How does the author successfully engage the interest

How does the author successfully engage the interest of the reader in the relationship between Cooke and veronica and her way of life? By Maya_hunched How does the author successfully engage the interest of the reader in the relationship between Cooke and veronica and her way of life? The writer starts of by setting the background of the story † we had grown up together† this gibes us an idea of their relationship and how close they were as children.Veronica grew up to a poor family and so did Cooke but veronica's family as even poorer â€Å"her family had been even poorer than mine† this gives the reader an impression of how poor they were and saying veronica was even poorer shows how harsh the conditions were. Veronica grew up to an abusive father, Cooke describes he as â€Å"brute† meaning he was evil. This shows us Just how bad her father was.Cooke was every caring and compassionate towards Veronica † I helped her fetch water from the stream and oc casionally chopped firewood† Cooke was like veronica's only fatherly figure as her dad was never around to treat her like a daughter, the only wing keeping him from protecting her was his fear of her father â€Å"night after night I would lie awake listening to her screams, cursing myself for my own physical inadequacy' this shows he was unable to help.Veronica was very loyal to everyone in her life not Just her family, when Cooke left to go to school they were still friends Neuronal and I remained friends† she was always happy and Ignored the fact her life was not a good one â€Å"she was always pleased to see me† Veronica never got the opportunity to go to school and was curious about It UT was never Jealous of Cooke â€Å"she asked me endless questions about school and the town and what I was going to be when I grew up† she was happy for Cooke and his successes. She never seemed to new me mine† this shows she was content with her life even though she had nothing to be happy about, she didn't have loving parents to take care of her or and education nor did she have and money. Veronica and Cooke always met by the river â€Å"the day before I left we met by the stream† The river is very symbolic, the river indicates life moving on.Veronica had ere limited opportunities and Cooke new that â€Å"not that she was likely to meet any as long as she remained where she was† She wasn't educated meaning she will not meet a man Cooke was concerned about her â€Å"you can go to school and become a secretary' Veronica had no one that would ever give her advice Cooke was the only person who treated her Like she should have been. L snapped a twig and threw It very symbolic, it is met to be showing Cooke and veronica as the stick and the river as life moving on. When Cooke snaps the stick it means they were on and now he is boning on in life when she is staying where she was and is never going to get anywhere where as Cooke is allowing the river to take him places. Cooke moved on but veronica was still a part of him â€Å"l never forgot veronica† how could he forget her?After all veronica had grown up with him and been a part of his childhood. Cooke eventually returned to the village for work â€Å"on the day I left I had to force her to accept a present of some money. It was as much as I could afford, but not as much as I would have liked to have been able to give her† Cooke offers her charity, he has o force her to take it this shows veronica did not was sympathy. When he returned again we went to see veronica â€Å"it was dark inside† this indicate death or her final moments.It was very difficult for Cooke to see veronica like that â€Å"l reached for her hand and held it† he was very uneasy â€Å"I'll get you out of here, don't worry' he wanted veronica to live where as she wanted the opposite â€Å"there is nothing left for me in this world† she has lost a lot in h er life and didn't want to live anymore. When veronica died Cooke was devastated â€Å"l gathered her up in my arms† this makes us feel humanity â€Å"l cried that night for the terrible waste† shows tragedy.There is a change in speech threw out the story between the away Cooke speaks and veronica speaks † morbidly suspicious † Cooke is very complex with the way he speaks, shows he was educated. â€Å"l can't Just leave my family' Veronica uses very simple language, this shows she was not educated symbolic language â€Å"l snapped a twig and threw it in the water† this shows he was moving on and she was staying where she was. Negative diction was used † she was dead before I reached my car† By: Maya Hunched

American Dream or American Nightmare – Essay

American Dream or American Nightmare America and its people have upheld the concept of the â€Å"American Dream. † The meaning of this concept has changed and altered throughout the years. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, every man has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Multitudes of movies and books have depicted their personal versions of this single ideology. All having a stereo typical, happily ever after ending, but is this so-called dream even possible. I believe the American Dream is slowly dying out. In today’s society, families are struggling to make ends meet, and to ensure a good future for their children. Once upon a time the American Dream was everyone’s reality; however now this fantasy is just that, a far off fairytale, as families fight just to provide basic living needs. â€Å"A family of four earning $22,050 a year is living below the federal poverty line (Huffman). † According to this quote a salary of $22,050 a year can barely manage to keep up with the livelihood of a family of four; whereas an income of that amount ten years ago would have placed families in the middle class bracket. Over the years American household living costs have greatly increased, causing family to sink lower on the economic level. With monthly bills such as utilities, rent/house payment, groceries, and car payments, and average American family can find themselves in debt quickly. The basic American Dream boasts of prosperity and wealth. In actuality, Americans are realizing the difficulties of being financially secure every month. It doesn’t stop there. To make things more difficult, parents must worry about being able to guarantee a decent future for their children. Even though public schooling is free for kids, they have other necessities like clothing and school materials. With parents barely making ends meet with bills for the household, children will suffer by having to wear inexpensive clothing and using hand me down things. â€Å"For struggling parents, keenly aware that adolescents agonize over the social pecking order,†¦, there is a small sense of failure in telling a child she cannot have what her classmates take for granted (Johnson 183. † A parent will want their child to strive towards the highest education possible, but with that comes more expensive costs. The competitive job market today forces people to attend college, just to ensure they will land a job in a secure career field. It’s a deadly Catch 22 with young adults entering the working world. Yet they must go through this battle to be able to support themselves, because parents just can’t afford to put money into a savings. With families lacking the means to give future generations to look forward to, Americans moral is decreasing. Our perfect American family ideal that this is a land of wealth and opportunity has become endangered. ————————————————- America searches frantically for answers from the government and all other sources to fix the declining economic issues. This nation needs to be reminded what the definition of the American Dream originally was. Not being able to provide for your family while working and children who are not taught the correct values when growing up, will as a result diminish the American dream. Some remain optimistic about this concept, but I remain firm in my belief that if something isn’t done about this growing problem then the fate of this country will be in real danger. ————————————————- Works Cited Huffman, Mark. â€Å"Having a Job May Not Be Enough to Make Ends Meet† Common Dreams. 1 Apr 2011. Web. 9 Jan 2012. Johnson, Dirk. â€Å"When Money is Everything, Except Hers. † Introduction to College Reading and Writing. Svetlana Lynch. Boston: Pearson, 2006. 182-186. Print.

Geographical Transformation of the Caribbean Islands Assignment

Geographical Transformation of the Caribbean Islands - Assignment Example Prior to the introduction of the Spanish our culture had been relatively insular. This is not to say that we did not trade with neighboring cultures and tribes; however, the drive to settle and explore for distant lands, even if we knew they existed, was not part of our cultural legacy. I would say there were many reasons for this; however, the primary cultural reason was due to the fact that our culture had derived from a group of individuals that were keenly aware of the unique demographics constraints that island lifestyle exhibited. Rather than being able to simply expand and colonize a new area, the Caribbean island ecosystem had taught our people how to manage the resources we had, supplement the ones we did not, and seek to find a way to supply the needs of our people without having to expand outwards. This is not to say that wars did not exist. There were numerous examples within our recent history when neighboring chiefs and tribal leaders coveted the position, riches, or sl aves that another neighboring group possessed. As a rsult, these battles were fought in much the same way that the Spanish fought to take control of our way of life, women, riches, and future. It was in October of 1492 that I became acquainted with what would spell the end of our civilization; although at that time, the ominous nature of the encounter was overcast by the sheer curiosity and fear that many of my tribesmen exhibited. What I first saw was a group of hairy-faced, colorful, and shiny men that I took for a type of embodiment of a god; or at the very least demigods. These men strode upon the sand and the thin thatch that covered the interior of the island with a heavy stride that set them apart from any man I had ever seen. I soon learned that the reason for their heavy and seemingly uncertain steps was due to the fact that they had been at sea, on board ships, for a long period of time. Accordingly, their ability to quickly acclimate to the sandy soil of Mamana was severe ly hampered. Although the fear soon gave way to curiosity, there was also a sense of foreboding that is now all too clear with respect to how the tribesmen viewed the Spanish. Upon coming ashore and making contact with the tribes chief and spiritual leaders, the Spanish wasted no time in seeking to find if there was anything that our people could offer them that would profit them. By standards of our culture, it was not common to greet a stranger and immediately make inquiries as to his overall wealth and a firm account of the things he possesses. For this reason, many of our tribesmen became wary of the way that the Spanish behaved and fearful of what type of intentions they harbored with respect to our lands and to our people. Now ten years later, I have grown to resent the way that the Spanish govern our culture. True, their technology has rapidly changed the way we lived; however, it has not improved the overall quality of our lives. Moreover, the effects of their conquest have meant that our culture, our religion, and our language is becoming more and more diminished each and every day that passes. For many reasons this troubles me. However, the single largest concern I have with respect to this is the fact that my children and their children’s children will grow up in a world that does not even resemble the one

Starbucks and Its Difficulties During the Time of Economic Hardship Case Study

Starbucks and Its Difficulties During the Time of Economic Hardship - Case Study Example Branded firms have their unique approaches to improving their market reach, brand image of the product, and maintain the quality standard of the product. Keeping in view the rapid rate of their expansion and growth at multiple locations these companies manipulated their marketing strategy according to the location since different locations offered different marketing environment (Larson. 2008). These companies focused more on its quality standard by critically handling the entire process involved from the purchase of raw materials till it's possession by its end user. These companies took a great care of each and every step to avoid compromising the quality standard of their products. In case of Starbucks Corporation, the firm created a coffee culture and also provided an atmosphere of relaxation for their customers who helped them in bringing the concept of â€Å"third place† where the first and second places were considered to be the home and office respectively (Larson, R. (2008). Many efforts are made by these companies under its strategic approach towards marketing to gain their customers’ trust and offer a value-based service to their customers. The companies also face problems due to variations in their customer group which varies with the location. Under such circumstances, these companies faced challenges which were mainly of following types, what mode should be used by the company to exist in the international market, how they should design their product offering to their customers keeping in mind the variations among the behavior of customer group. Along with it, another major challenge for such companies was to compete with other brands of the same industry serving globally to their customers. The marketing strategies adopted by Starbucks Corporation worked like a magnet which drove their customers to do things as per the company’s expectation (Carroll. 2007). A brand name in watchmaking industry is Maurice Lacroix which is famo us for its luxurious watches adopted strategy to promote their product and also form the alliance with a brand name in movies production house Dream Works for their film named Time Machine.

Culture and Socialization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Culture and Socialization - Essay Example There is no easy way to break this ice because the elevator ride would be finished in a matter of few seconds therefore a comfortable silence is certainly one of the acceptable ways to handle the situation. At the same time, it seems inappropriate to make other people in the elevator a party to a conversation between two friends therefore it can be observed that the second rule is adhered to as well. More importantly however, the elevator is often a confined space which puts people in close proximity with each other and that is an invasion of private space. However a distance of 2-3 feet can be established in a reasonably sized elevator therefore people would probably try to give each other as much personal space as possible to avoid invading that personal space. Individuals in the same elevator may be aware of each other’s presence but it seems like they are completely ignoring the presence since there is little or no eye contact once a person getting on to the elevator has found a spot for him/herself. Since they are not looking at each other, they follow the fifth rule to look at the top of the door with the floor marker which could also add to the illusion of space within the elevator since there is often no one to block the view to the top of the door. Social norms give us the means and examples of behavior in situations which may not have codified laws for conducting ourselves. Carspecken (1996) uses the example of elevator behavior to show how norms work in western society and suggests that while behavior in close proximity with strangers can be explained in terms of meanings, norms is a better term because it is related to the word normal, i.e. normal expected behavior which is agreed upon by the rest of the social setup in a given location. Carspecken goes on to write that norms are, â€Å"certain modes of acting

Excersice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Excersice - Essay Example Then, there is need to acknowledge counterarguments from opponents which would then be factually refuted to support the thesis (Axelrod and Cooper 201). This convinces the audience of the argument. I have applied this understanding, not just in writing argumentative essays, but also in leisure writing. I have strived to back up all my writing works with credible evidence. I now appreciate that I write best in a quiet environment and when I have adequate time. Quietness enables me to understand the arguments I would want to raise and passing across such arguments in written form. The need for adequate time is informed by the need to proofread and appropriately revise the given work. As such, I have better understanding on writing. Furthermore, the course made me more aware of critical writing aspects. First, I have gained knowledge on how to effectively support my ideas. Whereas I could have ideas, effective writing would require that I support such ideas with evidence from other sources. Among the many possible sources, credibility of such sources would directly impact on the credibility of my writing hence the need to support my arguments with evidence from credible sources. Scholarly sources are credible. Such evidence could be borrowed word for word from the source of evidence. This would require such evidence to be under quotes if not more than forty words. If more than forty words, then it would be cited in block form and indented without quotation marks (Axelrod and Cooper 433). Of importance is to attribute it to the author(s) and indicating the page from which such was borrowed. Even when paraphrasing, it is important to indicate the author and the page from which the information was borrowed from. A cquiring this knowledge has made me more aware about academic writing. To become a better and effective writer, I seek to continue honing my writing skills. During my leisure, I intend to pick random

Sustainable Management Futures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Sustainable Management Futures - Essay Example It is normally because of a risk or illegality, which arms others The employee has received no satisfactory reason from their immediate supervisors and he has exhausted all the channels available within the company, including going to the board of directors (GJALT & JOB, 2008). The employee has documented evidence that would convince a reasonable, impartial observer and that his or her concern for public safety is correct and the company product or action is likely to cause serious and considerable public harm (GJALT & JOB, 2008). Loyalty according to similes dictionary is the act of binding yourself intellectually or emotionally to a course of action while integrity is the quality of always behaving according to the moral principles that you believe in so that people respect and trust you or behaving according to the rules and standards of your job (ROSS, 2008). Loyalty to clients or to one’s own integrity versus loyalty to the organization, the general public, professional standards, and family and friends may prove to conflict and bring tension between the need to prevent abuses and preserve trust of an individual. Trust is a vital tension point in whistle blowing and a key source of ambiguity (ROSS, 2008). However, at times, loyalty to peers and the organization can be blind or misplace, and thus ceases to be a virtue because harm, rather than good can come from it. The Public Disclosure Act 1998 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that protects whistleblowers from detrimental treatment by their employer (HOBBY, 2010). Influenced by various financial scandals and accidents, along with the report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the bill was introduced to Parliament by Richard Shepherd and given government support, on the condition that it become an amendment to the Employment Rights Act 1996 (HOBBY, 2010). After receiving the Royal Assent on

Threshold Selection Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Threshold Selection - Case Study Example This essay discusses that there are many positive as well as negative responses to the various approaches that are followed by the human resource management while selection of the candidates for any job opening and the changes that the candidates that are selected in such a way bring about in the organization; these will be analyzed in this paper to assess how they influence the organization. With the launch of the UK’s 2010 Equality Act, that provided the opportunity for the human resource management to shift towards more progressive approach and selection on the basis of social group characteristics that included gender, ethnicity/race, disability, age, religion and sexual orientation. There was a large amount of hostile response towards this act. It was declared to be positive discrimination by stealth. Though discrimination usually means unfair, but selecting a candidate for a job on the basis of a set of characteristics is not only necessary but also a general practice. E very candidate has to be selected with respect to the job requirements as well as the needs of the organization. This article has provided a comparison of a variety of HR policies that are in place for the selection of suitable candidates for a job opportunity. There are a number of characteristics that are kept in mind while hiring the new staff for an organization. Such criteria and selection procedures often raise the concerns regarding unfair discrimination while the candidates are being interviewed., if not carefully monitored and responded to, these concerns can lead to legal issues not only for the organization but it can also effect the HR policies as a whole. For these reasons the governments launch general HR policies so that the points raised by the critics can be properly responded to. As mentioned in the article, various criticisms have been raised regarding the gender discrimination as there are various jobs that are not meant to be for the female staff. Or selection o f the candidates with respect to the political favors, one can avail by appointing politically favorable employees. Such discriminations are clearly discussed in the article and the response that such unfair differentiation gets by the commentators and the legalities that one organization might have to face as a result of the validation of such criticisms it can cost the organization a lot and it can also adversely influence the profession of human resource management. Thus the article suggests that acquiring the threshold selection model will be helpful and suitable to the organizations, their management and the candidates in general. Section Two: Summary of the research methods and findings This article has researched on the various selection policies and standards that are set by the general human resource ma

On Being an Atheist Essay Example for Free

On Being an Atheist Essay In this article McCloskey writes what he believes as truth in the world we live in. He states that theists believe in a God and that they have â€Å"proofs† that this God exists. In the article he addresses these â€Å"proofs† and in a very academic and respectful way tears them down. He attempts to eliminate all possibilities of the existence of God, through what he calls â€Å"reasons why I believe that atheism is a much more comfortable belief than theism, and why theist should be miserable just because they are theists. † The first issue that McCloskey references to is the â€Å"proofs† that Christians hold to prove that God exist, but as we learned in one of our PointeCast presentations, the reasons Christians believe in God are not exactly proofs, because they cannot scientifically or in any way prove to a point that God does in fact exist. These reasons are arguments, theories and carefully thought out propositions that try their hardest to justify what we believe in. Because of this McCloskey argues that humans should give up on the notion that God exists, yet since there also no way to prove that God does not exist, McCloskey is defeated by his own logic. So if humans are to give up on both the notion that there is or is not a God, then that leaves us with nothing whatsoever to believe in. There is no way to prove that God does or does not exist, what I might believe to be a strong argument for the existence of God, and atheist such as McCloskey might deem nonsense. These â€Å"proofsâ₠¬  are simply and objective argument for the existence of God, thus have to be taken as valid argument, propositions, and theory and not as tangible proof. McCloskey dissects three major arguments being the cosmological proof, the  theological proof, and the argument from design. He takes all these arguments and picks them apart for both atheist and theist to see what he is trying to prove. In all honesty in some cases in these arguments of his I can see what he is trying to prove, yet in the end I have no sense of what he has accomplished with his arguments if he himself cannot prove that God does not exist. The first argument that McCloskey addresses is the Cosmological proof. He states that we cannot possibly assume without proof on an â€Å"an all-powerful, all-perfect, uncaused cause† and to this notion I somewhat agree. The reason being is that this argument does not specify the qualities of a god that could create the universe as it is. Thus the argument simply states that there must have been a first cause or there would have been infinite regress, or in other words gods and that is what the argument is trying to avoid. The next argument that McCloskey addresses is the Theological proof. He states that there cannot be indisputable proofs and examples of design that the whole argument becomes invalid. In this case he is again defeated by his own logic; because once again there is no way that any arguments attempting to prove that God does not exist are indisputable as well. In the world we live we must believe in what we as individuals take to as truth, since there is no possible way that a person can prove or disprove that God does or does not exist. McCloskey is attempting to support his arguments so hard that in the essence of itself he is defeating himself without realizing it. I believe that a perfect example of intelligent design is the human body. There is no possible way that such a complex and amazing creation came from a bunch of cells meshing together. Our bodies are built to live on the earth in a way that is amazingly thought out. The body is functioning, living organism in and of itself with thousands of different parts and pieces all working together to accomplish one goal: to live. The human body is the perfect example to show that intelligent design was indeed included in the universe and in the world today. Though this does not prove that there is one God, it does prove that there is a higher being that created what we are  today. I do not object to the thought of microevolution or even evolution itself, but I do not believe that evolution exterminates the need for intelligent design and a creator. Evolutionists believe that there exist the â€Å"perfect condition† as to what created the cosmos and the world around us, yet all the experiments to prove that this event took place have failed. Again there is the fact that we cannot prove or disprove this belief, while the experiments have failed; there is no way to go back in time and to prove that it indeed does not exist. Yet people must take into account that evolution does not cancel out God, in fact why couldn’t it have been God himself that created the â€Å"perfect condition† that brought into place evolution. McCloskey also addresses the fact that there is imperfection and evil in the world, he states that there could not possibly be a God who would allow this. First of all, the cosmological proof in itself does not tell us the characteristic of the creator, simply that there is one. Secondly a person who believes in God would tell you that there is evil in the world because God gave his creation the right to choose. The choice of the first man and woman of the world which God created chose to sin and brought evil into the world. There is also the fact that I believe McCloskey is being quite bold by stating that there is no divine purpose. After all he is simply a person in the world; he himself is not the creator and definitely does not have all the knowledge of the universe. The fact that McCloskey brings up the presence of evil is quite understandable. I completely understand where he is coming from and have had experiences in my own life with people like this. This is actually a very common argument among atheist and McCloskey is not an exception. It is sometimes hard to accept that fact that evil sometime does in fact fall into God’s Will, even some theist have trouble with the problem of evil when they themselves believe in a â€Å"good God†. In this argument I honestly have trouble as well. It is hard to justify a good person’s murder, or the rape of a young child, or the death of thousands because of a natural disaster. Yet in  the depths of my heart I personally believe that when God created the world it was not as such, it was perfect. When sin entered into the world it brought the evil as well. As for why God allows such evil to take place, that is a harder question and an even more difficult answer. I was brought up to believe that when God sees his creation in pain, it hurts him too; there have been times when I have questioned why God allows certain evils in our lives. The truth is there is no arguments that can make a person feel better in the face of child abuse, rape, murder, suicide, and even natural disasters, yet in the moments when people are hurting the most is when they turn to God. Thus I believe that is the way in which we see the reason there is evil in the world. God did not create the world with evil in place, but he did create a creation that could choose for their selves. Thus in essence the human race suffers from our own choices. McCloskey makes some very valid arguments yet I find that most of them stand empty handed. McCloskey also questions why God would not create a human race with free will to always to choose what is right. To this statement I honestly believe that would not be freewill. The reason that God created man with free will was so that he could love God of his own free will. If God had created man to the point where he could only choose what was good and right then in essence it would not have been free will at all. The beauty of having free will is the fact that God lets you choose, though he knows the choices that you will make, the choices are yours. Whether to love God or to reject God, free will cannot be controlled for then it would not be free will at all. At the end of his article McCloskey states that atheism is a much more comforting belief than theism. He uses the example of an ill child that was dying and that he would find no comfort in knowing there was a God. I on the other hand find that if there was no God and man was here on earth simply to be and that there was no reason for living that the death of a child would be unimportant. This might sounds very cruel but it is the truth. If there is no reason to live then dying is not much of an issue, since there is no afterlife simply the life we have here on earth. I find the fact of not knowing what will happen after death disconcerting. To know that when I die I will be in heaven with God is more than enough to help me through this  life on earth. Atheism to me is a sad religion with no reason for the existence of man. Heaven holds so much for the believer, peace, no pain, and an eternal home with God. Atheism to me is the religion that is the most miserable to live with, not theism. The greatest reason being that if there is no God, no afterlife, no salvation; then when death is on your doorsteps there is no hope only despair and fear of the nothingness beyond the grave. I cannot live believing there is no reason to live here on earth, knowing God loves and has a place for me in heaven is what helps me live on this Earth. References Craig, William L. Reasonable faith: Christian truth and apologetics. 3rd Ed. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2008. 71-90. Evans, C. S., Manis, R. Z. Philosophy of religion: Thinking about faith. 2nd Ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009. McCloskey, H. J. Question 1: On being an atheist. 1968. 51-54.

Explanations of disorders of memory Essay Example for Free

Explanations of disorders of memory Essay An evaluation point for repression is research by Levinger and Clark, they carried out a study where the Ps were given negatively charged words and neutral words. They had to do a word association task whilst having their skin response measured. The Ps were then given the cue words again and asked the associations hey had just reported. They found that Ps took longer to recall the negatively charged associations than the neutral ones. So it could be said that it took longer to access the unconscious mind for the word associations. It has been reported that between 20-60% of people undergoing therapy as a result of child sexual abuse report periods in their lives when they could not remember the abuse had taken place. This supports repression as it shows that the memories had been repressed in their unconscious. However it could be said that they did not want to recall the events so therefore pretended they couldnrsquo;t remember. Freud published case studies for his neurotic patients to support his ideas of repression. These have been questioned as inaccurate, however the case studied were unique and one off and cant be generalised as the study took place on white,middle class neurotic women only. The study could be therefore be said to be Oestocentric and culture bias. The study however did have rich qualitative data. Post traumatic stress disorder is where people re-live traumatic events that have taken place in theory lives. This contradicts repression theory as these people are always remembering it as its not being repressed like Freud says they should. Robinson et al found that the memory of childbirth pain seems to be forgotten or repressed over time. This supports Freuds theory as child birth can be very traumatic however there are problems with using this evidence to support repression. It is difficult to generalise as the pain of childbirth is more painful and lasts longer than other types of pain. In conclusion all the theories of forgetting have their strengths but some seem to have more credibility and face validity than others. Psychologists however have considered that forgetting can be induced by memory disorders such as amnesia and dementia.

Marketing Analysis of BQ | SWOT

Marketing Analysis of BQ | SWOT Introduction A strategy is developed by a consideration of the resources of the organisation in relation to its environment, the prime purpose being to add value Dobson (2004). According to Stredwick (2008), Strategic analysis is concerned with the strategic position of the organisation. It consists of the organisations values, culture, resources and its environment. It tackles the following questions: what are the key characteristics of the organisation, what changes are going on in the environment, and how will these affect the organisation and its activities. In addition, a detailed internal and external environmental analysis including an assessment of culture enables the organisation to make a strategic choice and also help in the strategic implementation. Therefore, the report will use different tools such as SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis in relation to Michael Porter five forces analysis to highlight where BQ (UK) is, and the environment it operates in, is strategically and where it could be in the future and the nature of competition. It looks at internal factors, the strengths and weaknesses of BQ, and external factors, the opportunities and threats facing the business. Besides, PESTLE (Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental) analysis is another tool to be used to analyse the macro external environment. Johnson (1992) Cultural web will also be used for the assessment of BQ culture. BQ Profile BQ was the first national DIY retailer and has been in the DIY business for more than 30 years. Richard Block and David Quayle (BQ) wanted to bring value, longer opening hours and a broader product range to everyone. In the 1980s it bought the Scottish DIY chain Dodge City and eventually became part of the Kingfisher Group. Today, BQ is the UKs leading DIY and garden centre retailer and its stores offer approximately 40,000 inspirational home improvement and garden products for the homemaker, occasional to serious DIY and trade professionals. Swot Analysis of BQ UK Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Threats (SWOT) analysis is a tool of environmental scanning aimed at analysing both the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external environment (i.e. opportunities and threats) to see whether the organisation can seize new opportunities given its strengths and face new threats despite its weaknesses. Thus, a SWOT analysis is a well-rounded analysis which goes well beyond the internal environment. Strengths Leading brand and good reputation BQ is the number one leading brand in the UK and is twice the size of its competitor. It has a market size of  £31bn as regard to the size of repair, maintenance and improvement market. Being the number one position in the UK market, BQ has a major strength as they are ahead of their rivals. Furthermore, BQs reputation is strong and popular which means people view it with respect and believe in it, for example, BQ is supporting Prince Charles in his Preserve the Rainforest. Increased market share BQ has a market share of 14% where it employs 22,602 employees and has 321 stores in the UK (http://www.kingfisher.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=33 accessed [19/10/10]. Thus, BQ will continue to grow in the home improvement and garden sector. Their increased market share is a key to their success as it boosts reputation, profit and the value of the organisation. Constantly creating new, differentiated, Innovative and wide range of Products BQ offer around 40,000 products in stores. BQ also has its strong own-label such as BQ car boot protector, BQ Foot pump and so on. BQ has innovative, well displayed products and they are also continuing with their renewal programme which includes updating product ranges such as launching their first fair-trade products and designing more eco-products. Thus, BQs innovation keeps it a front-runner in the home improvement and garden centre as it is regularly re-launching and designing new products. Hence, having a product differentiation strategy makes BQ at a better competitive advantage. Sites BQ has some good positions and new opening opportunities. BQ has 321 stores in the UK. They also encourage more eco stores such as their eco flagship store is located in New Malden and boasts innovative developments such as 108 underground bore holes, 100 metres deep which heat and cool the store with energy from the earth. Moreover, for the first year 2010/11 half progress, three large and 1 medium stores revamp (kingfisher strategy progress, March 2010). Thus, this is a strength which shows the overall performance of the BQ. Adding value to the organisation Adopting Michael Porter (1985) value chain concept through all its primary and supporting activities, BQ Delivering Value programme of self-help initiatives is working well, meaning now it generates significantly higher profits and cash flow from its operations and a much better return on capital for its shareholders [www.kingfisher.com]. Technological strengths BQ have embraced technological advancement in their business. For example, it has their own website where customers can shop on line namely, www.diy.com, thus facilitating e-commerce. In addition, BQ intranet facility also helps in improving its internal communication system where policy and procedures of the company can be accessed to all employees. Furthermore, on the 4th august 2010, BQ has launched its first iDIY APPS which makes it easier for customers to get the job done by having BQ experts available for them whenever needed. It is new at apple store and free to download for I phone and I pad users. Moreover, a range of green technologies have incorporated into new stores at BQ. Good customer relationship management More than three million customers come at BQ (UK) doors every week. Thus, BQ has an extensive customer base, which is a major strength regarding sales and profit. Besides, BQ retain their customers by giving them the opportunity to create, design their own product according to their taste. BQ offer different types of discount for regular shoppers which also help in customer retention such as the diamond card which offer 10 % discount off to the over 60s every Wednesday off selected purchases or products, Trade Discount Card which also offers discounts for trade customers and Corporate Gift Cards which receive discounts for bulk spending. Effective Human Resource Practices BQ has been awarded again for the fourth year running the Gallup best workplace award. Besides, on the 22nd June 2010, BQ UK also scoops the top award at institute of internal communications [www.kingfisher.com]. BQ UK is also recognised for its constant emphasis on employee training in order to improve customer satisfaction. For example, 15 500 employees of BQ UK have completed a Retail Skills Level 2 NVQ or Home Improvement Knowledge Qualification awarded by City Guilds. BQ has a very experienced workforce which drives the organisation with knowledge and expertise. In general, we can therefore comment that BQ UK concentrate on the soft side of human resource management. They invest in people through good communications, teaming and training. A participative management style BQ has an organic or flatter organisational structure which reflects its culture. Employees are empowered and have freedom of expressing new ideas. Thus, BQ unlocks the potential of its employees. At BQ, they have been busy laying the foundations for future growth. For example, they recently launched a Dragons Den-style panel to help them filter new innovative and creative ideas from staff which is called the Innovation Den. This, therefore, encourages a culture of entrepreneurship and empowerment. Financial resources BQ has improved their financial performance; this can be proved by the key performance indicators such as the operating margin which has increased from 2.8% in 08/09 to 4.9% in 09/10. Thus, the rigorous focus on generating improved cash flow from operations, reducing the investment in working capital, whilst tightening controls over capital expenditure, has yielded a significant reduction in financial net debt [www.kingfisher.com ] Effective waste and recycling management Reducing waste help to improve efficiency of organisation, thus, so far BQ has 48 % less carbon emitted from waste. They have tried to manage their production in a systematic way through the use of technology. They encourage customers to return old products and packaging for recycling. Low threat of new entrance (one element of Porters five forces analysis) Being the market leader, having a market size of  £31bn, concentrating on product differentiation; economies of scale; having cost advantages; having high capital requirements and being part of kingfisher, the third largest home improvement retailer in the world, BQ, has low threat of new competitors. Bargaining power of suppliers: one element of Porters five forces analysis BQ maintain strong relationship with their suppliers, for instance, ensuring that their suppliers provide them with eco-friendly products. Thus, the bargaining power of their suppliers is low, which makes BQ having a competitive advantage. Weaknesses As per kingfisher business review, august 2010, BQ like to like sales has increased on seasonal products such as garden products; however, one weakness will be that sales of garden product will be reduced due to winter weather which will discourage customers to invest in their gardens. BQ website, diy.com, has a poor e-commerce ratings as they were ranked bottom overall, with customer scans of 50%. In addition, the site got only two star ratings for price and product out of five stars. Furthermore, they also have delivery issues; from over packaging and delays to time slots which shows how BQ is wasting both its time and resources and also reveals their inability to adapt quickly to change. Opportunities BQ is to expand its offer in to the trade market, with the triumphant trial of Trade Point stores in nine of its large UK branches. As customer tastes keep changing, for example many people prefer to use eco-friendly products, thus an opportunity will be to broaden BQs customer by offering several trials of new or expanded product categories. Thus, this will expand the product/service lines by BQ which could help them to raise sales and increase their product portfolio. In addition, products which are cash generators and are at the maturity stage on the product life cycle can finance the rising star at the growth stage and even the question mark that are at the introduction phase. To open more eco-stores, thus, meeting the companys aim of being a sustainable business. Integrate advanced ICT (information communication technology) in business process to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as having an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. Reinforce its web design to facilitate effectiveness e-commerce. Redesigned and reduced the size of packaging on a number of lighting products, removing significant amounts of plastic and polystyrene. This will help in handling waste appropriately. Further international growth. BQ has several stores in the UK and Ireland. It also operates in china. BQ has a number of highly skilled staff, which is an opportunity for them to explore as expertise of their staff can help B Q to bring the business forward. Threats Industry Rivalry (one element of Porter five forces analysis) Focus (DIY) Limited; Wickes and Homebase Limited are the top UK industry rivalry. Homebase limited is the second market leader in home improvement and garden centre retailer in the UK. Homebase with its sister company Argos (750 stores) booming rapidly, shows a recorded sales figure of  £1.57 billion 2009/10 and profit margin was  £41.2 million 2009/10 (www.homebase.co.uk). Although, BQ are going to open some Trade points, Homebase has already a robust supply chain partnership with Argos. Being the first one to introduce loyalty cards, Homebase have an advantage in retaining customers. Homebase allow customers to collect and redeem nectar points. Even BQ has a system of processing nectar points, but this is available only on their website, even though, points are spent, not collected. In addition, Homebase is also recognised for choice, style and customer service across the wider home enhancement market. In addition, according to the Observer (31st October 2010, by Zoo Wood), analysts verdict stated that Homebase is planning to buy Focus (DIY) limited, if the acquisition is confirmed, BQ would be facing big competitive challenges, and may even lose its number one market position in the UK. Thus, the nature of competition where BQ operates is fierce. Tax increases can place additional financial burdens on BQ Changes in the way consumers shop and spend and other changing consumer patterns could be a threat to BQs performance For example, during the recession, many customers buying behaviour pattern changes, most likely, they will not spend money in home improvement or garden products. In addition, wallpapers colour paint can also be changed according to the colour fashion trend. BQ could be threatened by the high bargaining power of customers that they can influence BQ pricing strategies. BQ is susceptible to slowing UK housing market. For example, in the UK, sales declined by 2.6% to  £4.3bn in March 2009, as the recession hit consumers upgrading their homes. In addition, Kingfisher state that UK home improvement market has fallen down which will not only affect the sales, but will also affect the companys profitability and performance. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7965018.stm accessed [19/10/10]. Ultimately, when strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are identified, BQ implement the three strategies which can be formulated: a) matching strategies: match strengths with opportunities; b) conversion strategies: converting threats into opportunities and/or weaknesses into strengths; c) creative strategies: they can also be creative and try to identify hidden strengths. PESTLE Analysis of BQ PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, legal issues and Environmental) analysis is used as a tool to analyse the external macro environment. It deals with those six factors that affect the organisation. Although the items in a PESTLE analysis rely on past events and experience, the analysis can be used as a forecast of the future. Besides, Kotler (1998) claims that PESTLE analysis is a useful strategic tool for understanding market development or decline, business position, prospective and direction for operations Political Factors Employment legislation According to Balchin (1994), For employment legislations, the government supports retailers to provide a mix of job opportunities from flexible, lower-paid and locally-based jobs to highly-skilled, higher-paid and centrally-located jobs. BQ has a flexible workforce of 60%; BQ does provide work for a diverse of people, such as students; people aged 45 plus; and under 25. In addition, increasing the retirement age up to 66 year old by 2020 will make BQ to review its HR policies to formulate new strategies. Besides, due to the increase of tax (VAT 20%), BQ price strategies need to be reviewed. However, BQ has requested to the government and European Commission to reduce the VAT to 5% on energy saving products to make it affordable to all www.diy.com . BQ is working in partnership with the government to promote sustainable growth For example, BQ is helping the Government Launch of the Green Loan Pilot Scheme where BQ is partnering the London Borough of Sutton in an experiment of the governments new (PAYS) Pay as You Save Scheme www.crp-news.com . Besides, BQ is helping the government to provide security equipment at reasonable prices and as affordable as possible to secure 45,000 homes. Government also offers BQ with vouchers to help in preventing burglary (National Security). Thus, having a good relationship with the government may help BQ in the future, such as having tax breaks, good public relations and strengthen their reputation. Economic Factors Economic factors are of concern to BQ, as they are likely to influence demand, costs, prices and profits. One of the most significant factors of the economy is high unemployment levels which have mainly increased due to the recession. The recession causing an increase in unemployment has decreased the effective demand for many goods, adversely affecting the demand required to produce such goods. For example, in 2008 the UK home improvement market declined by around 4% as the economic environment worsened, impacting consumer spending. BQ was badly affected by the weak housing market, that have made them concentrate on different marketing strategies of how to attract; retain or acquire the customers. BQ GDP (Gross Domestic Product) estimates for 2010 is 1.5 % This really shows the contribution BQ has made to boost the economy by producing its product within the countrys border. A positive GDP also indicates an avenue for economic growth which leads to higher living standards and greater prosperity for individuals. It also supports businesses to be profitable, which creates employment and income. Increase interest rates by 4% in 2011 and an increase in inflation rates will affect both BQ and the consumers. Therefore, the economy is likely to experience falls in consumption and investment. Social Factors Shifts in values, culture and lifestyle Norms, values and paradigms form the socio-cultural environment. They have impact on corporate strategies. For example, there has been a shift of lifestyle where nowadays people are more concerned of the environment issues occurring, such as the Green House Effect, the widening gap of the ozone layer, and so on, thus, they are more prone to consume eco-friendly products which help in maintaining a sustainable environment. Thus, to adapt with this socio-cultural shift, has pushed BQ towards the being responsible to the environment and support ethical behaviour. For example, they have designed new eco products and open new eco stores by using green technologies, such as QUEST environmental management system. In addition, BQ social responsibility which can reflect upon its culture, are divided into four section: Their diversity strategy (value of respect for people), Environmental impact (life cycle and make up of products); Ethical (how and where to buy our products) and Community (their better neighbourhood approach). Demographic changes Demographic changes such as the ageing population and an increase in female workers have made BQ to review its employment policy, for example, this made them concentrate on benefits offered to older workforce. In addition, having an ageing population has also influenced BQ in developing different marketing strategies to retain older customers such as the diamond discount card which offer 10 % discount off to the over 60s. Source: Hogarth, T. and Michael C. Barth (1991) Moreover, families are nowadays having fewer children, and having an ageing population, will result in a shortage of skilled labours in the market. Thus, this had led to the recent introduction of legislations such as the entrepreneurs visa, point-based systems and working visa. Therefore, BQ should acknowledged these changes and review its employment policy accordingly. Education In order to promote children skills, BQ has launched its nationwide job done initiative by teaching children DIY skills as a curriculum for the future. In addition, to educate both women and men about the use of DIY tools, BQ has introduced its IDIY apps. Technological Factors Technology is a major micro environmental factor which has influenced the development of BQ products and services. The new technologies benefit both customers and the company: customer satisfaction increases as products are readily available, services can become more personalised and shopping more convenient (Data monitor Report, 2003). BQ utilises the following technologies: New tracking technology: BQ is using TaqMan operation campaign technology Decorating card technology Variety use of low carbon technologies including solar panels and ground source heat pumps for New Malden eco store. And, in the future, solar system can be used in most homes as a replacement for gas and electric heating. BQ joined SEDEX- a web-based system that provides a membership based data exchange where it provides them with greater visibility at all levels of their supply chain. Legal Factors Many government legislations and policies have a direct influence on the performance of BQ. For instance, Kingfisher retail board ensures that BQ adopt the code of practice to guarantee ethical business practices among its employees, suppliers, contractors and investors. For example, BQ has an anti-bribery and corruption policies and procedures in the light of the new UK Bribery Act 2010. The existence of powerful competitors with reputable brands generates a threat of intense price wars and robust requirements for product differentiation. The governments policies for monopoly controls and reduction of buyers power can limit entry to this sector with such controls as license requirements and limits on access to raw materials (Mintel Report, 2004; Myers, 2004). Thus to device politically correct pricing policies, BQ set reasonable prices for its products. Environmental Factors In 2003, there has been greater pressure on many companies and managers to recognise their responsibility to society, and act in a way which benefits society overall (Lindgreen and Hingley, 2003). Thus, in 2008, BQ signed a three year partnership with BioRegional to move towards becoming a One Planet Living business in order to reduce its impact on the worlds resources. BQ is awarded chain-of-custody certification for both Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). In addition, Graiser and Scott (2004) state that in 2003 the government has planned to introduce a new strategy for sustainable consumption and production to minimise waste reduce consumption of resources and minimise environmental damage. Thus, this has pushed BQ in developing strategies such as making use of a new supplier measurement system call QUality-Ethics-SafeTy (QUEST) to ensure that the green policy is respected in accordance to the sustainability standards. However, BQ commitment is that they will force all timber products to be source certified, and also developed enforcing principles to engage its environmental campaign on suppliers. In this circumstance, question can be asked about power relations between BQ and suppliers: could other companies do what BQ is doing? Do BQ have that much power which it holds over its supply base? According to New (2003), he states that BQ does not have that power to change the way the supplier operates as green purchasing policies would vary between firms context. Assessment of BQ Culture According to CWL Hill G R Jones (2001), an organisational culture is the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organisation and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organisation. Cultural Onion What is right and proper? What the organisation should seek to achieve? The basic assumptions of the group The way we do things around hereCulture can be compared to an onion with three layers. Figure : Cultural Onion; source: Trompenaars Hampden-Turner (1997) Cultural Web One of the most commonly used ways of making sense of an organisations culture is to use the cultural web (Johnson, 1992). It is a schematic representation of the elements of an organisations culture in such a way that we can see how each element influences the paradigm. The cultural web theory is also a useful analysis for management as it represents the fundamental assumptions related to political, symbolic and structural aspect of the organisation. Figure : cultural web. Source: Johnson (1992) Cultural web theory application is an effective tool in assessing the cultural environment for BQ. As mention before, the cultural onion contains layers of norms, values, and paradigm and also the ways of doing business within and outside the company. Hence, the concept of cultural web is the demonstration of these actions taken for granted for understanding how they associate and influence the strategy (Veliyath and Fitzgerald, 2000; Johnson and Scholes, 2003). It is also used to bridge the gap between actual and desired culture through adaption of future strategies. Culture can be examined through the interpretations of how the organisation behaves, including, rituals, stories, structures, routines and systems. This shows the clues about the taken-for-granted assumptions (Paradigm). BQ has a very friendly, welcoming and supporting approach in the routine ways that shows how staffs behave towards each other, and towards those outside the company that can make up the way people do things. The control systems and measurements are continually under the management review to display the competence of the staff and bosses decisions. For instance, control systems on its quality of service, its strong environmental supply chain system, and the behavioural control of its staffs by having a good HR policy. The rituals of the organisations life are, corporate gatherings, the special events which BQ stresses what is mostly important and reinforce the way things are done. Symbols represent different basics such as Titles, Logos, uniforms or the type of language and expressions commonly used which becomes a shorthand image of the nature of the organization. BQ has already a recognised eye catching Orange colour as its logo as well as its uniforms. The brand and the logo signify a lot to people inside and outside the organisation. Nevertheless, BQ is recognised for using similar orange colour logo and store layout from the American giant DIY retailer, Home Depot, thus, the question is how innovative and unique is BQ as regard to its logo and brand positioning? What will happen to BQ if Home Depot comes into UK market? Power Structures are the core assumptions that contribute to the paradigm and are likely to be made by the most powerful management groupings in the organisation. And, as for BQ, its power relies in the environmental and ethics department, how to make people more committed to the environment and as well as to develop their core values. Continuous meetings and communication at every level of the organisations hierarchy signify a strong internal environment and a flat (organic) organisational structure. Conclusion The report entails a detailed environmental analysis of BQ including an assessment of culture. BQ had adopted influential identities by making their DIY model into a virus and outlaying it out into the culture via a range of channels: cultural sponsorship, consumer experience, political controversy, and brand extensions. The report has used mainly SWOT and PESTLE to conduct the environmental analysis. Although they are powerful tool for analysis, they do have some limitations. For example, they are only good for the person who makes it. For instance, in SWOT analysis strength can be seen as a weakness by another person. Thus, it lacks of validity and reliability. However, conducting an environmental analysis will help to formulate generic strategies for the company to have a competitive advantage. Furthermore, the industry life cycle can also be viewed as an extension of PESTLE analysis as it is a way of showing how certain PESTLE factors influence the development of an industry over time. For example, it was the changes of PESTLE factors that caused BQ to move from growth to maturity and back again. Besides, due to a dynamic environment, strategy formulation should be viewed as a route to continuous learning. The excellence of a formulated strategy and the speed of its implementation will hence depend on the quality of BQs intellectual and behavioural learning processes.

DNA Testing and the Conviction of Criminals Essay -- Exploratory Essay

DNA Testing and the Conviction of Criminals There have been many incidents where cases have needed a solid prosecution in order to convict the defendant in a murder or rape case. This is where DNA Testing comes in to help. By taking a DNA test, a person can be found guilty or not guilty. If a person claims they have been raped there can be a sperm sample taken from the suspect in order to prove that he is guilty or not. In addition, in a murder case there can be blood taken from the suspect so they can tell of his innocence. There are several ways to determine whether a person is guilty or not by this method. Many cases have begun to use this method saying that it is foolproof. People say this is the method of the future of crime scene investigation. DNA Testing is a foolproof way to prove whether a criminal is innocent or guilty. I believe in order to be able to DNA Test I have to know what DNA is in the first place. According to the National Institute of Justice DNA is "the primary carrier of genetic information in living organisms, consists of a very long spiral structure that has been likened to a 'twisted ladder"(1997). The handrails of this ladder are made up of bases, which are nucleic acids. These nucleic acids combine to form pairs, which then creates nucleotides. These pairs create the genetic code of DNA (National Institute of Justice, 1997). The National Institute claims that these nucleic acids combine to form pairs, which then creates nucleotides. These pairs create the genetic code of DNA (1999). The four nucleic acids are adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine (All About DNA, 1998). Many people cannot necessarily always rely on fingerprints. DNA evidence is the method of the future. Crimes will be sol... ... National Institute of Justice: Research in Action. (1998). The Unrealized Potential of DNA Testing. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. National Institute of Justice: Research Preview. (1997). Automated DNA Typing: Method of the Future? Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Robertson, J., Ross, A.M., & Burgoyne, L.A. (Eds.). (1990). DNA in forensic science: theory, techniques, and applications. England: Ellis Howard Limited. Stevens, M., (2002, May). Do fingerprints lie? Retrieved April 8, 2004, from http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/ ?020527 fa_ FACT What every law enforcement officer should know about DNA evidence. (1999,September). Retrieved April 18, 2004, from http://www.ncjrs.org/nij/DNAbro/evi.html Wright, R. (1999). James Watson and Francis Crick. Time Magazine. Retrieved April 6, 2004, from http://www.time.com/

High School Literature :: essays papers

High School Literature The story â€Å"Brownies† by ZZ Packer could be looked at as a work of literature from certain views, but in the opinion of Prose, the author of â€Å" I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read,† I do not believe that this story would be looked at as a work of literature. This story does not seem very â€Å"uplifting† as Prose would want it to be for a high school reader. Although it is a very interesting story and it holds many important messages about our society and culture, it does not hold up to Prose’s standards as a work of literature. Prose believes that we â€Å"have rushed to sacrifice complexity for diversity.† (Prose, 76) This is exactly why I do not think that Prose would choose this story as a something she would want students to read. â€Å"The reader is being squandered on regimens of trash and semi-trash, taught for reasons that have nothing to do with how well the book is written.† (Prose, 76) Prose often talks about how stories that are chosen for our society’s high school curriculum are not complicated enough. The stories read by students are easy to read, and demand very little thought from the reader. Prose uses words such as transformative, complex, powerful, and profound for the books she believes should be used. These words do not describe the story â€Å"Brownies† by ZZ Packer. Although there are many accurate similes and decently used language in the story â€Å"Brownies,† the overall point of the story seems very simple for a high school student to pick up on. I do not think it would engender a feeling of deep thought for students, as Prose would want. The story â€Å"Brownies† seems like it would be easy to analyze. It seems like more of the type of story that would evoke more of a response, which in my opinion would not be greatly valued by Prose. She seems like she would be more interested in having a high school student have to work to analyze a story, than respond about how they felt about a certain piece of writing. Racism is a strong message in the story â€Å"Brownies.† There are two troops of brownies camping in the same area. One of the troops is black girls, and the other is all white girls.

Adult social care settings Essay

1.1 Define Person centred values. Person centred values means the people whom we support are treated as equals and are involved in all aspects and areas of their care and that they are respected and valued as individuals. This means being involved in their assessments, care delivery and support planning, basically person centred values is making sure all approaches, policies and procedures and care practices put the residents at the centre of the day-to-day activities. It should also include the residents and their families in the planning and maintaining of this. 1.2 Explain why it is important to work in a way that embeds person centred values. The underlying purpose of person centred values is to ensure that the individual needing care is put at the very centre of the decision making progress about their life and the services and support they want, need and require. Person centred values is about putting an individuals needs and choices first, respecting their privacy and dignity and giving that individual as much independence as possible. under this strict system, the person is always placed at the very centre of the planning of the care programme required, in that he or she will always be consulted and that his or her views will always come first. Therefore the plan is tailor-made to that particular person, and it should include all aspects of care, from the Social and Health Services, from that individual’s family and from the voluntary sector. Outcome 2 Understand how to implement a person centred approach in an adult social care setting. 2.1 Describe how to find out the history, preferences, wishes and needs of an individual. By working in a way that puts an individual we are supporting at the centre of any planning and communicating with them we can find out information about their history, preferences and wishes. By using this approach we aim to see the person as an individual, rather than focusing on their illness or on abilities they may have. We can also include asking their family, friends, carers, other professionals including, GPS, nurses, social workers and also by looking at documents, such as pictures, letters, etc†¦ 2.2 Describe how to take into account the history, preferences, wishes and needs of an individual when planning care and support. When planning individual support it is necessary to record day-to-day preferences and requirements of the individuals care and support, we can do this by addressing individuals needs and preferences in a care plan, this holds all information about the individual you are supporting, their likes and dislikes, their hobbies, family information and their health as it changes. You can find out in a care plan if an individual likes reading in the afternoon or dancing to Elvis, and you can plan their daily activities around this, it is a way you can ensure the environment promotes well-being for your individual you are supporting. Having a holistic approach to meeting the needs and preferences of each individual is also a key skill. Things can change however depending on how that individual is feeling, say for example they feel physically sick and tired, they are not going to want to get out of bed, get washed, get dressed and sit in a room full of people all day, they are a lot more likely to want to lye in bed all day and that is fine as long as all their needs have been met and you explain what this choice will mean. 2.3 Explain how using and individuals care plan contributes to working in a person centred way. Plans for how people want their support to be delivered are a vital part of  person-centred working. People should be in centre of their plans and the planning process is a key way of ensuring that are at the centre of any support provided Care support plans are now developed by the person themselves, sometimes with support from family and friends. Plans are then agreed by the social worker or the manager. The development of a support plan is the perfect example of how person-centred working operates. Instead offering people a choice of what is currently available and finding what best fits their needs, person-centred working looks at someone’s needs and built the support package around them. One of the important aspects of person-centred planning is to look at what people are able to do for themselves and to ensure that services are not taking over aspects of a person’s life that they could perfectly well manage without support. Outcome 3 Understand the importance of establishing consent when providing care or support. 3.1 Define the word ‘consent’ Consent is the informed agreement to an action and/or decision. Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. 3.2 Explain the importance of gaining consent when providing care or support. When working with an individual it is important to uphold their rights to be fully involved in their own care, whilst adhering to legal requirements. It is also the individuals right to refuse any care, support or treatment they do not want. It is also essential that people not only give you their consent but also that they understand what they are consenting to and the implications of this. Gaining consent protects not just the career but the individual receiving the care and support as-well. If no consent is given then you cannot proceed with the care. It is illegal to pressure anyone into something they do not want to do. 3.3 Describe how to establish consent for an activity or action. Consent can be implied, verbal, informed or written. Good communication skills and active listening plays a key role when gaining consent, by listening and treating an individual with respect you gain their trust and this is a way of gaining consent. By openly talking to the individuals in your care and being honest with them they are more likely to trust you. 3.4 Explain what steps to take if consent cannot be established. If consent cannot be established then you have a legal requirement to act in the best interest of the individual, to work towards solving conflict, with the use of extra support of advocates if necessary and where need to contact the person with whom has legal responsibility. All this must be recorded. Outcome 4 Understand how to encourage active participation. 4.1 Define what is meant by active participation. Active participation is an approach that recognizes all individuals rights and needs to participate in activities and relationships of everyday life as independently as possible, making sure the individual is actively part of their own care or support rather then a passive recipient. 4.2 Describe how active participation benefits an individual. Active participation empowers and encourages and individual to participate in their own care, it gives them the chance to be included in their care and have a greater say in how they live their lives. Active participation has many positive benefits such as: Physical benefits including greater activity levels. Increased independence and autonomy in what people do. An opportunity for individuals in health and social care settings to have a say in matters of direct concern to their lives. Increased opportunities for social contact and interpersonal relationships. Encouraging involvement and self-awareness. Enhanced well-being, with increases in self-confidence, self-esteem and self-belief. Active participation enhance an individual and helps to strengthening them physically, psychologically and their all over well-being. 4.3 Describe ways of reducing barriers to active participation. There are many ways of reducing barriers to active participation, organising and providing opportunity’s for involvement in social activities, Treating all individuals equally whilst still recognizing that everyone has differences and everyone is unique, A main way of reducing barriers is to introduce different ways of communication, such as Makaton, Sign language, Braille and also just by talking nice a clear and taking the time to listen to the individual in your care. 4.4 Describe ways of encouraging active participation. To encourage active participation you first should explain the benefits of participation and how it will motivate, encourage and support an individual. We can also involve family and friends to make experiences more meaningful and to be able to discuss with family and friends that activities cater to the needs and ability’s of an individual. Encouraging active participation is all about making that individual under your care feel good about themselves through, praise, compliments, patience and constructive feedback. Its all about making that individual feel comfortable, helping them feel as if their home, helping to improve their fitness, and helping to develop their social skills. Outcome 5 Understand how to support an individuals right to make choices. 5.1 Identify ways of supporting an individual to make informed choices. Informed choice is a voluntary, well-considered decision that an individual  makes on the basis of options, information, and understanding. To offer informed choices in a care setting staff need to empower their clients offer them up-to-date information and knowledge encourage independence 5.2 Explain why risk taking can be part of an individuals choices. We all take risks in life, its a way we grow and learn about ourselves and our limitations. Taking risks can empower us and teach us consequences, it is part of an individuals choice to take risks as long as those risks do not hurt others. To take a risk is an individuals choice the decision they make will result in some sort of consequence, negative or positive but it is down to the individual to make that choice. If the individual has the mental capacity to make an informed choice then they should be allowed to explore those risks. A person centred approach seeks to focus on people’s rights to have the lifestyle that they chose, including the right to make ‘bad’ decisions. You have to try and use person centred thinking tools, to help people and those who care about them most to think in a positive and productive way about how to ensure that they can achieve the changes they want to see while keeping the issue of risk in its place. 5.3 Explain how agreed risk assessment processes are used to support the right to make choices. Each individual in adult care should have a formal risk assessment carried out as part of their care plan. Risk assessments should contain information about the individual and the type of care and support they need. It will provide the most appropriate options for keeping the individual and anyone else involved as safe as possible. It will also tell you how to do some tasks where these tasks have been risk assessed and the best option has been established. Using a person-centred approach helps professionals involved in assessing risk to address significant issues of health and safety whilst supporting choice by also taking into account things that are important to people. A person centred approach can be one of the best ways to: Consider taking a particular risk or risks Establish and improve capacity to make decisions Make a best interest decision 5.4 Explain why a workers personal views should not influence an individuals choices. Every person in the world has the right to make his or her own decisions as long as it doesn’t involve another individual getting hurt. When an individual in your care makes a decision which you feel is risky, you need to make the individual aware of any consequences of their decision, however you mustn’t try to influence them with you own views, thoughts and feeling. The choice is the individuals not yours, they need to make their own decisions in order to feel in control of their lives, this leads to positive thinking, motivation, and positive feelings towards, dignity, pride and satisfaction. 5.5 Describe how to support an individual to question or challenge decisions concerning them that are made by others. Family and friends sometimes make decisions on behalf of an individual in care, these decision can be about the type of care or support they are receiving or the life style they are leading, but these decisions are not always discussed with the individual in question, and they may no be happy or comfortable with the outcome. It is essential that you obtain and understand the facts and reason these decisions were made so you make sure the individual has a clear understanding. If the individual remains sure that he/she is not happy with the decision, once he/she has this information, you can work with the individual to support them to challenge the decision. Any changes that are made to these decisions must be noted and reported and they must be made safe for yourself, the individual and anyone else involved. You should never make changes to a care plan or anything smiler without the proper training or discussing it first with you supervisor or line manager. 6.1 Explain how individual identity and self esteem are linked with well being Everyone has the right to identify themselves however they want, everyone has there own thoughts and beliefs and they shouldn’t be made to feel bad or have there self esteem lowered because someone doesn’t believe or think the same ways as someone else. Maintaining someone’s identity is done by always recognising that person as an individual, recognising that everyone has there own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, wishes and views and that makes them unique. You must always try to deal with views and choices of another person in a positive and caring manner, all this will contribute to their sense of well-being. 6.2 Describe attitudes and approaches that are likely to promote an individuals well-being. By always ensuring that the individual is treated in a professional, kind, caring and courteous way, their sense of well-being is always assured. Care workers can also make sure that they use a number of different approaches empowering approaches that enable the individual to take control, a positive approach that encourages the individual to feel good, working in a trusting and professional way enables a good relationship to build between the care worker and individual promoting a sense of well-being. 6.3 Identify ways to contribute to an environment that promotes well-being. There are many ways to contribute to an environment that promotes well-being, the individual in your care needs to feel safe, secure and at home in a welcoming environment that makes them feel comfortable, the best way to do this is for the individual to have their personal belongings around them, things that matter and make them feel good; Photos, Ornaments, Books, Pieces of furniture An environment that is easy for them to get around in, that is adapted for their needs/abilities, set out in a way of their choosing e.g their bedroom is personal to them, furniture placed in the way they have chosen, they’re decision on how it’s laid out, their decision on how it is decorated, it is their home and it should be made to feel welcoming, open and comfortable. Adult social care settings Essay Outcome 1 1.1 People communicate to understand their needs, to have a conversation, to express feelings, needs, to build relationships and trust. They communicate to share information and opinions, to ask questions and get answers. 1.2 Communication between staff effects service provision, understanding each other, team work and dignity in care. If communication is not effective, it can affect again residents-we can do harm to them, it can affect their health and well-being. Communication with staff is essential for passing information from one person to another. Information can be passed from carer worker to carer worker via verbal communication or written documents from care plans and daily reports, to fire books. Written communication has to be effective as it provides an on-going picture of a certain person, situation. Effective communication between staff is essential for care to be professional. Without effective communication care needs of the clients may go unnoticed leading to medical problems, abuse, depression etc. Communication with residents is most important in care job. That’s the way how you can easier understand they needs, requirements. It can affect service that carer provide to reside nts-more effective communication, better service to residents; with effective communication carer is building trust between residents and staff that helps in future work with them. 1.3 The care worker should always observe an individual’s reactions to see whether person fully understands what you have said to them. If the resident for example looks confused then the carer must then adapt their communication and ask again the question or other. In this way communication will be effective. It is also important to observe an individual’s reactions so as to spot anything that may be worrying them or upsetting them; the carer must to change their approach – this may be noticed through the resident change in facial expression or body language. If resident cannot verbalise what they want or prefer, then observing their reactions staff can make a decision about resident needs. Outcome 2 2.1 It makes more effective communication, more understand what other person trying to say. More understand they culture, religious believes. To be involved in their daily life. To avoid the individual feeling excluded, becoming distressed, frustrated or frightened. 2.2 Is verbal and non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is all without making noises, sounds. It can be writing, showing pictures with food choice, walk in park, toilette need. Can be even facial expressions, eye contact, body language, gestures or touch to get attention, physical gestures, behaviour. Verbal communication is vocabulary and tone in what person like to talk, involved in conversation. Outcome 3 3.1 Communication barriers can be place where person is, people around, noisy environment, values, culture, beliefs, his wishes and needs. Reason can be even lighting, how close you stand to that person or language barrier. 3.2 Communication barriers can reduce if you take the person to another room. Can try to turn lower music volume on television or radio. Try to talk with person in more private place, ask about his needs. Another way how we can reduce the impact of this barrier is by using a translator when you or resident do not understand what you both are saying because of a language barrier. Finally this would work because by using a translator you will not be offending people who speak a different language. Communication barrier can be because of different cultures and they include different cultures using different words or signs which may not be accepted in other cultures. One example of a mechanism which can be used to reduce the impact of this barrier to communication is by respecting other people’s beliefs and social habits. 3.3 To be sure that person understand me I can see it by his facial expressions, body language or his action on what I said. Ask if the person understand me, rephrasing. Some person need more time for get right answer or you should repeat a question, sentence. 3.4 It can be more enable: Colleague – staff member who knows resident issues, needs, wishes, more  about his culture, values, beliefs. Speech therapist – can tell who has had a stroke. GP – is person who know more about resident general health problems, how staff can make that person more relax and comfortable. Family – can tell more about carrier person daily life, person food choice, needs. Psychotherapist – can advise on exercise for people at all stages of dementia. They can also give advice carers on safe ways of helping someone to move. Dentist – can be used if the individual has dentures which are to loose and move when speaking. Outcome 4 4.1 Confidentiality means keeping residents information private and safe and passing information to only those who have rights to it. Confidentiality means also not passing information outside care house, keeping information safe and private. 4.2 Confidentiality you can maintain with not passing information outside of work or to other resident visitors. Be professional and don’t talk about residents in public places when you have a meal with work colleagues or in public transport on a way home. Don’t leave a written personal records lying around. You need to put them in safe place, where access is just for staff members. Health records are confidential. They should be shared only on a need-to-know basis. Carrier can give access to resident relevant information to those who have rights to know it. 4.3 Can share confidential information when the person is being placed in danger, harmed or abused. You can share information with other staff members in situation if for example resident is telling you he feels in danger of other resident or staff member and ask you not to tell anyone. It is situation where you need to explain person that you can’t keep information, because you want him to be in safety and need to help him by acting straight away. Can share when a criminal act has taken place. However, even, where it is clearly beneficial to share information for direct care, rules about confidentiality and privacy still apply. That means that only those who have a clear need to know should have access to the relevant confidential information. 4.4 Can seek advice about confidentiality if speaking with manager or with the organisation’s confidentiality policy. If someone is calling by phone and asking some information about any of residents and you are not sure who it is you can always ask him to speak with manager or just  take persons phone number and tell him that manager will call him back. The Data Protection Act is a law that applies to all social services and health records. It means that any information about resident should be kept accurately and securely, and there should be measures restricting who can see it. There are circumstances when an authority may have the right to break the rules about confidentiality. This is normally in extreme situations.

Air Act

AIR ACT 1981 With the increasing industrialization and the tendency of the majority of industries to congregate in area which are already heavily industrialized, the problem of air pollution has begun to be felt in the country. The problem is more acute in those heavily industrialised areas which are also densely populated. Short-term studies conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, have confirmed that the cities of Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, etc. re facing the impact of air pollution on a steadily increasing level. 2. The presence in air, beyond certain limits, of various pollutants discharged through industrial emission and from certain human activities connected with traffic, heating, use of domestic fuel, refuse, incinerations, etc, has a detrimental effect on the health of the people as also on animal life, vegetation and property. 3.In the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in June, 1972 in which India parti cipated, decisions were taken to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural resources of the earth which, among other things, include the preservation of the quality of air and control of air pollution. The government has decided to implement these decisions of the said Conference in so far as they relate to the preservation of the quality of air and control of air pollution. 4. It is felt that there should be an integrated approach for tackling the environmental problems relating to pollution.It is, therefore, proposed that the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, will also perform the functions of the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution and of a State Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution in the Union Territories. It is also proposed that the State Boards constituted under that Act, separate State Boards for the Preservat ion and Control of Air Pollution are proposed to be constituted. The Air Act is implemented by the Central and State Governments and the Central and State Boards. Air Act AIR ACT 1981 With the increasing industrialization and the tendency of the majority of industries to congregate in area which are already heavily industrialized, the problem of air pollution has begun to be felt in the country. The problem is more acute in those heavily industrialised areas which are also densely populated. Short-term studies conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, have confirmed that the cities of Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, etc. re facing the impact of air pollution on a steadily increasing level. 2. The presence in air, beyond certain limits, of various pollutants discharged through industrial emission and from certain human activities connected with traffic, heating, use of domestic fuel, refuse, incinerations, etc, has a detrimental effect on the health of the people as also on animal life, vegetation and property. 3.In the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in June, 1972 in which India parti cipated, decisions were taken to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural resources of the earth which, among other things, include the preservation of the quality of air and control of air pollution. The government has decided to implement these decisions of the said Conference in so far as they relate to the preservation of the quality of air and control of air pollution. 4. It is felt that there should be an integrated approach for tackling the environmental problems relating to pollution.It is, therefore, proposed that the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, will also perform the functions of the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution and of a State Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution in the Union Territories. It is also proposed that the State Boards constituted under that Act, separate State Boards for the Preservat ion and Control of Air Pollution are proposed to be constituted. The Air Act is implemented by the Central and State Governments and the Central and State Boards.

Low income and education Essay

This essay will consider if children from low income families are disadvantaged in the education system. It will examine if there is a direct link between poverty and low educational attainment. As far back as 1959 the Crowther Report identified a link between low incomes and low attainment levels. This was followed in 1963 by the Newsom report that found many secondary modern schools were deficient and argued that the less privileged 50 per cent of children did not receive their fair share of resources. (P Young, Mastering Social Welfare, p. 180) Recent research from the Institute of Education has shown that children from poorer families are no more likely to gain qualifications than they were a generation ago. A study carried out by Barbara Jefferis, a research fellow at the Institute of Child Healthfound a strong link between social background and cognitive development. The research carried out found the gap between educational attainment between the richest and the poorest in society widened as time went on. (The Guardian, August 9th 2002) The British Medical Journal published a study in August 2002 that firmly points at poverty and social deprivation as some of the most significant factors why some children do less well than others. Nick Davis points out in his book, The School Report: he is not uncovering the unknown but exposing something that no one with any power will admit. The ‘great unmentionable’, Davis shows, is the direct correlation that exists between educational performance and poverty. (N.Davis, 2000) David Miliband, the Minister of State for school standards, has stated that only 14 per cent of young people from lower income backgrounds go to university, compared to 75 per cent from more advantaged homes. For some children the first step in education is nursery education. Although not compulsory nursery education is now available to all three and four year olds. A scheme set up by the government provides nursery vouchers for all three and four year olds. These vouchers are used to purchase OFSTED inspected nursery education. State run nursery schools are available in many areas, although these may not have the same resources as private ones. High  quality nursery education may be available although only parents with a higher income may be able to afford the extra costs than those provided by the voucher scheme. Many educational experts consider that pre school education is a vital foothold in education. If a child is unable to achieve the best possible start in education it may reflect on their educational achievement. The government’s response to this is the Sure Start scheme. Sure Start is aimed at pre school children which as well as focusing on education focuses on health. In recognizing that a child’s early years are vital to their future success, Sure Start provides better opportunities for young children. Support is also offered to parents in preparing them to assist their child to succeed. (www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ucu/suppfam.) As most parents of children living in poverty may have a limited education themselves support for parents is essential in helping their child succeed. Very early education begins in the family home through interaction, as education can break the cycle of poverty, parental education and parenting skills may be more important than economic factors. Deprivation may effect a child’s education in many ways. Children that live in poverty often live in the most deprived areas of a neighbourhood. These areas often have schools which may be at the lower end of performance league tables. League tables show that schools in areas of social housing or with high numbers of private rented accommodation perform less well than schools in more affluent areas. Schools whose pupils are mostly from large inner city council estates are often referred to as sink state schools, hardly aspiring for those pupils that attend them. As the parents or parent of these pupils have limited income they are not in the position to move to a better area which has access to a better school. If they were able to secure a place in a better performing school outside the area, they may be unable to afford the traveling expenses. Families with higher incomes are able to move into catchment areas of the better schools. Parents are often willing to pay more to live near a high achieving school. (Gibbons and Machin, 2000) Selective education is available in Britain, although most of this is in fee-paying Independent schools. Others are known as ‘grant maintained schools’, and they may use their own methods of selection. This often excludes children from low income families and particularly those from the  worst areas. School performance League table’s 2000 show that the top one hundred schools for GCSE results were either Independent or Selective, with just one exception, Thomas Telford School that is comprehensive. [Education league tables 2000 D.f.E.E.] Reports show that attainment varies according to the socio-economic backgrounds of children. In 1998, only 45 per cent of 11 year-olds in schools with high numbers on free school meals reached the Government’s attainment targets in English and Maths, whilst more than 60 per cent reached that target in other schools. (Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion, 1999, p.26) The government has introduced some policies in education to help reduce inequality. These include Education Action Zones; these were established in areas of high deprivation. Along with money from private-sector sponsors and government they can attract better teachers through higher salaries. Homework clubs are set up, enabling pupils a quite place to study and the necessary resources. (Haralambos and Holbrn 2000) Barnardos an organization that works with children recognise the link between educational attainment and poverty. Currently they are involved in various projects with children from deprived families; one of these is setting up homework clubs in schools and libraries around the country. Children from low income families may not have access to books in the home or educational toys. A quiet place to do homework or studying may be unavailable. Family visits to museums and other places of educational interest may be unavailable in households of low income. These types of visits encourage and motivate children to succeed. Public libraries can provide a valuable resource in assisting a child’s learning. As well as providing free access to books many hold reading hours and various forms of fun learning. Computers are now widely available for free use in many public libraries with access to the internet. As computers are now widely used in schools, having access to one at home would certainly improve a child’s ability in school. Pupils from low income families are less likely to have access to a computer in the home. When online resources are available in school they may also be less able to make use of them than pupils who have experience of using the internet at home. The government did introduce a scheme for poorer families, enabling them to purchase recycled computer at low cost, however this never got further than a pilot scheme amid allegations of poor management. Financial problems may increase stress amongst parents which may reduce their ability to assist in adequate educational support. Parental stress has been identified as a factor towards truancy. It maybe considered that certain background characteristics are linked with truancy. Children are more likely to truant if they are from low income families, live in social housing or live with only one or neither parent. (Casey and Smith 1995) Research carried out at Cambridge Universityestablished a link between truancy and poverty in primary school children. The study looked statistics on truancy in London boroughs between 1997 and 2000. Council education welfare officers and 98 parents on low incomes were also interviewed. Researcher Ming Zhang says the parents who were questioned said they sometimes forget about their younger children’s schooling when they hit financial trouble. ‘For many people this may be a bizarre excuse for primary school children not to attend school. Yet for families facing financial difficulties, the problem is real.’ As these primary school children progress to secondary school bad habits have already set in. The study also considered attitudes among education welfare officers and parents. Both agreed that the blame lay with irresponsible parents. They did not link between poverty and truancy amongst primary school pupils. [www.news.bbc.co.uk/education] Although this research suggests there is no link between poverty and truancy, forgetting to send a child to school because of financial worries may be considered as a link. At present the education authorities can be seen to be tackling truancy, however this is mainly aimed at secondary school pupils. LEA’s are taking action against persistent truants and educational welfare  officers are visiting the homes of absent pupils. Connexions is another government initiative aimed at helping young people. Connexions provides a personal advisor for all 13 to 19 year olds, their aim is to keep young people in education, work on truancy and improve educational achievements. As well as providing career advice and other services they try to encourage school leavers into further education. Children from low income families leave full time education earlier and with fewer formal qualifications than those from higher income families. Only 14 per cent of young people from lower income backgrounds go into higher education. At a time when the government is encouraging all school leavers to go into further education, then onto higher education this may be seen as an issue for concern. In September 2001, The Excellence Challenge was introduced; this is a three year programme. The key purpose is to improve links between schools, colleges and universities, over 190 million pounds has been committed to increase the number of young people from poorer backgrounds who apply and enter higher education. (www.dfes.gov.uk) Schools in poorer areas are disadvantaged when they need to fundraise to provide more resources. A report published in May 2000 by the research charity Directory for Social Change claims that rich and poor schools are drifting further apart. Schools in deprived parts of the country are up to 500,000 worse off than those in well-to-do areas because they are unable to compete in fundraising stakes. Eighty per cent of state primary schools held fundraising events to buy books. While one in five schools generated less than 1000 a year in donations, one per cent got over 25,000. Five per cent of secondary schools got less than 1000 per year while three per cent received more than 250,000 in donations. The report described parental donations as a hidden fault line that is widening into inequality of opportunity for children. The report also warns that the pursuit of cash is putting undue pressure on teachers and diverting them from teaching. [www.literacytrust.org.uk/Database/povertyupdate.html] The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has said that the number of pupils leaving school without basic qualifications has decreased. In 2001, a quarter of GCSE students failed to pass any subject with grades A-C compared with a third ten years previously. Similarly, one in four 11 year olds failed to achieve target level 4 in English in 2001 compared with more than four out of ten in 1996. The improvement in primary schools serving high proportions of low income children was at least as good as the national average. In considering the evidence it may be concluded that low educational attainment is correlated to poverty. Education may be a route out of poverty but it appears not everybody has the same opportunities. Research does show that with the help of pre- school nurseries, Sure Start, the Education Action Zones and the Excellence Challenge progress can be made in alleviating inequalities in education. BIBLIOGRAPHY Casey, B. and Smith, D. (1995) Truancy and Youth Transitions, England and Wales Youth Cohort Study, London: Policy Studies Institute. Davis, N. (2000) The School Report: Why Britain’s Schools Are Failing. Vintage Haralambos and Holborn. (2000) Sociology Themes and Perspectives. London: HarperCollins. Howarth, C, et al. (1999) Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Young, P. (2000) Mastering Social Welfare. Macmillan Press. The Guardian, August 9th 2002 Education League Tables. D.f.E.E. www.dfes.gov.uk www.homeoffice.go.uk/ucu/suppfam. www.literacytrust.org.uk/Database/povertyupdate. www.news.bbc.co.uk/education.