing Federation, 2005). This essay also reflects upon the competencies of a registered nurse and the abilities that were utilized during complex and stressful situations. FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS Adaptation to a new environment is extremely difficult and it takes lots of patience and practice to adapt comfortably. I face many challenges in my workplace and earlier found it difficult to adapt. I also felt embarrassed when I needed help and could not ask anybody, fearing that my reputation would go down and that my fellow colleagues would make fun of me. Being equipped with the interpersonal skills, theoretical as well as practical knowledge about taking care of the patients and delivering the best quality of service, enabled me to climb up the ladder of success. Even though earlier it was difficult for me to interact with my fellow colleagues, now I can converse comfortably with anyone including my colleagues, patient, families and other staff members. Most of this was the result of feedback which I received from the patients, who generally praised my ability to empathize with the patients and then cater to their needs. As quoted above, feedback is an essential component for c ritical reflection, the positive feedback that I received from the consumers and my fellow staff members helped me visualize things with a different approach. I started enjoying my work. There were situations when I feared the outcome of some medical action. In my country, there are no rules and regulations pertaining to the safety of the health care professionals. This causes safety issues with the carers. Even I found myself in such situation when the medical practices could not save the life of the patient and his family members were outrageous, blaming the hospital for their loss, intending to burn down the entire building and take revenge. But then one should not be afraid of shadows, as shadows mean there is light somewhere near. There is an instance that reminds me of my good work and better performance as a nurse. I once cared for a boy who had been stabbed in the abdomen. There was profuse bleeding and I had taken every possible measure to stop the blood flow and restore th e consciousness of the boy. Three weeks later, that same boy came with his parents and thanked me for saving his life. Such precious compliments and gratitude’s count a lot in the long run. EVALUATION I realized that during my performance in the hospital, as a registered nurse, I had some positive as well as negative traits. Good command over English language was counted among my positive traits. This enabled me to quickly read and understand the nursing articles written in English. Also since I could understand and associate what was mentioned, I was able to deliver effective care to the patients. Also my expertise in the fields of pathophysiology and emergency skills made me an important person in the hospital. Whenever there was a case of any emergency, I was made responsible to monitor the patient and do the needful. On the contrary, the nurses who lacked the knowledge about emergency skills or were not fluent in English language missed the opportunity. Ching Ying Lee (1998) has reported that nursing practice requires knowledge of proficient English as the nurses should be capable of using medical terms in fluent English. English is the most common language spoken worldwide and therefore, such a language should be known by all in order to address the cross cultural barriers in health care. Not only English is a common language but it has been named as the scientific language worldwide. Therefore, it is essential that all the communications pertaining to the medical condition of the patient, the health care outcomes and the treatment be explained in English to the patient as well as the concerned members (Mylaeus Renggli MI 1998). Another positive point that added to my portfolio was the good interpersonal and communication skills. With these skills I was able to interact efficiently with the staff and the patients as well. In order to deliver better services I followed the rule of empathy. Whenever any new patient was put under my care, I listened to him/ her and tried to picture myself in her/ his situation, so that I can understand better about the current situation of the patient and accordingly provide the guidelines to the family and the other medical staff. Most frequently we were faced with situations in which the burden on the health care unit was so much that all the patients were not being given equal attention, due to lack of task force and increased number of patients. In such cases one or the other patient or the family member would stand and start shouting in anger. I helped in controlling many such situations by calmly making the individual understand our plight and thereby promising him that I will take care of his/ her family member as soon as I get free. I utilized my good communication skills to deal with such patients. It is very important to have good communication skills in order to build trust between the patient and the doctor. It will consequently allow or enable the patient to disclose the information which might prove fruitful. Good communication also motivates the patient to get involved in the decisions related to health care, minimizes the risk of mishaps and errors and eventually enhances the satisfaction level of the patient (NHMRC, 2004). Literature has also shown the importance of understanding the cultural beliefs of the patients and making more accurate and meaningful decisions that are appreciated by the patient and the family both (Lawrence Dyche, 2007). Another important learning from my experience was that knowledge is never enough. Even after being a Bachelor’s degree holder, I found myself lagging behind in the field of pharmacology. Thus, it became the need of the hour for me to undergo a special three months training in this field and then I was all set and comfortable in explaining the patients about different drugs and their prescriptions. Although it is not advisable for the nurses to get into doctor’s role and prescribe drugs t the patients but they should know what different drugs are meant for, so that if the patient has a query related to which drug is administered to him or why it is administered, they should be able to answer them with confidence (Clare Lomas, 2010). One of the negative traits that I discovered within myself was not being able to extract the medical history of the patient. Emergency nurses should possess the skills of physical assessment as well as health history. This lag can be attributed to the overburden and work overload during the emergency situations. Another reason can be the demand for nurses as there had been shortage of nurses since of long time in my hospital. Joann Griff Alspach (2011) has laid forward the importance of knowing the medical history of the patient as well as of his family. This is important because a track record of all the details about the illness that have been occurring in the family can help in predicting the prognosis of the current state of the patient. Also prior information can help the doctors determine the allergies the patient possesses when subjected to certain chemicals or drugs. Another negative quality that I possessed was lack of team spirit. Whenever I had many patients and was overloaded with work, even though I wanted someone to help me, yet I never asked for help. I am now able to realize that team work is essential for efficient working of the team as it enables us to learn something new and benefit from each of the members involved. ANALYSIS My experience, expectations, feedback and results have majorly influenced the knowledge I have gained so far. My skills like being able to communicate proficiently in English and being able to understand the text presented in medical journals, which are generally written in English, has helped me gain recognition and my work has been appreciated by the authorities as well. Communication is an important aspect of health care as it promotes commonality of understanding and meaning (Sonia Allen, 2007). Also my skills like the knowledge of pathophysiology and dealing with patients during emergency situations helped me get positive response from the patients and their family members. Though there are certain negative aspects also, like lack of team spirit and lack of ability to get medical history out from the patient, yet I am happy that I am now able to analyze my performance as a whole and can work in the field of teamwork and improve my traits further. SYNTHESIS RECOMMENDATION FOR FUTURE PRACTICE I feel that I have precisely highlighted all my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats pertaining to the nursing practices. According to the standards for practice specified by the Nursing Council, the very first principle to e followed if to respect the individuality and dignity of all the health consumers. Treating with respect means interacting with the consumers in a polite and considerate manner, thereby helping them cope with their deteriorated condition and enable quick recovery. It is important to understand the cultural needs as well and decide upon the course of treatment accordingly. All the registered nurses are expected to work in partnerships as this enhances the working capability and also builds trust among the members of the staff, leaving no scope of discrimination. Another perception of working in partnerships can be with respect to the health consumers. It is important to listen to them, respond to their concerns and acknowledge their preferences as well . It is not necessary to give affirmation to all their preferences but only to those which are practicable. Also, it the responsibility of the nurse to encourage and motivate the consumers by providing them relevant and complete information about their condition, so that they can make decisions independently. Another point to be kept in mind is to respect and allow patient’s privacy and confidentiality. The code of conduct should comprise of integrity so that the consumer’s trust can be justified. Integrity means consistency in the principles and ethics that you follow and not abusing the position held by you or the trust of the authorities. Lastly, all the registered nurses must maintain public confidence and trust in their profession and also maintain the ethics involved (Nursing Counsil, 2011). CONCLUSION The aim of this essay was to provide a detailed outline of the analysis of the performance of a registered nurse, when working in the domain of adapting practice. The basic concept of critical reflection and how it modifies the outlook or the perception has been well explained with the help of live examples.

Death Penalty Essay -- essays research papers fc

When New York State’s governor George Pataki took office in 1995, crime dropped in total of 45%, and the murder rate dropped by 1/3. As of September 1st 1995, the death penalty was reinstated in the state of New York, assuring safer communities and fewer victims, and an over all drop in crime rate. People have used a number of arguments to support their views regarding the death penalty. Among the arguments used include deterrence, incapacitation, religious viewpoint, rehabilitation and cost. Yet it is suggested that the true judgement of a persons position on capital punishment is determined by emotional and moral beliefs. The primary questions raised by the death penalty are whether it is an effective deterrent to violent crime, and whether it is more effective than the long-term incapacitation. Defenders of the death penalty believe that by taking an offender’s life is a more severe punishment than any prison term, it must be the better deterrent. â€Å"A life term is commonly a short vacation at State expense with nothing to do but eat the fruit of others industry.† (Opposing, p43.) The term deterrence is used to suggest that with the execution of murderers, there will be a direct decrease in homicide rate, due to the idea that potential murderers will fear for their own lives. Under some states’ death penalty law offenders involving: murder of a police officer; a probation, parole, court, or corrections officer; a judge; or a witness or members of witness’s family. Also thos...

Paradise Lost Essays -- essays papers

Paradise Lost The poem is divided up into 12 books. The verse is English heroic without rhyme, as that of Homer in Greek, and of Virgil in Latin. (Knopf, 1996) â€Å"This neglect then of rhyme so little is to be taken for a defect, though it may seem so perhaps to vulgar readers, that it rather is to be esteemed an example set, the first in English, of ancient liberty recovered to heroic poem from the troublesome and modern bondage of writing.† (Knopf, 1996) Book One proposes the whole subject of the poem of mans disobedience and the loss of the Paradise where God had placed him. The serpent or Satan is talked about whom is the prime cause of mans fall. Satan who was once at Gods side had revolted and was driven out of heaven along with thousands of angels to a place of â€Å"utter darkness, filtiest called Chaos.†(Knopf, 1996) While they were recovering from being banished from heaven, Satan regroups them with a speech that they still have a chance to regain heaven. In his speech he also tells them of a new world that is to be created along with a new being. To find out if this prophecy is true, Satan convenes a full council in his palace called Pandemonium. This book ends as the consultation begins. Book Two is where the debate among his council has begun and they are discussing basically three ideas. They are wondering if another battle will help them with the recovery of heaven and if it would be detrimental to their efforts. Some are for this proposal and others against it. The third proposal is to find out the truth of the prophecy of a new world and a new being. Whether the being is equal to them, or inferior. Satan will undertake this journey alone, which is seen as a very honorable thing to do.... ...oo bitter of a man, as he had already lost just about everything except his ability to write at the very end. He will always be an icon in literature, and my look on life is broader for having had the chance to scratch the surface of the man known as John Milton. Bibliography: Hill, John Spencer. John Milton: Poet, Priest and Prophet. London: Macmillin, 1979 http://axil.uttawa.a/~phoenix/jm-ch-2.htm Marlowe, Christopher. Milton-What’s His Gig? milton.html@www.missouri.edu Milton, John. Paradise Lost. (Electronic version.) Internet WWW at URL: http://dreamfarer.home.mindspring.com/milton.htm (accessed [March 1998]). Patterson, Frank Allen. The Student’s Milton. Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc. New York 1961 Steadman, John M. Milton and the Renaissance Hero. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1967

Political development Essay

There are many more important factors to human activity than leadership. Effective leadership helps our nation through times of danger and risky situations. In today’s competitive world, leadership skills are crucial for both personal and professional development. Leadership is an important function of management which helps an individual or a business to maximize efficiency and to achieve goals. It makes a business and/or nonprofit organization successful. Leadership is a very important trait of management which helps an individual or a corporate business to maximize efficiency and achieve their goals. Leadership has different meanings to various people. Most commonly, leadership is also defines as influence, that is the art influencing others so that will strive willingly towards reaching goals. Political leadership is a more complex process by which the persons in power influence their followers, society, and the public to accomplish their set goals for the community. Political leaders are necessary for continuing and starting the process of change and development in any society. It can be social or economic change and constitutional or political change. These leaders carry out the process of change by applying their skills and attributes like politically relevant beliefs, socially adored values, and approved character. Political development is an interactive, public-decision-making and learning process that alters the achievable set of options open to solving political problems within and between government and civil society, based on power creation and dispersion. This process leads to increasing individual and group autonomy from below from above. The study of Political Development can also be understood as the structures of the state in correspondence with the changes occurring in the economy and social dimensions of group life. The concept of political development should be based on an open acknowledgement of the value of institutional autonomy and its relationship to democratic values. Without any leadership and developing of societies, groups of human beings quickly turn into arguments and conflict, because we see things in different ways and lean towards different solutions.

Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 6

Your hair!† Amy screamed. â€Å"Gillian, your hair! What did you do to it?† Amy's own hair was short, cropped close in back and full in front. She had large, limpid blue eyes that always looked as if she were about to cry, because she was nearsighted but couldn't wear contacts and wouldn't wear glasses. Her face was sweet and usually anxious; just now it looked more anxious than normal. Gillian put a self-conscious hand to her head. â€Å"Don't you like it?† â€Å"I don't know! It's gone!† â€Å"This is true.† â€Å"But why?† â€Å"Calm down, Amy.† (If this is the way everybody's going to react, I think I'm in trouble.) Gillian had discovered that she could talk to Angel without moving her lips and that he could answer in her head. It was convenient. (Tell her you cut it because it froze. That ought to flip her guilt circuits.) Angel's voice sounded the same as it did when she could see him. Soft, wry, distinctly his. It seemed to be located just behind her left ear. â€Å"I had to cut it because it was frozen,† Gillian said. â€Å"It broke off,† she added brightly, inspired. Amy's blue eyes got even wider with horror. She looked stricken. â€Å"Oh, my God, Gillian-† Then she cocked her head and frowned. â€Å"Actually, I don't think that's possible,† she said. â€Å"I think it'd stay pliable even frozen. Unless, like, you dipped it in liquid nitrogen. †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Whatever,† Gillian said grimly. â€Å"I did it. Listen, I've got it slicked back behind my ears right now, but the ends are sort of uneven. Can you smooth them out a little?† â€Å"I can try,† Amy said doubtfully. Gillian sat down, pulling together the neck of the rose-colored bathrobe she was wearing over her clothes. She handed Amy the scissors. â€Å"Got a comb?† â€Å"Yes. Oh, Gillian, I was trying to tell you. I'm so sorry about yesterday. I just forgot-but it's all my fault-and you almost died!† The comb quivered against the back of Gillian's neck. â€Å"Wait a minute. How did you find out about that?† â€Å"Eugeneheard it from Steffi Lockhart's little brother, and I think Steffi heard it from David Blackburn. Did he really save you? That's so incredibly romantic.† â€Å"Yeah, sort of.† (Uh, what do I tell people about that? What do I tell them about the whole thing?) (The truth. Up to a point. Just leave me and the near-death stuff out.) â€Å"I've been thinking all morning,† Amy was saying, â€Å"and I realized that I've been an absolute pig this last week. I don't deserve to be called a best friend. And I want you to know that I'm sorry, and that things are going to be different now. I came to pick you up first, and then we're going to getEugene .† (Oh, joy.) (Be nice, dragonfly. She's trying. Say thank you.) Gillian shrugged. It didn't seem to matter much what Amy did, now that she had Angel. But she said, â€Å"Thanks, Amy,† and held still as the cold scissors went snip behind her ear. â€Å"You're so sweet,† Amy murmured. â€Å"I thought you'd be all mad. But you're such a good person. I felt so terrible, thinking about you alone out there, freezing, and being so brave, trying to save a little kid-â€Å" â€Å"Did they find a kid?† Gillian interrupted. â€Å"Huh? No, I don't think so. Nobody was talking about anything like that last night. And I haven't heard about any kid being missing, either.† (Told you, dragonfly. Are you satisfied now?) (Yes, I am. Sorry.) â€Å"But it was still brave,† Amy said. â€Å"Your mom thinks so, too.† â€Å"My mom's up?† â€Å"She went to the store. She said she'd be back in a few minutes.† Amy stepped back and looked at Gillian, scissors held in the air. â€Å"You know, I'm not sure I should be doing this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Before Gillian could summon up a reply, she heard the sound of the front door opening and the rustling of paper bags. Then her mother appeared, her cheeks red with cold. She had two grocery bags in her arms. â€Å"Hi, girls,† she began, and broke off. She focused on Gillian's hair. Her mouth fell open. â€Å"Don't drop the bags,† Gillian said. She tried to sound careless, but her stomach was clenched like a fist. Her neck felt stiff and unnatural as she held very still. â€Å"Do you like it?† â€Å"I-I-† Gillian's mother put the bags on the counter. â€Å"Amy †¦ did you have to cut it all?† â€Å"Amy didn't do it. I did it last night. I just got tired of it long-† (And getting all wet and icy) â€Å"-and getting all wet and icy. So I cut it. So do you like it, or not?† â€Å"I don't know,† her mother said slowly. â€Å"You look so much older. Like a Parisian model.† Gillian glowed. â€Å"Well.† Her mother shook her head slightly. â€Å"Now that it's done–here, let me shape it a little. Just touch up the ends.† She took the scissors from Amy. (I'm going to be bald when this is finished!) (No, you're not, kid. She knows what she's doing.) And, strangely, there was something comforting about feeling her mother gently wield the scissors. About her mother's scent, which was fresh like lavender soap, without any hint of the terrible alcohol smell. It reminded Gillian of the old days, when her mom taught at the junior college and was up every morning and never had uncombed hair or bloodshot eyes. Before the fights started, before her mom had to go to the hospital. Her mother seemed to feel it, too. She gave Gillian's shoulder a pat as she whisked a bit of cut hair away. â€Å"I got fresh bread. I'll make cinnamon toast and hot chocolate.† Another pat, and then she spoke with careful calm. â€Å"Are you sure you're all right? You must have been†¦ pretty cold last night. We can call Dr. Kaczmarek if you want; it wouldn't take a minute.† â€Å"No, I'm fine. Really. But where's Daddy? Did he already go to work?† There was a pause, then her mother said, still calmly, â€Å"Your father left last night.† â€Å"Dad left?† (Dad left?) (It happened last night while you were asleep.) (A lot seems to have happened last night while I was asleep.) (The world's kind of that way, dragonfly. It keeps on going even when you're not paying attention.) â€Å"Anyway, we'll talk about it later,† her mother said. A final pat. â€Å"There, that's perfect. You're beautiful, even if you don't look like my little girl anymore. You'd better bundle up, though; it's pretty cold out this morning.† â€Å"I'm already dressed.† The moment had come, and Gillian didn't really care if she shocked her mother now or not. Her father had left again- and if that wasn't unusual, it was still upsetting. The closeness with her mother had been spoiled, and she didn't want cinnamon toast anymore. Gillian stepped to the middle of the kitchen and shrugged off the pink bathrobe. She was wearing black hipsters and a black camisole. Over it was a sheer black shirt, worn loose. She had on flat black boots and a black watch, and that was all she had on. â€Å"Gillian.† Amy and her mother were staring. Gillian stood defiantly. â€Å"But you never wear black,† her mother said weakly. Gillian knew. It had taken a long time to cull these things from the forgotten hinterlands of her closet. The camisole was from Great-grandma Elspeth, two Christmases ago, and had still had the price tag attached. â€Å"Didn't you sort of forget to put on a sweater on top?† Amy suggested. (Stand your ground, kid. You look terrific.) â€Å"No, I didn't forget. I'm going to wear a coat outside, of course. How do I look?† Amy swallowed. â€Å"Well-great. Extremely hot. But kind of scary.† Gillian's mother lifted her hands and dropped them. â€Å"I don't really know you anymore.† (Hooray!) (Yup, kid. Perfect.) Gillian was happy enough to give her mother a flying kiss. â€Å"Come on, Amy! We'd better get moving if we're going to pick upEugene .† She dragged the other girl behind her like the tail of a comet. Her mother followed, calling worriedly about breakfast. â€Å"Give us something to take with us. Where's that old black coat I never wore? The fancy one you got me for church. Never mind, I found it.† In three minutes she and Amy were on the porch. â€Å"Wait,† Gillian said. She fished through the black canvas bag she was carrying in place of a backpack and came up with a small compact and a tube of lipstick. â€Å"I almost forgot.† She put on the lipstick. It was red, not orange-red or blue-red, but red red, the color of holly berries or Christmas ribbon. That shiny, too. It made her lips look fuller, somehow, almost pouty. Gillian pursed her lips, considered her image, then kissed the compact mirror lightly and snapped it shut. Amy was staring again. â€Å"Gillian†¦ what is going on? What's happened to you?† â€Å"Come on, we're going to be late.† ‘The outfit just makes you look like you're going out to burgle something, but that lipstick makes you look†¦ bad. Like a girl with a reputation.† â€Å"Good.† â€Å"Gillian! You're scaring me. There's something-† She caught Gillian's arm and peered into her eyes. â€Å"Something about you-around you- oh, I don't know what I'm talking about! But it's different and it's dark and it's not good.† She was so genuinely shaken that for a moment Gillian was frightened herself. A quick stab of fear like the flick of a knife in her stomach. Amy was neurotic, sure, but she wasn't the type to hallucinate. What if- (Angel-) A horn honked. Startled, Gillian turned. Right at the edge of the driveway, behind Amy's Geo, was a somewhat battered but still proud tan Mustang. A dark head was sticking out the window. â€Å"Standing me up?† David Blackburn called. â€Å"What-is-that?† Amy breathed. Gillian waved to David-after a sharp nudge from Angel. â€Å"I think it's called a car,† she said to Amy. â€Å"I forgot. He said he'd drive me to school. So-I guess I should go with him. See you!† It only made sense to go with David; after all, he had asked first. Besides, Amy's driving was life threatening; she sped like a maniac and wove all over the road because she couldn't see without her glasses. It should have been satisfying. After all, yesterday Amy had stood her up for a guy-and a guy like Eugene Elfred. But right this moment Gillian was too scared to be smug. This was it. David was going to see her new self. And it was all happening too fast. (Angel, what if I faint? What if I throw up? That's going to make a great first impression, isn't it?) (Keep breathing, kid. Breathe. Breathe. Not that fast. Now smile.) Gillian couldn't quite manage a smile as she opened the car door. Suddenly she felt exposed. What if David thought she was cheap or even freakish? Like a little girl dressed up in her mom's clothes? And her hair-all at once she remembered how David had touched it yesterday. What if he hated it? Trying to breathe, she slipped into the car. Her coat came open as she sat down. She could hardly make herself look toward the driver's seat. But when she did, her breath stopped completely. David was wearing a look that she'd never seen on any guy's face before, at least not directed toward her. She'd seen it, occasionally, when guys were looking at other girls, girls at school like Steffi Lockhart or J.Z. Oberlin. A stricken gaze, a compulsive movement of the throat, an expression that almost made you sorry for them. An â€Å"I'm lying down and I don't care if you walk on me, babe,† expression. David was looking at her that way. Immediately all her fear, including the little stab induced by Amy, was swept away. Her heart was still pounding and little waves of adrenaline were still going through her, but now what it felt like was excitement. Heady, buoyant anticipation. As if she had started on the roller coaster ride of her life. David actually had to shake himself before he remembered to put the car in gear. And then he kept sneaking glances at her out of the side of his eye. â€Å"You did something to your†¦ and your†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He made a vague motion near his own head. Gillian's gaze was caught by his hand, which was strong, brown, long-fingered, and handsome. â€Å"Yeah, I cut my hair,† she said. She meant to sound careless and sophisticated, but it came out shaky, with a little laugh at the end. She tried again. â€Å"I figured I didn't want to look too young.† â€Å"Ouch.† He made a face. â€Å"That's my fault, isn't it? You overheard that stuff yesterday. What Tanya and I said.† (Tell him you've been thinking of doing it for a while.) â€Å"Yeah, but I've been thinking of doing it for a while now,† Gillian said. â€Å"It's no big deal.† David glanced at her as if to say he disagreed with that. But it wasn't a disapproving glance. It was more like electrified awe†¦ and a sort of discovery that seemed to grow every time he looked at her. â€Å"And I never saw you at school?† he muttered. â€Å"I must've been blind.† â€Å"Sorry?† â€Å"No, nothing. I'm sorry.† He drove in silence for a while. Gillian forced herself to stare out the window and realized they were onHillcrest Road . Strange how different the landscape looked today. Yesterday it had been lonely and desolate; this morning it seemed harmless, and the snow looked soft and comfortable, like old cushions. â€Å"Listen,† David said abruptly. He broke off and shook his head. And then he did something that absolutely amazed Gillian. He pulled the car to the side of the road-or at least as far to the side as he could get it-they were still in the flow of traffic-and parked it. â€Å"There's something I have to say.† Gillian's heart now seemed to be beating everywhere, in her throat and her fingertips and her ears. She had a dreamlike sensation that her body wasn't solid anymore, that she was just a floating mass of heartbeat. Her vision shimmered. She was†¦ waiting. But what David said was unexpected. â€Å"Do you remember the first time we met?† â€Å"I-yes.† Of course she did. Four years ago; she'd been twelve and tiny for her age. She'd been lying on the ground beside her house, making snow angels. Kind of childish, sure, but in those days a stretch of new snow had affected her that way. And while she was lying on her back, arms out, making the imprint of the angel's wings, a tree branch above her decided to shrug off its load of snow. Suddenly her face was covered in damp, closely packed coldness and she couldn't breathe. She came up spluttering and gasping. And found herself steadied. Something was holding her, wiping her face gently. The first thing she saw when she got her vision back was a brown hand and a lean brown wrist. Then a face came into focus: high strong bones and dark, mischievous eyes. â€Å"I'm David Blackburn. I just moved in over there,† the boy said. He was wiping her face with his fingers. â€Å"You'd better be careful, snow princess. Next time I might not be around.† Looking up at him, Gillian had felt her heart explode and leak out of her chest. And she'd walked away on air, even though he'd patted her head after releasing her. She was in love. â€Å"Well, back then, I sort of got the wrong impression,† David was saying. â€Å"I thought you were a lot younger and more-well, more fragile than you are.† There was a pause, and then he said wonder-ingly, not quite looking at her, â€Å"But, it's like, there's so much more to you. I started realizing that yesterday.† Gillian understood. David didn't have a reputation for being wild for nothing. He liked girls who were bold, dashing, out there. If he were a knight, he wouldn't fall in love with the pampered princess back at the castle. He'd fall in love with a female knight, or maybe a robber, somebody who could share the Adventure with him, who'd be just as tough as he-was. Of course he had a strong protective streak. That was why he rescued maidens in distress. But he didn't go for the maidens who needed rescuing. â€Å"And now,† David was saying, â€Å"Now, I mean, you're †¦Ã¢â‚¬  He held his hands up in a whoa motion. He wasn't looking at her at all. In a moment of perfect bliss, Gillian thought, I'm cool. â€Å"You're kind of incredible,† David said. â€Å"And I feel really stupid for not noticing that before.† Gillian couldn't breathe. There was something between her and David-a kind of quivering electricity. The air was so thick with it that she felt pressure all over her. She had never been so awake before, but at the same time she felt as if most of the world was insubstantial. Only she and David were real. And the voice in her head seemed very far away. (Uh, dragonfly, we've got company. Incoming.) Gillian couldn't move. A car drove by, swerving to avoid the Mustang. Gillian couldn't see well through the Mustang's steamed-up windows, but she thought faces were looking at her. David didn't seem to notice the car at all. He was still staring at the gearshift, and when he spoke his voice was very quiet. â€Å"So I guess what I'm saying is, I'm sorry if anything I said hurt your feelings. And-I see you now.† He raised his head. And Gillian suddenly realized he was going to kiss her.

Jasmine by Bharati Mukherjee

Kelsey Johnson Dr. Michele levy ENGL 336 April 14, 2013 Weekly Informal Response 1a. â€Å"Kureishi’s articulation of his identity crisis is both an index of the pain of feeling devoid of secure roots, and also something we might use as a pivotal moment when thinking about the creative necessities of migrancy and diaspora†¦living ‘in-between’ different nations, ‘of, and not of’ each place, feeling neither here nor there, unable to indulge in sentiments of belonging to either location, defined by others in often unflattering ways. † (Beginning Postcolinalism, p. 47) 1b. The above quote from our theory text describes the feeling of not belonging somewhere due to an identity crisis. This crisis was described as coming from the fact that one was not from a certain region, or may not â€Å"belong† to the group of that particular region. For example, I may be seen as odd or not belonging in a region full of white Irishmen and they would m ake it known I don’t belong in these said â€Å"unflattering† ways. 1c. In the novel Jasmine, she is continuously moving and suffering because of this identity crisis tied to her constant migration.For example, when Jyoti’s first husband is killed she does not do the traditional burning of her own body with her husband; but she moves to Florida. During her travels and attempts to obtain citizenship in America, Jyoti endures the horrible conditions that come with illegal immigration; For example, secrecy, hunger, rape, and even murder. All of this because she ‘isn’t’ of’ this nation†¦? The text says, â€Å"I wanted to become the person they thought they saw: humorous, intelligent, refined, affectionate. Not illegal, not murderer, not widowed, raped, destitute, fearful.In Flushing, I had lived defensively in the midst of documented rectitude. I did not want to live legally if it also meant living like a refugee. † (Jasmine, p . 171) 2a. â€Å"In this section, we shall consider the extent to which Western feminist discourses are able to address the double colonization of women living in once-colonised societies and in Western locations†¦John Thieme has explained that ‘Western feminist writers and theorists have frequently seen parallels between their struggles and those of post-colonial women and have particularly identified with women who suffer â€Å"double colonization† (BP, p. 06) 2b. The above quote describes the relationship between â€Å"first world† and â€Å"third world† women. Of course, third world countries are those that exist below the poverty line and struggle to survive. Theime says that feminist writers often see similarities between the lives of their subjects as well as their own. 2c. I believe the entire novel â€Å"Jasmine† is a prime example of the relationship described above; how feminist writers connect with their subjects and audiences due to â€Å"double colonization†.In our novel, Mukherjee writes about the life story of Jyoti and notices similarities in their lives, not because they have the same exact life story, but because of their struggles as women in society. For instance, Jyoti took control of her own life and created her own destiny (despite starting over several times); also because she is a woman and isn’t expected to have much control over her own life. This is also shown in other novels we’ve read. 3a. These â€Å"in-between† spaces provide the terrain of elaborating strategies of selfhood – singular or communal – that initiate new signs of ‘identity’†¦ Bhabha also opposes the idea of a sovereign or essentialised subject. For Bhabha and Spivak identity is a discursive product. Second, because subjectivity is discursively produced, it is possible for it to be remade and remodeled in new and innovative ways – hence his attention to the pro cesses of ‘articulation’ and ‘elaboration’ in the quotation. The border is a place of possibility and agency for new concepts, new narratives, new ideas.Third, the new ‘signs’ of identity which are possible impact upon both individuals and groups. † (BP, p. 252) 3b&c. The above quote speaks about the crossing of physical borders and how they coincide with the crossing of imaginary borders within oneself. For instance, when a person moves from one geographical location to another, they seem to move from one persona to another. This was DEFINITELY seen throughout the novel Jasmine. As the narrator moved, she changed identities and personalities.