DEVELOPING SELF ACROSS THE LIFE - SPAN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

DEVELOPING SELF ACROSS THE LIFE - SPAN - Essay Example The causes of the disorder, symptoms, and behavior patterns are also described in the research. The conclusion shows that although it can be difficult to teach Autistic children, in the correct learning environment and with the implementation of a strategic teaching plan it is not impossible to carry out with a positive outcome. The case in this research is depicting an 8 year old who has been diagnosed with a mild form of Autism. The symptoms of this child are discussed, and there is a defining look at the atypical behaviors he exhibits which could have the most bearing in the learning environment for him on an individual basis. In our society there are numerous developmental disorders which often interfere with the educational process. Autism happens to be one of the most severe out of the various developmental delays that are in existence in society but it does not necessarily mean that teaching these children is impossible. A developmental disorder is in actuality a disease that does prevent an adult or even a child from functioning at the correct conventional level in society. Simply attempting to adapt to everyday tasks becomes highly complex for the child with autism (Frith 1991). Scientific research has discovered that Autism is a developmental disease which affects boys more than it does girls and it is non-discriminative meaning that it is found throughout the world in all families of all racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds (Groden 1988). Autism is normally characterized by specific actions from the child which can include detachment, withdrawal from social contact, daydreaming, uncontrollable emotions, mood swings, obsessive behaviors with inclusion of hand flailing, rocking, and head banging (Frith 1991). Due to the diverseness of complications that Autism can bring to the child in a learning environment, not to mention in the family environment, it takes a very special

Explain links between economic development and destruction of forests Essay

Explain links between economic development and destruction of forests in the Third World. Explain how development can be designed to protect forests. Describe - Essay Example The research on the ecological situation of the world clearly shows that the largest and most significant causes of pollution are the industrial and commercial activities of humans. These activities are taking place at an accelerating rate in countries which are seeking to develop themselves into economic powers such as India and China. Whenever fossil fuels are used to drive automobiles, run industries or provide energy to offices and homes, a significant amount of harmful gasses are created which are released into the atmosphere. While a certain amount of atmospheric pollution can be controlled and nature has the magnificent ability to manage excess carbon dioxide (CO2), the present rate of creation of these compounds in developing countries is simply too much for nature to handle (Quammen, 1998). The deforestation of the world is certainly adding to the problem since different locations around the world in LDCs and MDCs are suffering from humans encroaching on forest regions. As India develops into the back office of the world, its Gir forest is being destroyed to make room for mango farms, peanut groves and lime quarries for the cement that is to be used in multistory offices in Mumbai and Bangalore. The UN reports that the rate of deforestation has only increased in the world since 15.4 million hectares per annum are being taken away from our forests. In South America alone, every year 6.2 million hectares of forest land is destroyed to make room for the population (Quammen, 1998). The situation has come to a point where 95% of the forest land of Brazil is gone and 92% of the forests of the Philippines are gone. Costa Rica was a country known for its biodiversity but she has also lost more than 90% of her forests. If the situation continues as it has in the past, by the middle of the present century, there would be no forests left in these developing countries except in

Impact of Oil Spills on the Environment

Impact of Oil Spills on the Environment Oil Spills and Our Environment[MB1] Oil spills have been a major environmental concern when it comes to humans, land and water, aquatic and wild life. Oil can be detrimental to both humans and animals. An oil spill is liquid petroleum that is released into the environment. This happens because of human activity and it is pollution. The word describes aquatic oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters (epa.earthday). These spills may happen on land, as well. When oil is spilled on water it becomes hazardous and endangers our environment and our aquatic ecosystems. The way it pollutes our land is through our resources from our land and the organisms that live below the Earth’s surface. Oil spills are capable of destroying the very life forms that are associated with our food resources. Our environment can be impaired by the physical damages oil causes when animals come into contact with it. The animals can get coated with oil, and with oil being so toxic, it is capable of poisoning organisms that become open to the elements. Oils are not all the same. They have differences, and those differences are petroleum based or non-petroleum based. Oils can have different chemical make ups that give them unique physical distinctiveness. Oils that are Petroleum based can be different varieties of natural hydrocarbon based elements and process petroleum effects. These distinctions will affect the way t hat oil expands and separates. It is good to know the type of oil that one is dealing with because this can help to associate the hazardous dangers that the oil is capable of posing to human and aquatic life. There is also a likelihood that oil is capable of posing a threat to natural and man-made resources, as well (epa). Oils can cause immediate and long-term harmful effects on the environment. They can pose a danger and be deadly to our wildlife. Non-petroleum oils have the capability to diminish the oxygen needed by our aquatic organisms, foul aquatic life, and the feathers of wildlife. Birds can lose their feathers from oil, and the feathers are a vital part of their protective covering. When birds come in contact with oil, it puts the birds in danger of freezing to death or suffocate their embryos. When birds get drenched in oil they transfer oil from the feathers to the eggs. When ingested by fouls through eating, oil can kill them. Some of the other effects of spilled oil on birds and other wildlife consists of suffocation, dehydration, drowning, or starvation. The non-petroleum oils have similarities to petroleum-based oils but they do differ. One of the similarities is that they are both soluble in water and it is limited. Both oils create oil slicks at the surface of water. They both develop mixtures of different substances and sludge’s which looks muddy. Although, non-petroleum oils are known to linger in the environment for a long time. It is also good to remember how they have catastrophic effects on birds and mammals (epa.gov). Immediate response is a necessity when rescuing birds and aquatic mammals. This procedure is not done by just anyone, therefore, training is needed. In order to rehabilitate our oiled wildlife can be a complex procedure. Those who volunteer for this cause must be trained properly, and commit themselves to correctly documented procedures thoroughly, and avoid taking any shortcuts. Also, there must be communication with other agencies in order for the wildlife rescue operation to be a success (greenlivingtips). When birds are brought to the facility oil is flushed from its eyes and intestines immediately. The workers examine to see if they have broken bones, cuts, or other injuries. If the birds that come in have a lot of oil on them, that gets wiped with cloths that absorbs and removes the oil blotches. They are also administered oral medicines that coat their stomachs in case of ingestion. This prevents any other oil to get absorbed into the birds stomach. Once all this is done, the bird is then warmed and isolated within a silent area. In the area where wildlife is taken, curtains are hung around them to limit their contact with humans. Because nutrition is very essential for the recovery of oiled birds, sometimes they must be forced fed until they are able to feed themselves. Once the bird is responsive, stable, and alert, they softly rub a detergent into the bird’s feathers to remove the oil until the oil is gone. Then the bird is rinsed and cleaned and put in a clean, warm, hol ding pen that is covered with curtains. If the bird’s behavior seems normal during observation, then the bird is allowed to swim. They allow this so the bird can preen and realign its feathers. This action restores the feathers to their original structure and helps the bird to become water resistant. The waterproofing test is done prior to freeing a bird back into its natural habitat. They will not release the bird unless it is capable of floating and keeping the water away from its body. This procedure is quickly done because it is toxic the birds and can kill them (greenlivingtips). The Oil Experiment Materials My Prediction Conclusion cotton Will soak up the oil but not be able to clean the oil Oil Spread to cotton and it did not clean up the oil plastic Will get oily and will not be able to clean the oil Plastic became oily and did not clean up the oil newspaper Will soak up the oil but will not be able to clean the oil Oil soaked in paper and it did not clean up the oil paper towel Will soak up the oil but will not be able to clean the oil Oil soaked in paper and it did not clean up the oil feather Will get drenched in the oil, will not be able to clean up the oil Feather became drenched in oil and it did not clean up the oil cotton material Will soak up the oil but will not be able to clean the oil Oil soaked in cotton and it did not clean up the oil nylon material Will become oily itself but will not be able to clean the oil Oil soaked in nylon and it did not clean up the oil string Will get drenched in oil not be able to clean the oil String too small became oily and it did not clean up the oil Dish detergent Dawn Should break down the oil It cleaned up the oil The Conclusion of the Experiment The oil was not easy to clean, although Dawn dishwashing liquid seemed to have the capabilities of breaking the oil down. When I added the oil to the water, the oil floated on the surface of the water. I expected that much because I have seen this before. What I didn’t expect was the fact that the cotton didn’t clean it completely. The oil in water was very difficult to clean up with all my materials except the dawn dish detergent. The material that absorbed the oil the best was the cotton, but it didn’t clean it. It just soaked some of the oil up or expanded it, I’m not quite sure. The material that absorbed the oil the least was the plastic, and the rest of my materials didn’t work either. I used the generic dollar general brand of paper towel. When I used dawn dish detergent, it worked. Oil Spills The Exxon Valdez oil spill is much considered to be the most disastrous oil spill in the world, but as far as the worst environmental disaster in history it doesnt even rank among the top fifty of the recorded largest oil spills. As far as being the oil spill having the worst environmental impact on a region, Exxon is acknowledge. The oil spill caused approximately 11 million gallons of oil to escape from a tankers hull, and it still continues to have an effect on the area. The Alaskan waters known as Prince William Sound has never been the same once the ship hit Bligh Reef (Lovgren). Late at night, on March 24, 1989, a tanker called the Exxon Valdez swerved from the shipping lane in Prince William Sound, Alaska to avoid icebergs and crashed on Bligh Reef. This event was one of the largest oil spill from a vessel in US history at that time. Succeeding spills have leaked out much more. In 1978, four-hundred million gallons of oil was spilled along the coast of Mexico. Another time was 1978, sixty-nine million gallons were spilled by the tanker Amoco Cadiz off Brittany, France. In 1967, a tanker named Torrey Canyon off the English coast spilled thirty-eight million gallons. The tanker Metula in the Straits of Magellan, in 1973, was where sixteen million gallons of oil were spilled. As a result of these oil spills and others, there has been a considerable effort by government, academic and industry scientists to understand the fate and effects of petroleum in our Earth’s waters. One good piece of news that did occur was in 1985, when the National Research Coun cil had reported that they didn’t find any evidence that proves that our oceans environments are threatened by the oil spills. Although, it is still a concern. Petroleum inputs from accidental oil spills were found to be less important contributors to the annual input of petroleum to the aquatic environment than chronic discharges from the urban runoff, industrial waste, and transportation activities. Petroleum, which we now know is one of our natural elements has been naturally discharging in our water in great amounts at many oil outflows around the world. Although, the aftermath of oil spills can be harsh, our natural environment produces effective natural processes that will recovery our environments of most of our oil spills (Alaska). The BP Oil spill was due to an explosion of a rig in the Gulf. There were significant factors prior to the destruction of the drilling of the rig that should have been considered, which was a lack of risk management, at the time. It was a sad time in America from businesses to families and the economy in general. It was said that the incident was an â€Å"accident waiting to happen† (epa.bp). The engineers had identified seven fatal defects that led to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a series of errors that were made by people in critical situations involving complex technological and organization systems. Because of this, it created critical lessons that were learned. It has also given them insights on how to prevent this from happening in the future (epa.bp). The incident lead to the improved risk assessments, and more beneficial regulatory oversight. It called for safer operating procedures and fast crisis response time. The accident was a detrimental and severe lesson learned. Eleven workers lost their lives and seventeen others were injured. The oil spill damaged the economy and environment of the entire Gulf Coast. The laws made changes that will reduce the chances of these tragedies occurring again. These regulation were put in place for both deep-water drilling and high technical and risky industries (oceanworld). The Exxon Valdez leaked out almost eleven million gallons of oil in the pristine Prince William Sound. The oil spread to 1,300 miles of shoreline. The oil spill killed hundreds of thousands of aquatic and wildlife. The difference with the Gulf of Mexico spill is that the oil rig exploded and killed eleven of the workers and produced the largest oil spill in U.S. history. According to NOAA, an estimated two-hundred and ten thousand gallons of oil were leaking oil out of the remaining ruptures in a day. Eleven million gallons spilled by the Exxon Valdez in 1989 in June (greenlivingtips). Environmentalists are working on the long-term environmental impact reduction goals for the areas of energy conservation, resource conservation, and pollution prevention. As far as short term goals are concerned, environmentalists are working hard to advance the broader use of renewable sources of energy, while monitoring and maintaining the carbon footprint of the Earth in hopes that it will be at a m inimum. We can’t completed eliminate all the bad elements in our atmosphere, but we can work together to minimize the issues of concern. A development of a hydraulic fracturing fracking technology is underway, in order to help them obtain accessibility to our natural gas that formerly found to be unreachable (mcclatchydc). Since the BP oil spill, the Environmental Protection Agency has put orders in place that monitor air, water, sediment, and wastes that are produced by the cleaning processes. They will continue the continued response and renovation attempts as well. The government has put a main goal in place too restore and maintain our waters, while providing several causes of action that will be enforceable by the United States in order to  promote the goals. For instance, civil and criminal penalties are put in place as provisions. The CWA has put civil penalty provisions associated  with oil spills and this will provide that penalties recovered under the Clean Water Act must be deposited into the Oil Spill Liability  Trust Fund. Therefore funds will be available in the future or ensure that there are available funds for clean-up, response, and restoration efforts for future oil spills (epa.bp). EarthDay EarthDay is an important day to remember. It will be celebrated on April 22, 2014. This date is the anniversary of the environmental movement of 1970. Gaylord Nelson is the founder who came up with the idea. He was a US Senator in Wisconsin at the time. He witnessed an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. In his eyes that oil spill was major issue and concern. He waited until an opportunistic time to voice his opinion on the incident. At the time Nelson was trying to find a way to get the news out, there had been a student anti-war movement taking place as well. That is when Mr. Nelson came up with the idea to stimulate the energy given about the war and emerge it with also making the public aware of the water and air pollution, in hopes that it would enforce protection for the environment, and it did. In the end, everyone came together to assist in the cause, and this action led to the four major changes; creation of the EPA and the passage of the Clean Water, Clean Air, and the Endangered Species Act (epa.gov). On April 22, more than a million Americans performed a demonstration on the streets and parks, and held gatherings from the East coast to West coast. They were fighting for the cause, such as, against pollution from factories, power plants, toxic dumps and raw sewage, freeways, and pesticides and most of all the lost that it has caused to the wilderness. Needless to say, in the end he won. Nelson and his followers worked hard to get the government’s attention to environmental issues, and when they did, it was the beginning of the environmental movement. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed on Dec.2, 1970. It was put in place to consolidate a variety of federal research, standard settings, and monitoring, and enforcement activities to ensure that the environment sustains protection for present and future generations The outcome is for Americans to have a cleaner and healthier environment (earthday). The EPA work intensely to make sure everyone is complying to keep the environment clean and free from destruction, and holds those responsible if they are not complying. Because of Earthday, regulations in the Cleveland, Ohio area was forced to clean up the lakes and make sure that there is no hazardous and dangerous elements that can destroy our aquatic life, animals, and human life. Earthday protects our environment and promotes sustainability for our Earth for the future generations to come. It makes us accountable and responsible to keep our environment clean and safe for all living organisms (epa.earthday). I can do my part of protecting our earth by going green. At home, I recycle and utilize bio-degradable products. I will not pollute our waters with pollutants, nor the land. At home I learned to use water, dawn dish detergent, and boiling water to break down cooking oils after cooking so the oils do not build up. At work, I can use less paper products and ride bus to work. During recreation time, I will make sure that I continue to use green products and keep our environment clean from trash and other things that may hurt our environment. [MB1

why everyone should own 1 punk cd Essay -- essays research papers

Outline for Persuasive Speech Topic: Why everyone should own one Punk CD. 1. a. By a show of hands I would like to see how many of you listen to Punk Rock. Today I’d like to talk to you about this genre of music that was created in reaction to other forms of music, and hopefully influence you to check it out and maybe even buy a CD. i. I’ve been listening to punk since as early as the 5th grade. â€Å"Punk† (make quote sign) is a term applied to a child or teenager who acts in an antisocial way. Punk music is a form of rebellion, and it turned against all other musical forms and influences at its time of creation. Punk music is as much cultural as it is musical. It is anarchic, against society, and against everything in established order. ii. I’d like to give you a brief history, the philosophy behind the music, and how what you hear today on the radio isn’t quite the same. I’ve included a few of the bands that I like to give you an idea what I’m talking about. Punk rock is much more than just music as music is just expressions of what people hold dear to them. Transition statement: But since I don’t have all day to talk lets go to a brief history. A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Most of the first wave of British punk were born from art schools. Members from The Clash, Sex pistols, Damned, Wire, Adam and the ants, and Siouxsie and the Banshees had all come from such places in and around London. A large contingent came from in and around the Kings road area of west London, and a lot of the first wave knew of each other first hand- Tony James (Gen X), Mick Jones (Clash). Topper Headen (Clash) and Keith Levine (Clash, Public Image) had all been in the London SS, a Proto-punk band featuring the aforementioned all-star line-up. Shortly after The SS split, Tony James went to form Chelsea with future Generation X member and MTV pop star Billy Idol. In addition they recruited future Damned Guitarist and leader Brian James. The Clash's Leader, Joe Strummer had been plying his trade in the pub rock scene, which was instrumental to the rise of punk, with his previous band the 101'ers. As soon as he saw the Pistols, he knew his band was outdated. Strummer was actually an ex public schoolboy, and his dad was a worker in the national treasury of some sort. Other bands, such as the UK subs had also evolved from pub rock- Charlie Harper was in the marauders prior to forming the sub... ...e people its all about who out punk or be more hardcore than the next punk. People who disregard other punks for the type of punk they listen to. The most disregarded punks are the ones who listen to some commercialized music. This in general to me is ok to a certain degree. If you love the music and it means something to you it is ok with me, but if you are just listening to it because other people do or you are just radio oriented for any band I dislike it. Punks shouldn't deem those who listen to some commercial music and love it posers. That is wrong to me. Everyone knows that for how many punks there are in an area there are usually just as many posers. The people who I think qualify as posers are radio oriented, do things or listen to a band just because other true punks are and have no love for it, people who just do it for the style, and people with a punk attitude with no beliefs to back it up. You will never see a person listening to rap or techno listening to punk musi c, but as a punk, we are taught to be more open to different styles of music, because punk is not a contest, it is unity, love for the music, an attitude, a lifestyle, and many other things to be true to.

How do babies develop language? Essay

Language is the major means in which human beings communicate. Language is also needed to satisfy the human need to speak out emotions, complex needs, thoughts and ideas. Spoken language is a structured set of sounds while written language is a structured set of symbols. Language is acquired or learned, and the ability to use language effectively greatly affects our ability to operate well within society. There are different forms of language, which are used at different times for different situations, these requires a high level of skill and young children need the opportunity to acquire this skill. Sounds are the raw materials of spoken language. These sounds come together to form words, combined and brought together in special and complex ways to form sentences. The meaning in a sentence is communicated by the way in which words are combined. For most children, the ability to pronounce words correctly and to use appropriate grammar are acquired in the same way as other language skills. Children require good role models, the opportunity to use their language skills and positive feedback to adjust and refine these skills. There are times, however, that some children have difficulties in pronouncing words which may require help from speech therapist. These children’s needs are greatly important and to seek help for the child language is the main tool that human beings use for thinking. Thinking can be done without language, such as recalling pictures, images and tactile sensation but these are just considered as simple level: These ways of thinking and recalling information are not complex enough for all that is demanded of human beings (Beaver 139). First language acquisition Most researchers have the same opinion that typically, developing healthy babies go through the same language acquisition stages no matter what their first language is. Newborn infants cry, but they do not make speechlike sounds until they reach 3 months old, when they begin to make what are called ooing vowel sounds. During six months of age, babies start to babble and make consonant-vowel combination sounds like â€Å"ba-ba-ba† and â€Å"da-da-da†. They practice these sounds leading to intonation patterns development similar to whatever language they hear and is spoken in their environment. They keep trying out varieties of consonant-vowel combinations until they utter the first word which is the next stage in their development. The name of a family member is usually the first word or it could be a favorite food or toy, or an action word, such as â€Å"bye-bye†, â€Å"down†, or â€Å"no†. New words are gradually added and babies usually over generalize words such as â€Å"mommy† to represent all women, or â€Å"doggy† to mean all four-legged, furry creature. Very soon, the one-word utterance is extended to have sentence meaning: the holophrastic stage. In these stage, the one-word such as â€Å"more† means â€Å"I want more†, or â€Å"up† means â€Å"Pick me up†. Most linguists believe that children at this stage understand more language than they can produce. Children begin to put two words together and form two-word sentences between one and one-half and two years of age. Children already can recognize and even produce many words, but it is here that we witness the beginning of syntactical and semantic relations. â€Å"Give me. † â€Å"All gone. † â€Å"Daddy home. † â€Å"Bye Mommy. † Children do not mark the words with inflections for tense, number, or person. At this stage, they do not usually use pronouns, except for â€Å"me† referring to themselves. The next stage is the telegraphic stage, when children start to form sentences that sound like telegrams because these three-, four-, and several-word sentences are made up of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and some pronouns sequenced in the correct word order, but without inflectional endings or function words such as â€Å"the†, â€Å"a†, or prepositions. Sentences like: â€Å"Doggy play ball†, â€Å"Chair fall down† â€Å"What her name? † â€Å"Me want that. † are often times heard (Seymour, Luria and Smoke 5). Biological, or innate, theory of Chomsky and Slobin The theory of Chomsky (1957) is based on the principle that the brain has an inbuilt facility for language and that human beings are genetically programmed to develop language. The theory sought to provide an explanation for the means by which a baby develops language skills. Chomsky’s theory thus links language skills to the process of maturation. It emphasizes the biological control of language development and declines contextual factors. However, Chomsky does not point out that in order to trigger this innate capacity for language, children need to hear language spoken. The importance of language as an activity is given emphasis, rather than the specific language spoken by those in contact with the child. Slobin, added ideas to Chomsky’s approach, explained that babies and very young children respond to language sounds and sound consequences, which he called operating principles and research supports this view. Babies do initially respond to sound, tone, intonation and rhythm regardless of the language spoken. This would appear a logical answer to the question of how language develops; however, if we were preprogrammed to learn language then all children would learn language in the same way, regardless of the culture in which they were born. But this is not the case (MacLeod-Brudenell and Maclead-Brudenell 176). Cognitive models of Vygotsky and Piaget While the biological models of language development stress the innate ability of children to acquire language, cognitive models, on the other hand, focus more on the relationship between the developments of children’s cognitive skills and language development. In terms of language, the approach taken by Piaget differs from Vygotsky in one important facet. Piaget considered language development to be primarily an egocentric activity and to provide a challenging environment is the role of the adult which would stimulate the child’s learning capabilities (MacLeod-Brudenell and Maclead-Brudenell 176). To Piaget, language was quite independent from actions that lead to reasoning. For Piaget, talking to children in order to explain things before they were at an appropriate stage of understanding is pointless. Vygotsky, on the other hand, believed that language takes place within a social framework and adults have vital role in actively stimulating the child in order to support and extend the children’s learning. Vygotsky noted that in the earliest stages of speech, children talk aloud to themselves and practitioners who work with very young children confirms in this case. Vygotsky sees this inner speech as an important link between language and thoughts in the young child. As children become more aware of what they are thinking, this inner speech becomes internalized (MacLeod-Brudenell and Maclead-Brudenell 179). Bruner’s approach to language development Bruner is also considered as one of the most influential theorists in the field of language development. Bruner focused his early research on the relationship between adult scaffolding, learning and children’s language. He emphasizes the linkage between language and communication and the encouragement of children’s understanding of how language works. The holistic approach to language comprises visual cues, gestures and body language, turn-taking and the conventions of social use of language (MacLeod-Brudenell and Maclead-Brudenell 179). Monitoring children’s language development Effective child-care workers informally monitor children’s development through their daily interactions with the children. Their intimate knowledge of individual children allows them to identify such progress or development, or if a child may need support. There are some establishments that also monitor children’s language development in a more formal way. They may use a checklist, developmental chart or diary in which, each child’s development is recorded and made available for future planning and interaction. It is important to take note that when assessing children’s language developmental level, there is sometimes a difference between a child’s actual language ability and their ability to use expressive (spoken) language (Beaver 157). Factors affecting language development Successful language development of children needs a rich, stimulating environment that offers the opportunity for experiences suitable to their level of development. These are a number of factors that influence the quality of the language development: 1) the presence of positive role models 2) the opportunity for the children to practice their language skill 3) positive feedback to enable the children to pick up language and to adjust and refine their language skills (Beaver 158). Supporting children with language delay All children come to a care setting with different experiences and this includes their experience of language. Because the experiences that a child has had are so influential in their development, not all children develop language in the same pace. Within any group of children there will be a wide range of proficiency in language. This could include children who have delayed language development in relation to the expected range of norms. It is important that each child is treated as an individual and that their needs are assessed and met. When a child’s language development is delayed, there are a number of agencies who may be involved are health visitor, speech therapist, portage worker, language unit, nursery staff, individual classroom report, support form charitable organizations (Barnardos, NCH Action for Children), local initiative (self-help groups) (Beaver 159).

Cultural Critique on the Internet

Through the onset of industrialization, countries all over the world had experienced remarkable changes in its society. Sophisticated technologies, gadgets and facilities had been made available to man. These inventions, which are results of man’s work, pave the way to the society’s advancements. One of the most remarkable artifacts that the new milieu brought into picture is the internet.The advent of the internet came into vision â€Å"when people in the early 1960s saw great potential value in allowing computers to share information on research and development in scientific and military fields† (Brief History of the Internet). J. C. R. Licklider was said to be the pioneering person of the internet. In 1962, he proposed a global network of computers and work to develop it (Brief History of the Internet). The initial efforts of Licklider had inspired other people to participate in designing and bringing internet into a complete picture.The theory of pocket switc hing developed by Leonard Kleinrock ‘forms the basis of internet connections. ’ In the year 1969, ARPANET (initial name given to internet) was brought on line. It was first used to connect four Universities in the United States to provide a channel for research communication and exchange. Early times of internet use and connection were very complex. Furthermore, the used of the internet was only limited to education, government and research use.Commercial used of the internet was then prohibited. This prohibition was put to an end when the ‘dot-com boom’ in the second half of 1990’s hit the stock market and media (Gozzi Jr. 470). Investments for the commercialization of the internet were in demand during these years. It was also during these times when Microsoft had its ‘full scale entry into browser, server and Internet Service Provider market completed the shift t a commercially based Internet’ (A Brief History of the Internet).As seen today, the internet industry or the ‘dot-com’ economy is continuously growing and taking an advance step everyday. The definition as well as the description of the internet was finalized and passed as a resolution on October 24, 1995. The following statement provides the definition and description of the internet: RESOLUTION: The Federal Networking Council (FNC) agrees that the following language reflects our definition of the term â€Å"Internet†.â€Å"Internet† refers to the global information system that — (i) is logically linked together by a globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol (IP) or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons; (ii) is able to support communications using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons, and/or other IP-compatible protocols; and (iii) provides, uses or makes accessible, either publicly or privately, high level services layered on the communications and related infrastructure described herein (Leiner et al n. p).This technology grants mechanism to people throughout the globe to process and relay information without regard for geographic location. It has been a channel for communication, business, community operations and education. It opened the possibilities of on line learning and business negotiation and made the life of individuals to be modern and sophisticated. Through the onset of this technology, advancement in the society and man’s culture also took place. The benefits that this technology bring is said to be limitless and essential. However, at present times, people seem to abuse the used of the internet.Such abuse initiated the negative implications and harm of the said artifact to the society as a whole. The community had too much relied on the features of the internet. In an article written by Greenblatt, he argued that the rise of the internet had negatively affected traditional television (1 49). It is feared that the internet would eventually kill television as it does in the music industry and in the print media. Competition between traditional television and the internet arises. It was noted in the article of Greenblatt that people spend less time in viewing the television than they do in the net.Through on line streaming, watching sports, concert of artists, etc is now possible. It is showed that the traditional way of watching (i. e. with the use of television) had been altered due to internet boom. While it can be said that the presence of internet provides the benefit for individuals to watch programs in their most convenient time, it is still unfair because other industries suffer. Too much dependence of the public to the internet had brought the problem of unfair competition. People’s way of socializing was also altered through the used of the internet.The usual way of meeting and knowing a particular person had been changed. Most people use the internet to meet and socialize with new people. This has been made possible through the used of chat rooms as well as other internet sites like friendster. The value of having friends is not the main question being posed. The threat for such sites and chat rooms is the opportunity for on line prostitution and other crimes to take place (Clemmitt 450). The internet had (in no doubt) expanded prostitution, bringing it available not only on the area where a certain prostitute lives but also in nearby cities or town.The invention of the internet has also given rise to a new kind of addiction, which is online porn addiction where ‘there's no doubt that some people's porn consumption gets them in trouble — in the form of maxed-out credit cards, lost sleep, neglected responsibilities, or neglected loved ones’ (Martin F. Downs). Violent acts of children are also partly blamed on the internet. On line games which most children and youngsters play depict violence which eventually changes their psychological behavior.The increase in violent acts of these youngsters eventually contributes to an increase in crime. Early exposure of these youngsters to act of violence and other adult materials can bring unfavorable effect to their perception about the reality. Addiction to these on line games had also reduced their time for physical activities therefore bringing the problem of obesity. ‘Dr Robinson from the British Nutrition foundation said 40% of boys and 60% of girls were found to spend less than the recommended one hour per day in physical activity’ (BBC News).The most controversial and frightening contribution of the internet is the opportunity that it provides for act of terrorism. Terrorist are availing the opportunity to connect with the internet and used this artifact as a propaganda tool (Anderson 25). Since every machine that is connected to the internet is potentially a broad casting station, a printing press or a place of assembly, terro rists can now disseminate their information undiluted by the media and untouched by government censors. In the past, the al-Quaeda had benefited from the extensive use of the internet not until their network was intercepted.The following statement, which basically tackles on how terrorists’ actions were improved through the aid of the internet, was cited in Anderson’s work (2003). â€Å"Using the Internet for communication can increase speed of mobilization and allow more dialogue between members, which enhances the organization’s flexibility, since tactics can be adjusted more frequently. Individuals with a common agenda and goals can form subgroups, meet at a target location, conduct terrorist operations, and then readily determine their relationships and re-disperse† (27).Documents accessed through internet connection also provided the Al-Queada to obtain details regarding the design lay out of the World Trade Center which contributed to the success of making their plans. The Al-Queada group had developed their action in using the internet as a tool for terrorism. It is alarming to think that future terrorists would follow the step taken by the mentioned group and may even develop more powerful and sophisticated programs that would aid in the threat of terrorism. The internet had initiated the risk of cyber terrorism.Internet’s role in shaping today’s culture is indeed remarkable and at the same time threatening. Pioneers of this artifact may have the pure intention to bring the world in the state of modernization. However, it is sad to know that upon the onset of modernization comes the threat and harm that the internet posed. Overuse, misused and overdependence of people in this artifact will in no doubt bring several detrimental effects. As discussed from the examples above, actions of people as well as their cultural identity are negatively being altered by the mere presence of the internet.The internet’s original purpose of making information accessible, sharing this information in a fast pace and making long distance communication possible had been abusively used by some people therefore bringing a negative impact on the society’s culture. Our world nowadays is continuously progressing and accompanying this progress is the innovation of new artifacts. Truly, these new artifacts had taken a vital role in shaping our society’s culture as well as shaping the minds of people. These innovations would be more likely to be inevitable.Every new artifact is invented to somehow benefit and bring people a comfortable way of living, however, one should not overlook the harm that these new artifacts may bring. Every time that we take a step towards advancement comes the opportunity for societal and cultural change. These changes bring forth several issues and problems that are more likely to have negative outcomes. The internet has had its effects on society at present and it wil l have its effects in the future. The future of the internet is faced with the question on how management of change and evolution would be done.Let us not keep ourselves to be tongue tied and see how the negative outcomes abolish our cultural and societal identity. We should act on this matter. Work Cited Anderson, Alison. â€Å"Risk, Terrorism, and the Internet. † Knowledge, Technology & Policy 16 (2003): 24-33 BBC News, â€Å"Health Symptoms in Obese children. † 16 May 2008 . â€Å"Brief History of the Internet. † 28 May 2008 . Clemmitt, Marcia. â€Å"Prostitution debate. † CQ Researcher, May 23, 2008: CQ Researcher Online. Capella Lib. 29 May 2008 . Downs, Martin F. â€Å"Is pornography addictive. † 16 May 2008 . Greenblatt, Allan. â€Å"Television's future. † CQ Researcher, February 16, 2007: CQ Researcher Online. Capella Lib. 29 May 2008 . Leiner Barry M. , V. G. Cerf, D. D. Clark, R. E. Kahn, L. Kleinrock, D. C. Lynch, J. Postel, L. G. Roberts and S. Wolff. â€Å"Brief History of Internet. † 10 December 2003. Internet society. 28 May 2008 . Cultural Critique on the Internet Through the onset of industrialization, countries all over the world had experienced remarkable changes in its society. Sophisticated technologies, gadgets and facilities had been made available to man. These inventions, which are results of man’s work, pave the way to the society’s advancements. One of the most remarkable artifacts that the new milieu brought into picture is the internet.The advent of the internet came into vision â€Å"when people in the early 1960s saw great potential value in allowing computers to share information on research and development in scientific and military fields† (Brief History of the Internet). J. C. R. Licklider was said to be the pioneering person of the internet. In 1962, he proposed a global network of computers and work to develop it (Brief History of the Internet). The initial efforts of Licklider had inspired other people to participate in designing and bringing internet into a complete picture.The theory of pocket switc hing developed by Leonard Kleinrock ‘forms the basis of internet connections. ’ In the year 1969, ARPANET (initial name given to internet) was brought on line. It was first used to connect four Universities in the United States to provide a channel for research communication and exchange. Early times of internet use and connection were very complex. Furthermore, the used of the internet was only limited to education, government and research use.Commercial used of the internet was then prohibited. This prohibition was put to an end when the ‘dot-com boom’ in the second half of 1990’s hit the stock market and media (Gozzi Jr. 470). Investments for the commercialization of the internet were in demand during these years. It was also during these times when Microsoft had its ‘full scale entry into browser, server and Internet Service Provider market completed the shift t a commercially based Internet’ (A Brief History of the Internet).As seen today, the internet industry or the ‘dot-com’ economy is continuously growing and taking an advance step everyday. The definition as well as the description of the internet was finalized and passed as a resolution on October 24, 1995. The following statement provides the definition and description of the internet: RESOLUTION: The Federal Networking Council (FNC) agrees that the following language reflects our definition of the term â€Å"Internet†.â€Å"Internet† refers to the global information system that — (i) is logically linked together by a globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol (IP) or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons; (ii) is able to support communications using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons, and/or other IP-compatible protocols; and (iii) provides, uses or makes accessible, either publicly or privately, high level services layered on the communications and related infrastructure described herein (Leiner et al n.p). This technology grants mechanism to people throughout the globe to process and relay information without regard for geographic location. It has been a channel for communication, business, community operations and education. It opened the possibilities of on line learning and business negotiation and made the life of individuals to be modern and sophisticated. Through the onset of this technology, advancement in the society and man’s culture also took place. The benefits that this technology bring is said to be limitless and essential.However, at present times, people seem to abuse the used of the internet. Such abuse initiated the negative implications and harm of the said artifact to the society as a whole. The internet has also brought succor to the lives of many people in economically less developed countries that have a somewhat substandard educational system. This is by way of accessing the on line learning materials of world-class universities around the world. They are able to access up-to-date information on almost all subjects and upgrade their knowledge.The community had too much relied on the features of the internet. In an article written by Greenblatt, he argued that the rise of the internet had negatively affected traditional television (149). It is feared that the internet would eventually kill television as it does in the music industry and in the print media. Competition between traditional television and the internet arises. It was noted in the article of Greenblatt that people spend less time in viewing the television than they do in the net. Through on line streaming, watching sports, concert of artists, etc is now possible.It is showed that the traditional way of watching (i. e. with the use of television) had been altered due to internet boom. While it can be said that the presence of internet provides the benefit for individuals to watch programs in thei r most convenient time, it is still unfair because other industries suffer. Too much dependence of the public to the internet had brought the problem of unfair competition. People’s way of socializing was also altered through the use of the internet. The usual way of meeting and knowing a particular person had been changed.Most people use the internet to meet and socialize with new people. This has been made possible through the use of chat rooms as well as other internet sites like friendster. The value of having friends is not the main question being posed. The threat for such sites and chat rooms is the opportunity for on line prostitution and other crimes to take place (Clemmitt 450). The internet had (in no doubt) expanded prostitution, bringing it available not only on the area where a certain prostitute lives but also in nearby cities or town.The invention of the internet has also given rise to a new kind of addiction, which is online porn addiction where ‘there' s no doubt that some people's porn consumption gets them in trouble — in the form of maxed-out credit cards, lost sleep, neglected responsibilities, or neglected loved ones’ (Martin F. Downs). Violent acts of children are also partly blamed on the internet. On line games which most children and youngsters play depict violence which eventually changes their psychological behavior.The increase in violent acts of these youngsters eventually contributes to an increase in crime. Early exposure of these youngsters to act of violence and other adult materials can bring unfavorable effect to their perception about the reality. Addiction to these on line games had also reduced their time for physical activities therefore bringing the problem of obesity. ‘Dr Robinson from the British Nutrition foundation said 40% of boys and 60% of girls were found to spend less than the recommended one hour per day in physical activity’ (BBC News).Moreover, child pornography on the internet is one of the bad practices that the internet has been able to cultivate. Aside from children being used as prostitutes, other young children also visit pornographic sites. This does untold psychological damage to these children as they do not know what is right and what is not. They are sometimes compelled to practice what they have seen, thereby contributing to the increasing level of moral decadence. Also the danger of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other forms of bad deeds has been blown out of proportion by exposure to the internet.The most controversial and frightening contribution of the internet is the opportunity that it provides for act of terrorism. Terrorist are availing the opportunity to connect with the internet and used this artifact as a propaganda tool (Anderson 25). Acts of terrorism can now be perpetuated now, easier than before with the use of the internet. The most benign way of this act is the production of malicious softwares i n the form of computer viruses, worms, Trojans and crawlers. This causes instability of these computer machines, to the detriment of the user.every machine that is connected to the internet is potentially a broad casting station, a printing press or a place of assembly, terrorists can now disseminate their information undiluted by the media and untouched by government censors. In the past, the al-Quaeda had benefited from the extensive use of the internet not until their network was intercepted. The following statement, which basically tackles on how terrorists’ actions were improved through the aid of the internet, was cited in Anderson’s work (2003).â€Å"Using the Internet for communication can increase speed of mobilization and allow more dialogue between members, which enhances the organization’s flexibility, since tactics can be adjusted more frequently. Individuals with a common agenda and goals can form subgroups, meet at a target location, conduct terr orist operations, and then readily determine their relationships and re-disperse† (27). Documents accessed through internet connection also provided the Al-Queada to obtain details regarding the design lay out of the World Trade Center which contributed to the success of making their plans.The Al-Queada group had developed their action in using the internet as a tool for terrorism. It is alarming to think that future terrorists would follow the step taken by the mentioned group and may even develop more powerful and sophisticated programs that would aid in the threat of terrorism. The internet had initiated the risk of cyber terrorism. Internet’s role in shaping today’s culture is indeed remarkable and at the same time threatening. Pioneers of the internet may have the pure intention to bring the world in the state of modernization.However, it is sad to know that upon the onset of modernization comes the threat and harm that the internet posed. Overuse, misuse an d overdependence of people in this technology will in no doubt bring several detrimental effects. As discussed from the examples above, actions of people as well as their cultural identity are negatively being altered by the mere presence of the internet. The world is increasingly been described as being ‘westernised’ since everyone, especially the youth, are increasingly turning to the way of life of the Americans and Europeans.The internet’s original purpose of making information accessible, sharing this information in a fast pace and making long distance communication possible had been abusively used by some people therefore bringing a negative impact on the society’s culture. Our world nowadays is continuously progressing and accompanying this progress is the innovation of new artifacts. Truly, these new artifacts had taken a vital role in shaping our society’s culture as well as shaping the minds of people. These innovations would be more likel y to be inevitable.Every new artifact is invented to somehow benefit and bring people a comfortable way of living, however, one should not overlook the harm that these new artifacts may bring. Every time that we take a step towards advancement comes the opportunity for societal and cultural change. These changes bring forth several issues and problems that are more likely to have negative outcomes. The internet has had its effects on society at present and it will have its effects in the future. The future of the internet is faced with the question on how management of change and evolution would be done.The internet has got the potential of turning the world to a single-culture, single language world. This would have far reaching effects as it would eliminate the numerous world cultures that have been built since the beginning of time. All the ancient civilizations are still visible today because they have been preserved in one way or the other. Because of this, people travel to the se locations as tourists. In this way, the memories are kept alive. The rate the internet craze is going, this trend is likely to be reversed since people can see these locations on the screens of their computers.Let us not keep ourselves to be tongue tied and see how the negative outcomes abolish our cultural and societal identity. We should act on this matter. Action, they say, is louder than voice. Work Cited Anderson, Alison. â€Å"Risk, Terrorism, and the Internet. † Knowledge, Technology & Policy 16 (2003): 24-33 BBC News, â€Å"Health Symptoms in Obese children. † 16 May 2008 . â€Å"Brief History of the Internet. † 28 May 2008 . Clemmitt, Marcia. â€Å"Prostitution debate. † CQ Researcher, May 23, 2008: CQ Researcher Online. Capella Lib.29 May 2008 . Downs, Martin F. â€Å"Is pornography addictive. † 16 May 2008 . Greenblatt, Allan. â€Å"Television's future. † CQ Researcher, February 16, 2007: CQ Researcher Online. Capella Lib. 29 M ay 2008 . Leiner Barry M. , V. G. Cerf, D. D. Clark, R. E. Kahn, L. Kleinrock, D. C. Lynch, J. Postel, L. G. Roberts and S. Wolff. â€Å"Brief History of Internet. † 10 December 2003. Internet society. 28 May 2008 .

Cnm Papers

Cnm Papers Cnm Papers David Henry Garcia 010468805 What were the causes of the civil war? Before taking this class I would not have been able to tell you the actual reasons why the civil war was fought. If you were to ask me before today I would have said it was to free the slaves. But after some good research and the in class lectures I would now be able to tell you the civil war was fought because of an inability to be open minded and to think on a broader more futuristic approach to the bettering of a United States. They picked a side based upon their upbringing, beliefs, and an understanding of their personal moral belief structure. It comes down to what we all as modern day Americans know we have, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. Had this war not been fought to preserve these ideals of individual human rights and the freedom to live and let live, I would hate to imagine the America we would live in today. If you want to start a great debate ask the question of the topic of this narrative. I have come to that conclusion, because explaining the causes of the civil war is NOT easy. There was tariffs on exports, state versus federal rights, succession, abolitionist movements, Abraham Lincolns election, economic and social issues, and lastly slavery issues. I may not cover all these topics thoroughly but I will try to touch base on all them. The southern states were worried about losing there rights as the federal government was putting in place laws that the south thought was problematic to their economic and social future. Putting in place Tariffs that were making it impossible for the south to make a decent living selling their products overseas. With the federal government pushing for these laws, the south agreed that succession would be the best way for them to protect their standard of living as they knew it. The federal government didn't want the hard work of creating a united country to dissipate thus a creation of a law that made succession illegal was put in place. To fight this, the seceding states utilized the nullification act which means that the federal law has no jurisdiction over the states, when the states think the law is unconstitutional. In the end the supreme court under the "Supremacy Clause" makes the final ruling over the decision of nullification. "Article III of the Constitution" clearly stated that federal law is superior to state law, federal judiciary has the final power to interpret the Constitution. With the abolitionists working to free the slaves, the idea of westward expansion was being pushed aside until the issue of slavery was taken care of. I personally don't think that slavery is right so why would anyone else think that it is okay is beyond my understanding, but then again were talking hundreds of years before my time. But if these people had not have taken a stand against the immortality that was so easily accepted at that time, the problem would have spread

How to Write a Business Memo

How to Write a Business Memo How to Write a Business Memo A memo (or memorandum) is a short document designed for internal communication. If you need to inform your employees or co-workers of something, for instance, you may need to write a business memo. But how does this work? In this post, we look at the basics. Header Information A business memo should identify itself, so use the heading â€Å"MEMORANDUM† at the top. After that, you need to include four things: The date you are sending the memo The memo’s recipient(s) Yourself (i.e., the sender) The subject of the memo So if we had to contact our proofreaders, our memo might begin: The recipients will then be able to see whether it applies to them. Part One: Your Main Point Begin your memo by clearly explaining why you are sending it. It is vital to get to the point quickly here, so focus on the most important details and save in-depth information for later. Part Two: Supporting Evidence The second – and probably longest – part of your memo will be a more detailed explanation of the subject of the memo. This may include: Relevant background information for context An explanation of the issue, possibly including an example Any supporting evidence required to make your point Ideally, this should be no more than a paragraph or two. If you find you have a lot of information to communicate, you may need to write a full business report. However, you can use a memo to draw attention to a longer document (e.g., by attaching a file or including a URL). Part Three: Closing Statement End your memo with a brief closing statement. If applicable, this should include what you want the recipients to do in response to the memo (e.g., a course of action or submitting information). Alternatively, it can simply be a short summary of the key information from the memo. Tips on How to Write a Business Memo When writing a business memo, make sure to: Use a clear, concise writing style that is easy to understand. Make sure the tone is appropriate to the subject. For instance, while a memo about a business decision would be formal and professional, a memo announcing the date of the company’s Christmas party should probably use a more festive tone. Use formatting such as bullet points and lists to help skim readers. Remember that a memo is not a letter. You do not need to include a salutation at the start or a valediction at the end (e.g., no need for â€Å"Dear So and So† or â€Å"Kind regards†). Finally, we’ve created an example memorandum to show you what yours might look like. And don’t forget to ensure your memo is error free by having it checked by a professional proofreader.

Make Hot Ice - Heating Pad Chemistry

Make Hot Ice - Heating Pad Chemistry Heres an easy chemistry project you can do in which you take a clear liquid and instantaneously solidify it into hot ice. It isnt water ice, however. This is how you make crystals of sodium acetate, which is used in hand warmers and chemical heating pads and hot packs. Hot Ice Materials sodium acetatewatersaucepanglass or pan Making Your Own Sodium Acetate Monohydrate If you dont have any sodium acetate monohydrate you can make your own. Add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to vinegar (weak acetic acid) until the mixture stops fizzing. This will give you an aqueous solution of sodium acetate. If you boil off the water, youll be left with the sodium acetate. Expect to use a lot of baking soda and vinegar if you go this route. Make the Hot Ice What you are going to do is make a supersaturated sodium acetate solution. The solution will remain a supercooled liquid until a little solid sodium acetate is introduced. This will cause rapid crystallization that will resemble a block of ice, except it will be hot to the touch and not edible. Dump some sodium acetate monohydrate into a saucepan.Add just enough water to dissolve the sodium acetate.Heat the solution to just below its boiling point.Stir in more sodium acetate. Keep stirring and adding sodium acetate until you start to see solid material accumulating at the bottom of the pan.Pour the hot solution into a glass or other container. Do not allow any of the undissolved solid to enter the container.Cool the solution in the refrigerator 30 minutes to an hour.Remove the solution from the refrigerator. As long as you didnt leave any solid sodium acetate in the solution, it should still be liquid.When you are ready to make ice introduce a little of the solid sodium acetate. You could dip a toothpick or the edge of a spoon in sodium acetate powder.The crystallization will evolve heat (exothermic reaction), making the solid feel hot to the touch (~130Â ° F). Hot Ice Trick You dont have to solidify the sodium acetate in a dish. You can crystallize it as the solution is being poured to make fantastic shapes.

Consumer Values Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Consumer Values - Research Paper Example This research examines how hedonic versus utilitarian consumption can vary in typical purchase situations, depending on the decision context, and the manners in which consumers justify their purchases with their own values of time, money and method. Babin and Darden's article "Work and/or Fun: Measuring Hedonic and Utilitarian Shopping Value" focuses on the dimensions of hedonic and utilitarian consumer purchases, with the "shopping as work" and the "shopping as fun" consumer experiences. The shopping experience is an activity in which both the utilitarian based need and the hedonic based desire are important dimensions of the consumer's shopping experience because shopping involves more than the economics of supply and demand, there is also the social and psychological aspect. These dual dimensions are scaleable to recognize "formally that a shopping experience can be valuable, or valueless, in more than one way" (Babin and Darden p 644 1994). The statement 'in more than one way,' as it approaches the valuation of consumption is the theoretical view that consumers have scaleable utilitarian and hedonic desires in a psychological and physical sense, as well as the fact that customers have behavioral responses to these senses. Hedonic and Utilitarian Concepts The traditional concepts of cost and benefit values are perceived as having characteristics of exclusively product and price, the standard economics of supply and demand where the consumers experience is exclusively based on the products quality and price evaluations to control consumption choices and demands, and yet this does not define the reasoning of consumers emotional connections, where "A fourth definition equates value with an overall assessment of subjective worth considering all relevant evaluative criteria" (Babin and Darden p 645 1994), in a sense the overall assessment is the consumers emotional constructs, the sociological and psychological desire to feel rewarded in more than the physical sense of achievement. Babin and Darden analyze that shopping has both utilitarian and hedonic traits, where a methodology only encompasses the consumable and its dimensional and monetary values lacks the ability to fully measure the shoppers' experience, a concept expressed as having importance in other research, although "Far less research has been conducted to examine whether contrast effects occur among hedonic experiences (i.e., experiences of pleasure or pain)" (Novemsky and Rattner p 507 2003). Babin and Darden's research recognizes the empirical and "experiential perspective," with the value of the experience being the key outcome variable as described by Holbrook. The researchers reveal Holbrook statement on value as having "an interactive relativistic preference experience," meaning that the experience and value are relative to one another in the sense of importance the consumer places on those as well as on the actual purchase. The initial conclusion is that both utilitarian

Staffing Report (final project for the HRM class ) Research Paper

Staffing Report (final project for the HRM class ) - Research Paper Example Walmart values the ability to offer customers the lowest prices which in turn, they believe, leads to an overall feeling of well being. In addition to their continuing goal of offering low prices, Walmart also wants to have the best selection of products. According to the article entitled â€Å"Walmart, P&G, Kraft Swap Sales & Marketing Strategies,† Walmart added 8500 items to their shelves in order to meet the demands of their customers("Walmart, p&g, kraft," 2011). In terms of their business strategy, Walmart is seeking to create more stores internationally and within the United States("Walmart, p&g, kraft," 2011). In addition, Walmart is gearing up to create more environmentally friendly brands and products, so as to reduce their carbon footprint ("Walmart, p&g, kraft," 2011). In terms of their Human Resource strategy, Walmart seeks to provide continuous training and education for their employees, so that customer service is high and costs are low("Walmart corporate," 2011) . For the next three years, HR believes that this strategy will continue to help keep expenses down for the company. Description of who they hire Within the Walmart company there are many different jobs that a person may apply for. One of the most common positions at this company is that of the store associate. Currently, there are 1.2 million employees who work as store associates. This particular job is comprised of all things customer service. Store associates are expected to work the registers, perform returns, help customers find products, stock merchandise, and keep the store clean and organized("Walmart corporate," 2011). There does not appear to be any requirement for this position, although it is helpful if the person is in decent health and can handle standing for long periods of time and have the ability to lift moderately heavy items on occasion("Walmart corporate," 2011). There are also store management positions. Within this particular area, there are three different l evels of management: assistant manager, co-manager, and store manager. The minimum qualifications for these positions usually include 1-3 years in a supervisory role and 1-3 years of general management experience. An education or background in finance is also an important component, although not always required. The main duties of those within a management position is to supervise the store associates, meet sales and financial goals, and to make sure that the store keeps to the company’s guidelines and policies("Walmart corporate," 2011). People can also apply for a logistics career at Walmart which is the distribution end of the company. This particular job entails getting products to the stores. There are over 40 distribution centers in the United States and products are constantly coming in and out according to the needs of the stores("Walmart corporate," 2011). For this job, high levels of physical fitness are required as is experience with heavy machinery. Organization s kills are important for this particular career path as well. Walmart’s hiring philosophy revolves around â€Å"Respect for the Individual† ("Walmart corporate," 2011). This means that the company wants to offer a competitive salary and benefits for their employees. They are a fairly active

E-Logistics and International supply Chain Management Essay - 1

E-Logistics and International supply Chain Management - Essay Example Furthermore, industries are driving towards landscape that is defined as flat one by Thomas Friedman. Thomas Friedman declared that era of multinational corporations or the era of globalization 1.0 especially in high tech industries is on the verge of passing away. Similarly, there is a major shift in the aero-strategy and the systems with which the aircrafts are conceived, planned, produced, and supported have changed considerably. The new era defined as globalization 2.0 is the era of horizontal specialization with tight integrations of specialized original equipment manufacturer (OEM) (AIAC, 2009). With this the new era of globalization in the aerospace industry, 320-hectare Seletar Aerospace Park of Singapore has managed to attract the considerable investment from the aerospace manufacturers across the world as reported in the Financial times recently published article (Grant, 2014). Among leading investors include leading aerospace industry giant Rolls Royce and the supply chain perspective for Rolls Royce in Singapore’s aerospace hub forms the central idea of this paper. This paper is based on the assessment of factors that drove Rolls Royce towards Singapore and its potential challenges in place; while concluding with, action to overcome challenges. The aerospace industry, including the defense and commercial industry, accounted for $695 billion in the year 2012 with four percent increases from 2011. The annual operating profits $59.8 billion and 8.6% annual profit margin (PwC, 2013a). According to another project in reference from past trend, the future is projected as follows: According to Capgemini (2011) the demand drivers of the industry is the reviving economies while, at the same time, growth in demand from the middle-east, China and India have been offsetting the slowed demand from developed part of the world. The major factor driving demand includes the rising low cost carrier pattern trends specifically in the developing countries.

Natural disaster, early warning and the role of mobile Essay

Natural disaster, early warning and the role of mobile - Essay Example e in Noah’s time which wiped out the whole world except Noah and his family; the January 24, 1556 earthquake in Shaanxi, China which snuffed the lives of 830,000 Chinese; the 1835 New York City conflagration which demolished 500 buildings; the March 18, 1925 tornadoes in Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota, USA which exterminated 689 lives; and the tidal waves cum floods that slaughtered some 900,000 lives along the Huang He River in China that fateful day in 1887 ( Hoffman 540-542), humanity absorbed all the losses with complete helplessness and came out of the trying experience traumatised but with a will to start life all over again. Today’s disasters taught humanity to respond and prepare to that moment when nature on a mad rampage delivers once again its deathly whipping that normally results to a gnashing of teeth. Today governments and the private sector or various non-government organisations exert gargantuan efforts to resist these natural catastrophes. They have l earned to formulate strategies to mitigate the destructive effects of these cataclysms. The first conceived step is the establishment of early warning systems wherein accurate, timely information about incoming disasters is gathered and relayed to specific agencies designed to With early warning systems, the menacing effects of these catastrophes can be diminished when communities are forewarned and given enough time to prepare especially to evacuate. The accurate measurement of seismic waves as invented in 1935 by Charles Richter (McCarthy 433) using the seismograph invented as early as 132AD by Zhang Heng was a high landmark in the forewarning of an incoming devastating earthquake (Henshaw 185). A more important invention that allowed man to brace against the merciless onslaught of typhoons, cyclones or hurricanes was the TIROS-1, invented by NASA scientists in 1960 and which became the very first weather satellite that can detect hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones, which are basically

Critical Thinking Case - Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Thinking Case - - Essay Example The company should ensure its financial reports abide by the GAAP. The Microsoft Corp may have violated the rules and regulations of the security and exchange commission. Microsoft documented reserves minus a properly substantiated or recorded basis. The SEC noticed that from the year 1995 to 1998, the company maintained secret liability, allowances, accruals, and reserves accounts that are termed as reserve accounts or reserves by the SEC. These undisclosed accounts stretched from $200 million to $900 million on quarter-end in the course of those 4years. At the operational level, regional controllers upheld reserve accounts in conformity with the accepted accounting principles and were correctly documented and reviewed systematically by the internal audit department of Microsoft Corp. However, at the high-ranking company level, the journal entries were carried out to several reserve accounts without applying accurately based statistics, analysis or formulas. Additionally, there was minimal or no recording to support the alterations to these reserv e accounts. The main justification was founded upon the decision of the probability of forthcoming events. Therefore, these reserves lacked the needed documentation as required by the national securities statute and did not have sufficient substantiation as speculated in GAAP (Sandretto, 57). Microsoft Corp was not doing the right thing as all the reserve accounts were not being maintained according to the GAAP, and they were not reviewed accordingly with the company’s internal audit department. Additionally, the documentation and changes depended on subjective judgments instead of factual analysis and statistics. Furthermore, the actions of only maintaining some reserve accounts and having others undisclosed are termed as fraud, and this affects the company’s profitability. Therefore, the company should make sure there are no undisclosed accounts and all

Depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Depression - Essay Example Therefore, there are some differences in symptoms of depression depending on stage of development, gender, and culture. Depression is not a weakness, however, a severe ailment with genetic, mental, as well as social features to its causes, signs, and treatment; an individual cannot ignore it because if left unattended to, it may get worse, and if it is undertreated, it will reoccur again. There are selected collective signs and indications of depression, although it differs from individual to individual. It is significant that an individual remembers that these indications can be part of natural life`s regular low point. However, the more indications a person has, the resilient they are, and the lengthier they have persisted, the more possible it is that a person is handling the depression. Examples of signs includes loss of interests in day-to-day practices, changes in sleeping, alteration in appetite, energy loss, as well as loss of self-esteem. In most cases, depression is the key aspect for suicide (Glen, 2007). The profound desolation and desperateness that goes together with depression can create perversity appear like the single manner to do away with agony. Therefore, this shows that the feelings of passing away are a severe indication of depression. According to research, dejected men are less prospective than women to recognize thoughts of self-disgust and desperation (Nolen, 2001). Rather, they always grumble about fatigue, irritability, and loss of concentration in their daily activities. Despite the fact that the amounts of depression in females are high than those in men, it is noted that men are at a higher danger of committing suicide, and in particular grown-up

Critical Thinking Case - Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Thinking Case - - Essay Example The company should ensure its financial reports abide by the GAAP. The Microsoft Corp may have violated the rules and regulations of the security and exchange commission. Microsoft documented reserves minus a properly substantiated or recorded basis. The SEC noticed that from the year 1995 to 1998, the company maintained secret liability, allowances, accruals, and reserves accounts that are termed as reserve accounts or reserves by the SEC. These undisclosed accounts stretched from $200 million to $900 million on quarter-end in the course of those 4years. At the operational level, regional controllers upheld reserve accounts in conformity with the accepted accounting principles and were correctly documented and reviewed systematically by the internal audit department of Microsoft Corp. However, at the high-ranking company level, the journal entries were carried out to several reserve accounts without applying accurately based statistics, analysis or formulas. Additionally, there was minimal or no recording to support the alterations to these reserv e accounts. The main justification was founded upon the decision of the probability of forthcoming events. Therefore, these reserves lacked the needed documentation as required by the national securities statute and did not have sufficient substantiation as speculated in GAAP (Sandretto, 57). Microsoft Corp was not doing the right thing as all the reserve accounts were not being maintained according to the GAAP, and they were not reviewed accordingly with the company’s internal audit department. Additionally, the documentation and changes depended on subjective judgments instead of factual analysis and statistics. Furthermore, the actions of only maintaining some reserve accounts and having others undisclosed are termed as fraud, and this affects the company’s profitability. Therefore, the company should make sure there are no undisclosed accounts and all

Adolescents and Cyberspace Essay Example for Free

Adolescents and Cyberspace Essay Abstract The Internet has a great deal of benefit in our lives. It is the window that opens onto the world and shows us everything that is happening around us. Although it is meant to help and support our needs, enrich our social lives and expand our civic connections, it has not been going so far in this way. A lot of research is showing that the heavy use of cyberspace is isolating people form the world around them. Knowing that adolescents are spending a great deal of their time in cyberspace, this article will examine the things they miss when they are left to grow up in it. Leaving Adolescents Grow Up in Cyberspace The question on whether leaving adolescents grow up in cyberspace is beneficial or not has long been controversial. When a lot agree that cyberspace has made their life easier, many others believe the opposite. Everything has side effects, which might have great impact on its user if not handled properly. It seems that adolescents, out of all other people, all missing a lot when their parents are letting them grow up in cyberspace. Everything in this advanced world is possible these days, thats why we find students who study on the Internet in hybrid or online courses. Traditionally, learning has been assumed to take place in a classroom or face-to-face environment where the instructor and students are physically together, but not all students learn the same way and therefore the traditional approach is not ideal for all students (Young, 2007). This is true, but a lot of students are finding it difficult to cope with the new and modern way of learning, where the instructor lectures them online. Some students say: -Instructor feedback tend to be slow -I didnt feel as part of the class -You cant verbalize your thoughts and let others hear your ideas -Too many technical problems -Unreliable Internet connections from my Internet service provider -You also lose the personal teacher student relationship -No way to read body language -With on-line classes, it is hard to be able to get the whole personal thing -You dont get to see the professor or class members face-to-face -It takes more time to e-mail or post a question on the discussion board and wait for a response (Students Positive and Negative Experience in Hybrid and Online Classes, 2007, page). Moreover, Irvine(2004) states: Assignments are dispersed online. Students are much more likely to do research online than use a library. And even class handouts have gone the way of the Web, posted on electronic bulletin boards for downloading after class(p.31A). So, if the Internet connection went off, students wouldnt be able to continue their work. When the computer server in Emory University went down for a few hours one evening, a lot of people were at loose ends, they couldnt to their homework (Sridharan, 2004). This is how adolescents are missing the more active and efficient way of learning because of cyberspace, thus suffering from a lot of educational and studying problems they are better off without. Looking at the world today would make us realize how much we miss security. And since adolescents are widely using cyberspace, they are the most likely to get affected by what it generates. A lot of teenagers have no problem in making friends, of whom theyve never seen. In fact, they see that it is one of the purposes of using the Internet. But they never realize how dangerous it could be to meet someone you havent actually seen. The Internet allows people to communicate with people who are different from them, people in another country or kids at school they dont talk to. This access of information is so easy, but of course there is a dark side to having such broad access: it gives identity thieves and sexual predators a new place to look for victims (Stern, 2004). Also, the Internet has shaped the way adolescents work, live, and relax. It has even created new ways for them to express themselves which might be liberating and fun but can also become a forum for of pettiness and criminal exploitation (Irvine, 2004). Furthermore, Ian and Walder (2005) say: As we have become dependent on the Internet, as the network of networks, so we have become vulnerable to criminal and terrorist networks that use cyberspace as a means to undermine and circumvent state control. Protecting against those that wish to attack  the integrity, confidentiality and availability of systems and data they process, is primarily an issue of implementing appropriate security measures. (page) The main purpose for this worry is because adolescents are unaware of what criminals might do to take advantage of people who want to be friendly, allowing them to threaten the countrys and societys safety. In this way letting them spend too much time in cyberspace is making them loose a lot of security which puts them in dangerous problems later on. We must not forget the most important consequence of growing up in cyberspace: lack of social life and relationships. Sitting in front of the monitor for several continuous hours, without even noticing how time flies by quickly, makes us never want to get off the chair. As many adolescents are living in virtual communities, their only concern is making friends online. Ten years ago, social theorists were suggesting that the Internet would revolutionize social relationships (Carter Denise M., 2004). Now, the Internet has come a far distance that kids and teens cant live without it; people can find a job without leaving their desks, shop online without going to the mall and communicate with others without meeting face-to-face by e-mails, online chat rooms and instant messages. So, all the activities that were done with family and friends, are being done alone on the Internet. As a result, such activities have proved to be more isolating than watching television, which friends and family often do in groups, and the time spent with them is decreasing a lot in the presence of the Web. In addition, teens are preferring not to go out for walks or hang out with friends because they are busy in their own larger world. Know it or not, youngsters who are allowing time online to replace face-to-face interaction are being isolated from the real world and are being trapped in the virtual world (Staples, 2004). Seemingly, Teenagers who spend much of their lives hunched over computer screens miss the socializing, the real world experience that would allow them to leave adolescence behind and grow into adulthood. These vital experiences, like much else, are simply not available in a virtual form (Staples, 2004, p.A29). All of this is breaking the social relationships and is bringing up adults that dont know how to deal with others because they never had the chance to sit and talk face-to-face. A lot of people fear of not being able to go with the flow; who ever doesnt have access to cyberspace doesnt have a life. But this isnt proved to be completely true since its not being used in the best and efficient way. Of course its the parents job to lead them to the right track; they should always keep them under high supervision. To be more specific, parents should encourage them to have a real life, make real friends, go to real places and spend quality time with family. This doesnt mean getting rid of this great technology but not letting it control them. Indeed, adolescents are missing a lot of the real world and its content, and arent aware of the circumstances and the costs of growing up in cyberspace. References Carter Denise, M.(2004, December).Living in Virtual Communities: Making Friends Online.Journal of Urban Technology 11(3), 109-125.Retrieved March 19, 2008, from EBSCO Host database. El Mansour, B. Mupinga, D.M.(2007, March).Students Positive and Negative Experiences in Hybrid and Online Classes.College Student Journal 41(1), 242-248.Retrieved March 19, 2008, from EBSCO Host database. Ian Walder.(2005, April).Crime and Security in Cyberspace.Cambridge Review of International Affairs 11(3), 109-125.Retrieved March 19, 2008, from EBSCO Host database. Irvine, M.(2004, December 5).Youths Adopt, Drive Technology Advances.Fort Worth Star-Telegram, p.31A. Staples, B.(2004, May 29).What Adolescents Miss When We Let Them Grow Up in Cyberspace.New York Times, p.A24.

The Introduction Of Asean Politics Essay

The Introduction Of Asean Politics Essay The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok by the five original Member Countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined on 8 January 1984, Vietnam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999. The institutions and processes in ASEAN have evolved gradually, building upon member countries great diversity in size, levels of development, natural and human resources, histories, cultures, values and traditions, languages, religions, races, economic and social institutions, and political systems. Taking into account this diversity, ASEAN cooperates voluntarily and on a consensus basis for the common good, with peace and economic, social and cultural development as its primary purposes. This is reflected in the ASEAN Declaration of 8 August 1967: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations represents the collective will of the nations of Southeast Asia to bind themselves together in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity. It was a short, simply-worded document containing just five articles. It declared the establishment of an Association for Regional Cooperation among the Countries of Southeast Asia to be known as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and spelled out the aims and purposes of that Association. These aims and purposes were about cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, technical, educational and other fields, and in the promotion of regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. It stipulated that the Association would be open for participation by all States in the Southeast Asian region subscribing to its aims, principles and purposes. It proclaimed ASEAN as representing the collective will of the nations of Southeast Asia to bind themselves together in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity. ASEAN continues to be a dynamic region despite the economic setbacks caused by the financial crisis of 1997-1998. As ASEAN faces the challenge of achieving sustainable development in the context of todays increasingly globalized world, it has recognized the need for greater integration and cooperation among member countries. No longer does ASEAN separate financial from commercial and investment concerns, nor the environment and social concerns or science and technology from the demands of economic growth. http://www.asean.org/asean/about-asean/history http://www.asean-community.au.edu/images/asean-map1-1.jpg Picture from AU ASEAN Community, http://www.asean-community.au.edu/ In 2006, the ASEAN region had a population of about 560 million, a combined gross domestic product of almost US$ 1,100 billion, and a total trade of about US$ 1,400 billion. The diversity of the region is apparent in the fact that the largest country in terms of land area is 2700 times larger than the smallest country; the country with the largest population has 580 times more people than the smallest country; and the richest country has a GDP per capita that is 145 times the poorest country. AIMS AND PURPOSES As set out in the ASEAN Declaration, the aims and purposes of ASEAN are: To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations; To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter; To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields; To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres; To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilisation of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples; To promote Southeast Asian studies; and To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organisations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES In their relations with one another, the ASEAN Member States have adopted the following fundamental principles, as contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of 1976: Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations; The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion; Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another; Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner; Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and Effective cooperation among themselves. http://www.aseansec.org/about_ASEAN.html ASEAN And Sustainable Development Facing the challenges of achieving sustainable development in the context of todays increasing globalized world, the ASEAN has recognized the need for greater integration and cooperation among member countries. ASEAN no longer separates financial from commercial and investment concerns, nor the environment and social concerns or science and technology with the demands of economic growth. In 1997, the Heads of State and Government of ASEAN reaffirmed their commitments to the aims and purposes of the Association through ASEAN Vision 2020, which reflects the desire of ASEAN to pursue a more sustainable path to development as: a clean and green ASEAN with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to ensure the protection of the regions environment, the sustainability of its natural resources and the high quality of life of its people This vision will be achieved through a series of action plans, which will set strategies and specific activities with measurable targets, outputs, means of implementation and mid-term review mechanisms. The first of such action plans is the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) for 1999-2004, adopted during the ASEAN Summit in 1998. The Hanoi Plan of Action (1999-2004) aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Strengthen macroeconomic and financial cooperation 2. Enhance greater economic and integration 3. Promote science and technology development and develop information technology infrastructure 4. Promote social development and address the social impact of the financial and economic crisis 5. Promote human resource development 6. Protect the environment and promote sustainable development 7. Strengthen regional peace and security 8. Enhance ASEANs role as an effective force for peace, justice and moderation in Asia-Pacific and in the world 9. Promote ASEAN awareness and its standing in the international community 10. Improve ASEANs structures and mechanisms ASEAN Vision 2020 forms the sustainable development framework for the ASEAN member countries to collectively pursue ASEANs goals, as set forth in the Vision, by the year 2020. The ASEAN Summit in adopting this Vision decided that the goals of Vision 2020 will be achieved through a series of medium-term action plans, which will set strategies and specific activities with measurable targets and outputs, including means of implementation and mid-term review mechanisms. The first of such action plans, known as the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) for the years 1999 to 2004, was adopted by the ASEAN Summit in 1998. ASEAN shares and believes in the global vision for sustainable development and has the commitment and political will for integrating environmental considerations into development planning. ASEAN Vision 2020 and the HPA reflect ASEANs responsive integrated policy framework, which weaves together demographic dynamics, social development, economic growth, natural resource use and enviro nmental protection, and other development initiatives. ASEAN considers its Vision 2020 and the series of medium-term action plans, starting with the Hanoi Plan of Action, as part and parcel of the global effort to plan and implement national and regional sustainable development activities in the Southeast Asian region. It draws heavily upon, and ensures complementarity and synergy with, the Rio Resolutions, Agenda 21 and the various multilateral instruments agreed upon. ASEAN believes that in setting the future sustainable development framework, WSSD should draw upon the lessons, experiences, institutional settings, mechanisms, realities and dynamics of regional inter-governmental frameworks. This report offers that for the Southeast Asian region. It is within this framework that the report highlights ASEANs challenges in realizing sustainable development, its efforts in addressing these challenges and its future commitments towards a sustainable Southeast Asia that is able to meet the needs of the present without compromising the abilit y of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). ASEAN Initiatives on Sustainable Development Economic Development Sustained economic growth is key to sustainable development. It provides the means for nations and people to uplift their living standards and have a decent and healthy lifestyle, with adequate housing and education. More importantly, it allows measures to be taken to promote the conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment, which in turn fuels economic growth and sustains life. Since Rio 1992, ASEAN has experienced rapid economic growth through industrialization and export-led growth. This enabled ASEAN to move away from resource-based industries to manufacturing and service industries. Since rural communities were able to find jobs in these sectors, this eased the pressure on natural resources and member countries were able to devote more resources to environmental protection. The financial crisis of 1997-1998 set back all that. Poverty and social unrest increased. Member countries inevitably increased the exploitation of their natural resources to sustain their level of income. Despite the setbacks and turmoil brought about by the financial crisis, the ASEAN is committed more than ever to pursue economic liberalization, promote trade and investment regimes that are increasingly integrated in ASEAN, and open to the rest of the world. Measures undertaken by ASEAN in this direction include the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) and the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation (AICO) Scheme. ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) The 1992 AFTA agreement required the elimination of tariff barriers among the ASEAN member countries with a view to integrating the ASEAN economy into a single production base and creating a regional market of 500 million people. By lowering tariff rates, ASEAN hopes to enhance economic competitiveness and promote cross-border trade and investment in the region.Partly as a result of the implementation of the Agreement on the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme for the AFTA, trade between ASEAN countries has grown from $44.2 billion in 1993 to $95.2 billion in 2000, representing an average annual increase of 11.6%. One of the desired outcomes of AFTA is the rationalization of industrial production in the region, which is expected to allow for product specialization and thus avoid duplication of expensive production facilities. AFTA was substantially realised in January 2002 with six original member countries cutting their tariff barrier on almost all manufactured and ag ricultural products between zero and five per cent. ASEANs Integrated Infrastructure Network Economic integration requires good infrastructure facilities in the region such as regional networks of highways, railways, telecommunications, power grids and water and gas pipelines. ASEAN Vision 2020 calls for the establishment of interconnecting arrangements in the field of energy and utilities for electricity, natural gas and water within ASEAN through the ASEAN Power Grid and a Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline and Water Pipeline and the promotion of cooperation in energy efficiency and conservation, as well as the development of new and renewable energy resources. 1. Social Development ASEAN recognizes that sustainable development is not only about generating wealth but also ensuring its equitable distribution. A decent quality of life for its people requires a high quality environment. The activities of the poor are not the main causes of environmental degradation and yet they are the most affected by it in terms of quality of life and health. A number of factors, including declining productivity, pollution, erosion, natural calamities (such as floods and droughts), depressed commodity prices and the influx of cheap imports, impose formidable challenges to their livelihood. These challenges lead them to exploit natural resources unsustainably. As a result, it has been necessary for the ASEAN to address two key social development issues, poverty and health and their interrelationships with the environment. Poverty Although poverty levels in the ASEAN have been declining, poverty levels in some of the newer member countries are still considerably high. To address poverty issues, ASEAN Vision 2020 hopes for an ASEAN where hunger, malnutrition, deprivation and poverty are no longer basic problems. A number of measures under the Hanoi Plan of Action are meant to see this vision through, including the Plan of Action on ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty and the ASEAN Plan of Action on Social Safety Nets. The Framework Plan of Action on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication was adopted in 1997 and defined the following key actions: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ building and/or enhancing capacities for research, assessment and monitoring of poverty in ASEAN countries; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ training of facilitators on rural development and poverty eradication; and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ developing a campaign for enhancing national and regional public awareness on rural develop ment and poverty eradication. The social impacts of the financial crisis were then addressed by the 1998 ASEAN Action Plan on Social Safety Nets. Priorities in the action plan include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ targeting and rapid impact assessment methodologies for social programs; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ service delivery and related operational issues; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ role of central and local governments in social safety nets; and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ partnerships in social policy. 2. Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection ASEANs environment and natural resource endowments are unique and diverse. Forest cover in ASEAN is over 48%, compared to the world average of below 30%. Three of the 17 mega biodiversity countries are in ASEAN. Terrestrial protected areas in the region number 1,014 sites, protecting 418, 000 km2. The regions aquatic and marine ecosystems are highly productive and species rich. Half a billion people in ASEAN depend on these resources for their livelihood, causing increasing stress on the natural environment. A number of factors have led to natural resource degradation, such as rapid population rise, conversion of forested and ecologically-sensitive areas for agricultural purposes, poverty and damage caused by forest fires and natural disasters. ASEAN member countries are actively engaged in addressing global environmental issues. Almost all member countries are parties to the relevant major multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Burdened with the onerous obligations of these MEAs without the promised substantial financial and technical support to implement them, ASEAN is taking a lead in promoting synergy and coordination among these MEAs to overcome institutional and human resources constraints, and at the same time to ensure a holistic and synergistic approach to the issues. Forest Ecosystems and Biological Diversity The ASEAN region has a total land area of 4.4 million sq km, most of which were once covered with forests. In the mid-1990s, regional land use patterns were detailed as: Forest cover and deforestation vary widely across the region. From 1970 to 1990, ASEAN lost 31.4 million hectares of forest, a rate of about 15,700 km2 per year. Deforestation increased by 1990 to 2000, with annual loss estimated at 23,260 km2 a year. Forest certification has been employed to encourage sustainable forest management by promoting trade in forest products from sustainably managed forests. The ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) endorsed the Framework for ASEAN Regional Criteria and Indicators (CI) for Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests in October 2000. The regional CI is a guide to developing nation-specific criteria, indicators and standards, which could be used to assess sustainable forest management practices or for timber certification. 3. ASEANs Governance and Cooperative Mechanism ASEANs governance mechanism, which has evolved gradually over the years, is now very much institutionalized and cover major sectors such as political, security, economic, social, environment and other functional areas. The highest decision-making body of ASEAN is the Meeting of the Heads of State and Government or ASEAN Summit held every year. The Annual Meeting of Foreign Ministers, better known as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) is responsible for the formulation of policy guidelines. The AMM is supported by the ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC) and the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), while the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) is supported by the Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) and several working groups. Overall coordination at the national level in each of the ASEAN member countries is undertaken by a dedicated ASEAN department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 4. ASEAN Environmental Management Framework ASEAN cooperation on the environment started in 1978 with the establishment of an ASEAN Experts Group on the Environment (AEGE), which has since been elevated as the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN). The ASOEN is composed of the heads of environmental ministries/departments/agencies that are responsible for environmental matters in their respective countries. The cooperative programmes and projects of ASOEN are guided by the ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action on the Environment (SPAE)1999-2004. The ASOEN reports to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME), which is primarily responsible for policy matters related to the environment. At the national level on the other hand, ASEAN member countries have designated specific institutions to implement Agenda 21. Pro- Arguments 1. ASEAN serves as a regional-cooperation organization between the country members. 1.1 ASEAN has a well-established governance structure for the Southeast Asian region to effectively develop, coordinate and implement regional programs. 1.2 ASEAN also provides the forum to facilitate the development and implementation of integrated regional sustainable development policies, strategies and action plans consistent with the global framework and the needs of member countries. 2. ASEAN has the ability to advance its sustainable development goals and ambitions. 2.1 ASEAN emphasized that existing frameworks for regional inter-governmental governance such as ASEAN should be fully utilized as part of the international governance structure to promote coordinated sustainable development initiatives for that region. 2.2 ASEAN also called upon the Global Environment Facility to enhance its effectiveness by improving its operational procedures and be more responsive to the identified needs of developing countries; and accord priority to regional policies developed within the ASEAN institutional framework. 3. ASEAN has been successful in coordinating its member countries to plan a sustainable development framework in its agenda. 3.1 ASEAN called for declarations and commitments such as those contained in the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21, Millenium Declaration and the Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development to be implemented expeditiously. 3.2 ASEAN called for developed countries to fulfill their commitments in financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity building in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. 3.3 ASEAN also provides the forum to facilitate the development and implementation of integrated regional sustainable development policies, strategies and action plans consistent with the global framework and the needs of member countries. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ ASEAN called for the further enhancement of the international economic and trading systems to complement the ASEANs efforts to open trade and investment in the region, in particular, to improve market access for developing countries exports, eliminate trade-distorting subsidies and barriers to trade for agricultural products, and provides special and differential treatment to developing countries. ASEAN expressed its opposition to the use of environmental measures for protectionist purposes. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ ASEAN also called for the strengthening of the international financial architecture, which includes a review of the roles of the international financial institutions as well as international regulatory bodies in order to enhance their capacity to contain and resolve financial crises. Priority should be accorded to measures to protect the poor and most vulnerable segments of society. ASEAN also welcomed efforts to deal comprehensively and effectively with the debt problems of developing countries and to make the management of debt sustainable in the long term.