Crm at Makro

Let me start by giving a brief idea of what Customer Relationship Management means. CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is a company-wide business strategy designed to reduce costs and increase profitability by solidifying customer loyalty. True CRM brings together information from all data sources within an organization (and where appropriate, from outside the organization) to give one, holistic view of each customer. It's a strategy used to learn more about customers' needs and behaviors in order to develop stronger relationships with them.This allows customer facing employees in such areas as sales, customer support, and marketing to make quick yet informed decisions on everything from cross-selling (selling to an existing customer) and up-selling (selling something that is more profitable or otherwise preferable for the seller instead of, or in addition to, the original sale) opportunities to target marketing strategies to competitive positioning tactics. Once thought of as a type of software, CRM has evolved into a customer-centric philosophy that must infuse an entire organization. There are three key elements to a successful CRM initiative: people, process, and technology. The people throughout a company-from the CEO to each and every customer service representative need to buy in to and support CRM. * A company's business processes must be reengineered to support its CRM initiative, often from the view of, how can this process better serve the customer? * Firms must select the right technology to drive these improved processes, provide the best data to the employees, and be easy enough to operate that users won't face problems. If one of these three foundations is not sound, the entire CRM structure will crumble. Now that you have an idea what CRM is, I will move on to discuss the CRM of Makro.For this I had to meet up with the manager of customer relation at Makro’s head office located inside the shopping complex. The Manager was quite hel pful and encouraging which I was not expecting honestly. I took 20 minutes of his time and discuss about the CRM his company managed. I started by asking what communication means to him and his company and according to him communication skills are important in every aspect of business. Information must be clear and accurate. In Customer Service, you must be able to explain company policies to customers and answer their questions about your products or services.These customers are not experts in your business, so you must be able to translate industry terms or technical information into layman's terms. Customer development and maintenance of relationships with customers is very important especially for a huge chain like Makro. Like businesses, Hypermarkets are also focusing on improving relationships with their customers and want to gain customer loyalty. Globalization and technological improvements have given Makro a tough competition where new competitors keep on emerging Metro bei ng one of them currently.Makro is focusing on managing customer relationships in order to efficiently maximize revenues. For Makro marketing is not just limited to developing, delivering and selling, it is developing towards maintaining long term relationships with customers. Relationship marketing is becoming more and more important in financial services . Managers really needs to look at areas where opportunities lie because industry consolidation, multiple delivery channels and online banking are making the customers leave one bank for another.Thus banks are increasingly using customer relationship management to develop long lasting relationships with their customers. Ensuring customer satisfaction is their main goal of any company. To achieve this goal customers especially HORECA are frequently contacted, and it is made sure that Makro staff and CRM department asks them about the problems they are facing and they try their level best to solve them. These methods increase custome r convenience and satisfaction in the longer run and keeps on bringing the customers back.Makro offers its customer the following advantages, known as the ‘Makro Advantage’ which includes: Competitive Prices 1. Quality Guaranteed, 2. Everything Under One Roof, 3. Air-conditioned and clean environment, 4. Bulk Packing, 5. Detailed Sales Invoice, 6. Extended Business Hours – 8:00 am to 12 Midnight, 7. Open 7 days a Week including national holidays, 8. Vast and secure parking space, 9. Convenient shopping environment for senior citizens and customers on wheelchairs, 10. Makro Mail: a fortnightly price list with special promotions on a vast range of productsOne main problem is the difference in price of one product and buying in bulk. Buying in bulk is cheaper and most customers don’t understand that unless we explain it to them. So we have to continuously reinforce this idea in their minds. We also have to deal with unsatisfied customer if for example the pro duct is faulty; we have to compensate them properly. A business this large cannot survive unless we have a large number of loyal customers. Since they can easily break off and buy from our competitors. Competition is very fierce from other similar business.So we have designed some strategies to give us the competitive edge. Makro designs special promotions privileges for its customers to offer maximum benefits of price competitiveness and convenience. Enclosed is a copy of our promotional circular – the Makro Mail. This circular, published twice a month, offers Makro’s customers information on the best deals and new products available at its centers. Customers get this information delivered free of charge at their doorstep enabling them to make informed buying decisions for their businesses. Customer satisfaction is the most important objective at Makro.Makro Gold Card is one way of showing our appreciation for your patronage and providing you with a more personalized service. Gold Card at Makro offers you the advantage of an annual bonus scheme which is an extra percentage off on your annual purchase at Makro. The extra bonus amount will be excluding tax, Makro Mail offers and already discounted articles. We also offer Purchase solutions for Employee Canteen / Cafeteria, Fair Price Shop, Office equipment ;amp; stationery, General office supplies: tea, coffee, drinks, tissues, cleaning items etc and Tools ;amp; maintenance requirements.A purchase solution is when we sell our commodities online. B2B If you are a business concern that buys its need in bulk, get in touch with our Customer Development Department, stationed at each Store for your options of payment. Following non-cash options are available for purchases at all Makro Centres. Debit Card Debit card is the most convenient ;amp; safe payment option. For safety and security a separate account may be opened at Habib Metropolitan Ban or MCB, which will insure tha funds are available and cont rolled in a separate account for Makro purchase.Credit Card Makro accepts payment through credit cards with a bank charge of 1. 73% Advance on Credit Goods can be purchased against the exact amount deposited at Makro Centres. Bank Guarantee Credit is available against a bank guarantee provide by the customer to Makro Centres. Marketing The next main question was about marketing and how Makro conducts it: The CRM systems at Makro for marketing help the enterprise identify and target potential clients and generate leads for the sales team.An important marketing capability is tracking and measuring multichannel campaigns, including email, social media, telephone and direct mail. Prospect Relationship Management (PRM) solutions which track customer behavior and nurture them from first contact to sale, often cutting out the active sales process altogether. Customer Service and Solutions Makro's Customer Development Department situated on the sales floor of every Makro Centre help custome r with their question, queries and problem and offers them the right solutions. We have our own call center located in house.Customers can also E-mail and go the the site http://www. makropakistan. com/index. htm for feedback. Plus all Makro centers are equipped to help handicapped people move around and have accessibility for wheelchairs etc. keeping checks and balances on the cleanliness and maintenance of the branch: a nice, clean ambience makes an overall good experience for the customer. Feedback is very important for Makro said the manager, it helps in improving and enhancing the service we provide. Social media Social media has been a great help for many businesses.Same is the case for Makro. Social media sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook are amplifying the voice of people in the marketplace and are having profound and far-reaching effects on the ways in which people buy. Customers can now research companies online and then ask for recommendations through social media channels, making their buying decision without contacting the company. Makro has its own page on Facebook http://www. facebook. com/profile. php? id=100001615146117. People also use social media to share opinions and experiences on companies, products and services.As social media is not as widely moderated or censored as mainstream media, individuals can say anything they want about a company or brand, positive or negative. Increasingly, companies are looking to gain access to these conversations and take part in the dialogue. More than a few systems are now integrating to social networking sites. Social media promoters cite a number of business advantages, such as using online communities as a source of high-quality leads and a vehicle for crowd sourcing solutions to client-support problems.Companies can also leverage client stated habits and preferences to -target† their sales and marketing communications. Some analysts take the view that business-to-business marketers shou ld proceed cautiously when weaving social media into their business processes. These observers recommend careful market research to determine if and where the phenomenon can provide measurable benefits for client interactions, sales and support. It is stated that people feel their interactions are peer-to-peer between them and their contacts, and resent company involvement, sometimes responding with negatives about that company.

Ethics and Values in My Life

Ethics and Values in my life There are many values that revolve around my life for a better life, but the 5 important ones are: 1. Integrity  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Do the right thing! This is the most import value and I consider it to be the foundation of achieving a better life. 2. Courage-  Face your fears accept and take on new challenges. The moral and mental strength that allows for the acceptance of new challenges without regards to the fear that may lie beneath. 3. Contentment  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The pursuit of contentment is a state of mind established by fulfilling your basic needs. 4.Action- Do not wait until tomorrow when it can be accomplished today. 5. Respect  To treat people as you would like to be treated. I operate on two value systems in my professional life. This is not necessarily a negative approach since they don’t conflict with each other in fact, they go hand in hand. I believe that your personal values drive your professional values. You don’t just develop pro fessional relationships in a work environment but informal relationships too and sometimes they can be more important as it can drive people to take decisions for the benefit of the organization.For example, having good ties with your direct subordinates can help to retain employees. One can’t always put a price on a comfortable business environment and it maybe the reason workers remain loyal to the organization. In another instance, to achieve contentment one works hard to have access to basic needs and that means doing your job well which is in line with professional competence at work. Before I took admission in the MBA program, I worked as a business partner of a small clothing business in my country.My partner was a good friend and my decision to start a business with her was her commitment to providing unique designs of clothes that maximized customer satisfaction. I often thought of expanding the business but she decided to grow slow as fast expansion can often be unc ontrolled and it can cause compromise on quality. Although I agreed with her premise, I thought it could be done in a harmless way. I was approached by an acquaintance who offered to supply cloth for our business. I jumped to the idea as one part of expansion was to build a strong supply chain.I discussed the idea with my business partner who was interested but pointed out that we can’t just take this decision because I knew the potential supplier personally. We have to carry out research before we make a decision since we can’t risk our business and the money of our two investors. While we tried to establish an idea of the reputation of the supplier, I was offered generous gifts by her and was tempted to take her offer because I assumed her principles and commitment to perfection on the basis of what I knew of her past.She also offered to invest in our business which was a very attractive offer. A person who had a personal stake in the business would ensure best stand ards of operation. From what we got to know about her business was that it supplied cloth of not very good quality, which would affect the quality of our product and could bring disrepute to the business. This actually challenged one of my value ‘objectivity’.For the benefit of our business, I was required to be objective and not let her gifts to cloud my judgment. This was in line with maintaining integrity since we had a customer base that trusted us and we were required to deal fairly with them. It required courage on my part to reject her offer but it was what I needed to do for the benefit of the business and its stakeholders. I am actually very content that I was able to stand firm and did not throw away my beliefs just for some material gains.

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 65

Summary - Essay Example The weak defense of the Empire led to the decline of the nation’s central government and the nation started losing to their own official in various provinces. The government had firm control over provinces such as Iraq and Anatolia but they lost grip over provinces including: Greece, Egypt and Balkan. Napoleon of the French military started invading the empire and taking over one province after the other but his efforts failed. Taking advantage of the weak local government, General Muhammad Ali a local was able to seize control of Egypt, Anatolia and Syria; Egypt was a very loss for the Island. Later British forces played a major role to save the island as the British expected that influence of the Russians will elevate if the empire falls. Ottoman Island even experienced economic competition from the European dominance in the area of textile and finished goods sector as they were able to supply goods from these sector at very inexpensive prices. The local artisans and craftsmen experienced fierce competition from European business individuals. During the 19th century, the empire became dependant on Europe for finances and the economic growth and development became heavily dependent on loans offered by European nations. The empire had to repay heavy amounts in face of interest on loan and soon it even lost the ability to repay interest and they had to accept the administration of the Europe. Another major reason of the fall of the Island was the capitulations (AÃŒ goston, 119). Capitulations refers to agreements between the empire and European influence which exempted visitors from Europe from the rules and regulations made by the empire and this even gave the Europeans to exercise their own rules and regulations over the locals. The Europeans manipulated these capitulations to penetrate in the economic side of the empire

Assignment 8(675) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Assignment 8(675) - Essay Example I need to analyze the effects that the historical framework of supervision has had on present-day instruction. Glanz, in his analysis of historical school supervision, has identified seven notions of supervision, namely: inspection, efficiency, democratic, scientific, leadership, clinical and changing concepts. His point on inspection clearly supported the top-down bureaucratic schooling systems and thus was sure to be extinct soon (Boise State University, 2008). Contrary to this hierarchical power structure, theorists of the twentieth century took a turn towards professionalism and progressivism. Schools by this time grew more complex due to urbanization and so the superintendents could not find the time to enter schools specifically for Glanz’s inspection role. This brought on the hiring of expert teachers or other supervisors. I believe this practice is still seen today where supervisors keep a certain level of check as to what and how teachers perform. The relationship is not necessarily positive, but can be recognized today (Boise State University, 2008). The bureaucratic hierarchy led to teachers and supervisors being felt vulnerable. This must have given birth to democratic models in the 1920s. The democratic model of supervision worked alongside efficiency and scientific trends. It was John Dewey’s endorsement that democratic and scientific practices could co-exist and that the former was distinct from Glanz’s social efficiency model. This led to supervisors becoming instructors for teachers. Being in the schooling field, I myself have witnessed this in many cases. This theory proved to be an evolution to supervision due to the evening out of authority and democracy and hence bringing positivity in the teacher-supervisor relationship (Boise State University, 2008). Clinical supervision emerged in the 1970s after tensions among the scientific, democratic and efficiency practices arose. The proposition of clinical

SC2001C Community Culture and Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

SC2001C Community Culture and Change - Essay Example and religious identities was constantly contested.† However, a dynamic British State was established out of a manifold of economic, ethnic, religious commitments. This is due to the different Acts of Union, from 1536 to 1800 were formulated for political homogeneity rather than an actual unification of diverse cultures (ibid). In this paper, it will be argued that diversity and cultural differences in contemporary British society actually disrupt or weaken the cohesion of British community and its larger society. This argument will be supported by various allusions on historical and current developments in Britain through initially establishing a distinctive British culture and identity. Culture and identity are very intricate phenomena. Identity can come from various origins and show itself in various ways. An individual can feel a strong sense of distinctiveness as a person, as a member of a community interest group, or a social group, or a racial and ethnic group, or the same sex, through community bonding or through a shared national legacy. According to Linda Colley (1992) identities are not similar to hats. Most individuals can and do assume different identities simultaneously. Identity is frequently identified through allusion to others. As Cohen (1995) asserts, â€Å"You know who you are, only by knowing who you are not† (36). A sense of identity is rooted from and is strengthened through cultural features such as food, music and others that shape the unprocessed material for constructing identity symbols. Mackenzie (1978) believes that identity is based on diversity and can be rooted from state, race, religion and class. Culture and identity can be e ducated by history forming ancestral origins and by geography advancing a sense of membership. As Smith (2000) illustrates, a soon-to be Englishman requires two elements as identifiers, a football team and a tone of voice. People, hence, become conscious of their culture through their identities whereas

Criminology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Criminology - Essay Example As a result, the Federal Bureau of Investigation doers not collect information on itself (Robinson, 1966). Rather, it relies on the other law enforcement agencies to report the crimes that are brought to their attention. According to a census that was carried out by the Bureau of census in 2002 revealed that 93 percent of the population that submitted the reports was the law enforcement authorities while 89% of the populace came from the metropolitan areas, with 90 percent being in the rural counties (Wolfang, 1963). From the time when Uniform Crime Report was established in 2003, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered sporadic evaluations of the type of and nature crime in United States. This program’s main aim was to produce a dependable group of unlawful statistics for use in police force management, management and operation. This has made it be one of the nation’s principal social indicators. The Uniform Crime Reports assist the American public to search for information on variation in crime rates. In addition, criminologists, sociologists, criminal justice students, legislators and municipal planners use information in the Uniform Crime Reports to carryout different researches and planning responsibilities (Wolfang, 1963). National Incident-Based Reporting System is an event-oriented coverage structure employed by the law enforcement agencies in United States to collect information on crimes. It is designed to collect information on any single crime scene that occurs. State, local and federal agencies produce these reports from their information systems. Data is obtained and captured from every crime occurrence and recorded in Group ‘A’ crime group. The crimes in the Group ‘A’ category are 46 offences classified into 22 crime classes. Certain details about the offences are collected and documented in the NIBRS system. Moreover, there are 11 crimes recorded in Group ‘B’ with just

Ethical Dilemma Executive Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Ethical Dilemma Executive Summary - Essay Example In some instances, it can be observed that some people are not certain whether some issues they encounter in their operations should be considered as right or wrong. A good example of an ethical dilemma is a situation when people viewing the same thing would regard it as wrong while others would see nothing wrong. As such, this executive summary seeks to outline the steps I can take in dealing with an issue involving an officer within the department who is accepting inappropriate gifts from members of the community and business which is in violation of the ethical code of conduct. 1. What measures would you take? As a new officer I will be afraid of spoiling the relationship but on the other hand I would become part of the problem if I do not report the case. I would first try to make sure that I document all the events and list parties involved as well as the gifts exchanged. Being a new officer, I would first approach the involved officer with my concerns reminding him of the code of ethics that we would have sworn to uphold. Based on my conversation with him, I would contact my training officer for some general advice without raising any alarm if I am not satisfied with the response I get from him. Within the semi-para military operation, I would then proceed through the chain of command starting with the supervisor explaining what I would have observed. I would not have blown the case out of proportion since I would have tried my best to engage this officer in a professional manner. If the supervisor does not respond in a positive manner, I would proceed to contact either the Police Union, Internal Affairs and I would make sure that the document is copied to the employee relations or City Manager. 2. What are the professional implications? This practice is likely to reduce public confidence in the police force as they will view them as corrupt. If the public loses trust in the police force, then it may be difficult for them to cooperate with the police offi cers which impacts negatively on crime prevention and control. Such conduct promotes criminal activities which can make the duty of the police difficult to do. Corruption also destroys effective police leadership which can affect issues related to inculcating discipline among the members of the police force. If the leaders fail to control their subordinates, then the members of the public will automatically lose faith in the police force as whole. This apparently tarnishes the image of the police force as a whole. Such a scenario can have negative implications on the performance of the police since their morale will be down. Police officers should always lead by example so as to gain the credibility and trust of the members of the public they are supposed to serve. 3. What are the liability issues involved with not reporting the officer? Failure to report this police officer to the commander can lead to a cancer growing among other members who may end up viewing this conduct as mora lly good. If a person gets away with something bad, he will tend to see the conduct as acceptable which can compromise the credibility of the police force in the long run. Other workmates can also copy this bad behaviour which can severely affect the legitimacy of the police force which is supposed to protect the people without fear or favour. Corrupt officers are not effective in their operations and this can compromise the safety of the community at large. It may also be very difficult for the police to deal with issues related to criminal activities as there will be likely chances the members of the community will be uncooperative. 4. What supervisory issues does this situation present to management and leadership? This particular situation makes it imperative for the management and

New Media in Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

New Media in Art - Essay Example The merger of the digital and physical space alters not only our perception of space but also the sense of reality... (Space and Perception). Over the years, artists, scientists, media researchers and technology experts have shared their creative discoveries, theories and researches that have taken place in the fields related to space and perception. Identifying the common in these different views on realities and perception of space has lead to contextualizing and setting up the conceptual background for the development of emerging field of Mixed Reality. This has also activated the collaborative potential of art, and its relation to sciences, technology and other creative fields of present day society. In an attempt to root the theory of aesthetic experience of new media art, experiments to identify a "new philosophy" in a process to understand the new space have surfaced. The digital manipulation of space and time is indeed a revolutionary moment for philosophy (of art). Hansen has made his observations on the nature of embodied experience of new media (art) more precise in terms of philosophical aesthetics. (Hansen chapter 3-4) New media art is a genre that encompasses artworks created with new media technologies, including computer graphics, computer animation, the Internet, interactive technologies, robotics, and biotechnologies. The term differentiates itself by its resulting cultural objects, which can be seen in opposition to those deriving from old media arts, the traditional painting, sculpture, etc. New Media concerns are often derived from the telecommunications, mass media including the digital modes of delivery involving the artworks, with practices ranging from conceptual to virtual art, performance to installation. New Media generally applies to disciplines such as Digital art, Generative art, Hacktivism, Information art, Interactive art, Internet art, Performance art, Robotic art, Software art, Sound art, Video art, Virtual architecture and Video Game Art in the virtual space of the electronic media. (Wikipedia) Tracing the evolution of the concept of time in psychology from ancient to modern periods, a current and comprehensive review can be had on various physical, philosophical, and psychological theories and definitions of time, focusing on the methodological concerns of psychologists regarding the scientific investigation of time. Recalling the digital image, Hansen says : The image in a digital era is no more a cut into the flux of the real. It rather consists of processural realization of information in time where bodily intervention plays the constitutive, productive role of rendering of data. This fundamental reconfiguration of the image goes beyond many "interface" metaphors that have accompanied theories of new media claiming for "interactive access" to information. "In sum, the image can no longer be restricted to the level of surface appearance, but must be extended to encompass the entire process by which information is made perceivable through embodied experience." (Hansen 10) Following a notion of embodied perception, it is the human body that not only selectively filters images (Henri Bergson) but does create them in a process of enframing the digital information. Even though technical frames often appear to be primary they are rendered here secondary as a matter of principle. New media

The written buyout research report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The written buyout research report - Essay Example Besides resorting to increase the operational efficiency and cost cutting measures as a way to enhance the profitability, one another way to attain corporate growth is through acquisition. In 2005, Proctor & Gamble made a major acquisition when it bought out The Gillette Company Inc., so as to expand its reach in the consumer products' industry. The recent big successful mergers are Blizzard, which is acquired by Vivendi, eBay acquisition of PayPal, Disney’s acquisition of Pixar, yahoo’s acquisition of Overture, which turned to be Yahoo’s ad system now.( Goodman 2008:67). As regards to the recent acquisition , PayPal can be regarded as the most successful buy-out in the consumer Internet space , as it had the deep effect on the trajectory of the acquiring company namely eBay. PayPal acquisition whose service facilitates the exchange of money between individuals over the Internet fetches further transaction –based fee revenue to eBay. (Laudon 2008:458). Goo gle has acquired Android, YouTube, Keyhole, Where2, DoubleClick and Urchin and this has added more value to its business. In the year 2003, Google acquired Applied Semantic for $102m. Google AdSense is being powered by Applied Semantics technology. (Books LLC 2010:79). How a business can grow? It may indulge in an acquisition of another business, it may cut costs, or it may increase its revenue, which is known as top-line growth. (Sherrington 2003:2). In this research essay, an attempt is made how an acquisition will enhance the overall growth of an acquirer. In this research essay, an open advice is being given to acquirer to acquire Tesco Plc, UK a leading supermarket in UK and the world’s largest online supermarket. This research essay will analyse in detail the background of Tesco Plc, the financials, its business, and a recommendation why Tesco Plc is to be made as a target company to be acquired by the proposed acquirer. TESCO PLC, UK -Business Overview TESCO is the gia nt supermarket retailer in the U.K and has been ranked the globe’s biggest on-line grocery retailer and is the 4th biggest supermarket in the globe trailing after Home Depot, Carrefour, and Wal-Mart. TESCO is continuously earning profits from the year 1999 onwards. Initially, Tesco started to specialise in food products and then shifted into provinces like consumer electronics, clothing, Internet services, financial services, fuel services, banking services and customer _ telecom. In the year 2003, Tesco established a UK telecom division by associating with other telecoms in UK. For instance, with O2, it launched a joint venture for Tesco mobile. In the year 2004, as a joint venture, it established a broadband service. Tesco announced in the year 2006 that more than one and a half million customers had signed up for its telecom account, which provides services like fixed-telephone line , mobile phone services and broadband accounts. In association with Royal Bank of Scotland, Tesco also provides customers with financial services named Tesco Personal Finance and thus during 2006, Tesco was able to register more than 5 million customer accounts. (McLoughlin & Aaker 2010:128). As of date, Tesco Plc, UK is having about 2463 retail stores and there are 472, 04 employees working for Tesco. Source: Tesco’s Annual Report 2010:85 Tesco Plc has markets symbolising about 53% of the global

“Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin Essay Example for Free

â€Å"Three Cups of Tea† by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin Essay The number one New York bestseller â€Å"Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace—One school at a Time† had received much acclaim from critics worldwide, not because it was beautifully written but simply because the story itself is uniquely remarkable. If we set aside the positive criticisms about this book, only a handful of negative criticisms will be surfaced. These negative criticisms would only include minor remarks on the writing style that concerns the over-dramatization of the story of Greg Mortenson. The critics call this flaw of the book â€Å"too much of milking the moment.† But then again, these negative comments about the book don’t have much bearing to the credibility of the book. â€Å"Three Cups of Tea† is nevertheless one of the most remarkable non-fictional stories of our time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book was basically about an admirable journey of a man from being just an ordinary man towards being a humanitarian giving the word â€Å"altruism† a contextualized contemporary meaning. The name of the man is Greg Mortenson , the author of the book alongside co-author David Oliver Relin. The negative criticisms were primarily focused to Relin, acussing his writing as not being top-caliber, while everybody is admiring Greg Mortenson’s story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The content of the book is extraordinary, but that also applies to the title of the book â€Å"Three Cups of Tea.† Greg Mortenson and co-author David Oliver Relin have encountered this Balti proverb â€Å"the very first time you share tea with a Balti you are a   stranger the second time you are the honored guest. For the third time you become family† (Mortenson Relin, 2007, p. 150) The authors of the book made the right choice of title for the book. That Balti proverb had given the reader an idea of the culture of those in the Central Asia. The Balti proverb doesn’t only talks about the Balti people’s admirable hospitality, but also presents an ideal of how people should treat each other. If taken in literal terms, the Balti proverb also alludes to Greg Mortenson’s back and forth travel from the U.S. to the village of Korphe and vice-versa. The book had started with an introductory part about the author and protagonist, Greg Mortenson, which was entitled â€Å"In Mr. Mortenson’s Orbit.† The introductory part serves to make the readers relate more to the author/protagonist. After all, it would be much easier for the audience to relate to the protagonist if the readers have at least an idea of whom they will be spending their whole journey throughout a one-inch or more book. This part also establishes a sense of credibility on the part of Greg Mortenson. After all, there is a saying that says the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. The same analogy applies for the relationship of the book and the author.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The introductory part will be followed by all the chapters of the book. The whole book is comprised by twenty-three chapters. It is very noticeable that the book started out with the first chapter entitled â€Å"Failure.† Here are the chapters according to their order:   Failure, The Wrong Side Of The River, Progress And Perfection, Self-Storage, 580 Letters, One Check, Rawaldipindi’s Rooftops At Dusk, Hard Way Home, beaten by the Braldu, the people have spoken, building bridges, six days, Haji’s lesson, a smile should be more than a memory, equilibrium, Mortenson in motion, red velvet box, cherry trees in the sand, shrouded figure, a village called New York, tea with the Taliban, Rumsfeld’s shoes, stones into schools. All of the chapters narrate Greg Mortenson’s amazong journey from being an ordinary man towards becoming a man that became extraordinary by selflessly helping others. The book will end wi th an acknowledgement part that extends gratitude to the people and institutions that had helped Greg Mortenson and his noble cause. Summary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For us to know better the book and the author of the book himself, here is a summary that includes an introduction of the author. However, it must be noted that this summary may contain spoilers that may ruin the experience of reading one of our time’s most inspiring book. All information cited in this paper came solely from the book â€Å"Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace—One School at a time† by the authors Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, Pubnlished by Penguin in 2007.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The year was 1993 when the climbing enthusiast had decided that he will climb K2, the second highest peak in the world, to honor her deceased sister by scattering her beads on the top of the mountain. Greg Mortenson was then an emergency room nurse back then. During the course of their mountain climb, his fellow climber had to be rescued due to a life-threatening accident. The rescue itself became more tiring than the whole climb itself. Being exhausted from the rescue, Greg Mortenson became disoriented and dehydrated. Consequently, he became lost on his way down. It was such profound irony that after Greg Mortenson was helping his fellow climber, after that he was in need of help. The two local porters led Greg Mortenson to small village, the village of Korphe. The village was small and poor, deprived of anything that can be associated with the comforts available in the western world. The villagers there took good care of Greg Mortenson, especially the leader of the village Haji Ali. In exchange for the warm hospitality of Haji Ali and the rest of the villagers, Greg Mortenson had donated almost all his climbing equipments for the villagers to utilize. He also used his nursing background to treat some minor injuries of the villagers with the use of his first aid kit.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After a little while, Greg Mortenson developed an interest for the community that had taken good care and had accepted him. He then asked Haji Aji to show him around, and then he asked the leader of the village to show him the village school. What he saw was an open ledge that admits eighty-two of the village children. The children were standing in the bare ground, without slippers or shoes, holding a stick so that they could scratch multiplication tables on the ground. The image of the eagerness of the village children to learn pierced right through Greg Mortenson’s heart. The village children had reminded him much of his sister. He felt that by establishing a school in Korphe, he will not just honor his deceased sister, he will also make a profound change in the lives of the people of Korphe. Before he had set for home, he promised Haji Ali and the rest of the villagers that he will do everything in his power to build Korphe a more adequate school.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When he got back to the U.S., he went back to his job as an emergency room nurse. But he didn’t forget about the promise that he made to Haji Ali and the people of Korphe. While working shifts, Greg Mortenson wrote five-hundred-eighty letters for sponsorships to well-off and known personalities. The rough approximate amount needed to build the school in Korphe was a whopping twelve thousand dollars. All his letters were rejected, almost all. Fortunately, a retired Swiss physicist and also a climbing enthusiast Dr. Jean Hoerni (also a pioneer in Silicon Valley) sent a pleasant reply.   The doctor was impressed by the altruism of Greg Mortenson, and she wrote in a check the amount that is needed to build the school. So he went back to the village of Korphe. He was then told by Haji Ali that the village needed first a bridge to connect them to key urban areas. Greg Mortenson asked again Dr. Jean Hoerni for the amount needed to build the bridge. The very generous Dr. Jean Hoerni had granted him the amount but she said to Greg Mortenson â€Å"Don’t screw up† (Mortenson Relin, 2007, p. 55). He did his best not to screw up and he didn’t. He bought all the necessary equipments to build the bridge and the school then went back to Korphe. His altruism didn’t end there; Greg Mortenson then created the Central Asia Institute. The Mortenson along with the institute and some friends their time, money and efforts to build schools for areas in Pakistan just like Korphe. Significant change in the lives of the village children   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like most of us, Greg Mortenson also believes that education can save the world from poverty and terrorism. But for Greg Mortenson, education of young girls is of more importance to than the education of the boys. This may touch a little bit the sensitive issue of sexism, but Greg Mortenson has an interesting and convincing reason for leaning towards the education of young girls. He had said that educated young males tend to leave their villages to seek employment in the cities. On the other hand, the young girls just stay at home. In a sense they become leaders of the community by upbringing the new generation. They pass on what they have learned to their children but the problem there is that their knowledge is inadequate. Greg Mortenson believes that the education of young girls is really the key towards profound change. (Mortenson Relin, 2007, p. 209) What led Greg Mortenson to help these people? What led to Greg Mortenson’s actions can be skimmed into a generalization that it is not his direct actions, but rather his failures. The book’s first chapter is not entitled â€Å"Failures† for no significant reason. Gred Mortenson had failed in his attempt to honor his deceased sister by scattering her beads on the peak of K2, one of the highest mountain peaks in the world. This failure had led him to the small mountain village named â€Å"Korphe,† where he had an epiphany that he should help these people that had willingly helped him. In the course of the book, he will send hundreds of letters to personalities who can afford granting him the amount he needs to subsidize his goal of helping the people of Korphe.   Only one of these letters for sponsorship will be replied. A well-off retired Swiss physicist by the name of Dr. Jean Hoerni was touched by Mortenson’s altruistic desire to help others. The physicist had granted him twelve thousand dollars to fund his mission. Failures were prevalent in the whole book, interspersed in every chapter. The story of Greg Mortenson tells us that failures shouldn’t mean that it is the end of the climb. The book implies to   us that failures may shun us away from our initial goals, but they are also the chance for us to do something more special. Being a climber, Greg Mortenson may have not reached the peak of the mountain, but he had made significant changes in the lives of many people in need enabling these people to reach new heights. Greg Mortenson’s altruism had put him on top of these people’s gratitude list. What help did he received?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The story of Greg Mortenson had shown us the irony that a person who want’s to help others also needs help from others. Greg Mortenson is just an ordinary man with an ordinary job, what makes him special is his altruism—but altruism alone wouldn’t build a bridge and school. Fortunately, there are still generous people like Dr. Jean Hoerni who is willing to give some to the needy. Friends and families also gave the strength to Greg Mortenson. The memory of her sister really gave him a push. As the village children reminded him of her sister, the load of helping others seemed to be lightened because he was like just helping family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Aside from those assists, Greg Mortenson also received much needed help from the media—particularly from the reporter named Kevin Fedarko. The reporter wrote a story about Greg Mortenson and his mission in a magazine called â€Å"Parade.† After the story was read by the public, Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute had received many donations and words of admiration and encouragement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But out of these people who had helped Greg Mortenson in his mission, the beneficiaries of this mission were of the greatest help Greg Mortenson had received, especially the village leader Haji Ali.   After all, if it weren’t for the people of Korphe, he might have been lost in the mountains, or something worse. Haji Ali also gave him an important advice regarding his mission of building schools,. Haji Ali told Greg Mortenson that he should have a good relationship with the village people. By having a good relationship with the locals, including the Taliban leaders, Greg Mortenson gained access to areas only a few Westerners are able to reach. Did he accomplish his goals?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Yes† is the only answer to this inquiry. The education that the village children had received from the new schools will definitely have a positive impact in their community. The education that the children have received will be passed on to generations after generations. Greg Mortenson’s mission may have only reached a small part of the whole world, but he had become an inspiration worldwide. Greg Mortenson had shown the world that there are still people like him that can make a profound change in the world. He is just as ordinary as everyone, with an ordinary life and ordinary job. He had shown to the whole world that even ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary and significant feats. Work Cited Mortenson, Greg. Relin, David Oliver. Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote

Gentrification In New Chinese Urbanism Cultural Studies Essay

Gentrification In New Chinese Urbanism Cultural Studies Essay While the economic system in China reformed from centrally planned economy to market orientated economy, the Chinese urbanization also shifted from industrial urbanism to post-industrial urbanism, especially in large cities. And the emergence of gentrification as a new social phenomenon at the moment has indicated the trend in the next round of urban development. Beijing 798 Art Zone is a typical example reflecting the general scene of such change. Through sixty years time, its identity has transformed from an old industrial site to an active art district, and is now facing the reality to be further developed into a commercial zone gentrified by rich middle-class. There is no single element capable of explaining the entire and sophisticated picture of such process. The changing political economy and social conditions both contribute to the transformation of space over time. However, among all, culture and capital are always the most important driven factors in the gentrification process. Part 01: A Brief History of Beijing 798 Art Zone Part 02: A Comparison Study of SoHo, New York Part 03: Gentrification in Beijing 798 Art Zone Part 04: Conclusion Part 01: A Brief History of Beijing 798 Art Zone Exterior view, Beijing 798 Art Zone, 2008 Interior view, Beijing 798 Art Zone, 2008 The site of 798 Art Zone was originally one part of Beijing North China Wireless Joint Equipment Factory. It was also called 718 Joint Factory, taking a total land area up to 600,000 sqm in northwest Beijing. In 1950s the early time of the cold war, the newly formed Peoples Republic of China was eager to achieve the goal of national industrialization in order to establish its own economic system. The construction of large-scale factories at the time was to follow the first five year plan (1953-1957), aiming to transform China from a long-history agricultural country to an advanced industrial country based on the Soviet model of developing heavy industries. 718 Joint Factory was initially designed by the East German experts from an architectural institution in Dessau in 1952. Influenced by Bauhaus style, the design was aimed to meet the practical demands, bring the technical and aesthetic property of new material and new structure into effect, as well as retain simplicity and flexibility. The factory was then constructed from 1954 and put into production in 1957. Through the entire 50s, the 718 Joint Factory was regarded as the symbol of national industrialization in the Chinese capital city. In the following twenty years, China had suffered huge social and economic revolutions. Industrialization process was paused severely and even stopped for a period of time. From the failure of The Great Leap Forward in 1958 to the Reform and Opening up policy in 1979, China had shifted from centrally planned economy to market oriented economy, which resulted the fundamental changes of organization for many leftover factories from the 50s. In 1964, the supervisor units canceled the organizational system of 718. 706,707,718,797,798 and 751 started to operate separately as independent factories. Shortly afterwards in 1970s, the once state-owned factory was converted to non-state-owned factory. However the change of organizational system didnt actually bring the expected spring. Till the 1990s, most workers in the factories were so poor that they could no longer make a living here. The final bankruptcy of the factories turned this huge area into an abandoned land at the edge of Beijing city. In December 2000, the former six factories of 700, 706, 707, 718, 797, and 798 were reorganized and incorporated into Beijing Seven-star Science and Technology Co., LTD. The Seven Group rented out the empty plants on a short-term basis. Attracted by convenient traffic, extremely cheap price, unique style of Bauhaus architecture which was featured with high ceiling, massive open floor plan and big windows, many art organizations and individual artists came to rent the vacant factories and transformed them into their work and living space since 2001. Gradually, 798 became a district full of galleries, art studios and cultural companies. The name 798 Art Zone came into being. However just when 798 Art Zone was developing prosperously, the artists were facing evictions due to the pressure from both the government and the real estate developers. The government was proposing re-development project in 798 Art Zone and the surrounding areas for Zhong Guan Cun Science and Technology Electronic Park. And the real estate developers were investing more and more high-end residential projects around 798 areas for the rich middle-class, which had resulted an intensively besieging situation towards the art district. Also the rising reputation of 798 Art Zone had attracted large tourists visit the site everyday. Art atmosphere was overwhelmed by commercial activities in the area. The rise of land price caused the displacement of artists. Many people are predicting that eventually 798 Art Zone will be transformed into a commercial zone similar to the SoHo neighborhood in New York. One day only the luxury brand can afford the space and no artists will be able to stay. The pure art in the so-called art zone will be dead soon. Part 02: A Comparison Study of SoHo, New York The development process of SoHo in New York is the typical US example of urban landscape shaped by gentrification. SoHo is located by the southwest side of Manhattan and has been an industrial zone especially for textile firms since late nineteenth century. After the World War II, the modification in structure of advanced capitalist cities in the US with the shift from industrial to service-based economy had caused the decline of manufactories in the centre of the city. Many factories in SoHo started to move out, leaving large quantities of cast-iron-style buildings known as Loft in the district. While some of them were transformed to warehouses and printing plants, others were unoccupied or torn down to be replaced by gas stations, auto repair shops and parking lots and garages. By the 1950s, the area got the nickname called Hells Hundred Acres, an industrial wasteland full of sweatshops and small factories in the daytime, but empty like a ghost town at night. In the mid-1960s, many artists got interested in the area because of the industrial characters of the buildings: high ceiling, generous s pace and big windows providing natural light. And after all, the most important fact was the low rental price, which meant that the artists could actually occupy the whole floor or even the whole building. Many of these lofts were then redesigned and converted into dual functional studios combining living and working together. However at the time, it was actually not permitted to live in the loft by law. In a way, these artists were squatted illegally. At the time, living in a loft was not appreciated by middle-class. As Sharon Zukin wrote in his book Loft Living, it was considered neither chic nor comfortable if the possibility was considered at all. Making home in a factory district clearly contradicted the dominant middle-class ideas of home and factory, as well as the separate environments of family and work on which these ideas were based  [1]  . It was only the choiceless option of poor artists. In 1971, the amendment of Zoning Resolution had given permission for the artists to live where they worked. The area also received landmark designation as the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District in 1973, which had preserved the original architecture and avoided the area to be redeveloped. The change of policy and rising reputation of SoHo had attracted more and more artists to work and live here. Soon, SoHo became vibrant again as the center of art and design in New York City. The desirable cultural atmosphere created by art events, and the fluid loft space gradually formed a new lifestyle. People began to find the notion of living in a loft attractive  [2]  . An increasing number of middle-class people moved into certain cultural patterns, particularly an active appreciation of the arts and historic preservation, which had previously been upper-class domains. Their growing identification with fine arts production and fine old buildings let them first to try to protect space for artists and historic preservation and then to appropriate this space which was often in loft buildings for themselves. In this process, art and historic preservation took on a broader meaning. They became both more commercial and less elitist.  [3]   The altered view of loft living reflects the new life attitude among middle-class people between late 1970s to1980s. Most new middle-classes at the time were born after the wartime. In a trend toward a new lifestyle with fewer children, postponed marriages and a fast-rising divorce rate, they were eager to free themselves from the traditional idea of family. Unlike their parents, their desire and dreams were defined in urban rather then suburban terms.  [4]  Theyd prefer to stay in the city to enjoy life or pursuit their careers rather than live in countryside for a peaceful (boring) life. Also, according to Raphael Samuel, the new middle-classes are outward looking rather than inward looking. They have opened up their homes to visitors, and exposed them to the public gaze.  [5]  Also they have a different emotional economy from that of their pre-war predecessors. They go in for instant rather than deferred gratification, making a positive virtue of their expenditure, and tre ating the self-indulgent as an ostentatious display of good taste.  [6]   The character of SoHo did fulfill their new desires the unusual way of living in a loft; the freedom and passion of life from an artist neighbor; home as a place taking the rich history from the past in architecture termsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The wonderful cultural atmosphere full of art and adventure is no doubt one of the main reason that attracts the middle-class to gentrify SoHo. In this stage, culture showed its great importance to push gentrification process. The move-in of middle-classes is the concrete evidence. And very soon the fine art production started to absorb investment of commercial capitals. Sharon Zukin regarded this type of urban renaissance model as the Artistic Mode of Production The role of capital investment will then take over the cultural effect and push forward to the next stage of gentrification. And of course the intervention of investment capitals is not just the result of the cultural attractions. It also sat in the broader social economic modification happening in the country. First is the major suburbanization process across the US caused most middle-classes moved to live in the countryside while left the city unoccupied. The declined city with loads of abandoned spaces was then taken over by lower classes and homeless people. Such capital devalorization produced the rent gap, which referred to the disparity between the potential ground rent level and the actual ground rent capitalized under the present land use  [7]  . Potentially it provided great opportunities for developers to invest new projects and earn high profit. It had encouraged gentrification and urban renaissance in the US cities. Secondly, in order to alter the situation of declined city, the US government had proposed a series of urban renewal plans including the clearance of slums and encouraging real estate development. Many areas especially around central business districts (CBD) are been redeveloped into high-end apartments, commercial offices and cultural facilities, which had enlarged the CBD and improved the urban conditions of living. Thirdly, according to the law of market economy, production is always driven by consumption. Therefore, the investment of SoHo was driven by the fact that middle-classes had the strong will to purchase. Beside the cultural attraction, other points cannot be ignored neither such as, location advantage. The globalization process and the transformation of US cities from industrial to post-industrial economy had increased working opportunities in serviced-based industry. The white-collar middle-class is the product of such economic situation. The globalization made big cities become the networked pinpoints and the command center of global economic operation. Under such extreme competitive situation, time and distance meant money and efficiency. Many white-collar employees moved to live in the declined areas close to their offices in the central business district. For this reason, SoHo was a good choice. The development of luxury housing had also caused the boom of shop and catering businesses as well as tourism in SoHo. The increasing commercial atmosphere had pushed the land price dramatically. The gentrification process had forced many pioneering artists to move out due to the unaffordable price of housing. Most previous lofts are now trendy shops, pricy restaurants or expansive apartments. The Art SoHo neighborhood is steadily eroded from the street pattern by commercial landscapes. That is the development model of SoHo. Part 03: Gentrification in Beijing 798 Art Zone The gentrification phenomenon in China is rooted in the complex nesting of social, political, economic and cultural shifts. It is the result of multiple forces behind the surface. And again, culture and capital play the more significant role in the game. Culture in the 798 case can be divided into two parts. One is the existing cultural value the historical Bauhaus architecture, and the other is the cultivated cultural value gradually formed by the artists. However the cultivated culture had experienced a devaluation process through the commercialization of art products. And in the end turned culture value to commercial value. In 798 site, history and reality, industry and the arts perfectly meet. The cultural value went to its peak in the first a few years after the settle of artists. Art galleries, artist studios, salons and museums transformed this abandoned industrial site to a dreamland of art and design. The name 798 Art Zone came into being. Since this name was getting more and more famous, the actually art production and fine old industrial buildings had absorbed investment of commercial capitals. Shops and restaurants started to occupy the plots, and soon countless tourists rushed in from all over the world. 798 became one of the must-go spots in Beijings cultural tourism. The consequence is big galleries and commercial institutes remained but pioneering artists moved out due to rental price. Some third-rate artists moved in selling cheap works. You can still see paintings and sculptures everywhere in 798, however they have nothing to do with art but money. The strong smell of commercialized products had replaced the pure taste of art. It seems more like a 798 Commercial Zone instead of 798 Art Zone. This is the first round of absorbing capitals from its original cultural value, which happened within the art zone itself. The second round is occurring in the adjacent areas around 798 with capital investment both from the government and the developers. 798 Art Zone is located in the area called Wang Jing in northeast edge of Beijing in Zone 4. One major difference between Chinese and American urbanism is that, while in America, the development is going backwards to the city site from suburban; the Chinese model is to enlarge the city territory by expanding to suburban areas due to the saturation of land sources and the over-development of the city center. In planning outline of Beijing, Wang Jing, where 798 Art Zone laid is marked for the new CBD (Central Business District) and high-tech companies especially communication and Internet industries. The government had proposed to build Zhong Guan Cun Science and Technology Electronic Park in 798 and its surrounding areas in 2002. Originally, all tenants in 798 factories should be evacuated by the end of 2005 in order to start construction. Through a long fight between the government and the artists, 798 Art Zone had been temporarily reserved, however still faced the risk of been demolished at some point in the future. In the Chinese case, the national capital takes the fundamental effect in the process of urbanization. Different from the US system, in China, all land sources belong to the government. While the government only takes a guiding role in the US, the Chinese government actually takes direct actions by investing with national capitals to modify urban patterns. On the other hand, the city planning strategy and investment of national capital also caused further investment from private developers. Because of the urban set up of CBD and high-tech zone in the area, there are a lot of white-collar middle-classes living here, which makes Wang Jing as one of the main residential districts in Beijing. And this provides great opportunities for real estate developers. Another significant factor to draw the capital from developers is the consumption concept of these white-collar middle-classes in China. In general, they share very similar character and taste with the new middle-class of the US in 1970s/1980s. The Chinese middle-class is formulating their new lifestyle. They choose to live close to work in order to achieve the best efficiency. They appreciate the value of culture. It is the new fashion to live in a cultural district to express their special taste. The only difference compared with the US situation is that they prefer to live in suburban area with a reasonable distance away from the city center in order to gain more living space in an affordable price. Clearly, these consumption views have pushed the production of large residential projects by the developer in this area, where perfectly match the new Chinese middle-class preferred location and cultural requirements. Overall, the input of both national and private capitals and the move-in of rich middle-classes in 798 surrounding areas had formed a besieging situation towards the art zone itself. And together with the inner commercialization process that happened in 798 Art Zone, the rental price of the studio space became extremely high. The artist community as the original cultural generator is forced to leave. That is the unique gentrification process of the 798 case controlled by culture and capital in the Chinese urban context. Part 04: Conclusion The sixty years development of the 798 site reflects the Chinese social economic changes. The transformation of actual space represents the shifting urbanization patterns in Chinese cities. Artists, government, city planners, developers and the middle-class all play significant roles in the gentrification process controlled by culture and capital factors. Similar to the SoHo model in the US, the 798 site has experienced developing stages from an iconic industrial district to an abandoned declined area, and to a vibrant art district, then finally to a commercial zone. While cultural value works as the initial activator and intermediate transforming force, national and private capitals in this Chinese case are the termination factors leading the urban gentrification process of the 798 Art Zone. Eventually, the commercial value takes over the original cultural value. The art zone becomes the past.

The Economics of Federal Defense Policy :: Political Science

Three out of four Americans polled in the 1992 election year believed that the United States was heading in the wrong direction. With such an overwhelming consensus, the country hired a new president to attempt to fix the vital issues at hand. Although both Republicans and Democrats believed that the United States was still the "sole superpower", the people of the United States saw that their quality of life was deteriorating. In fact, the signs of economic, social, and political decay were undeniable. For example, the wages of production workers in America have declined twenty percent in the last twenty years due to large corporations shifting their operations overseas. Over thirty-seven million Americans are without health insurance due to its exploding costs. There are about sixty million people below the poverty line; fourteen million of which are children. Our crime rate is at an all-time high as well as the population in our prison system. The United States has nineteen preceding nations that have lower infant mortality rates. Among the twenty most developed countries in the world, the United States has the highest divorce rate and the highest teen pregnancy rate. The most incredulous fact of all is that the Pentagon continues to absorb twenty percent of the federal budget-over a third of which is spent protecting Europe against an enemy that no longer exists. In fact, that is the most probable source of America's problems: the budget. Forty-seven percent of the national federal budget is spent for a military expense. The National Defense, the topic of this paper, is what is stealing money from the poor in our own country and lessening our status as the "sole superpower" of the world. The National Defense was a program initiated from day one of the United States' existence. It was a program designed to protect the people of the world, but primarily the people of this nation. It was designed to protect human rights and the ideals of democracy and capitalism. However, in lieu of recent events, the use for such a program is now debatable. The world has changed significantly and dramatically within the last five years. The threat of an evil empire such as the Soviet Union is no longer; the Cold War is over. Ultimately, demilitarization is needed for many reasons. Both Democrats and Republicans alike supported the development of a gigantic- industrial complex. Both are content with only minor budget reductions.

Children with Learning Disabilities Essay -- Education Disability Essa

Children with Learning Disabilities Do you know anyone who suffers from a learning disability? There are several disabilities out there, so chances are you must know someone who battles with the day-to-day hassles. But, are learning disabilities really a hassle? More often than not, this can be considered a misconception. Learning disabilities (LD) affect the way a person â€Å"of at least average intelligence receives, stores, and processes information† (NCLD 2001). This neurological disorder prevents children especially from being able to perform well academically. Therefore more time and special programs are fostered to them. Once one is educated about what the disability means, the causes of LD, what programs are available to overcome the difficulties of learning, and parents learn methods to help the child at home-- the learning disability is no longer considered a hassle, but instead a battle to be conquered. As common as learning disabilities may be, not every child in America is affected, however, the number may be larger than one thinks. In 2001, over 2.9 million children were diagnosed with a learning disability. The number is not accurate since some definitions of a learning disability are different than others. (NCLD 2001) Some of the most common are dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Typically one who suffers from a learning disability has difficulty in writing, reading, speaking, listening, and mathematics (NCLD 2001). They may also have short-term memory loss and will frequently let their emotions overpower their reasoning. They may have a hard time paying attention in class and find ways to avoid work, especially when they find the material too difficult. (Silverman) They are disorganized in bo... ...ion about Learning Disabilities. Retrieved March 26, 2002, from http://kidsource.com/NICHCY/learning_disabilities.html NCLD (2002). The ABC’s of Learning Disabilities. Retrieved February 16, 2004, from http://www.ncld.org/LDInfoZone_FactSheetIndex.cfm NICHCY (2004, Jan.). Learning Disabilities. Retrieved February 16, 2004, from http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs7txt.htm#intro NIMH (19999, June1). Learning Disabilities. Retrieved February 16, 2004, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/learndis.htm NLM (2003, July 25). Medline Plus. Retrieved February 16, 2004, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/learningdisorders.html Silverman, Linda (n/a) Gifted Children with Learning Disabilities. Retrieved April 21, 2004 from http://members.aol.com/discanner/gtld.html

The Issue of Race in Othello Essay -- Othello essays

The Issue of Race in Othello    In his production of Othello for BBC television (1981), Jonathan Miller asserted that Othello's race does not greatly impact his downfall in the play.   He maintains that while Shakespeare touches upon the issue of race, the cause of Othello's demise lies elsewhere.1   However, the implications of race in the play directly lead to its tragic ending; it is this issue that impels the characters to set the tragedy in motion.   Brabantio would never revolt against the union of Othello and Desdemona if it were not for Othello's blackness.   Roderigo could never be motivated to pursue Desdemona were it not for his belief that their relationship is unnatural.   By far the most significant racism is Othello's own, racism that Iago brings to the surface by playing upon Othello's racial insecurities.   Finally, it is racism that serves as Iago's primary cause in his destruction of Othello.   Brabantio is very selective about suitors for Desdemona, as is evident from his vocal condemnation of Roderigo.   After learning it is Roderigo lurking about his window, Brabantio tells him, "The worser welcome! / ... In honest plainness thou hast heard me say / My daughter is not for thee" (1.1.92-95).2   Although Roderigo is a wealthy native Venetian, in Brabantio's eyes he is not worthy of Desdemona.   Despite these strict standards, it would seem that Othello could win Brabantio's approval; he holds a lucrative and prestigious position as the general of the army, he is born of a noble background, and he has the respect of the State.   In addition, Brabantio has an affinity for Othello, as he explains, "[he] loved [Othello]; oft invited [him]; / Still questioned [him] the story of [his] life" (1.3.128-29).   There is no ... ...his possibility and fights it.   Through resisting the stereotypes, as opposed to acknowledging and accepting that they exist, Othello increases his internal conflict.   Had he the necessary strength and faith in himself, the conflict could not have arisen; for when there is no resistance, the struggle ceases.   Rather than label Othello as a racist or anti-racist play, it is more significant to see how, from a racial standpoint, the tragedy demonstrates the explosive effects that racial dissonance can produce when combined with other personal insecurities.    Notes 1.   Jonathan Miller, television interview, BBC, 1981.   Quoted by Sylvan Barnet, "Othello on Stage and Screen," in Alvin Kernan, ed., Othello, Signet Classic Edition (New York: Penguin, 1998): 230.   2.   All references to Othello are from the Signet Classic Edition (New York: Penguin, 1998).

Jose Rizal Essay

Rizal’s visit to the United States (1888) Rizal’s Visit to the United States (1888) Rizal first saw America on April 28, 1888. His arrival in this great country was marred by racial prejudice. He saw the discriminatory treatment of the Chinese and the Negros by the white Americans. Arrival in san francisco Saturday,April 28, 1888- The steamer Belgic docked at San Francisco. American health authorities did not let the passengers to land for one week because of the rumored cholera epidemic. Rizal knew there was no cholera epidemic that time and he protest with other passengers the unjustifiable actions of American authorities He soon discovered that it was motivated by politics and the ship was carrying 643 Chinese coolies. Rizal in san francisco May 4, 1888 – The day he was permitted to go ashore and registered at the Palace Hotel which was then considered a first- class hotel in the city May 4 to 6, 1888 – Rizal stayed in San Francisco. Across the American continent May 6, 1888 – it was Sunday, 4:30 P.M., Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland, nine miles across San Francisco Bay, by ferry boat May 7, 1888 – it was morning, Rizal awoke and had a good breakfast at Reno, Nevada, now glamorized by American high-pressure propaganda as â€Å"The Biggest Little City in the World†. Rizal in New york May 13, 1888 – it was Sunday morning when Rizal reached New York. He stayed three days in this city, which he called the â€Å"big town†. From May 7 to May 13, Rizal wrote in his diary the beautiful memories from Nevada, Chicago until he reached Albany. May 16, 1888 – Rizal left New York for Liverpool on board the City of Rome. Rizal saw the Statue of Liberty on Bedloe Island. Rizal’s impression of america The good impressions were: 1.)The material progress of the country as shown in the great cities, huge farms, flourishing industries, and busy factories. 2.) The drive and the energy of the American people;  3.) The natural beauty of the land 4.)The high standard of living; 5.)The opportunities for better life offered to poor immigrants. The bad impression Rizal had of America was the lack of racial equality. 1890 – two years after Rizal’s visit to the United States, Jose Alejandro, who was then studying engineering in Belgium, roomed with him. Rizal’s impression of America â€Å"is the land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites†.

Crisis intervention theory Essay

The crisis intervention theory was developed by Linder Mann and Gerald Caplan, this theory however was developed by a team of sociologist, social workers, doctors and counselors, the incident that led to the development of this theory was the coconut clove fire where 493 people perished in a night club in the US. The behavior and thought of people in crises change, they are usually confused, agitated in that they are easily angered, they feel helpless, they feel helpless and headaches. However the two scholars identified two types of crisis situations Developmental crisis- in this type of crises the situation is predictable example old age crisis. Situational crisis- this type of crisis is unpredictable and unexpected example natural disasters, fatal illnesses and rape. Techniques of crisis intervention according to this theory – Assessing the events that triggered the crisis. – Assessing the coping strength of the client under normal circumstances. – The human service worker should focus on the target area and give hope to a client. – The worker should have a plan of action with well planed specific tasks. – The worker should always keep the client in touch with reality and avoid asking question that may hinder the thinking of the client. – The worker should concentrate on obtaining the missing information and concentrate on the present situation and not much on the past. How this helps solve the client’s problem – This intervention strategy helps to give hope and encouragement to the client to coupe with the crisis. – It also helps to build the confidence of the person in crisis. – By concentrating on a specific task the client changes the way of thinking, feelings and actions. – The model emphasizes that the termination of the services should be done until the client overcomes the crisis. Contribution to crisis intervention This theory has contributed to crisis intervention strategies in that it emphasis that when dealing with a client it does not necessarily mean that the mechanisms that worked in the past can be used in the present situation. The theory also states that it is not easy to point out people with crises because people interpret crisis differently but the theory states that people make comments such as they cannot cope, they feel helpless and that they are failures, however this theory has contributed to crisis intervention in that it emphasis putting the needs of the clients first. Reference: Albert R. Roberts (2005) Crisis Intervention Handbook: assessment, treatment and research, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Peer Review Of Diet Plan: Kill My Mother

`Diet Plan: Kill My Mother`; Maternal Responsibility in Enabling and Annihilating the Good Body is a skillfully written text that looks into the common perception of the position of women in the society in general. It should also be mention that the basic intention of this text is to enumerate the fundamental search of individuality of the modern women and thus it is written completely from the perception of the woman’s world.For the purpose of establishing the principal of individuality the writer incorporates examples from five major sources. These sources are Abra Fortune Chernik’s `The Body Politic, ` from Images and Realities: A Multicultural Anthology published in 2003 by McGraw Hill, Eve Ensler’s The Good Body published by Villard in 2004, Bell Hook’s `Talking Back` from Women Images and Realities: A Multicultural Anthology, Mai Kao Thao’s `Sins of Silence also from Women Images and Realities: A Multicultural Anthology and Naomi Wolf’s `The Beauty Myth`.All these texts deal with different aspects of the woman’s position in the society. It is an attempt to show the momentum of social perception that shapes up the basic formulation of a woman’s mind and the subsequent intentions to overcome it. It should be mentioned that the writer is very much successful in depicting the position of the modern woman amidst a society dominated by men.However, it can always be mentioned that the writer could have been more aggressive in the construction of the text by directing more personal opinions than presenting quotations and presenting the basic themes of the texts used. However, it can always be mentioned that apart from this weakness the text looks very convincing and fruitful in emphasizing on the basic intention of the writer.

Ibm International Business Machines Essay

International Business Machines (IBM) is the world’s top provider of computer hardware. It has 80 years of leadership in helping business innovate. IBM alliance with the companies of all sizes around the world and compete almost in every market worldwide. The company makes desktop and notebook PCs, mainframe and servers, storage systems, and peripherals, among its thousands of products. IBM is also one of the largest providers of both software and semiconductors. With the help of the partnership, the company become leading providers of the e-business solution world widely designed specific solution to meet the needs of companies of all sizes. According to IBM ‘s mission statement, the marketplace is on the top of IBM’s principles. â€Å"The marketplace is the driving force behind everything we do.† The second principle is related to technology. â€Å"At our core, we are a technology company with an overriding commitment to quality.† With these missions, the company had an alliance with dozen of high-tech companies worldwide. The company made its constant effort to keep up with the fast-moving competitors. In the year 2002, IBM reorganized its hardware business; the company had merged its desktop and laptop operations. IBM utilizes the services of both Sanmina-SCI and Solectron by acquired manufacturing facilities from IBM. It had also formed a joint venture with Hitachi to combine its disk drive operation. In the software business, IBM is the second largest provider after Microsoft. The acquisitions of Lotus Development and Tivoli in the early move enabled IBM to become a pioneer in server operating system software. IBM is expanding its software operation to e-commerce infrastructure by purchasing the database operations of Informix (2001) and application integration products from CrossWorlds Software (2002). It also has plans for the acquisition of development tool maker Rational Software. In the third principle of IBM’s mission statement, it is stated that the company’s primary measures of success are customer satisfaction and shareholder’s value. The company had made consistent progress in meeting customer satisfaction. In 1998, IBM had established the E-Team that provides public agencies and corporations with the most highly evolved enterprise-level collaborative software. E-team enables customers to prepare better, respond faster, and recover sooner whenever health and safety, the environment, and public or business assets are at risk. Recently, the company had announced the delivery of the first industry standard interface for the IBM Enterprise storage Server. It is designed to help customers efficiently manage storage systems in a multi-vendor storage network. In late January, the expanding relationship between IBM and Siebel Systems was designed to help the business improve the quality of their customer transactions while reducing the cost of ownership. In committing to improve the value of shareholder, the IBM board of directors recently declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.15 per common share. It is to be recorded on February 10 and payable on March 10. In the company’s philosophy, the basic value is stated in the next principle: â€Å"We operate as an entrepreneurial organization with a minimum of bureaucracy and a never-ending focus on productivity. The company’s vision is included in the 5th and 6th principle: â€Å"We never lose sight of our strategic vision, we think and act with a sense of urgency.† In recent times, IBM, the information technology group, had just implemented its strategic vision for the competitive advantage in its market place. Which is announcing the launch of its engineering and technology services business unit in Europe. The unit, part of IBM’s global services division, will offer technology-orientated outsourcing and consulting services to a range of industrial clients in such sectors as aerospace, automotive and defense. This unit is steered by a 100-strong team of engineers and scientists based in Mainz, Germany, will be responsible for the European, Middle Eastern and African markets. In the last two principles, the company believes that its employees are the valuable assets. â€Å"Outstanding, dedicated people make it all happen, particularly when we work together as a team.† â€Å"We are sensitive to the needs of all employees and to the communities in which we operate. IBM’s successful is composition with the outstanding persons. Many of IBM former employees had become successful entrepreneur. Coastal Federal, the state’s second-largest credit union with $1.3 billion in assets and 12 branches statewide. Coastal Federal is a great example. Founded 35 years ago by former IBM employees, Coastal Federal may be one of the few lending institutions statewide that could deploy this technology without criticism. About 48,000 of Coastal’s 118,000 members are past or present IBM employees (and their relatives). Many of them are computer programmers and software developers accustomed to dealing with remote delivery systems. A branch with remote tellers usually employs one-half to one-third the number of employees that a conventional branch does, according to Diebold. Six people work at the Coastal Federal branch at North Pointe, compared with 12 to 17 people at one of the credit union’s regular branches. It took Sharon Lyons, a retired IBM employee and Coastal Federal customer, fewer than three minutes to deposit a check with the remote teller. Marc Quinn, Vice President of American Technology is another great example of outstanding former IBM employee. He joined AmTech from C.E. Unterberg Towbin, where he spent the past two years as a senior equity salesman and was recognized as one of the firm’s top producers. He started his career on Wall Street with Kaufman Bros., applying his 15 years of technology experience with IBM. At IBM, Marc was recognized as one of the top salesman within the Finance and Insurance Industry Verticals. IBM is always imaged as one of the world’s leading companies in terms of societal and environmental concerns. According to the recent news, IBM, United Devices and Accelrys will team with leading researchers and the Department of Defense on a Gild computing project aimed at finding a cure for smallpox. In addition, IBM will also help The Chemicals Sector Cyber-Security Information Sharing Forum to speed development and execution of industry benchmarks for cyber-security. In comparison with the Johnson and Johnson credo, IBM set the priority to the marketplace while Johnson and Johnson’s first credo is customer. IBM’s second principle is emphasis in technology. In the other hand, Johnson and Johnson highlight in supplies. IBM weight the customer satisfaction same as shareholder’s value. In contrast, Johnson and Johnson weight them in the two ends. The only common principle that they treated the same is the environment. By reading the articles in the newspaper and the internal resources, IBM had made the constant effort and continous improvement in meeting the principles on its mission statement. IBM had become a worldwide successful high technology company. Its hardware and software operation is ever expanding. IBM had always innovate new strategic to assist its customers in cutting cost and improving the quality of transaction. The company declared the dividend quarterly to its shareholders. The company also playing an important role in social and environment concern by assist the Department of Defense in finding a cure for smallpox and give help in speed development for cyber-security. IBM is very successful in serving its hardware and software services industry worldwide.

The Fabrication Of Bipolar Junction Transistors By Diffusion Planar Lab Report

The Fabrication Of Bipolar Junction Transistors By Diffusion Planar Process - Lab Report Example The fabrication of BJT comprises of various sub-steps like RCA (Cleaning Process), Thermal Oxidation, Photolithography, Diffusion, Metallization, Alloying Process etc. The process of fabrication starts by cleaning the substrate of impurities by the RCA procedure followed by developing a layer of SiO2 on the planar surface by the process of oxidation. The wafer is then coated with an appropriate photoresist material and developed by exposure to UV through base mask (mask #1). After sufficient time of exposure, the SiO2 is removed by etching out from the region of base-diffusion followed by cleaning away the covering of the remaining photoresist coating. The P-type base i.e. Boron is diffused into this region followed by re-oxidation to develop the layer of SiO2. Next, by the process of Photolithography, the oxide layer is stripped off from the regions of collector and emitter by mask #2 and Phosphorous (N-type) is diffused on it. The entire sample is re-oxidized and once again coated with the photoresist material and developed. The substrate is then exposed to vapors of Aluminum which are allowed to condense upon it. The excess Aluminum on the substrate i.e. at non-contact regions is removed chemically by ‘lift-off’. The final step in the process is alloying of the contacts. RCA Dust, SiO2, oxides and metallic contaminants are removed. Consequently, the process has three chief procedures namely the Organic Clean, the Oxide Clean and the Ionic Clean. [5] â€Å"The RCA clean procedure should be performed immediately prior to any crucial step, especially those involving high temperatures.†[2] The RCA clean procedure consists of the following steps: Mixing of Organic, Inorganic and Oxide Stripping Solution 1. The Organic Solution is prepared by adding 1000 ml of H2O to 200 ml H2O2 and 200 ml of NH4OH. Heat the solution for 15 min at a temperature of 80  °C. [2] 2. The Ionic Solution is prepared by adding 1000 ml of H2O to 200 ml H2O2 and 200 ml of HCl. Heat the solution for 15 min at a temperature of 80  °C. [2] 3. The Oxide Stripping Solution is prepared by adding 2000 ml of H2O to the polypropylene vat. Add 40 ml of HF acid into it. [2] Bubbler Rinse Set-Up The bubbler rinse station is filled with deionized water and nitrogen is bubbled in it. [2] O rganic Clean This step removes dust, grease and other organic impurities from the substrate. The substrate is submerged in the Organic Solution for 15 min and then placed in the Bubbler Rinse Set-up for 5 min. [2]

Compare Chinese monster and American monster Essay - 1

Compare Chinese monster and American monster - Essay Example Although many Chinese still believe that Nian exists, it has never appeared in the community or to a human again. Today, many of the Chinese light fireworks, as well as beat drums and gongs to drive the monster away. Modern people living in major towns and cities are the most notorious with the annual Spring Festival in commemoration of Nian the monster (Wong 27). In addition, the day signifies what most Chinese consider the unprecedented breakthrough after some villagers successfully tamed a horrible, ferocious monster that intimidated, attacked or even killed innocent people. Incidentally, tribulations of the village and the ultimate breakthrough forms the basis of contemporary traditions and customs associated with beating of drums, wearing red outfit and lighting of fireworks. The two other articles focus on Momo, an American monster. Momo (also known as the Missouri Monster) is hairy and foul-smelling (Hamilton 16). In general, the key differences between Nian and Momo highlight the fundamental cultural variation between China and the United States of America. The Big Book of Missouri Ghost Stories (2013) by Troy Taylor examines and analyzes the circumstances leading to the discovery of Momo the Missouri Monster. Apart from Momo, the article analyzes various legends and ghostly tales of Missouri (Taylor 130). In addition, the article asserts that most of the legends and ghostly tales consist of a mystery, bloodshed, and tragedy. Taylor further states that copious other stories about Missouri have since been lost in time, hidden or remained secret. Although a number of legends seem to have significantly impacted villages, towns and states, Americans do not take them seriously unlike the Chinese (Taylor 130). Louisiana residents have never considered the day some residents purportedly saw Momo special in their cultural history. Nevertheless, a few have forgotten the mystery and tribulations surrounding the reports about sightings of the

Assessment Performa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assessment Performa - Essay Example The paragraph surrounding that diagram looks a little sloppy; it should perhaps have been on the left side. But that does not at all weaken the context of your paper. The paper had a good format and was very well written; there were a few times when the sentences were a bit long and confusing. (i.e. from Permeability: "A study by Mason et al. (1997) of the correlation of the relative size of the fine sand fraction and reduction of permeability of a mixed beach showed that a medium sand content of 20% reduced the permeability of the shingle by 65% by filling the voids between the coarser particles.") A well researched and informative paper. It addresses the topic of shoreline evolution's review. The chart provided concise yet qualitative data. It was well formatted as well: the subtitles narrowed and focused the paper to its objective. However, the paper had some indented paragraphs and some paragraphs were without proper indention. This weakened the look and appeal of the paper overall. It should be taken into consideration that a paper should flow well so the reader can follow well with the structure of the paper. What made up for that was the attractive, yet informative, diagram of the Coastal Evolution Model. The information, abstract, conclusion and references were all very well maintained.

Older people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Older people - Essay Example Decisions in providing care in an abused elderly are often based on the principles of autonomy and beneficence – what the client wants and what will promote good care. Based on autonomy, abused clients have the right to respect, informed consent, and self-determination. If a competent abused client decides not to do anything about the situation, client’s decision must be upheld. On the other hand, healthcare professionals are put into a dilemma where beneficence, in an abusive situation, is needed. Healthcare professionals’ follows the principle of doing good and preventing evil harm thus, weighing between the ethical principles of autonomy and beneficence puts care interventions into a dilemma. Legal interventions and criminal charges also apply to an abusive situation. The Charter of Residents Rights and Responsibilities under the Aged Care Act of 1997 explicitly states that â€Å"people living in aged care homes in Australia have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live without exploitation, abuse or neglect†. Physical, sexual, and financial abuse is very obvious and that abuse can be reported promptly while psychological abuse and neglect are less easily determined. Verifications from a multidisciplinary team or a health professional are needed to prove psychological abuse or neglect. Legal interventions could involve revoking power of attorney arrangements, taking out a domestic violence order, or having the perpetrator evicted from the older person’s premises.  ... Specific factors identified are fast history of a fall, age, female gender, lower extremity weakness, balance problems, low levels of physical activity, cognitive impairment, psychotropic drug use and polypharmacy, chronic medical problems (stroke, arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease), sensory loss, orthostatic hypotension, acute health problems (pneumonia, urinary tract infections), dizziness, diabetes, depression, and incontinence (Nay, 2009, p. 192). Incidence The incidence of falls increases with age and varies according to residential location. Falls are more common in residential aged care facilities where 30-60% cases of falls were reported in 12 months than in hospitals with 17 falls out of 1000 bed days (Nay, 2009, p. 190). In Australia, for the year 2005-2006, the estimated number of hospitalized injury cases due to falls in people aged 65 years and over was 66, 800 – a rise of 10% since 2003-2004. Half of all fall injury cases for people aged 65 years and older oc cur from home (Byrne, 2010, p. 141). Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older people. In community-dwelling older people, 5-10% of falls result in major injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and major lacerations. In residential aged care facilities, major injuries range from 10-30%. Falls have also been identified as a contributory risk factor in 40% of residential aged care admissions (Nay, 2009, p. 192). Implications for Practice The increase in the incidence of falls among acute care facilities and residential aged care facilities seems to be alarming. High incidence of falls among older people implies that an enormous amount of effort must be put in prevention interventions and programs for falls. A review to assess the effectiveness of current prevention

Dosing of cephalosporines in renal failure pateints Research Proposal

Dosing of cephalosporines in renal failure pateints - Research Proposal Example Aim- To understand the dosing of Cephalosporin in Renal failure patients. Method and Design Physical examination- should be performed for edema, ascites, dehydration. Measurement of body weight and height is performed. In obese patients the ideal body weight should be calculated and dose of drug should be planned consequently. Renal function- Estimation of creatine clearance (the volume of blood plasma that is cleared of creatinine in a unit time). Elimination of drugs is directly proportional to GFR (drugs excreted by kidneys). The Cockroft- Gault equation to estimate Clcr for age between 40- 80 years. Clcr (mL/min) = (140-age)x weight in kgs / 72 x serum creatinine (in mg/ dL) x (0.85 for women). Assessment of GFR from serum creatinine level presumes the stability of renal function and also formulate that serum creatinine measurement is constant. If there is alteration in renal function, the creatinine level does not indicate the true clearance. In case of oliguria, Clcr is approxi mated as 10mL/min. In cases with acute renal failure, the non-renal clearance of medicines diminishes by means of time window of renal failure. In the initial course of the therapy, personalized pharmacokinetic dose for patients with severe renal impairment is vital.