Mobile Phones Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mobile Phones Development - Essay Example Contrary to digital standards, in 1G, the voice is merely modulated to frequency equal to or above 150 MHz (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 36, 2000). Following 1G was 2G or second generation, which was more efficient than 1G in three important ways. First, as mentioned before, 2G worked on digital signals rather than analog signals. Second, the 2G system s were far more effective then analog in that they allowed for way higher levels of penetration. Finally and most importantly, 2G brought with it, data service beginning from SMS messaging. Next comes the third generation or 3G, which refers to standards specified by ‘International Mobile Telecommunications’' (Hamill & Lasen, 41, 2008). This evolved version offers services like wide-area wireless, mobile internet, video calls, and mobile TV. According to IMT conditions, 3G system provides minimum 200 Kbits/s data rate (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 36, 2000). Current rel eases of this generation of mobile phones provide broadband access to other accessories like laptop and smart phones. A study of this progressive change in the industry reveals that a new generation of mobile phone appears every ten years. Each generations brings with it new bands of frequency, faster data rates and irrevocable transmission technology. Currently, WiMAX is considered the 4G or fourth generation of the mobile phone industry (Harper & Buress, 119, 2008). This newest update promises IP based mobile broadband to laptops and smart phones, gaming and streamed multimedia. â€Å"Mobile phones have undoubtedly revolutionized the communication industry in every possible way† (Hamill & Lasen, 41, 2008). Gone are the days when people would wait endlessly for someone to return to their homes to talk to them. Mobile phones today bring everyone together, connecting everyone to the virtual world of information, day in and day out. One way mobile phones have affected telecommu nications is that no one now uses telephones. Although marketing research analysts do not agree that rapid growth in mobile industry will result in collapse of landline usage, there is a little reason to believe otherwise. One reason for disagreeing is the expanding growth of VoIP, Skype, and Google voice over the past few years. For instance, Australia witnesses the growth in VoIP market by 3% a month (Harper & Buress, 119, 2008). VoIP attracts this large number of market because of the same service of conventional landlines offered at reduced costs. Many people argue that connection of phone to internet is not smart enough since call drops every time the connection fails. However, the modern fiber-optic internet provides more than 95% efficiency, which makes the connection quality equal to that offered by traditional landlines (Harper & Buress, 119, 2008). The increase in drop of landline usage has an important implication. Since there is no one centralized directory for mobile ph one numbers, the risk of harassing-on-phone and violation of privacy increases. This also comes down as a bane for telemarketers who now find it difficult to get through o potential customers since the caller ID’s are available in most cell phones. Another way in which mobile phones has affected communication industry is through its ability to bring everything together under one roof. Mobile phones are a blend of TV, laptop, tape recorder, IPod, camera, video recorder (Horst & Miller, 30, 2006). Instead of carrying all these gadgets separately, all one needs

Occlusion and Occlusal Indicating Materials

Occlusion and Occlusal Indicating Materials Abstract In dentistry it is important for us to understand occlusion and errors produced during recording it. Over the years many occlusion testing materials have been used. The correct occlusion posses as much a challenge for dentist and technician. High spots measuring just a few microns can cause dysfunctions like temporo-mandibular pain. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various occlusal indicator materials and make us well aware of different advantages and disadvantages of each that will help us to chose the occlusal indicating material. Key words: occlusion, occlusal indicator material, occlusal interference, occlusal contact Introduction: The alignment and occlusion of the dentition are extremely important for mastication. as per JPO occlusion is the static relationship of the teeth and is basic to all aspects of dentistry. The activities of chewing, swallowing and speaking greatly depend not only on their intra arch position but also on the inter arch tooth position.1 FIG-1 Occlusal contacts are subjected to constant change. tooth restoration, extraction and prosthetic care always change the occlusal proportions. An occlusal interference of only few microns can trigger severe dysfunction. In order to avoid any unpleasant sensation, leading to temporomandibular joint pain and myalgia various materials and methods have been used to detect occlusal interferences. Achieving occlusal markings over some restorations such as gold, metal alloys and ceramics and on moist occlusal surfaces has been a difficult task.2 Classification of tooth-contact patterns The tooth contact patterns were classified into four groups as follows:2 Cuspid protected occlusion.3 Canine guidance can be used successfully in complete denture treatment as it provides better mandibular denture retention, esthetic appearance, and chewing ability. Group function occlusion:4 Group function as multiple contact relations between maxillary and mandibular teeth in lateral movements on the working side whereby simultaneous contact of several teeth acts as a group to distribute occlusal forces. The group function of the teeth on working side distributes the occlusal load. The obvious advantage is maintenance of the occlusion. The group function philosophy appears to be one of the physiologic wear. Several authors have suggested that occlusal wear is a natural, beneficial and inevitable in a well‑developed occlusion.Group function of working side is indicated whenever the arch relationship does not allow the anterior guidance to do its job of disoccluding the nonfunctioning side. 3. Full balanced occlusion:5 balanced occlusion comprises realization of tooth contacts at theworking side as well as at the balancing side, at the same time.The aim of this study was to assess the influence of balanced occlusal arrangement of artificial teeth on the decrease in re-duction of edentulous alveolar ridge. Balanced occlusion is a favored occlusal design in setting of artificial teeth in conventional complete dentureswhich preserves edentulous ridge and influence the stability of dentures. Influence of balanced occlusion in complete dentures on the decrease in the reduction of an edentulous ridge. 5 There are 138 possible contacts in the dentitionwith normal occlusion. 90% of the total units actually make exact contact in dentitions with normal occlusion.2 Methods of evaluationg occlusal relationship2 Methods of evaluationg occlusal relationship can be of two types:- 1) Qualitative methods 2) Quantitative methods Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used for the evaluation of occlusion. In the qualitative method, only the localization of the occlusal contact points can be determined; the sequence or density of the contacts cannot be evaluated. With the quantitative method of evaluating occlusal relationships, the sequence and density of the contacts can be differentiated. Materials used as occlusal indicator: Various materials used as an occlusal indicator are as follows:2 FIG- 2 T-Scan, Pressure Sensitive Films, Alginate Impression Material Transparent acetate sheets, Black Silicone,Mylar paper strip,c Polyether rubber impression bites,Wax Articulation Paper,Occlusal Sprays Photo occlusion, Foils ,Occlusal Sonography Mylar Paper / Shimstock films6,7 The shim stock was positioned over the tooth evaluated. When the participants close in Intercuspal Position, teeth holding the shimstock were considered to have occlusal contact with their antagonists. Anderson et al. 6reported on the reliability of dentists’ ability to evaluate occlusal contacts in the intercuspal position. Shim stock and an articulating film were compared in the evaluation of occlusal contacts of 337 antagonist occlusal pairs in 24 young adults by two examiners. Shim stock displayed better reliability than articulating film and appeared suitable for clinical measurement of occlusal contacts in intercuspal position.6,7. Polyether occlusal indicator 8 Durbin and Sadowsky described a silicone impression material method for examining occlusal contact patterns. The locations of the contacts were then transferred to study models Alginate Impression Material 9 Number and location of perforations were registered as occlusal tooth contacts for each subject. The observed perforations were analyzed according to the frequency of occlusal contacts. Most subjects had asymmetric distribution in number and location of occlusal contacts Transparent Acetate Sheet10 It is based on occlusal sketch technique that aimed to provide a simple and reliable means of recording and transferring information about the location of marked occlusal contacts. The authors marked static occlusal contacts of 20 sets of models were recorded in a pseudo-clinical situation, by three dentists and in addition by one dentist on two occasions using a schematic representation of the dental arch the occlusal sketch. As per Daves et al the occlusal sketch is a simple, inexpensive and easy way of recording the results of an occlusal examination using marking papers. Articulating paper:11 Articulating papers are used to detect high spots, the width, thickness and dye type of the articulating paper helps it to leave a mark . The color coating of many articulating papers consists of waxes, oils and pigments, a hydrophobic mixture which repels saliva. High spots can be detected easily as dark marks and contacts as light marks. The disadvantages of articulating papers have been that they can be affected by saliva, are thick and have a relatively inflexible base material; all of these factors contribute to greater number of pseudo contact markings . In the in vitro part of the study, a test model (mounted in an articulator and in a universal testing machine) was established with the use of maxillary and mandibular dentate casts. Articulating papers, foils, silk strips, and the T-Scan system were used to examine the loss of sensitivity of the recording materials after 3 consecutive strokes. The differences in the contact points of the test model determined by each of the re cording materials were evaluated both in the articulator and in a universal testing machine. Authors concluded that multiple use of the recording materials tested may lead to inaccurate occlusal analysis results. It is recommended that the recording materials be used only once and that the teeth be dry during occlusal analysis. Foil12 Foils are the thinnest indicator materials. Their marking capacity is less evident under reduced pressure and on glossy surfaces,Thus greater pressure must be applied for application of foils . Authors studied the recording patterns of four foils, six paper materials, and four silk qualities at different pressures and surface morphologies. They concluded that Foils are the thinnest indicator materials and give more accurate readings than paper and silk. However, under smaller loads their marking capacity is worse. This means that higher pressures must be applied for the clinical use of foils. The drawbacks of the more intensively marking papers and silk are their greater thickness and less flexible base material. This leads to a greater number of pseudo contact markings.12 Wax13 As per authors articulating papers, particularly plastic strips and waxes, are the most commonly used materials. Occlusal contacts can be recorded by placing the wax on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary posterior teeth and patient closing into maximum intercuspation. The wax occlusal records was examined in front of a light screen. disadvantages are inaccuracy and problems of manipulation Occlusal Sprays2 It can be challenging to mark an occlusal contact on glazed ceramic restorations. Untreated articulating paper does not leave a mark, necessitating the need for an alternate technique. Articulating ink ribbons leave smudge marks and inaccurate readings. Articulating sprays are easier alternative in these cases . They are easy to administer (Arti-Spray, Bausch articulating paper Inc, Nashua, NH, USA) and leaves a thin colored film which can easily be removed with water, leaving no residues. They are applied at a distance of 3-5 cm onto the occlusal surface. When testing occlusion all contact points will be immediately visible. These are available in colors: red, blue, green and white. Photo-Occlusion14 In this system, a thin photoplastic film layer is applied on the occlusal surface of the teeth; the patient then is asked to occlude on the film layer. The film layer is removed from the mouthand inspected under a polariscope light. . The results were transferred to a graphic occlusal scheme. Authors designed the study to test clinically the reproducibility of techniques by comparing two consecutive occlusal records and records made at 1-month intervals and to test the reproducibility of a color-marking technique under the same conditions, and to compare the location of occlusal contacts as registered by these two techniques. Occlusion Sonography15 It detects tooth contact by the sounds generated during mouth closure . The relationship between graphic records of sounds of occlusion and the types of tooth contact which produced them was investigated by the authors by filming various types of occlusal contacts with a Fastax rotating prism camera at approximately 1,000 frames per second.the sliging of the teeth over each other was seen on the flims as low amplitude vibrations and the tooth impacts as high amplitude one. T-Scan16 The T-Scan instrument was designed to examine and record occlusal contacts by computer analysis of information from a pressuresensitive film. The T-Scan system digitally record both the location and timing of tooth contacts. The tooth contact information is presented by demonstrating moments of time in the sagittal axis and transverse axis of the occlusal plane. Electrical resistance develops with the applied force. When the patient occludes on the sensor, the particles come together in the force applied areas, diminishing the electrical resistance. T Scan system demonstrates sufficient sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic tool and reliability in intra oral conditions with presence of saliva. It provides registration of dynamic occlusal information.16 Pressure Sensitive Films:17 This device records the location and force of occlusal contacts with the force sensitive film. An occlusal diagnostic system dental prescale system, Fuji photo film ,Tokyo has recently been developed in japan. This system uses improved pressure sensitive sheets and a computer for analysis to make simple measurements of occlusal contact areas and occlusal pressures Occlusion and periodontal health: Occlusion has a major relation to the periodontal health of the teeth in oral cavity. A traumatic occlusion on a healthy periodontium causes increased mobility of the tooth,occurrence of gingival recession ,in implants there is breakdown of osseointegration. If a tooth do not its antagonist then there is functional atrophy of periodontal ligament. Conclusion Every occlusal indicator material has its own advantages and disadvantages. The decision about the use of all the materials depends upon the clinical situation, affordability, reliability and thorough knowledge about materials by the clinician

A Competitive Audit of Nestles Milo Essay examples -- Business Manage

A Competitive Audit of Nestle's Milo I plan to produce a SWOT analysis, PEST analysis and a Competitive Audit on Milo. This is because I’m going to need to produce a good analysis on the market place, if I intend to create the best marketing strategy. This is important because there are a range of options available when creating a marketing strategy. Without these analytical processes I will not be able to identify, which strategy is appropriate. I am going to produce a SWOT analysis to find out how effective Milo is operating and what internal factors may influence its success. A SWOT analysis analyses the internal factors that may influence the success of a business. The initials SWOT stand for: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Strengths and Weaknesses are internal factors within the control of the organisation. Opportunities and Threats are outside the control of the organisation. For example, products offered by competitors, or market forces such as seasonal fluctuations in demand. It enables an organisation to plan future activities by considering a number of questions such as: * What are our Strengths? How can we build on them to ensure that we offer a better product than our competitors? * What are our Weaknesses? How can we eliminate them? * What are our Opportunities? How are we going to use them to attract new customers or increase the number of products that existing customers buy? * What are our Threats? How are we going to minimise them so that they do not affect sales of our products? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using a SWOT analysis: Advantages * Identified strengths (value for money) * Identified opportunities for marketing * Identified weaknesses (problems to be addressed) * Identified threats * Structure for analysis Disadvantages * May contain biases (If based whole strategy on SWOT information without considering validity of using other marketing tools could cause strategy to fail) * Results/Importance/Consequences need to be communicated to everyone in company to make it successful not just more paperwork * Prone to Human error * Focus could become too diverse and loose main objectives Here is a SWOT analysis on Milo: Strengths * Only chocolate energy drink * Unique selling point * Big sales in other countries * Part of Nestle (reputation) funds available for relaunch * ... ...ship and adverts in Australia * Advertising on TV, bill boards etc * Sponsorships for large sports events * Last sponsor was the Rugby World Cup * Buy one get on free * 25% extra free etc * Boosts performance makes athletes go 25% longer * Advertisements on T.V, internet websites, bill boards, magazines, etc. To conclude all three process (SWOT, PEST and Competitive Audit) have affected my strategy and marketing decisions. The SWOT analysis has help me to acknowledge and comprehend my weaknesses, which will be a benefit because now I know my weaknesses all I need now is search for a way to eliminate them. The PEST analysis has drawn my awareness to the external forces that may have an influence on the product (Milo). Therefore, when making marketing decisions the factors found will be taking into consideration. The competitive Audit has showed me where Milo’s competitors are (what level they are on) which is also a benefit because I can see what I’m up against, what I have to do to get ahead and whether I’m disadvantaged in anyway. This is very important in the competitive environment because as a competitor, you cannot allow rivals to gain advantages in any form or way.

British Monarchy and comparison with Turkey

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a constitutional and hereditary monarchy. In practice, it is a democracy operating by a parliament system (a system in which supreme authority is held by the legislature) under a figurehead sovereign who â€Å"reigns but does not rule. † The British parliament system, with a head of state who is not the head of government, has been a model for many other countries. Wales and England (excluding Greater London) are divided into counties and metropolitan counties, which are heavily populated areas. All counties are subdivided into districts.Each county and district has an elected council (Coleman, 2006). A government reorganization, effective in 1974, greatly reduced the number of local administrative units and redrew county boundaries. Thesis Statement: This study scrutinizes the differences and similarities between British monarchy and the government system of Turkey; thus, it also figures out the differences between c onstitutional monarchy and republic and gives idea of what absolute monarchy and a constitutional monarchy are. II. Discussion A. Differences and Similarities o British Monarchy Constitution.The British constitution is not to be found in any single written document. It is a body of rules consisting partly of written material and partly of established principles and practices known as conventions. It includes historic documents such as Magna Charta, the Petition of Right 91628), and the Bill of Rights (1689). It includes certain basic statutes (laws). And it includes rules established by common law (Winter, 2003). Rules of the constitution can be changed only by an act of parliament or through establishment of a new convention by usage and general acceptance.Composition of Government. Parliament, although supreme, governs in the name of the Crown (monarch). There are three organs of government—legislature, executive, and judiciary. ? The legislature consists of the two house o f Parliament and the Queen (whose formal assent must be given before a bill becomes a law). ? The executive consists of the cabinet and other ministers (officials) of the Crown; administrative departments staffed by Civil Service employees and usually headed by ministers; local authorities; and boards created by statute to operate various industries and services.The Queen is formally the head of the executive body. The ministry, representing the political party in control of Parliament, is called Her Majesty’s government or the government (Crowl, 2002). ? The judiciary, of which the Queen is nominally the head, is independent of both the legislature and the executive. Crown. The inheritance of the throne goes to the eldest son and his heirs, or if there is no son the eldest daughter and her heirs, or if there are no children to the eldest brother and his heirs. Elizabeth II succeeded her father, George VI, in 1952.The Queen acts in governmental matters only on the advice of h er ministers, and by convention may not refuse to act on such advice. Not only her approval but her participation is required in the conduct of government. She summons and dissolves Parliament, approve bills, and signs state papers. She approves the appointment of all ministers of the Crown and gives her consent to the formation of a cabinet. In doing so, she sometimes has a choice in selecting a new prime minister. In consulting with her ministers she may exercise some influence over policy (Morgan, 2004).Because of the sovereign’s central role in the function of government, British law provides for the appointment of a regent to act in the event that the sovereign is unable to perform the responsibilities of the Crown. As formal head of the British Commonwealth of Nations, the Queen is the symbol of Commonwealth unity. In addition to her roles in government, she is head of the armed forces and temporal head of the Church of England. The Privy Council assist the Queen in iss uing Orders in Council and royal proclamations. It is largely an honorary body that acts on decisions made by ministers or Parliament.It is composed of all cabinet members and more than 300 eminent persons selected, for life, by the Queen upon the recommendation of the prime minister. Parliament. The upper house of Parliament is the House of Lords, in which membership is hereditary or by appointment; the lower is the House of Commons, an elective body. ? The House of Lords has more than 1,000 members, consisting of royal princes (who take no active role), hereditary peers and peeresses, spiritual lords (archbishops and senior bishops of the Church of England), and life by the Queen upon the recommendation of the prime minister).The life peers include Lords of Appeal, jurists who serve as justices when the House functions as a court of appeal (Crowl, 2002). All hereditary Scottish peers are entitled to seats in the house of lords, but Irish peers ate excluded unless they hold peerage s of Great Britain or the United Kingdom. Only about 150 members actually attend. The House of Lords has limited power. It can neither reject nor amend legislation dealing with finances, but can delay other kinds of legislation for one year. The House of Lords thus serves as a check on hasty action by the Commons. Members of the House of Commons, called members of Parliament (M.P. ’s) are elected by universal adult suffrage. Parliament cannot sit indefinitely, but must be dissolved at least once every five years. General elections are called after it is dissolved (Coleman, 2006). The prime minister is responsible for determining when a general election is held and may call for one at any time within the five-year period. One member is elected from each of 635 constituencies (electoral districts determined by population). A member does not have to live in the constituency from which he is elected. A by-election is held within an individual constituency when a vacancy occurs (R andle, 2001).The political party or coalition of parties holding the majority of seats in the House of Commons provides the prime minister, usually the acknowledged party leader. The prime minister chooses the other ministers of the Crown and designates certain ones to be members of the cabinet. A small number of ministers are taken from the House of Lords, the majority from the Commons. The largest minority party in the House of Commons leads the official Opposition. The House of Commons normally adopts the bills proposed by the government and affirms its program.However, if the government follows a course displeasing to the House of Commons, a vote of confidence is taken (Randle, 2001). If it is negative, the government must resign. Generally, Parliament is then dissolved and a general election is held. The Cabinet and the Ministry. Under the leadership of the prime minister, the cabinet and the ministry perform the executive functions in the British government. The cabinet is com posed of the most important ministers, usually not more than 20. The ministry includes all heads of administrative departments.Some are known as secretaries of state, some as ministers, and some by special titles, such as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. There are also ministers who are not department heads. Other members of the ministry are the Lord Chancellor and law officers (Morgan, 2004), deputy ministers known as ministers of state, and junior ministers known as parliamentary secretaries or undersecretaries of state. Judicial System. The House of Lords is the highest court of appeal for civil cases and for certain criminal cases. The Supreme Court of Judicature, composed of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, deals with important civil cases.Minor cases are tried in county courts. Criminal cases may be appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeal, after being tried in assize courts or magistrates’ courts (Morgan, 2004). Trial by jury is used for all but minor crimes. Administration of the judicial system is shared by the Lord Chancellor and the home secretary, both members of the cabinet. Defense. The three branches of British armed forces are the army, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy (which includes the Royal marines). Civilian control is exercised by the secretaries of state of war and air and the first lord of the admiralty (Randle, 2001).All three are responsible to the minister of defense, a member of the cabinet. o Turkey The Republic of Turkey was proclaimed in 1923, with Kemal Atturk as its first president. Far-reaching political, social, and economic reforms were put into effect. Ataturk abolished the sultanate and later exiled all Ottoman heirs. He did away with old traditions associated with the empire—men could no longer wear the fez (a hat), nor women the veil. Women were given political and civil rights equal to those of men. Church and state were separated (Spencer, 2003) , and the property of the mosques n ationalized.Universal education and a new law code were introduced. When many of these changes were not accepted by the people, Ataturk assumed unlimited dictatorial powers. After his death in 1938, the premier, Ismet Inonu, was elected president. By the Montreux Cinvention of 1936, Turkey was given the right to fortify the Dardanelles and Bosporus straits. Treaties of alliance were signed with Great Britain and France in 1939. During World War II, Turkey remained neutral until 1944, when it broke relations with Germany (Weiker, 2001). The following year, it declared war on Germany and Japan. Government.Turkey has been a republic since 1923 as mentioned earlier. Under the constitution to the Third Republic (1982), executive power is vested in the president, legislative power in the National Assembly, and judicial power in independent course. The president (head of state) is chosen by the national Assembly for a seven-year term. He is assisted by a state advisory council, composed of former presidents and military chiefs of staff. From among the national Assembly (Hale, 2001), the president appoints a prime minister (head of government0, who in turn selects the other ministers to form the Council of Ministers (cabinet).The national Assembly is composed of 450 deputies popularly elected for five-year terms. The president has the power to dissolve the national Assembly and rule under emergency powers. The judicial system consists of civil, administrative, military, and constitutional courts. The regular civil courts include courts of first instance (courts having original jurisdiction), central criminal courts, and commercial courts. The highest tribunal is the court of cassation, which is a court of appeals (Weiker, 2001). Local Government. Turkey is divided into 67 administrative divisions it calls ils, each named for its chief city.An il is subdivided into ilces, and these in turn into bucaks. At the head of each il are a governor, representing the central gov ernment, and an elected council. Military Affairs. Turkey maintains a regular army, navy, and air force. In addition, there is the Jandarma, a rural police force. Military service is compulsory for all men after the age of 20 for a 20-month period. B. Difference of absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy and republic. Absolute monarchy pertains to the absolute power of the king or queen as the ruler of the country.The power has bestowed in him/her to do the things he/she wishes to do. On the other hand, constitutional monarchy is under the ruling of the king however it’s accompanied with the constitution. The king or queen cannot decide for himself/herself or make any moves which are not written under the constitution (Bogdanor, 1997). Every decision should be in line in the constitution of the said country. When we say republic, it pertains to a country in which both the head of the state and the members of the legislature are elected directly or indirectly by the people. Most of the nations of the world today, including the United States and the Soviet Union, are republics. The rest, in most instances, are monarchies, in which the head of the state (a king, queen, or prince) comes into office through inheritance. III. Conclusion In conclusion, many people are not happy under these kinds of monarchies because they don’t see the function of the royal families anymore. People are all feed up and see that monarchies are a way of showing selfishness to power because only the blood line of the king or queen can inherit the throne and not giving a chance to others.In 1980 in Turkey, after renewed violence between political factions, the armed forces seized control of the government, disbanded parliament, suspended the constitution, and established a ruling junta of military officers. Within two year, the junta achieved political stability and eased some of the coutnry’s economic difficulties. Reference: 1. Bogdanor, Vernon (1997). The Monarch y and the Constitution. Clarendon Press. : Oxford. 2. Coleman, Francis (2006). Great Britain: the Land and Its People (MacDonald). 3. Crowl, P. A. (2002). The Intelligent Traveler’s Guide to Historic Britain (St.Martin’s Press). 4. Hale, William (2001). The Political and Economic Development of Modern Turkey (St. Martin’s Press). 5. Morgan, K. O. (2004). The oxford Illustrated History of Britain (Oxford University). 6. Randle, John. (2001). Understanding Britain: a History of the British People and Their Culture (Basil Blackwell). 7. Spencer, William (2003). The Land and People of Turkey, revised edition (Harper & Row). 8. Weiker, W. F. (2001). The Modernization of Turkey: from Ataturk to the present Day (Holmes & Meier). 9. Winter, Gordon (2003). The Country Life Picture Book of Britain (Norton

Link Manufacturing Process and Product Life Cycles

133 Link manufacturing process and product life cycles Focusing on the process gives a new dimension to strategy Robert H. Hayes and Steven C. Wheelwright Although the product life cycle concept may have value for managers, its emphasis on marketing can make it inadequate for strategic planners. These authors point out that using a process life cycle can help a company choose among its various manufacturing and marketing options. Using the concept of a â€Å"product-process matrix,† they show how a company's position reflects its weaknesses and strengths, and they discuss the implications for corporate strategy. Mr. Hayes is professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School. He is currently serving as faculty chairman of and teaching at Harvard's Senior Managers Program in Vevcy, Switzerland. One of his previous articles in HBR is â€Å"How Should You Organize Manufacturing? † (coauthor, Roger W. Schmenner, JanuaryFchruary 1978). Mr. Wheelwright is associate professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School. He is currently teaching in the MBA program and is faculty chairman of Harvard's executive program on Manufacturing in Corporate Strategy. One of his previous HBR articles is â€Å"Corporate Forecasting: Promise and Reality,† [coauthor, Darral G. Clarke, NovemberDecember 1976). The regularity of the growth cyeles of living organisms has always fascinated thoughtful observers and has invited a variety of attempts to apply the same principles—of a predictable sequence of rapid growth followed by maturation, decline, and death-to companies and selected industries. One such concept, known as the â€Å"product life cycle/' has been studied in a wide range of organizational settings. However, there are sufficient opposing theories to raise the doubts of people like N. K. Dhalla and S. Yuspeh, who argued in these same pages a few years ago that businessmen should forget the product life cycle concept. Irrespective of whether the product life cycle pattern is a general rule or holds only for specific cases, it does provide a useful and provocative framework for thinking about the growth and development of a new p roduct, a company, or an entire industry. One of the major shortcomings of this approach, however, is that it concentrates on the marketing implieations of the life cycle pattern. In so doing, it implies that other aspects of the business and industry environment move in concert with the market life cycle. While such a view may help one to think back on the kinds of ehanges that occur in different industries, an individual company will often find it too simplistic for use in its strategic planning. In fact, the concept may even be misleading in strategic planning. In this article we suggest that separating the product life cycle concept from a related but distinct phenomenon that we will call the â€Å"process life I TJie Product Life Cycle and Internationa! Trade. Louis T. Wells, |r. , ed. ICambridge, Mass. ; HarvaiiJ University Press, 1D71I, im example. proviJcs evidence from a number of industries that argues for broad application of this concept, 2. N. K. Dhalla and S. Yuspirh, â€Å"Forget the Priidutt Life Cycle Cnni;epU† HBR I3nuary-February 197(1, p. 101. 134 Harvard Business Review January-February 1979 cycle† facilitates the understanding of the strategic options available to a company, particularly with regard to its manufacturing function. The product-process matrix The process life cycle has heen attracting increasing attention from husiness managers and researchers over the past several years. ^ Just as a product and market pass through a series of major stages, so does the production process used in the manufacture of that product. The process evolution typically hegins with a â€Å"fluid† process—one that is highly flexible, hut not very cost efficient—and proceeds toward increasing standardization, mechanization, and automation. This evolution culminates in a â€Å"systemic process† that is very efficient hut much more capital intensive, nterrelated, and hence less flexible than the original fluid process. Using a product-process matrix, Exhibit I suggests one way in which the interaction of both the product and the process life cycle stages can he represented. The rows of this matrix represent the major stages through whieh a production process tends to pass in going from the fluid form in the top row to the sys temic form in the bottom row. The columns represent the product life cycle phases, going from the great variety associated with startup on the left-hand side to standardized commodity products on the right-hand side. Diagonal position A company [or a husiness unit within a diversified company) can be characterized as occupying a particular region in the matrix, determined by the stage of the product life cycle and its choice of production process for that product. Some simple examples may clarify this. Typical of a company positioned in the upper left-hand comer is a commercial printer. In such a company, each job is unique and a jumbled flow or job shop process is usually selected as being most effective in meeting those product requirements. In such a job shop, jobs arrive in different forms and require different tasks, and thus the equipment tends to be relatively general purpose. Also, that equipment is seldom used at ioo% capacity, the workers typically have a wide range of production skills, and each joh takes much longer to go through the plant than the lahor hours required by that job. Further down the diagonal in this matrix, the manufacturer of heavy equipment usually chooses a production structure characterized as a â€Å"disconnected line flow† process. Although the company may make a numher of products (a customer may even be able to order a somewhat customized unit), economies of scale in manufacturing usually lead such companies to offer several hasic models with a variety of options. This enables manufacturing to move from a job shop to a flow pattern in which batches of a given model proceed irregularly through a series of work stations, or possihly even a lowvolume assembly line. Even further down the diagonal, for a product like automobiles or major home appliances, a company will generally choose to ake only a few models and use a relatively mechanized and connected production process, such as a moving assembly line. Such a process matches the product life cycle requirements that the automobile companies must satisfy with the economies availahle from a standardized and automated process. Finally, down in the far right-hand comer of the matrix, one would find refinery operations, such as oil or sugar processing, where the pro duct is a commodity and the process is continuous. Although such operations are highly specialized, inflexible, and capital intensive, their disadvantages are more than offset by the low variable costs arising from a high volume passing through a standardized process. In Exhibit 7, two corners in the matrix are void of industries or individual companies. The upper right-hand comer eharacterizes a commodity product produced by a job-shop process that is simply not economical. Thus there are no companies or industries located in that sector. Similarly, the lower left-hand corner represents a one-of-a-kind product that is made by continuous or very specific processes. Such processes are simply too inflexible for such unique product requirements. Off the diagonal The examples cited thus far have been the more familiar â€Å"diagonal cases,† in which a certain kind of product structure is matehed with its â€Å"natural† process structure. But a company may seek a position 3. For example, William ), Abernathy and Philip L. Townscnd, â€Å"TechnoloRy, Pioductivity, and Process Changes,† in Tachnalo^icdl Forfcoitinj: iind Social Cbange, Volume VII, No. 4, 1975, p. ^79) Abcmathy and lames Ulierback, â€Å"DyQ. mic Model of Process and Product Innovation,† Omega, Volume HI, No. 6, 1975, p. 6i9i Abernathy and Uuerback, â€Å"Innovation and the Evolution of Technology in the Firm,† Harvard Business School Working P. iper |HBS 7S->fiR, Revised |unc 197^!. Process life cycles 135 Exhibit I Matching major stages of product and process life cycles Product structure Product life cycle stage I Low volume-low standardization, on e of a kind Multiple products low volume Few major products higher volume IV High volume-high standardization. commodity products Process structure Process life cycle stage Jumbled flow (job shop) Commercial printer Disconnected line Mow (batch) Heavy equipment Connected line flow (assembly line) Automobile assembly IV Continuous flow off the diagonal instead of right on it, to its competitive advantage. Rolls-Royce Ltd. still makes a limited product line of motor cars using a process that is more like a job shop than an assembly line. A company that allows itself to drift from the diagonal without understanding the likely implications of such a shift is asking for trouhle. This is apparently the case with several companies in the factory housing industry that allowed their manufacturing operations to become too capital intensive and too de- 136 Harvard Business Review January-February 1979 pendent on stable, high-volume production in the early 1970s. As one might expect, when a company moves too far away from the diagonal, it hecomes increasingly dissimilar from its competitors. This may or may not, depending on its success in achieving focus and exploiting the advantages of its niche, make it more vulnerable to attack. Coordinating marketing and manufacturing may become more difficult as the two areas confront increasingly different opportunities and pressures. Not infrequently, companies find that either inadvertently or by conscious choice they are at positions on the matrix very dissimilar from those of their competitors and must consider drastic remedial action. Most small companies that enter a mature industry start off this way, of course, which provides one explanation of both the strengths and the weaknesses of their situation. One example of a company's matching its movements on these two dimensions with changes in its industry is that of Zenith Radio Corporation in the mid-1960s. Zenith had generally followed a strategy of maintaining a high degree of flexibility in its manufacturing facilities for color television receivers. We would characterize this process structure at that time as being stage 2. When planning additional capacity for color TV manufacturing in 1966 [during the height of the rapid growth in the market), however. Zenith chose to expand production capacity in a way that represented a clear move down the process dimension, toward the matrix diagonal, by consolidating color TV assembly in two large plants. One of these was in a relatively low-cost labor area in the United States. While Zenith continued to have facilities that were more flexible than those of other companies in the industry, this decision reflected corporate management's assessment of the need to stay within range of the industry on tbe process dimension so that its excellent marketing strategy would not be constrained by inefficient manufacturing. It is interesting that seven years later Zenith made a similar decision to keep all of its production of color television chasses in the United States, rather than lose the flexibility and incur the costs of moving production to the Far East. This decision, in conjunction with others made in the past five years, is now being called into question. Using our terminology. Zenith again finds itself too far above the diagonal, in comparison with its large, primarily Japanese, competitors, most of whom have mechanized their production processes, positioned them in low-wage countries, and embarked on other costreduction programs. Incorporating this additional dimension into strategic planning encourages more creative thinking about organizational competence and competitive advantage. It also can lead to more informed predictions about the changes that are likely to occur in a particular industry and to consideration of the strategies that might be followed in responding to such charges. Finally, it provides a natural way to involve manufacturing managers in the planning process so that they can relate their opportunities and decisions more effectively with marketing strategy and corporate goals. The experience of the late 1960s and early 1970s suggests that major competitive advantages can accrue to companies that are able to integrate their manufacturing and marketing organization with a common strategy. ^ Using the concept We will explore three issues that follow from the product-process life cycle: [1) the concept of distinctive competence, [2) the management implications of selecting a particular product-process combination, considering the competition, and |3) the organizing of different operating units so that they can specialize on separate portions of the total manufacturing task while still maintaining overall coordination. Distinctive competence Most companies like to think of themselves as being particularly good relative to their competitors in certain areas, and they try to avoid competition in others. Their objective is to guard this distinctive competence against outside attacks or internal aimlessncss and to exploit it where possible. From time to time, unfortunately, management becomes preoccupied with marketing concerns and loses sight of the value of manufacturing abilities. When this happens, it thinks about strategy in terms only of the product and market dimension within a product life cycle context. In effect, management concentrates resources and planning efforts on a relatively narrow column of the matrix shown in Exhibit 1 on page r35. 4. See â€Å"Manufacturing—Missing Link in Corporate Stiatcgy,† by Wickham Skinner, HBR May-June 1969, p. i]6. Process life cycles 137 Exhibit II Expanded product-process matrix Product structure Product lite cycle stage III Low volume —low standardization, one of a kind Process structure Process life cycle stage Multiple products low volume Few major products higher volume IV High volume-fiigh standardization. commodity products Key management tasks Flexibilityquality †¢ Fast reaction †¢ Loading plant, estimating capacity †¢Estimating costs and delivery times †¢ Breaking bottlenecks †¢ Order tracing and expediting †¢ Systematizing diverse elements †¢ Developing standards and methods, improvement †¢ Balancing process stages †¢ Managing large, specialized, and complex operations †¢ Meeling material requirements †¢ Running equipment at peak efficiency †¢ Timing expansion and technological change †¢ Raising required capital Jumbled flow (lobshop) Disconnected line flow (batch) Connected line flow (assembly line) IV Continuous flow Hone Dependabilitycost Flexibility-quality Dependability-cosi dominant competitive mode †¢ Custom design †¢ General purpose †¢ High margins †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Custom design Ouality control Service High margins †¢ Standardized design †¢ Volume manufacturing †¢ Finished goods inventory †¢ Distribution †¢ Backup suppliers †¢ Vertical integration †¢ Long runs †¢ Specialized equipment and processes †¢ Economies of scale †¢ Standardized material The advantage of the two-dimensional point of view is that it permits a company to be more precise about what its distinctive competence really is and to concentrate its attentions on a restricted set of process decisions and alternatives, as well as a re- stricted set of marketing alternatives. Real focus is maintained only when the emphasis is on a single â€Å"patch† in the matrix—a process focus as well as a product or market focus. As suggested by Wickham Skinner, narrowing the focus of the business unit's 138 Harvard Business Review January-February 1979 ctivities and the supporting manufacturing plant's activities may greatly increase the chance of success for the organization/' Thinking about both process and product dimensions can affect the way a company defines its â€Å"product. † For example, we recently explored the case of a specialized manufacturer of printed circuit boards. Management's initial assessment of its position on the m. atrix was that it was producing a lowvolume, one-of-a-kind product using a highly connected assembly line process. (This would place it in the lower left comer of the matrix. On further reflection, however, management decided that while the company specialized in small production batches, the â€Å"product† it really was offering was a design capability for special purpose circuit boards. In a sense, then, it was mass producing designs rather than boards. Hence, the company was not far off the diagonal after all. This knowledge of the company's distinctive competence was helpful to management as it considered different projects and decisions, only some of which were supportive of the company's actual position on the matrix. Effects of position As a company undertakes different combinations of product and process, management problems change. It is the interaction between these two that determines which tasks will be critical for a given company or industry. Along the process structure dimension, for example, the key competitive advantage of a jumbled flow operation is its flexibility to both product and volume changes. As one moves toward more standardized processes, the competitive emphasis generally shifts from flexibility and quality (measured in terms of product specialization) to reliability, predictability, and cost. A similar sequence of competitive emphases occurs as a company moves along the product structure dimension. These movements in priorities are illustrated in Exhibit 11 For a given product structure, a company whose competitive emphasis is on quality or new product development would choose a much more flexible production operation than would a competitor who has the same product structure but who follows a cost-minimizing strategy. Alternatively, a company that chooses a given process structure reinforces the characteristics of that structure by adopting the corresponding product structure. The former approach 5. â€Å"The Focused Factory,† HBR May-June 1974, p. 113. 6. Robert H. Hayes and Roger W. Schmenner, â€Å"How Should You Organize Manufacturing? † HBR January-February iy78, p. 105. positions the company above the diagonal, while the latter positions it somewhere along it. A company's location on the matrix should take into account its traditional orientation. Many companies tend to be relatively aggressive along the dimension—product or process-where they feel most competent and take the other dimension as â€Å"given† by the industry and environment. For example, a marketing-oriented company seeking to be responsive to the needs of a given market is more likely to emphasize flexibility and quality than tbe manufacturing-oriented company that seeks to mold the market to its cost or process leadership. An example of these two competitive approaches in the electric motor industry is provided by the contrast between Reliance Electric and Emerson Electric. Reliance, on the one hand, has apparently chosen production processes that place it above the diagonal for a given product and market, and the company emphasizes product customizing and performance. Emerson, on the other hand, tends to position itself below the diagonal and emphasizes cost reduction. As a result of this difference in emphasis, the majority of Reliance's products are in the upper left quadrant, while Emerson's products tend to be in the lower right quadrant. Even where the two companies' product lines overlap. Reliance is likely to use a more fluid process for that product, while Emerson is more likely to use a standardized process. Eaeh company has sought to develop a set of competitive skills in manufacturing and marketing that will make it more effective within its selected quadrants. Concentrating on the upper left versus the lower right quadrant has many additional implications for a company. The management that chooses to compete primarily in the upper left has to decide when to drop or abandon a product or market, while for the management choosing to compete in the lower right a major decision is when to eater the market. In the latter case, the company can watch the market develop and does not have as much need for flexibility as do companies that position themselves in the upper left, since product and market changes typically occur less frequently during the later phases of the product life cycle. Such thinking about both product and process expertise is particularly useful in selecting the match of these two dimensions for a new product. Those familiar with the digital watch industry may recall that in the early 1970s Texas Instruments introduced a jewelry line digital watch. This product represented a matrix combination in the upper left-hand quadrant, as shown in Exhibit U. Unfortunately, this line Process life cycles 139 of watches was disappointing to Texas Instruments, in terms of both volume and profitability. Early in 1976, therefore, TI introduced a digital watch selling for $19. 95. With only one electronic module and a connected line flow production process, this watch represented a combination of product and process further down the diagonal and much more in keeping with TI's traditional strengths and emphases. Organizing operations If management considers the process structure dimension of organizational competence and strategy, it can usually focus its operating units much more effectively on their individual tasks. For example, many companies face the problem of how to organize production of spare parts for their primary products. While increasing volume of the primary products may have caused the company to move down the diagonal, the follow-on demand for spare parts may require a combination of product and process structures more toward the upper left-hand corner of the matrix. There are many more items to be manufactured, each in smaller volume, and the appropriate process tends to be more flexible than may be the case for the primary product. To accomodate the specific requirements of spare parts production, a cohipany might develop a separate facility for them or simply separate their production within the same facility. Probably the least appropriate approach is to leave such production undifferentiated from the production of the basic product, since this would require the plant to span too broad a range of both product and process, making it less efficient and less effective for both categories of product. The choice of product and process structures will determine the kind of manufacturing problems that will be important for management. Some of the key tasks related to a particular process structure are indicated on the right side of Exhibit U. Recognizing the impact that the company's position on the matrix has on these important tasks will often suggest changes in various aspects of the policies and procedures the company uses in managing its manufacturing function, particularly in its manufacturing control system. Also, measures used to monitor and evaluate the company's manufacturing performance must reflect the matrix position selected if such measures are to be both useful and consistent with the corporate goals and strategy. Such a task-oriented analysis might help a company avoid the loss of control over manufacturing that often results when a standard set of control mechanisms is applied to all products and processes. It also suggests the need for different types of management skills [and managers], depending on the company's major manufacturing tasks and dominant competitive modes. While a fairly narrow focus may be required for success in any single product market, companies that are large enough can [and do) effectively produce multiple products in multiple markets. These are often in different stages of the product life cycle. However, for such an operation to be successful, a company must separate and organize its manufacturing facilities to best meet the needs of each product and then develop sales volumes that are large enough to make those manufacturing units competitive. An example of separating a company's total manufacturing capability into specialized units is provided by the Lynchburg Foundry, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mead Corporation. This foundry has five plants in Virginia. As Exhibit U shows, these plants represent different positions on the matrix. One plant is a job shop, making mostly one-of-akind products. Two plants use a decoupled batch process and make several major products. A fourth plant is a paced assembly line operation that makes only a few products, mainly for the automative market. The fifth plant is a highly automated pipe plant, making what is largely a commodity item. While the basic technology is somewhat different in each plant, there are many similarities. However, the production layout, the manufacturing processes, and the control systems are very different. This company chose to design its plants so that each would meet the needs of a specific segment of the market in the most competitive manner. Its success would suggest that this has been an effective way to match manufacturing capabilities with market demand. Companies that specialize their operating units according to the needs of specific, narrowly defined patches on the matrix will often encounter problems in integrating those units into a coordinated whole. A recent article suggested that a company can be most successful by organizing its manufacturing function around either a product-market focus or a process focus. * That is, individual units will either manage themselves relatively autonomously, responding directly to the needs of the markets they serve, or they will be divided according to process stages (for example, fabrication, subassembly, and final assembly), all coordinated by a central staff. Companies in the major materials industriessteel companies and oil companies, for exampleprovide classic examples of process-organized manu- 140 Harvard Business Review January-February 1979 facturing organizations. Most companies that broaden the span of their process through vertical integration tend to adopt such an organzation, at least initially. Then again, companies that adopt a product- or market-oriented organization in manufacturing tend to have a strong market orientation and are unwilling to accept the organizational rigidity and lengthened response time that usually accompany centralized coordination. Most companies in the packaging industry provide examples of such product- and market-focused manufacturing organizations. Regional plants that serve geographical market areas are set up to reduce transportation costs and provide better response to market requirements. A number of companies that historically have organized themselves around products or markets have found that, as their products matured and as they have moved to become more vertically integrated, a conflict has arisen between their original productorganized manufacturing facilities and the needs of their process-oriented internal supply units. As the competitive emphasis has shifted toward cost, companies moving along the diagonal have tended to evolve from a product-oriented manufacturing organization to a process-oriented one. However, at some point, such companies often discover that their operations have hecome so complex with increased volume and increased stages of inhouse production that they defy centralized coordination and management must revert to a more product-oriented organization within a divisionalized structure. ct line with a manufacturing system—a set of people, plants, equipment, technology, policies, and control procedures—that will permit a relatively high degree of flexibility and a relatively low capital intensity? Or should it prefer a system that will permit lower cost production with a loss of some flexibility to change [in products, production volumes, and equipment) and usually a higher degree of capital intensity? This choice will position the company above or below its competito rs along the vertical dimension of our matrix. There are, of course, several dynamic aspects of corporate competitiveness where the concepts of matching the product life cycle with the process life cycle can be applied. In this article, however, we have dealt only with the more static aspects of selecting a position on the matrix. We will discuss in a forthcoming article how a company's position on the product-process matrix might change over time and the traps that it can fall into if the implications of such moves are not carefully evaluated. Strategy implications We can now pull together a number of threads and summarize their implications for corporate strategy. Companies must make a series of interrelated marketing and manufacturing decisions. These choices must be continually reviewed and sometimes changed as the company's products and competitors evolve and mature. A company may choose a product or marketing strategy that gives it a broader or narrower product line than its principal competitors. Such a choice positions it to the left or right of its competitors, along the horizontal dimension of our matrix. Having made this decision, the company has a further choice to make: Should it produce this prod-

Understanding Relative Frequency Histograms

Understanding Relative Frequency Histograms In statistics, there are many terms that have subtle distinctions between them. One example of this is the difference between frequency and relative frequency. Although there are many uses for relative frequencies, there is one in particular that involves a relative frequency histogram. This is a type of graph that has connections to other topics in statistics and mathematical statistics. Definition Histograms are statistical graphs that look like bar graphs. Typically, however, the term histogram is reserved for quantitative variables. The horizontal axis of a histogram is a number line containing classes or bins of uniform length. These bins are intervals of a number line where data can fall and can consist of a single number (typically for discrete data sets that are relatively small) or a range of values (for larger discrete data sets and continuous data). For example, we may be interested in considering the distribution of scores on a 50 point quiz for a class of students. One possible way to construct the bins would be to have a different bin for every 10 points. The vertical axis of a histogram represents the count or frequency that a data value occurs in each of the bins. The higher the bar is, the more data values fall into this range of bin values. To return to our example, if we there are five students who scored more than 40 points on the quiz, then the bar corresponding to the 40 to 50 bin will be five units high. Frequency Histogram Comparison A relative frequency histogram is a minor modification of a typical frequency histogram. Rather than using a vertical axis for the count of data values that fall into a given bin, we use this axis to represent the overall proportion of data values that fall into this bin. Since 100% 1, all bars must have a height from 0 to 1. Furthermore, the heights of all of the bars in our relative frequency histogram must sum to 1. Thus, in the running example that we have been looking at, suppose that there are 25 students in our class and five have scored more than 40 points. Rather than constructing a bar of height five for this bin, we would have a bar of height 5/25 0.2. Comparing a histogram to a relative frequency histogram, each with the same bins, we will notice something. The overall shape of the histograms will be identical. A relative frequency histogram does not emphasize the overall counts in each bin.  Instead, this type of graph focuses on how the number of data values in the bin relates to the other bins.  The way that it shows this relationship is by percentages of the total number of data values. Probability Mass Functions We may wonder what the point is in defining a relative frequency histogram. One key application pertains to discrete random variables where our bins are of width one and are centered about each nonnegative integer. In this case, we can define a piecewise function with values corresponding to the vertical heights of the bars in our relative frequency histogram. This type of function is called a probability mass function. The reason for constructing the function in this way is that the curve that is defined by the function has a direct connection to probability. The area underneath the curve from the values a to b is the probability that the random variable has a value from a to b. The connection between probability and area under the curve is one that shows up repeatedly in mathematical statistics. Using a probability mass function to model a relative frequency histogram is another such connection.

Free Essays on Disfunctional Aspects Of Leadership

Disfunctional Aspects of Leadership When people think of a leader, they think of someone who possesses a number of qualities. They would like to think that he or she is enthusiastic, has good judgment, intelligent, a great speaker, and a good people person as well. Even though all these qualities make up an effective leader, there are still different aspects, which may not be effective, such as Dysfunctional aspects. A leader should stay away from, going against their word, not being open to opinions, and showing weakness in many dysfunctional aspects. Before a person can determine if an individual is a good leader, he or she must know what exactly leadership is. What is leadership? â€Å"Leadership is having the ability to give guidance to those that will follow you† (Rose 1998). â€Å"Those that follow will strive to help complete the mission† (Rose 1998). â€Å"Leadership is an immature science and the body of knowledge in the field has developed through a series of fits and starts† (Jansen 2001). â€Å"Leadership is a soft science, just as anthropology, psychology and sociology† (Jansen 2001). Leadership is power, but only when effective. A significant part of effective leadership is the close connection between the individual leader and his or her followers, as Jansen states (page 205), the success of the leader’s mission. â€Å"Leadership, which comes in many different types of forms but basically heads toward the same goal to communicate with people can be very effective in terms of communication† (Rose 1998). â€Å"Some people are silent leaders and lead by example some are more vocal† (Peter 1996). Nevertheless, whatever type of leader they are, there are certain criteria that must be met before being effective. For example being a dependable role model of some sort, being trust worthy, are things that a true leader must possess to be effective. To be effective they must realize that there are strengths, weaknesse... Free Essays on Disfunctional Aspects Of Leadership Free Essays on Disfunctional Aspects Of Leadership Disfunctional Aspects of Leadership When people think of a leader, they think of someone who possesses a number of qualities. They would like to think that he or she is enthusiastic, has good judgment, intelligent, a great speaker, and a good people person as well. Even though all these qualities make up an effective leader, there are still different aspects, which may not be effective, such as Dysfunctional aspects. A leader should stay away from, going against their word, not being open to opinions, and showing weakness in many dysfunctional aspects. Before a person can determine if an individual is a good leader, he or she must know what exactly leadership is. What is leadership? â€Å"Leadership is having the ability to give guidance to those that will follow you† (Rose 1998). â€Å"Those that follow will strive to help complete the mission† (Rose 1998). â€Å"Leadership is an immature science and the body of knowledge in the field has developed through a series of fits and starts† (Jansen 2001). â€Å"Leadership is a soft science, just as anthropology, psychology and sociology† (Jansen 2001). Leadership is power, but only when effective. A significant part of effective leadership is the close connection between the individual leader and his or her followers, as Jansen states (page 205), the success of the leader’s mission. â€Å"Leadership, which comes in many different types of forms but basically heads toward the same goal to communicate with people can be very effective in terms of communication† (Rose 1998). â€Å"Some people are silent leaders and lead by example some are more vocal† (Peter 1996). Nevertheless, whatever type of leader they are, there are certain criteria that must be met before being effective. For example being a dependable role model of some sort, being trust worthy, are things that a true leader must possess to be effective. To be effective they must realize that there are strengths, weaknesse...

Evo Devo in the Study of Biology

Evo Devo in the Study of Biology Have you heard anyone ever talk about evo-devo? Does it sound like some sort of synthesizer-heavy band from the 1980s? It is actually a relatively new field in the realm of evolutionary biology that explains how species, that start out so similarly, become so diverse as they develop. Evo devo stands for evolutionary developmental biology and has just started being included in the Modern Synthesis of the Theory of Evolution within the past few decades. This field of study encompasses many different ideas and some scientists disagree on what all should be included. However, all who study evo devo agree that the foundation of the field is based on the gene level of inheritance which leads to microevolution. As an embryo develops, certain genes need to be activated in order for the traits carried on that gene to be expressed. Most of the time, there are biological clues for these genes to turn on based on the age of the embryo. Sometimes, environmental conditions can trigger the expression of the developmental genes as well. Not only do these triggers turn on the gene, they also direct the gene on how to be expressed. There are subtle differences between the arms of different animals that are determined by how the genes that carry the trait for limb development are expressed. The same gene that creates a human arm can also create a sparrows wing or a grasshoppers leg. They are not different genes, as previously thought by scientists. Evo Devo and the Theory of Evolution What does this mean for the Theory of Evolution? First and foremost, it lends credibility to the idea that all life on Earth came from a common ancestor. This common ancestor had the exact same genes we see today in all of our modern species. It is not the genes that have evolved over time. Instead, it is how and when (and if) those genes are expressed that has evolved. Also, it helps to give an explanation for how the beak shape of Darwins finches on the Galapagos Islands could have evolved. Natural Selection is the mechanism that chooses which of these ancient genes are expressed and ultimately how they are expressed. Over time, the differences in gene expression led to the great diversity and large numbers of different species we see in the world today. The theory of evo devo also explains why so few genes can create so many complex organisms. It turns out that the same genes are used over and over again but in different ways. The genes that are expressed to create arms in humans may also be used to create legs or even a human heart. Therefore, it is more important how the genes are expressed than how many genes are present. Developmental genes across species are the same and can be expressed in a nearly unlimited number of ways. Embryos of many different species are nearly indistinguishable from each other at the early stages before these developmental genes are turned on. Early embryos of all species have gills or gill pouches and similar overall shapes. It is crucial for these developmental genes to be activated correctly at the right time and at the right place. Scientists have been able to manipulate genes in fruit flies and other species to make limbs and other body parts grow in different places on the body. This proved these genes control many different parts of embryo development. The field of evo devo reaffirms the validity of using animals for medical research. An argument against animal research is the obvious difference in complexity and structure between humans and the research animals. However, with such similarities on a molecular and gene level, studying those animals can give insight into the human, and particularly the development and gene activation of humans.

Carmens Aria A song of Celebration and Self-Realization Essay

Carmens Aria A song of Celebration and Self-Realization - Essay Example The aria explores love from an independent ladies perspective who lives life without any constraint of chasteness or fidelity. It explores the hidden desires in every human mind to lead a similar life. In a poetical sense, Bizet wanted to create a lead character much different from the classical opera heroines of Europe. He specifically used the Habanera music to create an air of mystery and foreignism around the Carmen character. The libretto occurs when Carmen is asked by a group of men whom she will choose as her lover. Carmen expresses her desire to keep her choice open forever through the area. She talks about herself and about her attitude towards love in general. She is exotic, free as a bird and declares her love has no boundaries and cannot be tamed. She warns any men whom she might fall in love with about her indecisive attitude. Carmen neither wants to please any man nor be attached to him for a long time. Her love is like a bird which keeps escaping the boundaries constantly. Bizet hailed Carmen came from a far-off land to justify her exotic nature. The verses of the libretto create ideas related to the theme of naturalism. Carmen is a working-class girl who does not respect much of the middle-class values related to fidelity. Bizet portrays the working class women as strong and sexually demanding who are ready to socialize, free to travel and capable of fighting for themselves. Carmen says her love is like a bird, a rebellious one that nobody can ever win over in the very first line. She concludes the final line of the aria by saying her love will never be bound by any known law. The second stanza of the aria portrays Carmen's choice and taste of men. She prefers a silent mum man than the one who talks constantly. Women are often said to love humorous and talkative men, capable of praising their beauty and virtue.  

Friedrich Nietzsche Morals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Friedrich Nietzsche Morals - Essay Example His radical moral philosophy has been a probing topic of analysis in philosophy and there have been several articles dealing with his moral philosophy. There have also been several significant attempts to associate his moral philosophy with other distinctive areas of knowledge including science, epistemology, ethics, and literature. One such critical approach has observed Nietzsche as a bridge between nineteenth-century atomistic science and process philosophy in twentieth-century physics, literature and ethics. Friedrich Ulfers and Mark Daniel Cohen, in their important article, 'Friedrich Nietzsche as Bridge from Nineteenth-Century Atomistic Science to Process Philosophy in Twentieth-Century Physics, Literature and Ethics,' attempt to establish that philosophy has its root in science and Nietzsche's moral philosophy illustrate this point. The major thesis of their article is that "the late nineteenth-century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche established a philosophy rooted in science and succeeded in laying the foundation for a system of values capable of generating alternate forms of cultural expression--many of which have come to fruition in our own time, many of which have yet to be achieved. In particular, his philosophy, beginning in science, is capable of setting standards for and structuring radical formations in epistemology, ethics, and literature." (Ulfers and Cohen, 21) This paper undertakes an analysis of the article by Ulfers and Cohen in order to comprehend the major arguments of the authors and to respond to them with careful reasoning. Introducing their major arguments, Ulfers and Cohen mention that distinctive emergence of philosophy, art, literature, and science or 'the signal moments of culture' in our social life resulted in the systems of values and they bring about the connection between values and such essential areas of knowledge. The authors also make it explicit that there is essential relationship between science and moral values. "Even presumably objective scientific theories are barometric readings of our assumptions and implicit values. They are litmus tests of the cultural agar in which they grow--indicators of the fertility and of the active bases and acids of the ideological loam" (Ulfers and Cohen, 21) This is a major attempt by the authors to connect value system and scientific roots and they maintain that science has a distinctive connection with everything that mount from the soil. Even the natures of human beings are closely linked with sciences. It is in this background that the authors of th e article present their chief proposition that Friedrich Nietzsche established a philosophy which was rooted in science and put down the groundwork for a system of values that could produce alternate forms of cultural expression. Ulfers and Cohen stipulate that Nietzsche's philosophy started in science and it can lay down standards for and structure fundamental formations in epistemology, ethics, and literature. Therefore, the central argument of the article attempts to illustrate the connection between science and moral value system with the example of Nietzsche's philosophy. "Nietzsche was primarily an ontologist -- a philosopher of the real, a delver

Film Analysis and it's Applications Coursework

Film Analysis and it's Applications - Coursework Example Belfort divorces his loyal wife, begins using both drugs and prostitutes and is a fraudster. He commits a number of crimes as he operates his company aggressively often flaunting some existing laws that govern the operation of stock brokerage firms. The film provides an effective criticism of the society by proving the claim that â€Å"power corrupts† as the main character becomes increasingly powerful. The fact that the film is an adaption of a real life story makes it effective in representing the lives of some of the wealthiest people in the first world. Wall Street, for example, is a representation of America’s financial hub. The 0.7-mile street produces hundreds of millionaires on a yearly basis. The film provides the society with a view to the operations of the stockbrokers. This way, the film shows how the individuals generate their wealth. The film provides a systematic and equally effective criticism of the society thereby influencing the cultural values. From the rise and fall of Belfort in the film, the audience understands the importance of humility, respect, ethical business operations and obedience to the

Allocating Merit Raises Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Allocating Merit Raises - Assignment Example The raises it is noteworthy should be done on basis of merit and hence any other external biases and influences should not discern whether or not a professor gets a raise. As such, Houseman cannot get a raise simply to catch up with the others, Ricks cannot get a raise to cover for the 20,000$ loss, Matthews cannot get the loan based on his need to service his student loan and acquire new residence, Karas cannot get a raise because he threatens to quit and Franks cannot get one because he needs to enhance a pension plan. These are worthy reasons but they are not based on merit. 1. As provided in the departments guidelines, teaching and research are considered more important than service to the University. Hence, teaching and research will take 80% of the funds provided each while service will take the remaining 20% of the total stake. The performance measures for research, teaching, and service respectively will weigh 40%, 40%, and 20% in the overall

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and Kants Perpetual Peace Research Paper

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and Kants Perpetual Peace - Research Paper Example The people who lived stress less life had good morals and they were filled with pity, and thus they could not hurt one another (Kant et al 3). As time progressed, the man began to change. As the number of people increased, the ways in which people could satisfy meet their daily needs changed. Because of the difficulties that people began experiencing, they started seeing each other and also began living together. They called these places communities because many people created large areas and made them settlements. They also continued working but they did so by dividing work between themselves. This they called it a division of labour and it happened between small units of people which were known as families. Division of labour leads to the invention of tools and other practices such as farming that made life easier. The fact that they worked and become tired led to the need for rest (Kant et al 4). They thus recognized the need to rest and work the following day, which they called l eisure after some time doing that. During leisure, people began to talk about the comparison between one community and another and also between themselves. This comparison brought about public values that led to shame and pride when one was told to be more superior to others. In addition, a certain community was considered more powerful than others if they had more resources. This started to make people envy property and pride and contempt. The desire for one to be recognized as superior or powerful, lead to some people isolating themselves from others. Isolation made these people accumulate property of their own. Soon the society leant of private property as important resources that brought pride and fame.

The Importance Of Training And Development Of The Staff Dissertation

The Importance Of Training And Development Of The Staff - Dissertation Example actice versus simple exposure 12 2.4.4 Individual Characteristics 13 2.4.5 Background of the trainee 13 2.4.6 Learning Style 14 2.4.7 Working Environment 14 2.5 Benefits of training and development for the Organization 15 Other Benefits 17 2.6 Telecom Industry of UK 19 2.7 British Telecom 20 2.8 Training and Development of British Telecom 22 2.9 Benefits enjoyed by British Telecom 23 2.10 Vodafone 24 2.11 Training and Development of Vodafone 24 2.11.1 Learning via experience 25 2.11.2 Training and Development Programs 25 2.11.3 Other Development Opportunities 25 2.12 Budget standard for training and development 26 2.12.1 Allocating Resources 26 2.12.2 Allocating Expenses 27 2.12.3 General estimation policy 28 2.13 Evaluation of training and development 29 2.13.1 Emotional reaction 29 2.13.2 Achieved learning objectives 30 2.13.3 Behavioural Changes 30 2.13.4 Impact on Organization 32 Chapter 3: Methodology 33 3.1 Introduction 33 3.2 Research Approach 33 3.3 Research Strategy 35 3.4 R esearch Methodology 36 3.5 Data Collection and Sampling 37 3.6 Ethical consideration 38 3.7 Limitation of the study 38 Chapter 4: Results and Findings 39 4.1 Introduction 39 4.2 Findings from employees of British Telecom 40 4.3 Findings from managers of British Telecom 45 4.4 Findings from the Employees of Vodafone 48 4.5 Findings from the Managers of Vodafone 53 Chapter 5: Analysis and Conclusion 61 5.1 Analysis 61 5.2 Conclusion 62 5.3 Recommendation 64 Chapter 6: Project Management and Review 66 Review 67 Reference List 69 Appendix 76 List of Figures Fig 1: Department of the respondents................................................................................41 Fig 2: Age of the... It has been identified by many of the authors that there exist some special characteristics of HRM that help in managing organizational culture and employee commitment (Anthony, 1994; Atkinson, 1990; Sisson, 1990; Guest, 1995). The commitment and alteration in the culture are encouraged by the application of specific practices in the areas of selection and recruitment, training and development, appraisal system and encouragement in the participation of the employees. In the general literature of HRM, recruitment and selection are seen as essential elements that assist in achieving employee commitment and cultural change. Some of the significant policy areas required to achieve new culture were identified by Guest (1987). On the other hand, William, Dobson, and Walters (1993) identifies that if recruitment is conducted in a systematic and thoughtful way, it is possible to exert emphasis on the ‘incoming culture', thereby creating a strong pressure on the existing workforce withi n the organization. Moreover, in order to create a change in the culture, it becomes very important for the HR manager to recruit selective people with the desired attitude. Snape, et al. (1995) have also emphasized that in order to develop the appropriate culture within the organization, the recruitment and selection of the employees should be based on their attitudinal and behavioral characteristics. The HRM literature also suggests that the training and development of the employees also lead to the change in the culture of the organization.

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and Kants Perpetual Peace Research Paper

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and Kants Perpetual Peace - Research Paper Example The people who lived stress less life had good morals and they were filled with pity, and thus they could not hurt one another (Kant et al 3). As time progressed, the man began to change. As the number of people increased, the ways in which people could satisfy meet their daily needs changed. Because of the difficulties that people began experiencing, they started seeing each other and also began living together. They called these places communities because many people created large areas and made them settlements. They also continued working but they did so by dividing work between themselves. This they called it a division of labour and it happened between small units of people which were known as families. Division of labour leads to the invention of tools and other practices such as farming that made life easier. The fact that they worked and become tired led to the need for rest (Kant et al 4). They thus recognized the need to rest and work the following day, which they called l eisure after some time doing that. During leisure, people began to talk about the comparison between one community and another and also between themselves. This comparison brought about public values that led to shame and pride when one was told to be more superior to others. In addition, a certain community was considered more powerful than others if they had more resources. This started to make people envy property and pride and contempt. The desire for one to be recognized as superior or powerful, lead to some people isolating themselves from others. Isolation made these people accumulate property of their own. Soon the society leant of private property as important resources that brought pride and fame.

In what ways wining Ca state lottery makes you bad Essay

In what ways wining Ca state lottery makes you bad - Essay Example This weakens their mental concentration towards their studies, and this will shamble their academic performance. It is also factual that many students after winning lottery money they are subject to poor financial management and this often cause them more psychological stress hence devastating their academic progress. Empirical research also shows that many college students who become millionaires due to lottery money have the high tendency of quitting their studies and embark on ill-advised investments. Consequently, some students end up in debt, and this may cause them being hospitalize due to the depression they undergo as a result of shock. Disparagingly, they come to realize their mistakes after exhausting the money; rather too late for any rectification action to be taken. What’s more, recent reports have found that students who win lottery money lose trust with almost everybody including their colleagues, family members, and even their teachers. It is true that winning the big top prize could be hard to trust anyone or any new person. Consequently, one’s safety is compromised. Additionally, college students who win the big Jackpot tend to become more vulnerable, unlike before. This is because the money they possess may make them be kidnap, or even be killed, and this will automatically make the winner uncomfortable. While lottery money helps a student to cope up with college life by empowering them financially, it ruins students by giving them enough cash to engage in drug abuse, and this money may transform these students to drug dealers. Therefore, this may cause them their live such as being killed or lifetime imprisonment for violating the state’s constitutional declarations. Therefore, if a student winning lottery money is not monitored, they may use the money to ruin their life and even the life of others. From the above elucidations, it is ostensible

Effects Autism Has On Communication Psychology Essay

Effects Autism Has On Communication Psychology Essay This research report is about Autism and the effects it has in Communication. This disorder has always been interesting to me. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1 in every 150 children. There are several different types of Autism but the most commonly known are Asperger Syndrome and general Autism. Asperger Syndrome is when children have problems communicating and interacting with others but have good communication skills. They can also be sensative to loud sounds, bright lights and tastes. Children with Aspergers have an obsession with one thing or any subject that they find appealing. Classical Autism is the most common of the disorders. Autism symptoms include problems with social interaction, repeating actions and phrases and difficulty with communicating in general. Autistic children become obsessed with certain subjects but lack interest in other areas. These children are known for being socially withdrawn, little emotion, and isolated. I want to know how does Com munication affect autistic people in everyday life? I recently watched a documentary on Autism, where a normal guy lived with a twenty year old Autistic boy. He wanted to put himself into an Autistic childs lifestyle and see how the most simple tasks can be some of the hardest things to do for someone who has Autism. I am interested in finding out if the things that set them off can be monitored, will it eventually stop being a problem in their lives. Autistic kids spend everyday of their lives fighting their inner thoughts and when speaking out loud. Autism has so many unanswered questions. I want to do more research and find out testimonies from people with Autism and their struggles with Communication. Autism is something I am sure everyone has been in contact with and you have not even realized it. I think by more people learning about this disorder maybe it can be improved somehow. I feel like this is a disorder that can be managed and one day the children diagnosed with it cou ld be more comfortable with themselves and the way they communicate with others. Anderson A., Litras S., Moore D.W. (2010). Using Video Self-Modelled Social Stories to Teach Social Skills to a Young Child with Autism, Autism Research and Treatment, Vol. 2010, 9 pages. This research report is the study of how video modelling and social studies effect a three year old child with Autism. In this report the researchers point out that social intervention has a crucial effect at an early age if signs of Autism are caught early. It is pointed out that if these behavoirs are caught it will be beneficial later on in life. Social Stories are used to show children with autism how to manage their behavior during social situations by describing where the activity is likely to take place, when and how it will occur, and responses the target child could display. There has also been interest in the use of video modelling, in the treatment of children with autism. Video technology appears well suited to children and fitting to the needs of children with autism. Video modelling involves a child watching specifically made video tapes of him or herself, peers or adults engaging in a behavior being taught. The effectiveness of video modelling for children with autism has been demonstrated for conversational speech, social initiations, and play-behaviors. This report will be useful to my research because it provides actual studies on children and their social behaviors. It is important in my research to have testamonies of actual field research. Bock, G., Goode, J. (2003). Autism: Neural basis and treatment possibilities. Novartis Foundation symposium, 251. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. There have been many advances in research into the nature of autism and our concepts of autism have undergone a radical change.The view was that autism was an early stage of schizophrenia that had been caused by so-called refrigerator parenting. It became clear that it was a mistaken concept and that autism constitutes a neurodevelopmental disorder with a distinctive pattern of cognitive defects and that it is strongly genetically influenced. The point is to tackle the challenges from a range of different perspectives in the hope that a coming together of minds, and of different research strategies, may move research forward. The huge rise in diagnosed autism is a consequence of a major broadening of the concept of autism .The rise is unlikely to have been genetically determined? There have been claims that the rise is due to the use of the combined measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine but that does not seem very likely. The rise began before the introduction of MMR and it continued to rise, without any plateauing, after MMR was used with the vast majority of the population. The prevailing consensus at the moment is that autism spectrum disorders constitute a continuum extending from mild autism to severe handicap.Why is it that individuals with the broader phenotype do not have associated mental retardation and do not seem to have an increase in the rate of epilepsy, both being very characteristic correlates of autism? Th is critical essay is reporting on how people used to think Autism was not a social disorder but cause by certain diseases. I like this article because it shows how far research has come in this field and there are more humane thoughts about Autism. Luiselli, J. K. (2008). Effective practices for children with autism: Educational and behavioral support interventions that work. New York: Oxford University Press. Children who have autism require educational and treatment services. There are a many approaches currently recommended to practitioners and parents, but little is known about their efficacy. Which are the most effective in teaching skills, overcoming behavior challenges, and improving quality of life? Methods must be based in research settings, but be easily extended to real world settings where children with autism live, go to school and socialize.Identifying and validating effective practices is a difficult process, but an important one for responsible research and practice. This critical essay brings together many views on interventions for autism education and behavior. With contributors from a variety of disciplines and orientations, Effective Practices for Children with Autism presents a critical view of current practice standards, emphasizing procedures and research-to-practice applications. This book was intended for researchers and doctors in this field, the book is for eval uating educational and treatment procedures, which acknowledge the most effective ways of going about treatments of Autism. Hacking I. (2010). Autism fiction: A mirror of an internet decade. University of Toronto Quarterly 79(2), 632-655. Retrieved August 18, 2010, from Project MUSE database. In the past ten years there has been an explosion of literature fiction and non-fiction, in which autism plays a key role. This critical essay explores the diverse genre that has resulted and examines some of its effects on the evolution of our understanding of autism and on our ability to talk about autistic experience. The role of the Internet in enabling autistic people to interact with others while avoiding the difficulties of face-to-face interaction. It proposes that the public fascination with autistic texts mirrors the dominance of the Internet in daily life. Both texts and the Internet represent changes in communication. Rogers, S. J. Interventions That Facilitate Socialization in Children with Autism Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 2000-10-01Springer Netherlands 0162-3257 Behavioral Science 399, 409, 30, 5. Being socially handicap is one of the most defining and handicapping features of Autism. One of the most important parts in Autism research is improving social function. Many social experiments have been published in autism literature. Children with autism are responsive to a variety of interventions aimed at increasing their social engagement with others. Successful strategies such as peer tutoring have involved autistic children. Several studies have demonstrated that social engagement directly affects other important behaviors like language, even when these behaviors are not specifically targeted by the teaching program. While an area of severe involvement, social behavior is also responsive to intervention. I believe this critical essay is an important part of my research because it gives the background of Autism and extensive information on what measures need to be taken to improve the social behaviors of Autistic children. Sansosti F.J. and Powell-Smith K. A. (2008). Using computer-presented social stories and video models to increase the social communication skills of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders, Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 162-178. This research report on three children with High-Functioning Autism and Aspergers Syndrome, they are the subjects of a two week research study that was done by video modelling. The data was collected twice a week through daily tasks that are not monitored. One of the main events monitored was recess. The research in this report showed that with using video modelling and social stories is helpful for children with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. This report is helpful to my research because it shows a daily plan of how the research was done and how effective it can be if done routinely. Shute, N. (2010). Desperate for an Autism Cure. Scientific American, 303(4), 80-85. Retrieved from Nursing Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive database. The research report discusses the reliance on risky alternative therapies by parents of autistic children as valid treatments become rarer. According to the report the percentage of autistic children in the U.S. that are receiving alternative treatments is high. The author argues that many of the non-conventional therapies are unreal and that some practitioners are prescribing drugs that have never been tested for safety or efficacy in the treatment of autism. Points include how increased public awareness and the demand by parents for proven treatments have resulted in increased research funding for autism Stacey, P. (2003). The boy who loved windows: Opening the heart and mind of a child threatened with autism. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press. This book is a personal memoir that is written first hand about a boy with Autism. It begins with the diagnosis, through a five-year span through alternative medicine, brain research, and the work of pioneering psychiatrist Stanley Greenspan who helped bring their son into full contact with the world. In 1997 Patricia Stacey and her husband Cliff learned that their six-month-old son might never walk or talk, or even hear or see. Shocked with his prognosis they can not live with this prediction, they start on a five-year escapade that took them into the world of Autism. Their search led them to pioneering developmental psychiatrist Stanley Greenspan who helped them save their son and bring him into full contact with the world. This memoir is hopeful and gives people an insight on the way of life in a childs world with Autism. In some ways you make yourself apart of their lives instead of them living in the real world. This critical essay explores all of the ups and downs of this famil ies struggle with this social disorder. The Boy Who Loved Windows is inspiring reading for parents and professionals who care for children with autism.