The Marvelous Meaning of the Scarlet Letter

Life today has changed remarkably from life in the 1800s. During the colonial period, less than 11. 1% of births occurred within the first nine months of marriage. A reported 95% of Americans today have had premarital sex. In today’s society, premarital sex is not considered a sin to most people. In the 1800s, it was a different story. In the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne was found guilty of adultery, branded with a scarlet A, and shunned by the town–an extreme punishment by modern standards.This A that Hester was forced to embroider onto all of her clothing symbolized not only her sin, but the A also held meaning for other characters. It represented the guilt of the man with whom Hester committed adultery: Reverend Dimmesdale. Hester never revealed his identity to the town, and Dimmesdale felt as if he could not confess his sin. Dimmesdale was consumed with penitence, marking himself with an A of his own. Pearl, Hester’s daughter , was another character who found meaning in the scarlet letter, however hers was much different from either Hester’s or Dimmesdale’s.Pearl was the product of her parents’ sin. She was the scarlet letter. For Pearl, the scarlet letter symbolizes life, and she did not understand why it caused her mother so much shame. Essentially, the symbolism of the scarlet letter changed over the course of the novel from something negative, epitomizing shame and sin, to something positive, representing absolution and vitality. The scarlet letter most obviously symbolizes Hester’s sin: adultery. She was forced to wear it as punishment, a cruel reminder of her immorality.Hester had to make the letter herself, so instead of letting it define her, she made it beautiful: â€Å"On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A. It was so artistically done, and with so much fert ility and gorgeous luxuriance of fancy, that it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the apparel which she wore†¦ but greatly beyond what was allowed by the sumptuary regulations of the colony† (37). The fact that she embroidered the letter so delicately and so beautifully completely destroyed the purpose for wearing it.In this way, the scarlet letter represents Hester’s independence and free will. Despite the fact that Hester was able to defy the town in that small way, the townspeople saw a different meaning of the scarlet letter. Instead of simply symbolizing the sin of adultery, the town allowed the letter to symbolize Hester herself. When they looked at her, they saw not a human being, not Hester Prynne, but they saw â€Å"a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone† (44). The town used Hester and the scarlet A to strike fear into their children, to warn them against the sin of adultery.The letter cloaked Hester Prynne. However, the town’s view of Hester changed, thus altering the symbolic meaning of the scarlet letter. Hester never offered â€Å"irritation or irksomeness. She never battled with the public, but submitted uncomplainingly to its worst usage† (110). She helped those in need and was always there to offer a helping hand. Most people in the town had no choice but to â€Å"refuse to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. † The A no longer exemplified adultery, but rather it represented â€Å"able.† The town acknowledged Hester’s strength, which was what managed to change the symbolism of the A. While Hester Prynne was embracing the A, Reverend Dimmesdale was struggling to escape his own scarlet letter. Dimmesdale was respected and admired by the town, which caused him extreme guilt. He watched as Hester was publicly humiliated, yet he felt as if he could not confess because of his occupation. He was afraid of the â€Å"light his vague confession would be viewed† (99) by the town. He would be refused as a minister, and seen as the â€Å"remorseful hypocrite that he was† (99).Dimmesdale became so consumed with his guilt and shame, that he became physically ill. The A represented his self-punishment, which was worse than if he had confessed publicly. In fact, Dimmesdale envied the ease with which Hester dealt with her scarlet letter so much that he confessed to her how much his secret burned within him: â€Å"Happy you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret! Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after the torment of a seven years’ cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am† (131).Dimmesdale was forced to live with the guilt of his misdeed, whereas Hester did not have to hide what she had done. The scarlet letter represented his sin as much as it represented hers, only he could not confess his. When he was with Hester, he felt relief because Hester knew the truth about what he had done. It is when Dimmesdale finally confessed to his sin and claimed Pearl as his daughter that he was able to let go of his guilt, changing what the scarlet letter meant to him. He revealed his involvement with Hester by telling the town to â€Å"look again at Hester’s scarlet letter!He tells you that, with all its mysterious horror, it is but the shadow of what he bears on his own breast, and that even this, his own red stigma, is no more than the type of what has seared his inmost heart† (174). Dimmesdale removed his shirt to reveal an A, marked onto his own chest, whether by Dimmesdale’s own hand, or by the hand of God. For him, the confession freed him of his guilt and shame, allowing him to forgive himself. The scarlet letter that once symbolized his sin, represented his courage to confess and his ability to finally forgive himself.Dimmesdale died after that, because the rel ease of his grip on the scarlet letter that tortured him, allowed him to release his grip on a life that which was haunted by his sin. A character with a unique perspective in the novel, as well as an interesting perception of scarlet letter was the product of the sin–Pearl. The scarlet letter ultimately symbolized the life and love of Pearl. She was pure and had the ability to see the true selves of others, which she understood when she said â€Å"Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder Black Man will catch you! He hath got hold of the minister already.Come away, mother, or he will catch you! But he cannot catch little Pearl† (92). She knew that Dimmesdale had sinned, although she did not know what the sin was, and she knew that she was innocent and pure, and could not be touched by sin. Although the meaning of the scarlet letter did not change much for Pearl, exactly what it meant to her shone brightly through the words on the pages. Pearl knew that â€Å"the great letter A† (122) had given life to her. Hester thought that Pearl did not know what the letter meant, because of the fact that Pearl constantly asked her mother for the meaning of the A.Perhaps Pearl’s innocence kept her from seeing the sin that both her mother and Dimmesdale had committed, but it is clear when Hester asked Pearl if she knew what the letter meant, that Pearl indeed understood it represented sin: â€Å"It is for the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart† (122). Since Pearl was able to sense the wrongdoing of others, she knew that Hester’s physical scarlet letter embroidered on her bosom and Dimmesdale’s internal scarlet letter seared into his chest were both results of sin.She could not grasp that her mother’s letter meant anything atrocious because it was so familiar to her; she had lived her entire life seeing the letter upon her mother’s chest. To Pearl, the A represented her mother and their lif e together. In the end of the novel, the scarlet letter appeared to represent perhaps the most important element of The Scarlet Letter: Family. Hester and Dimmesdale struggled throughout the book to forgive each other and forgive themselves. They were not able to join together as one unit, protecting and loving their daughter, Pearl.Both characters sought to find meaning from the scarlet letter, aside from the negative one bound to it by the town. However, as Dimmesdale built the courage to confess his sin of adultery, he was able to let go of his guilt and accept Pearl. The A indeed might have represented an A for â€Å"able. † For, even though the town had â€Å"doomed Mistress Prynne†¦for the remainder of her natural life, to wear a mark of shame upon her bosom† (43), and Dimmesdale suffered from the weight of shame, they were able to overcome the stigma of the scarlet letter and bring life to the marvelous meaning of the scarlet letter: Love.

Engineering Is a Very Important Part of Our Society Essay

Engineering is a very important part of our society, both now and in the past. It is a major that opens a wide variety of career opportunities for you after college. Engineering is what keeps our nation moving and up to date with technology. It is a very strong appealing major in college due to the amount of average income, and also it appeals to many individuals likes in a career. It has the highest paying income straight out of college, and that increase in pay usually does not stop, it just keeps increasing. Another appealing aspect of a career in engineering is the possibility to work for a foreign company, and no matter where you live in the United States, your income never decreases due to the other local income. It is a rewarding career, both financially and mentally. This is one of those careers that you feel a great deal of self-worth after completing an assignment, or creating something new and improved to keep up with technology. It is a major that requires more time and effort than most other majors. You need to apply yourself or you will just fall behind and most likely just drop the major all together. Whether you choose general engineering or a more difficult division such as mechanical or To become a successful engineer is to ensure a spot in our future. Almost every type of engineering will be required to run our world, now and in years from now. Engineering is very important aspect of our working world. It keeps us going and up to date with technology. Without engineers, there would be no moving parts, which means no cars, planes, video games and anything else you can think of that requires moving parts to operate. Over all engineering is concerned with technology and keeping the world going. In the future, near or far, engineering most definitely has its place in our world. If the future holds a few big technological advances or a lot, engineers will still be there making sure everything runs smooth and properly. A world without engineers could only exist if everything made, was made to perfection and would never fail or break down. For now, we need to keep putting out successful engineers into our working world, and make sure that there is a future. l or aerospace, your major is the most difficult one you can choose. I recently interviewed Jack Byrd, an engineering professor at West Virginia University, on Mechanical Engineering. The interview detailed the importance of engineering and the process he went through to be where he is today. This interview would be an insight to anyone who has the slightest interest in engineering or becoming an engineer and what it takes to become a successful engineer. After college is where your education really takes its part in your life. Even though your schooling is over, it plays one of the biggest roles in all your opportunities after you graduate. Once you get your resume around, you have many possibilities and opportunities ahead of you to choose The world is changing rapidly. From the Stone Age to the Iron Age today we are living in an ultramodern era where things which were not even thought of earlier have become vital necessities in our life. For example, light in those ages was to be got only from sun for a limited part of day. But now we have electricity for all time use. Thanks to Thomas Alva Edison who by inventing electricity illuminated the whole world.

English 110/Charter

Write about a trip or a book or a movie that had a powerful effect you. Discuss its effects. 2. Write about a class or an instructor that had a powerful effect you. Discuss the effects. 3. Taming the Anger Monster Anne Davidson ff. 253 According to Davidson, what are some of the reasons that we seem to anger more quickly today than we have in the past? Do you agree or disagree with her assessment? Explain. Davidson also tells us that often getting mad is not cathartic but rather has some negative effects. What are some of these effects?Write about any personal experiences you have had with the Anger Monster—either the positive effects of controlling your anger or the negative effects of losing your temper. Journal Topics 1-3 are due Tuesday, June 12 4. Is Sex All That Matters? Joyce Garity ff. 733 Garity accuses the advertising, film, TV, music and fashion industries of contributing to our sex-saturated society by parading â€Å"sexuality at every turn. † She focuses on potential dangers to young women. What are some of these dangers? In what similar ways are boys and men affected by â€Å"sexuality at every turn? † In what ways are males affected differently?Think of some commercials or magazine ads that â€Å"use sex† to see products. Compare and contrast ads that target women with ads that target men. Can you think of any ads that target both men and women? If so, what do you think the appeal is to women? to men? 5. Born to Be Different Camille Lewis ff. 274 Lewis points out that one of the key differences between men and women is that woman are â€Å"empathizers† and men are â€Å"systemizers. † What does she mean by this? What are some of the examples that she uses? Write about examples from your own experiences. 6. Sex, Lies, and Conversation Deborah Tannen (handout)Most divorced women cite poor communication as a major contributor to their divorces; few men even mention it as a factor. Tannen says this discrepanc y in perception takes root in childhood and reflects the different roles played by verbal communication in men’s and women’s lives. What are some of the examples of this that Tannen presents in her article? Can you provide examples from your own experiences? Journal Topics 4-6 are due Monday, June 18 7. A Suicide at Twelve: â€Å"Why Steve? † Richard Meyer (handout) What kind of boy was Steve? Be sure to provide details from the text to support the qualities that you name.Comment on your perceptions of Steve’s parents. Provide examples from the story that suggest that Sue and Charles Dailey were good parents and created a good family environment. In contrast, also provide examples that suggest that Sue and Charles made dramatic mistakes as Steve’s parents. 8. Articles and editorials about the California High School Exit Exam (handout) Based on what you have read and heard, explain why you believe the state of California decided to implement a high school exit exam. Are you in favor of continuing the High School Exit Exam in its current form?Or do you feel the exam should be greatly modified or done away with completely? Write about your stand on this issue. 9. In Praise of the F Word Mary Sherry ff. 711 Sherry writes, â€Å"Young people generally don’t have the maturity to value education in the same way my adult students value it. † Do you agree or disagree? Support your view with details and observations from your own experience. Do you feel that most of your high school teachers gave you the skills you need and made you aware of the importance of those skills? If not, what should your school have done that it did not do? Journal Topics 6-9 are due Thursday, June 21

Supply chain management of Coco-Mat case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Supply chain management of Coco-Mat case - Essay Example The Coco-Mat company has several processes and stakeholders associated with the company and contribute to the success or failure of the business (Nagopoulos, Rontos & Pantazidou, 2013). The company relies on type and quality of raw materials obtained from various small and medium international suppliers which affect the sustainability of products and manufacturing. These suppliers lack knowledge on keeping and maintenance of supplies and about sustainable agriculture. This may lead to substandard raw materials and in turn create shortage of the required number of materials to sustain manufacturing. The company comprises of franchisors that run its retail stores. The franchisors have direct contact with the clients and are obligated to listen and respond to customers’ feedback and demands. If the franchisor is not able to deal with the customers well it may result to the company losing clientele which is against their objective of customer satisfaction. As the company loses the customer then, it means that the company is losing sales; therefore, the business may lack enough money to be invested in employees to motivate them. The company also has logistics par tners who contribute to mismanagement and delays of its products. This result to low performance of TQM implemented (Nagopoulos, Rontos & Pantazidou, 2013). Currently, the company if facing challenges in persuading supply chain partners to participate in TQM implementation. Mr. Chatzimichalis visualises a more responsible supply chain that will employ modern information and communication technologies. The C.E.O is searching for technologies that will enable Coco-Mat integrate marketing, logistics and production that will improve the company’s effectiveness and efficiency. Mr. Chatzimichalis also hopes to improve the role of clients in supply chain operations through technology application (Nagopoulos, Rontos & Pantazidou, 2013). 2. Debate the arguments of Mr. Chatzimichalis to make a more

Filtration as a sample concentration method of water samples Research Paper

Filtration as a sample concentration method of water samples - Research Paper Example In conclusion, the paper finds that filtration is vastly used in the concentration of environmental water samples for water quality testing. Water is an essential constituent of life. In fact, human beings cannot do without water. Water is a biological, physical, and chemical component that bears a huge influence on life as it is known on Earth. Hence, researchers from diverse fields have sought to come up with ways to manipulate water in order to achieve certain aims that are beneficial to life. However, in the process of the day-to-day activities, human beings have polluted water by dumping waste into it. In addition, varying microorganisms that are harmful to human health tend to exist in contaminated water. These microorganisms are the reason why microbiologists spend a huge part of their time, resources, and knowledge into devising ways through which contaminated water can be purified and declared fit for human consumption. The main aim being to protect the health of human being s. Thus, microbiologists have developed various techniques that are utilized to recuperate microorganisms from water samples. One such method is filtration. In environmental microbiology, filtration is used as a sample concentration method to recover microorganisms. It is duly applied in water quality analysis. Hence, the paper seeks to describe what researchers have found in regard to filtration as a sample concentration method for water quality analysis.

Federal Trade Commission and Merger - Arbitron, Nielsen Research Paper

Federal Trade Commission and Merger - Arbitron, Nielsen - Research Paper Example This implies that for any merger to be acceptable it must comply with the business laws as provided by the government. For example, in US, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an agency that has been established by the government to ensure unfair business practices are avoided. Additionally, FTC is responsible for prevention of fraudulent business strategies that would jeopardize not only the shareholders investments but also the consumer’s money. Another notable function of FTC is to create a competitive business atmosphere. In this way, the negativities of monopoly as well as price discriminative policies are addressed. During the merging and acquisition processes, it is imperative for managers and directors to engage all the stakeholders that include the shareholders, creditors, auditors and other investors. This paper aims at discussing the merger between Arbitron, and Nielsen companies and the implications of FTC on the merger. Nielsen Holdings is an American based firm that deals in providing its local and global clients with information regarding the behaviors of their consumers in the market. With its headquarters based in New York and in Netherlands, the company operates in more than 100 countries in various regions world wide. In this regard, the company enjoys wide market segment that places it at a competitive position. Key people who oversee the operations of the company includes David Calhoun and Rick Kash, the CEO and the vice chair respectively. Other individuals in the management team include Brian West, Steve Hasker, Mary Liz, Mitchell Habib and Itzhak Fisher among others. One of the notable aspects that have contributed to the success of the company is the establishment of quality services that are highly demanded by companies that are focused at facing off the various challenges in the local and international markets. The three key products by Nielsen include provision of consumer information, market measurement as well as consumer resea rch. Nielsen has been involved in a number of business strategies that have not only positive impact on its capital base but also in its marketing strategies. These include strategic alliances, mergers as well as acquisitions. Some of the companies that the company has either acquired or formed a merger with include WPP Group, VNU, Buzzmetrics, Blackstone Group, IAG Research, The Cambridge Group and more recently Arbitron among others1. Arbitron is a US based firm with its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. Having been founded in 1949 by Jim Seiler, the company original services included collection of television ratings that it adopted during the research process2. Just like Nielsen Holdings, Arbitron is engaged in a number of mergers immediately after it was established. Some of the notable companies that the company has merged with include Cooper, Clay and Coffin. In a deal that was aimed at making the company more competitive in the global market, Arbitron merged with Nielsen Ho ldings in 2012 resulting into change of names to Nielsen Audio. Key person who oversee the acquisition process was Sean Creamer, the company chief executive officer. Summary about the merger between Arbitron and Nielsen Arbitron and Nielsen Companies have for a long time been used by firms to provide with information regarding the consumption of their brands. Based on the need for two firms to improve their market

It has been written below in the assignment criteria Essay

It has been written below in the assignment criteria - Essay Example under Part II of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (the Act1) and Section 13 the service will be carried out with reasonable care and skill where it is done in the course of business as in the current scenario. Therefore failure to do so entitles Adam to make a claim for breach of contract and damages or alternatively under the law of negligence2which is what Burt Co is purporting to exclude and limit under its terms of business. The factual scenario indicates that both Adam Co and Burt Co had a regular course of dealings in respect of the Burt Co’s provision of car valet services, which were ostensibly contracted into on Burt Co’s standard terms of business. The issue in contention is whether the contract was for the Deluxe Service and if not, whether the exemption clause was incorporated into the contract. Whilst there is nothing to indicate that Adam Co expressly accepted and signed Burt Co’s standard terms and conditions, it is evident that the process of handing Adam Co Burt Co’s standard terms of business happened approximately eight to nine times within a twelve month period, which will render it difficult for Adam Co to argue that the terms and conditions do not cover the terms and conditions due to the regular course of dealings between the parties3. This in turn is crucial to the enforceability of the exclusion clause4. With regard to the current scenario, the most applicable scenario will be incorporation of terms based on previous dealings between the parties. For example, in the case of J Spurling Limited v Bradshaw,6 in circumstances analogous to the current scenario, Bradshaw had received the document with the exemption clause on previous dealings with the defendant on numerous occasions and the Court of Appeal concluded that â€Å"by the course of business and conduct of the parties the clause was part of the contract†7. In the Bradshaw case the clause had been incorporated notwithstanding the late arrival of the document

Importance Of Internal And External Communication Strategies Essay

Importance Of Internal And External Communication Strategies - Essay Example There are certain factors that help in determining the effectiveness of communication strategy a corporation implements. These factors include a number of employees the message is intended for, their relationship, nature of the message and channel and the effectiveness of the feedback system. An essential aspect of internal communication is it should be concentrated as well as coordinated so that the message is well communicated and different managers and employees can be reached through this. Moreover, it must be consequent in nature and continuously transmitted. Internal communication can be further classified as work, control, change, culture and news communication. This classification segregates the nature of information and makes it more defined. Together all these kind of communication creates an integrated system of internal communication (Kalla, 2005). The strategies that have been employed by multinationals to improve internal communication are electronic communication throu gh e-mail, integrated chat platform, video-conferencing and social networks. Employees of a multinational company are encouraged to be part of different network groups within the organization (Luo and Shenkar, 2006). This helps them in understanding culture aspects of their global counterparts, gaining insight of their professional achievements and learning through knowledge sharing and transfer (Phene and Almeida, 2008). The multinationals are also active in social media circles, where employees are encouraged to participate.

Cerebral Palsy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cerebral Palsy - Research Paper Example f disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and keep their balance and posture as a result of an injury to parts of the brain, or as a result of a problem with brain development.† There are several types of cerebral palsy which are usually classified according to how the movement is affected, or which part of the body is affected (Peacock, 2000, p. 13). There are 5 types when classifying according to the effect on movement. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of the condition, characterized by poor communication between the nerves from the brain to the spinal cord (p. 13). Spinal nerves act independently and thus command muscles to contract, most of the time inappropriately, giving the patient difficulty in moving his or her extremities (p. 13). On the other hand, athetoid cerebral palsy causes the head, extremities, face, and other parts of the body to move uncontrollably (p. 14). Ataxic cerebral palsy disrupts the patient’s balance causing him or her to easily fall when walking. Hypotonic cerebral palsy results to weak and floppy muscles, while the hypertonic type is characterized by rigid muscles (p. 14). The affected parts may be described in the following: 1.) monoplegia, only one arm or leg is affected; 2.) diplegia, either both arms or both legs are affected; 3.) triplegia, three limbs are affected; 4.) quadriplegia, both arms and both legs, including the trunk are affected; and 5.) hemiplegia, one arm and one leg on the same side of the body are affected (p. 15). Over the years, experts have put efforts to determine the causes of cerebral palsy. It has been presented that the condition is caused by insults on the developing brain occurring before, during, or after pregnancy. Specific reasons why cerebral palsy occurs during pregnancy are not yet identified, but possible causes are a defect in the brain structure, infections risking the mother like German measles or herpes, maternal exposure to toxic chemicals, current maternal

Setting the Stage for Strategic Compensation and Bases for Pay Essay

Setting the Stage for Strategic Compensation and Bases for Pay - Essay Example However, it is important that compensation structures are aligned with the strategic objectives of the business. Three of the main goals of compensation departments in organizations are to attract talented personnel from the industry and help provide a certain amount of flexibility to the needs of the department; improve morale of employees and motivate them to ensure the existence of an innovative and knowledgeable workforce; as well as maintain salary standards which are competitive in the industry. Contextual influence posing greatest and least challenge for companies’ competitiveness Some of the external, as well as internal, conditions of a firm can determine the nature of pay structure which it would design or which would be appropriate for it. Most importantly, the supply and demand of labour in the market would be a serious consideration while designing its pay structure. Shortage of a particular skill in the market might imply that the organization might have to pay a higher price for those skills, and vice versa. In fact the demand and supply of labour in the market is the determinant of the existing wage rates at that region too (Prakashan, 2009, p.14). The other very important factor which would pose serious challenge before an organization is the prevailing market rates. This can be also termed as the comparable wages or the ongoing wage rates. The compensation policy fixed by an organization must necessarily confirm to the wage rates paid by other competitors in the industry. Otherwise, it might result in employees leaving the organization getting attracted towards those with higher salary packages. The cost of living also accounts for an important criterion based on which organizations develop their compensation structures and plans. It is crucial to make adjustments in pay depending on the increases or decreases in the cost of living index. When organizations fail to reset their salary structures according to the changes in the living ind ex, it can face resistance from employees and unions demanding higher wages. This could be challenging for the organizations (Prakashan, 2009, p.14). Apart from the above serious threats there are certain issues which are also crucial for determining compensation structures but which pose challenges before organizations to a lesser extent. The ability of an organization to pay or its affordability is crucial to determine its pay structure. Degree of profits, costs of production, sales revenues are some aspects which must be evaluated before designing pay structures. Psychological and sociological factors greatly determine the extent to which an employee would be willing to put in effort in his job. A person’s psychological perception helps him equate his wage or salary levels as a measure of the extent of success he has earned. Lastly, rapid technological developments have been the main cause of rapid development of skills of employees. The level of wages of these employees h as also been changing correspondingly. Thus, it is important that organizations keep track of changes in skill levels and wage level of

Religions of the World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Religions of the World - Essay Example lieve that the reason behind the decline in the Protestant membership in America can be traced back to the problems in the separation of church and state. While there are still devoutly religious Americans, they draw the line when the church begins to use the pulpit as a political mouthpiece aimed at furthering the cause and beliefs of the church. We also have the fact that there seems to be an influx of â€Å"designer† religions that people seem to be willing to try out just to see how it fits. Religion is not an outfit that one can try on and take off but the people seem to think that religion should be exactly like that. In fighting among the church leaders have also caused a decline in the church membership as each leader seems to believe that he is the one with the right answers to lifes questions. Whenever the disagreement cannot be resolved, one of the parties more often than not opts to spin off into his own religion in order to promote the values that he believes to be true. Not to be forgotten is the fact that the modern 21st century person simply does not have the time to spare when it comes to fulfilling their religious obligations that they did not ask for in the first place. It was thrust upon them when their parents had them baptized as a baby. Since the modern person is more of a thinking individual now, and does not generally believe in blind faith, they begin to question their religion and often times end up seeking the answers to the questions they have elsewhere. The modern person thinks of religion as a part of a lifestyle that can be picked up and set aside depending upon their need. Since the religion has yet to catch up with the modern ideals of the average American, one can expect that he will not be practicing the religion, if he has not converted yet or simply convinced himself to stop being a follower of an organized cult, then the generational gap between the church and the individual will continue to create a divisiveness between

Frued’s Psychoanalytic Theory Essay Example for Free

Frued’s Psychoanalytic Theory Essay Legendary and groundbreaking psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud changed the way scholars and doctors alike thought about the nature of the brain. Freud’s insight created a new paradigm that focused future inquiries onto the functional aspects of the mind, rather than cerebral and somatic physicality. With this essay, I will begin by describing and defining the id, ego and superego while also discussing how they interact. I will conclude by examining the essential differences of the ego and superego and the implications these distinctions imply. According to Dr. Freud, the id is the part of the human mind that we are born with and it is primarily responsible for the instinctual drives of the individual (Sigmund). For Freud, the id is mainly motivated by libido, or the sexual instinct in its quest for pleasure and satisfaction. Further, the libido is divided into two parts: eros and thanatos. Eros is the drive to fulfill pleasure seeking actions and sexual desires while thanatos is an oppositional drive toward death that causes the aggression and destructive tendencies of humans (Freud’s). This is an important distinction that creates the impression and theory that the id belongs to the tension filled domain of the unconscious. It is the part of us that we can scarcely control, but can incite intense pleasure or aggressive destruction when these desires are fulfilled or denied. In opposition to the basic instinctual need to achieve pleasure or enact destruction lies the part of the brain shaped and defined by social and cultural influences. Freud defines this part of the brain as the superego. The superego in practical terms can be defined as the conscious mind that develops and manifests over time, beginning with inputs from parents and siblings, to schools, relationships and work. This part of the mind internalizes all of these inputs in its creation of consciousness while also being responsible for critiquing consciousness and counterbalancing the instinctual desires of the id in order to successfully navigate through society based on learned values and moral judgments. In between the id and the superego is the ego. The ego can be thought of as the part of the brain that mediates the tensions between the conscious and the unconscious; the id and the superego (Freud’s). In this capacity, the ego contains all objects of consciousness without the moralizing and criticism of the superego. In other words, the ego is the part of our minds that is aware of consciousness and the reality of other people’s consciousness. In this model then, the ego still wants to fulfill the id’s pleasure principle but it also realizes that in trying to accomplish this, the person may hurt other people in the process and must take this fact into consideration (Sigmund). The ego is also responsible for covering the impulses of the id through the development of what he called defense mechanisms. These are forms of repression and rationalization that lessen anxiety or cover troubling thoughts and memories. In addition to his personality theory, Freud also studied the psychosexual stages of development. His stages are organized chronologically beginning with the oral stage and moving through to the anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages. They all focus on the sexual pleasure drive on the psyche. Stage development can only be achieved through the resolution of the previous stage (Stevenson). The resolution or lack thereof, affects the psyche throughout life, especially when one becomes fixated at a particular stage. Each of these stages and the developing person’s id, ego, and superego are constantly mediating the latent pleasures of the psychosexual drive against societal norms. The Structural Theory proposed by Dr. Sigmund Freud has far reaching implications for the way we account for the actions and impulses of our minds. With this model, divided into the id, ego, and superego, we can explain how we can simultaneously harbor uninhibited desires in the unconscious pleasure and destructive tendencies developed by the id, but we can also mediate these instinctive drives through the self-conscious functions performed by the ego’s defense mechanisms, while in addition re-appropriating this tension through the role of the superego in order to live a morally responsible and hopefully well-balanced life. References Freud’s Personality Factors. (2008). http://changingminds. org/explanations/personality/freud_personality. htm Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). (2008). The Internet Encyclopedia of Psychology. Retrieved January 8, 2009 from. http://www. iep. utm. edu/f/freud. htm Stevenson, David. (1996). Freud’s Psychosexual Stages of Development. Brown University. Retrieved January 8, 2009 from http://www. victorianweb. org/science/freud/develop. html

Tui The Worlds Leading Travel Group Tourism Essay

Tui The Worlds Leading Travel Group Tourism Essay TUI is one of the leading tourism industry across the Europe started since 1997. TUI is the worlds leading travel group which operates in approximately 180 countries worldwide and provide more than 30 million consumers in over 27 base markets. The employees in the TUI travel group are approximately 65,000 and operate a pan-European airline consisting of 146 aircraft.   The company mainly serves the leisure travel customer and is organised and managed through four business sectors which are Mainstream, Specialist Emerging Markets, Activity and Accommodation Destinations.   In the financial year ended 30 September 2009 TUI Travel had revenues of  £13.9bn and an underlying profit before tax of  £366m. They are providing their services of travel and entertainment to millions of customers in different regions and as well as in different well reputed hotels worldwide. It owns travel agencies, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, retail stores, and container ships. TUI is offering their services in different and easy way through range of high street outlets and online services and as well as different travel agencies for the convenience of their customers. Therefore TUI has become one of the European well known and reputed tourism industries. Environmental analysis: TUI environmental analysis can be possible by using different analytical tools such as PESTEL, SWOT and Porters five forces. TUI environmental changes can be analysed in both external and internal to investigate how TUI achieved and maintained their leadership in the European tourism industry. However ANSOFF matrix can be useful for the TUI future implication. Furthermore, to talk about the limitations of the analytical tools is part of the report as well. P.E.S.T.E.L analysis: TUI external environmental analysis is done by the PEST one of the analytical tools. The PEST is used to analyse Political, Environmental, Social and technological factors of the TUI industry. Political Analysis: It includes range of political issues in which terrorist attacks are the major issues which enables government to put restriction on in some regions and also some insurance denied to cover their insurance if travel to these regions. These attacks also results in tight security and immigrations laws which also highly affect the tourism industry. In addition political instability not only affect the tourism industry of particular country but also many other countries nearby. Economical Analysis: It analyzes different and wide range of economical issues such as exchange rate, globalisation, oil prices and recession which highly affect the tourism industries. According to Galleggo et al 2007 that exchange rate plays a key role in international business and this highly impact on tourism industries for instance the difference between Pound sterling and Euro exchange rates can affect the tourism from UK into different other European Union countries. The globalisation gives many chances and very useful for international business and particularly for tourism industries to enhance them through many travel agencies and hotels worldwide. (Munoz 2005). As discussed by Wahab and Cooper 2001 that companies have low barrier for entry to market and take over other companies so then the threat to tourism from globalisation is the tough competition and maintain the quality of the services which they provide to the customers. Porter 1980 stated that when the barrier to entry is low the competition will tough for the company in new market. Aviation and oil prices also impact on the tourism industries. The recent economic disaster is one of the causes of falling down the tourism industry but on the other hand it is a chance for other well stabled companies in market to attract customers. Although, the last economic crises report could be expected and take into account that tourism contributes 10.6% of world GDP (refer case study). Social analysis: This factor totally belongs to the life style and behaviour of the customers towards buying a product. Therefore tourism agencies offer a modified holiday packages and online booking services for the convenience of the customers. In additions, consumers are very responsive to environment and are more attracted to those companies who are offering better environmental policies. Another social factor is the brand awareness among the customers and majority of the customer trust in the companys brand name hence brand loyalty can be the result of past services provided by the company to consumers. Technological analysis: Technology and tourism are two of the most dynamic motivators of the emerging global economy. It quite clear from the Office for National statistics 2009 that majority of even household people relying on the internet and have got the access to it. That is the reason that online sales are growing day by day. As described by Porter 2001 that internet has a low barrier of entry and online sales make it easier for customers and companies to cut down their costs by reducing staff and other intermediaries but on other hand it has a threat for the companies because newcomer can easily come into the competition. Another major threat for the tourism industry is televisions which enable people to watch different tourist places live and avoid them from travelling. Environmental analysis: An increased emission of carbon CO2 is a big threat and aviations and tourism industries are one of the major contributors of these emissions. The UK government is using new methods to reduce the emission to help the environment. It is a corporate social responsibility of the tourism and aviations industries to maintain their environmental responsibilities. However UK government is arguing for greener holiday locations around because these emissions can cause of many health problems for which tourism industries should be concerned. Legal: Companies should be responsible of the legal issues and rules and regulations of other countries if they are going to join them because international trade laws play a vital role in the todays business world. However, government suggested aviation safety and regulations which cover up different legal issues such as environmental, health, aviations permits and customers issues. Local Resources: Tourism industry also affects the local resources like food, water minerals and energy which can be already in shortage. Water resources: Tourism industry overuses the water resources which could cause water shortage and degradation of water supplies. Pollution: The pollution which can take place because of tourism industry are air emission, noise, solid waste and littering. Porters five forces analysis: Porters five forces industry analysis helps to measure and manage the long-term survival. Michael Porter (1979) provided a framework that shapes the industry as being prejudiced by five forces. The aims of Porters Five Forces framework are To understand the drivers of competitive behavior in the sector and To evaluate the long-run profit potential of the sector To highlight strategies to alter industry structure (Lynch 2000) Potential entrants: According to Porter (1987) there is a low threat of entrant to newcomers into market. However, companies already having high shares of the market make high barrier of entrant for the newcomers because more than 70 % of the market shares are taken by the existing leaders in the market. But still the chance for the newcomers is the brand recognition which can help them as a barrier of entrant into the market. Substitutes: The substitutes for the tourism industry are the television program and some sort of games which can affect the business of tourism industries but on the other hand the low differentiation of products reduces the risk of substitutes because there is still lack of entertainment as compared with travelling physically. Competitive rivalry: Due to the tough competition in the tourism industry the companies with the fixed cost are beneficial in the current circumstances because there is a clear difference in market shares between different companies for example the TUI with 21% and Thomas Cook with 13 % of shares in the market in present which alternatively reduces competition in the tourism industry. Bargaining power of suppliers: Companies with low shares have low power against suppliers. But where the companies have more than 50 % of the market shares have high power of negotiation with suppliers which will be power balance in a reasonable bargaining power for the suppliers. Bargaining power of buyers: The low differentiation of products and less number of substitutes in the market also reduce the bargaining power of buyer it is because of the changes in online cost sales and the use of internet. Leadership maintenance in the European tourism industry: Porter (2006) argued that an Organisation can only sustain their leadership if they set up some differences and keep its business attractive is the way to maintain their leadership. TUI is one of the tourism industry leading companies with the current 21 % shares of the market and offers their services almost 180 regions internationally. The internal analysis is carried out through SWOT analysis. It is used for review the general position of the business. Strength and Weakness are the internal factors, Opportunities and Threats are external factors. The strength of TUI helped them to maintain their leadership in the tourism industry. The value chain of TUI helped them to offer cheap prices to the consumer as compared to their competitors. The direct distribution channel plays a major role to boost up the revenue and helped them to cut down expenses of TUI travel group. TUI friendly shareholders and proper management and effective customer service helped them to retain their customers and attract new customers from the market. TUI travel group believed in their differentiated product and brand name attained the competitive advantage for the organisations. TUI always considered their shareholders and employees as the assets of the organisation. According to Grant 1991 resources and capabilities are fundamentals of strategy direction and profitability. They maintained their capacity management resources to response to the changes happening in the business environment accordingly which helped them to achieve the competitive advantage over the competitors and boosted up the economical level. This high economical scale helped them to beat the rivals in the market. The acquisitions of companies, product differentiation and cost leadership strategies helped to gain a competitive edge. In the market TUI is the one to implement these strategies all together and gained the competitive edge from their rivals in the market. Future implications of TUI: The usage of analytical tools such as PESTEL, Porters five force, SWOT analysis, Ansoff matrix the macro and micro environmental analysis has been discussed in the previous sections of the report for the TUI travel organization. TUI implemented Ansoff matrix to lead the organisation on the progressive path although TUI is one of the leading tourism industry world wide and already counted in the top leader of the European market. As explained in the previous parts of the report depending on the key finding the future implications of TUI are as published in the Mintel report (2009) that the air flight was increased by short journeys just before the economic crises which benefited the low cost airlines but not for long because the recession has changed the whole scenario. Recessions has turned the consumers to low cost and cheaper alternative such as busses and rails even though these alternatives were more time consuming but because of the recession consumers preferred to have differen t experience of travelling however, these preference of consumers could be a chance for TUI to enhance their differentiation of products in the form of land transportations for short journeys rather than air flight to cope with the circumstances. Internet gives an opportunity of low barrier entrant to the newcomers. Hence, potential entry barrier requires a high investment to enter into the tourism industry. In this situations TUI need to focus on the online services to attract the low spending consumers. International trade can be highly affected by the fuel price instability and particularly the tourism industry therefore TUI need to deal with the oil companies to overcome this issue for specific period of time but have to take into account that this could be threat until the oil companies stabilize the fuel price fluctuation. In addition TUI needs to focus on the environmental such as the carbon emission factors which could highly impact upon the tourism industry. However, it is clear from previous part of the report that consumers prefer the companies who are aware to the environmental changes therefore TUI need to focus on the environmental changes to overcome this issue. In the planning for the future implication, TUI should focus on enhancement of their market in the Asia but need to maintain their European market as they already one of the leading tourism industry across European market. Limitations of the analytical tools used: The analytical tools I have used in my report to carry out analysis of TUI and its limitations are discussed below: PESTEL analytical tool is used to analysis both macro and micro environmental changes of the industry and recognize the main issues which can affect the strategy and analyse the threats to the tourism industry, on the other hand there are few limitations of tools used to identify the weakness of tourism industry and shape them for a solution as a result. The aims of the Porters five forces are to measure and manage the long-term survival and to understand the key drivers of competitive behavior in the sector and to evaluate the long run profit potential of the sector to highlight strategies to alter industry structure (Lynch 2000). Hence the limitations are that it does not think about the other products and also ignore most important aspects such as human resource, culture and management skills. The use of Ansoff matrix is to analyze the corporate strategic growth of the organization and assesses the best position for the organizations but on contrary it only focus on the market shares and growth and does not consider the other significant factors. The last analytical tool used in my report is the SWOT analysis which reviews the general position of the business. Strength and Weakness are the internal factors, Opportunities and Threats are external factors. It tells about the factor to be focused and helps in the better decision making circumstances. Although, it tells about the strengths of the organisations but no effective suggestions about how to use and be benefited the organisations from them. Conclusion: The report examines both macro and micro environment of TUI tourism industry by the help of some useful analytical tools to find out the key factors and as well as explore that how TUI gained the competitive advantage and maintained their leadership in the European tourism industry by identifying their strength and as well as illustrate the future direction to TUI for its growth and success. However, the recession effect the TUI in both ways when we go for disposable income, it is very true that it had affected all the industry, but the other way round although the group profit of TUI for the financial year ending 2005 has decreased compare to 2004 but in comparison of over all tourism industry TUI did well as of its competitive prices and direct selling channel i.e. internet selling which obviously reduce the operating cost by less staff working. As disposable income have badly effected the TUI but still they need to reshape their marketing structure to attract the new customers. The management of TUI need to take decision to move the company as a profit making with customers satisfaction. Refrences: Annual Report. (2008).  TUI Annual Report.   http://www.dft.gov.uk/. eTourism: information technology for strategic tourism management by Dimitrios Buhalis Pearson Education, 2003 Business Economics 376 pages Gallego et al. (2007). On the impact of exchange rate regimes on tourism.As ociacià ³n Espaà ±ola de Economà ­a y Finanzas Internacionales  , 1-16 Grant, R. (1991). The Resource-Based Theory of Competitive Advantage: Implications for Strategy Formation.  California Management Review, 114-135 http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/envi/one.html Johnson et al. (2005).  Exploring Corporate Strategy  (7th Ed.). Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Mintel Reports. (2009, July). Retrieved November 7, 2009, from MINTEL OXYGEN: http://academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic//display/id=39545 Munoz, J. (2005). Executive Insights on Globalization.  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management , 17  (4), 365-371 Porter, M. (1985). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Free Press , 33-61 Porter, M. E. (1980). How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy. The McKinsey Quarterly , 34-50. Porter, M. E. (2001). Strategy and the Internet. Harvard Business Review , 63-79. Porter, M. (1987). From Competitive Advantage to Corporate Strategy. Harvard Business Review , 43-59 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nscl.asp?ID http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget TUI case study http://www.tui-group.com/en/company http://www.tuitravelplc.com/tui/pages/aboutus/corporateprofile Wahab, S., Cooper, C. (2001). Tourism in the Age of Globalisation. London: Routledge

Protecting Your Clients: Financial Case Study

Protecting Your Clients: Financial Case Study A recent survey found 40% of adults in the UK, have less than  £500 in savings, and are reliant month to month from their employment.   (MAS).   With savings alone, a family may quickly face issues. In the event of death, severe illness or injury, the inability to meet basic household bills and liabilities such a mortgage, adds worry, anxiety and uncertainty into an already stressful time. There are products available which mitigate these risks, and they fall into three broad categories; Life Assurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection. This is not an exhaustive list; a wide range of specialist products are available depending on client needs. Whatever a familys financial aspirations, the loss of an income, may cause plans to fail, increasing costs at an inconvenient time, with childcare costs etc. The pyramid below demonstrates the importance of underpinning any financial plan with adequate protection, clearly this is a priority. Throughout this manual, we will explore the needs of a family (in blue); Andrew (27) Amy (24) have their dream home with their daughter, Celeste (4). They have no plans to move, and do not plan on having more children. Andrew is a self-employed sole-trader, an Electrician, with average net profits;  £34,000. During the week Andrew works long hours, but takes weekends off to look after Celeste. Andrews drawings are  £2,800. Amy is an assistant manager in a fashion retailer, she has recently returned to full time hours now that Celeste has started private school. Her salary is  £21,000 per annum. As she has been employed by the company for a number of years, she qualifies for 26 weeks full sick-pay and is enrolled in the group income protection policy which would pay 50% of her salary each month, after a 26-week deferral period. Amys net income is around  £1300. Celestes school fees  £4000 each term, this is likely to remain until 18. Amys store is in a shopping centre, with long opening hours shes able to work flexibly in order to look after Celeste in the evenings. Andrew drops Celeste off in the mornings to a breakfast club at school. They hope Celeste will go to university, where they expect to help with living costs, in line with their existing costs. Their  £130,000 mortgage has 14 years remaining, and costs them  £1100 monthly. They have been able to put some money aside each month and have built up some small savings for emergencies. They have no other debts, and have no existing protection barring Amys employment benefits. They save around  £200 each month, and the remainder of the budget is enjoyed through socialising, entertainment, eating out and treating Celeste. However, recently, Andrews stepfather, in his 50s, who also is an electrician had a heart attack, fortunately he survived, but struggles to do the work he was doing previously. Andrew is concerned at the difficulty his parents have faced in maintaining their lifestyle, and has come to us to discuss protecting his family. He is unsure of what might be right for him, but is happy to spend around  £100 each month, protecting his family. Savings:  £4,200Income:  £4,100 Outgoings:  £3300Disposable budget:  £800 Factors to Discuss and Consider There are a wide range of factors that will impact the necessity, level and term of cover, these include; Dependents This not only applies to the clients own children, but could apply to a spouse, elderly relative or grandchild. The number of dependents, and how long will their need last, i.e. until 18. And whether any expenses, beyond normal upkeep, such as school or university fees would increase needs. Remaining Income In a family where both halves work, the loss of a partner, or their income is likely impact the family income. Often one partner earns a higher salary, losing the breadwinners, income, strains finances. This is equally true if the other partners income was lost. In ensuring a family can maintain their lifestyle, after the loss of a partner or their income, it is important to consider what income is likely to remain, or be available to them afterwards. Benefits A number of state benefits are available to boost the remaining income, or help towards replacing a lost income- i.e. a critical illness prompting payment of personal independence payments or statutory sick pay. These wont replace an income, and critically, the payments, criteria and timescales are set by the government, and arent certain. Employer Benefits Many employers offer employees some protection as part of their employment. Some are dependent on the length of service, or seniority. Including; sick pay, paying full salary for a time, or death in service; usually paying a lump sum- usually a multiple of their salary. Much like government benefits, employer benefits are discretionary. It is also a consideration, that an employee changes employer, with differing benefits. Savings Savings, beyond an emergency fund, are likely to be towards a future need, such as retirement, care, or a large purchase. Currently, savings are unlikely to have any significant growth (Thisismoney.co.uk), if relied upon as income, the funds will exhaust eventually. It would be unwise to rely on savings beyond the short term. Savings can however, reduce the need for an income if they can reduce or eliminate liabilities i.e. credit-cards. Liabilities After considering the needs of the family and dependents, ensuring these are adequately protected, it is important to also consider any liabilities that could then impact the family. These often take the form of debts, but also commitments like school fees. Included here are secured liabilities, such as the home. Often, with the loss of one income, there will be difficulties in sustaining the familys lifestyle, potentially, meeting mortgage costs. Repaying the mortgage is a priority for those seeking life assurance, as it guarantees security of the family home. Life Assurance Life assurance, pays the sum assured, when the insured dies- assuming the policy remains in force. Policies usually take the form; Whole-of-Life, or Term Assurance. Whole-of-Life Covering an individuals entire life, the sum assured is paid, when the policyholder dies. As death is inevitable, the cost is the most expensive. Premiums The premiums are either payable until death, or can be set to last until a certain age or for a limited term. The latter options allow for premiums to be paid up until retirement, yet allow cover to continue. When a limited term of payments is chosen, theyre naturally higher than the alternative. Investment Policies can be arranged with investment elements. This can be Unit-linked, with-profit, non-profit, or universal, potentially combining all three. A non-profit policy provides a fixed sum. With-profit policies allow the insurers underlying investments to generate growth, with bonuses that may increase the sum assured, although inflation beating growth in the long-term, is unlikely. Unit linked policies allow greater growth potential, above inflation, but the underlying capital is risked, jeopardising the sum assured, less risky funds should be a priority. As whole-of-life policies can contain investment elements, some providers offer surrender values, although its unlikely to be suitable as an investment vehicle. Whole-of-Life policies will not be suitable for every client. Care must be taken that there is an ongoing and permanent need, and the sum assured fits this. It may be suitable for a client wishing to protect their family from funeral costs or legal expenses. And can mitigate inheritance tax liability, providing a lump sum to cover the liability due on their assets. Couples can make use of this through a joint life second death policy, since ordinarily, the estate will pass between the couple, and tax only falls due on the second death. Although more appropriate on larger estates where a significant inheritance tax liability arises, compared to those estates that slightly exceed the nil rate bracket, as the ongoing costs of the life assurance may exceed the eventual liability. A whole-of-life policy can also be used to provide an income for dependents. While in later life it is unusual to have child dependents, an income may be required for dependents with life-long care needs. Term Assurance Unlike a whole-of-life policy, term assurance provides cover for a set period, often against a specific protection need, with an expected maturity. Its useful against mortgages, or child dependents, because the time the protection is required for can be estimated. Compared to whole-of-life policies, term assurance is cheaper. As the risk of death is lower over a given timescale, compared to a whole-of-life policy.   Once the policy expires the cover ends, unlike whole-of-life policies, there is no surrender value.   Term assurance can take a number of forms; decreasing, level or increasing term assurance. Decreasing (Family Benefit, Mortgage Protection) Here, the sum assured decreases over time. Its useful against protecting a repayment mortgage. As the term of the mortgage reduces the balance falls, consequently the level of protection needed reduces. This is also useful for dependents, as provision needs decrease over time.   Reductions in the sum assured can be fixed each period, or in line with the interest charged on a mortgage. Decreasing term insurance is also cheaper than other term assurance, as the risk to the provider reduces over time. With a family benefits policy, the benefits are paid as a monthly figure, protecting against the loss of an income until the end of the policy, meaning that the shorter the term remaining, the lower the overall benefit. Gift inter vivos policy This is a special case of decreasing term assurance, protecting against inheritance tax liability from a potentially exempt transfer (PET). In line with the tax liability, the sum assured falls over seven years. Level The sum assured remains constant. It can be useful in order to repay a set liability, i.e. an interest only mortgage, with a constant balance.   They also provide peace of mind to the policyholders family, through the certainty of a lump-sum. It can leave people over protected, paying higher premiums for a need that reduces over time. Increasing- The most expensive form of term assurance. Once arranged, the sum assured, increases over time. At the policies end, the sum assured can be considerably higher than originally. This provides a lump-sum protected against inflation, which over a time, erodes buying. Convertible Renewable- special forms of term assurance, allowing the above policies to be converted into whole-of-life policies, or simply renewed without further underwriting, sometimes allowing the sum assured to increase, in what would be a renewable, increasable term assurance policy. Allowing more flexibility for the insured. Rider Benefits- these are applicable to any of the above policies, they are additional benefits which can be added, or included already. These include; Waiver of Premium, prevents the policy lapsing when the insured is unable to pay premiums through sickness or injury. Terminal illness or total permanent disability cover, providing an accelerated payment when the insured has a very short life expectancy, or is totally disabled, although the criteria for this varies. Accidental death benefit can also be included.   Guaranteed insurability options allow for flexibility within the policy for the sum assured to be increased at key events in the insureds life, without the requirement for additional medical underwriting. All options and additional benefits will increase premiums. Summary Life assurance, ensures that financial needs can be met, often at an affordable cost, regardless of the need, as there are many forms. It does however have restrictions, medical underwriting means that lifestyles increasing the risk of death can impact the cost of the cover, i.e. smoking. While most claims are paid, there are often significant exclusions, including death from; alcohol, drugs, self harm, terrorism, war, or recklessness. If the policyholder is the insured, on their death, the pay-out from these funds will be added back into their estate, where there is potential for an inheritance tax liability. Neither have life assurance, in the event of a death, the remaining family would not be able to maintain their lifestyle. Protecting the mortgage on the family home is a priority. A joint policy allows the home to be protected in the event of either death. As the balance on the mortgage is naturally decreasing as repayments are made, a mortgage protection policy, with an initial sum assured of  £130,000, and term of 14 years would provide the most cost-effective cover. Approximately  £15 monthly. In the event of a death now, the mortgage would be repaid, and the monthly outgoings would fall by around  £1100. However, other costs could increase, childcare may be required, and Celestes education costs would also continue. The approximate cost of her education over the next 17 years will be; 3 Terms x  £4000 x 17=  £204,000. Due to Amys employment, she would need childcare for the weekends and mornings. Andrew would require childcare for weekday evenings. Approximately this is 20 hours a week, and expect she would be mature enough to look after herself for a few hours once in secondary school, aged 12. In addition to term-time childcare there would be around around 16 weeks annually, where fulltime care is needed, 40 hours weekly. Average childcare costs in their area are  £7 hourly. 20 hours x 36 (term-time) x 8 years, 40 hours x 16 (holidays) x 8 years A Total of 10880 hours of childcare would be needed till age 12, at  £7, would cost  £76,160. With a total cost in the region of  £280,160, Its clear itd be difficult for either parent to cover these costs. However, each month, the requirements would reduce. Again, a decreasing term assurance policy would fit their needs, as these are ongoing costs, it would make sense for this policy to be written as a family income benefit policy, providing the average of Celestes care and education costs each month.  £1000 for her education, and  £793 (based on 1360 hours of care each year, divided by 12 months, at  £7 an hour), written on a joint basis over a 17-year term. The approximate cost is  £23 monthly. Income Protection Insurance This provides the insured with an income when, due to; illness, disability or injury, they are unable to work. A provider cannot cancel this policy due to repeated claims, and as long as premiums are maintained, the cover continues. The benefits are paid monthly, and are used to cover normal expenditure. To incentivise the insureds return to work, ensuring claims only last as long as necessary, the level of cover is generally between 50-75% of the insureds salary. Should a condition make it impossible for the insured to return to their work, and instead they return on a lower salary, a proportionate benefit clause found in many policies, allows a portion of the benefit to be paid, to top-up their income. While the cover is permanent, to a normal retirement age, many insurers have a reviewable premium, similar to critical illness cover. To lower premiums, a deferral period, between 4 104 weeks, effectively eliminates short illness, reducing the risk for the insurer. Aligning the deferral period against existing provisions such as an accident, sickness unemployment cover, or employee sick pay further helps reduce premiums. Income protection is important for the self-employed, injury or illness will impact their income earlier. Their deferral period tends to be shorter, as they need the income sooner than someone who receives sick-pay. Amy is fortunate to have employer provided sick-pay and income protection. If she were ill or unable to work, the impact of this would not be felt for 6 months, and then the reduction in her wage by  £650 would allow the family to meet their outgoings, albeit with little left. Andrew, has no protection. If Andrew were unable to work, his income would stop immediately, savings would then be relied upon, the loss of his income means a shortfall of  £2,000 each month (Outgoings;  £3,300, less Amys income of  £1,300). Savings could sustain them for around 2 months (Savings/Shortfall,  £4200/ £2000= 2.1 Months.) Protecting his income with an income protection policy, until his state retirement age of 68, as regardless of his dependents, there will always be household bills (gov.uk), an 8-week deferral, with benefits of  £2100, cost around  £49 monthly, extending the deferral to 52 weeks, reduces costs to around  £33 monthly. (Drewberry Insurance) Intermediate months could be covered by an accident sickness policy, by excluding short illness, Andrew may save money on future premiums on review. Other Protection available There are a wide range of more specialised protection insurance policies available, while they may not offer financial security, they can provide peace of mind. Accident Sickness Unemployment Insurance Offering similar benefits to income protection, with important differences. Its impermanent; the insurer can decline to renew the policy. Benefits are generally provided up to 24-months. Unemployment covers redundancy, and only when the insurer believes that the insured had no foreknowledge, naturally excluding the self-employed. Covering Andrews income using an accident sickness policy here, with a deferral period of 2 months, allowing for their savings would cost them in the region of  £14 monthly (gocompare.com), a small saving compared to the single product. Payment Protection Insurance If the insured is unable to work, through sickness, injury or redundancy, this cover will maintain payments for the liability (credit card, mortgage or loan, etc.) for a period of generally up to 24 months. Health Insurance Dental Plans Private health insurance may provide high quality care, fast diagnosis and short wait times or flexibility for treatment and surgery etc., without the high costs involved in paying for this treatment in a standalone manner. Dental plans are offered in a similar way. There are often exclusions for elective or cosmetic surgeries. Critical Illness Cover Providing a lump sum to the insured on the diagnosis of a critical illness, including but not limited to; most Cancers, Heart Attack, and Stroke. Unlike term assurance, the insured need not die, should they recover, funds wont need to be repaid, as the policy ends on a successful claim. Beyond major conditions, cover can be provided for other conditions; major organ transplant, paralysis, coma, blindness or loss of limbs. Each provider may apply a different definition to a condition. The Association of British Insurers provides definitions as a guide to best practice, which is the minimum definition an ABI insurer can use. For instance; The ABIs blindness definition reads; Permanent and irreversible loss of sight to the extent that even when tested with the use of visual aids, vision is measured at 3/60 or worse in the better eye using a Snellen eye chart. (ABI,2016) LGs definition follows; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the use of visual aids, vision is measured at 6/60 or worse in the better. (LG, 2016) Two similar definitions, with LGs definition benefiting the insured, with a less restrictive definition. The cost of more generous cover may be higher than stricter insurers. Compared to term assurance, the cost is much higher, the risk of dying, is far lower than being diagnosed with a critical illness or condition, this extra risk increases costs. Furthermore, a wide range of underwriting factors are used to tailor premiums to the insureds risk. Adverse family history increase costs, and previous diagnosis makes securing cover difficult, or impossible, at best, an exclusion is imposed (LG, 2016). It is expected that all material facts are disclosed, so a full and informed decision is made, withholding a condition can void cover. (Guardian,2013) With any critical condition, family life becomes pandemonium. The insured may be unable to work, travel to and from medical appointments may be necessary, if provided by a partner, they too may be unable to work. Child care may increase, care may be required, alterations may be required, and of course the usual household expenses will still occur. Critical Illness Cover, when considering these requirements can provide peace of mind, by funding medical or care costs, covering liabilities, and providing funds to cover the cost of equipment, adaptations or general improvements to the insureds quality of life with their new condition. Policies can be arranged in numerous ways, a standalone plan, which works similarly to term assurance, paying out on diagnosis on an insured condition. However, it is commonplace that the insured must survive at least 28 days in order for a valid claim. Alternatively, it can be arranged in addition to a term assurance policy with death benefits. In addition to being covered against death, the policy would cover critical illness. This additional cover can either be arranged so that following a critical illness, or death, the cover will cease, so a single payment is only possible, or, a payment can be made against both illness and death. It can be incorporated into an endowment or into a whole-of-life plan as an option in a similar fashion. Like life assurance, the proceeds can be written into trust, this is not usually needed though, if the protection is to cover existing liabilities. However, if the cover is combined with life assurance, potential exists for an inheritance tax liability; if a critical illness is claimed for, the proceeds will go tax free to the insured, if however, a death claim is required, this becomes part of their estate, creating the liability. It is possible to use a split-benefit trust, which will pay the proceeds of the critical illness payment to the policyholder, and the death benefit to the beneficiaries in the trust deed. Critical illness cover premiums are organised similarly to term assurance, with historically fixed payments. Due to advances in medicine and technology, claims have risen with early diagnosis, more providers are now switching to reviewable premiums, which offer stability of fixed payments for a period, before being reviewed, at which point they may rise or fall. Just like term assurance, a similar set of exclusions apply, and medical underwriting may result in additional restrictions or exclusions, and potentially higher costs overall. Cancelling a policy to take out a new policy is generally not recommended, as comparing cover, benefits and restrictions can be difficult or time consuming. Although Andrew Amy are healthy, after recent events they are keen to have some protection that would allow them to deal with an unforeseen critical illness. As you have seen, Amy is well protected through her employment against her income, Andrew would be well covered by the Accident Sickness Policy, and through an income protection policy. However, they are worried about potential adaptations to their home or care costs being needed. The Money Advice Service suggests that 2 hours each day of care would cost in the region of  £11,000 annually. As the mortgage costs a little more than this, a lump sum to cover this, and provide a buffer to allow for some adaptations if necessary, around  £150,000 of cover over 17 years, each. Written as stand-alone policies, means each is protected in the event of a critical illness. Together, the cost of these policies is in the region of  £65 monthly. Andrew Amys monthly protections costs exceed the budget they wanted to spend. Coming to a total of around  £150 monthly. Although the protection would ensure that whatever happens to either of them, they would have financial security until retirement. Full protection is expensive, and unless they are willing to spend the money to cover themselves adequately, they will need to adjust the level of cover they can afford, or prioritise the policies available to them. Business Protection The death or illness of a partner, key person or sole trader can have significant consequences to a business. While these issues can be as wide and varied as the business that have them, the type of cover detailed in this manual can be tailored to provide effective protection. In Conclusion As can be seen, it is important to take a view of the bigger picture, and use a holistic approach in shaping protection around a clients needs. While the hope is that these policies are not used before their time, they provide the firm foundation for clients to achieve their financial aspirations. A Adviser. References ABI Policy Definitions- https://www.abi.org.uk/~/media/Files/Documents/Publications/Public/Migrated/Medical%20underwriting/2011%20Critical%20Illness_SoBP.ashx (2016) Drewberry Insurance, Income Protection https://www.drewberryinsurance.co.uk/income-protection-insurance (2016) Gocompare.com Accident Sickness cover quote system https://income.gocompare.com/income-protection/ (2017) Gov.uk, State Retirement Age https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age, (2017) The Guardian, Critical illness insurance: The neglected cover that could be crucial https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/dec/07/critical-illness-insurance-bad-reputation (2013) Legal General Policy Booklet- http://www.legalandgeneral.com/_resources/pdfs/life-cover/mylife/LifeInsurance-with-Critical-illness-Cover-Policy-Booklet.pdf (2016) LG Underwriting Quick Reference Guide, http://www.legalandgeneral.com/library/protection/underwriting-literature/GuidetoUnderwriting.pdf (2010) Money Advice Service, Care Costs https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/care-home-or-home-care (2017) Money Advice Service, Press Release. https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/corporate/four-out-of-10-adults-are-not-in-control-of-their-finances-new-strategy-launched-to-improve-uks-financial-capability (2015) This is Money.co.uk, What next for savers. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-4070642/What-savings-rates-2017-savers-set-misery.html (2017) Introduction to Simple Linear Regression: Article Review Introduction to Simple Linear Regression: Article Review Simple Linear Regression Introduction to simple linear regression: Article review Abstract The use of linear regression is to predict a trend in data, or predict the value of a variable (dependent) from the value of another variable (independent), by fitting a straight line through the data. Dallal (2000), examined how significant the linear regression equation is, how to use it to draw the best fitting line of the scatter plot and how important the best fitting line is. Introduction to simple linear regression: Article review The use of linear regression is to predict a trend in data, or predict the value of a variable (dependent) from the value of another variable (independent), by fitting a straight line through the data. Linear regression represents a connecting link between the independent (carrier) variable and dependent (response) variable, which if graphed on X and Y-coordinates, results in a straight line. Linear regression shows the straight line which thoroughly represents, or predicts, the value of the response variable, given the noted value of the carrier variable (Frey, 2006). This essay aims at reviewing the article introduction to simple linear regression by Dallal (2000). Problem statement Dallal (2000) assumed a relationship between body mass (independent or carrier variable) and muscle strength (dependent or response variable), the more body mass the more muscle strength. However, this relationship is not without exceptions, which is reflected on the scatter plot of a regression model. Therefore, the author posed the question of how to illustrate the straight line, which accurately portrays the data, or predicts the value of the response variable. Research purpose statement In the given example, most cases would show a perfect regression. However, standardization of the procedure of putting in a straight line is necessary to provide better communication and common grounds for analysts working on the same data. Further, in the example regression equation given (Strength = -13.971 + 3.016 LBM [Lean Body mass]), one can draw two conclusions; first, a predicted muscle strength equals LBM multiplied by 3.016 minus 13.971. Second, the difference between muscle strength of two individuals is presumably 3.016 multiplied by the difference in their LBM. Research questions Research question 1: Why we need to fit a regression equation into a set of data? It is clear from the previous example there are reasons for fitting a regression equation into a set of data. These are 1) to describe the data, and 2) to predict an independent (response) variable from a dependent (carrier) one. Research question 2: What is the underlying principle of calculating a straight line? If the points signaling data in a scatter plot are close to a line, it means the line represents, matches or gives a good fit of data. If not, then the line with most of the points closer to it that any other is the one that gives good fit of data. Further, If the is used to predict values, these values should close enough to the noted ones, in other words, residuals (observed values – predicted values) should small values. Research question 3: How linear regression (least squares) equation is used to illustrate the best fitting line? The standard used, as the name implies, is the sum of squared residuals (observed – predicted values) is minimal for the best fitting line. This applies to a line fitted to a set of sample data to promote generalization to a population from which this sample was taken. Yet for a population, there is a slightly different linear regression equation. The equation illustrates that an output (dependent) variable on the Y-axis can be predicted from an input (independent) variableson the X-axis after adding a random error (si). Research question 4: Is the sample regression equation an accurate estimate of the population regression equation? There is a reservation for accreditation of this statement, which is directed at the confidence bands in relation to the regression line. They are understood as the standard error of the mean (the standard deviation of the mean of the sampling distribution). Yet with one exception that is the sampling mean of the dependent variables amplifies as it adds distance from the mean. Sources of data Dallal (2000), stated in the second part of his article (linked to the main article) are cross- sectional data. This type of data has the advantages of being used if sampling method are not weighted and-or un-stratified. This method can also be used if the researcher is concerned only with minor or small probabilities. The longitudinal data results in more statistical power, however, in repeated cross-sectional analysis, new subjects added per analysis compensates for the inherent decreased statistical power (Yee and Niemeier, 1996). Data collection strategies and methods A good data collection strategy should have two objectives, namely, having motivated respondents (affected by time consuming, trust in statistics, difficulty of questionnaire, and benefit included). The second objective should be having high quality data, which tailored to sample individuals, sampling method and good instruments of data collection (Statistics Norway, 2007). Methods of data collection are many and selection of a particular method depends on the available resources, reliability, resources of analysis and reporting, besides the skills and knowledge of the analyst. Some of these methods are case studies, behavior observation check lists, attitude, and opinion surveys, questionnaires distributed by mail, e-mail, or phone calls. Other methods of data collection include time series (evaluating one variable over a period of time as a week), and individual or group interviews (The Ohio State University Bulletin Extension, 2005). Conclusions Dallal (2000), inferred that simple linear regression means that we can predict a dependent variable from an independent one, so whenever we need to know from the beginning each time we add information. The regression line is important as it makes the estimation of a dependent variable more accurate and it allows the estimation of a response variable for individuals with values of the carrier variable not included in the data. The author also inferred there are two methods of predicting a variable either from within the range of values of independent variable of the sample given (interpolation) or outside this range (extrapolation). The author recommended the first method as it has the advantage of being safe, yet with concerns as regards the way to demonstrate the linearity of relationship between the two variables. References Dallal, G. (2000). Introduction to simple linear regression. Retrieved January 14, 2008, from http://www.tufts.edu/~gdallal/slr.htm. Frey, B. (2006). Statistics Hacks. Sebastopol, CA: OReilly Media Inc. Statistics Norway (2007). Strategy for data collection. Retrieved 04/07/2008, from http://www.ssb.no/vis/english/about_ssb/strategy/strategy_data_collection.pdf The Ohio State University (2005). Bulletin Extension Step Four: Methods of Data Collection. Retrieved 04/07/2008, from http://www.ohioline.ag.ohio-state.edu Yee J L. and Niemeier D (1996). Advantages and Disadvantages: Longitudinal vs. Repeated Cross-Section Survey-A Discussion Paper. Project Battelle, 94, 16-22. Weberian Model Of Bureaucracy: Criticism Weberian Model Of Bureaucracy: Criticism Bush (2006) defined Educational management as a field of study and practice concerned with the operation of educational organizations. He has also claimed several times that educational management needs to be essentially concerned with the purpose or goals of education since they give the fundamental sense of direction needed for effective management of educational organizations. He concluded that a singular all-inclusive theory of educational management does not simply exist as educational institutions are so diverse and even similar schools and colleges have to deal with completely different problems, which necessitate diverse approaches and solutions (Bush 2006). 2.0 Management, Administration and Leadership. The concept of management often intersects with two parallel terminologies, namely leadership and administration. The difference is mainly regional according to Bush (2006).The term Management is commonly used in Europe, and Africa, where as administration is favored in the United States, Canada, and Australia. On the other hand the term Leadership is much more contemporary and it is of great interest in most developed countries (Bush 2006). However other authors have differentiated these three concepts by claiming that they have opposing definitions. Cuban (1988) has provided a distinction between leadership and management namely leadership is influencing others actions in achieving desirable ends and Managing is maintaining efficiently and effectively current organizational arrangements. He also added that both managing and leading are equally important and he confer no special value to either as they are both needed in different situations and at different times in order for schools to function effectively and meet their goals (Bush 2006). Bolman Deal (1997) also talk about the importance of both leadership and management. He maintained that leading and managing are distinct. The objective perspective of the manager as well as the flashes of vision and commitment-wise leadership provides are what is needed by modern organizations (Bush 2006). Furthermore Dimmock (1999) claimed that school leaders [experience] tensions between competing elements of leadership, management and administration. According to him leadership is the higher order tasks designed to improve staff, student and school performance, where as management is the routine maintenance of present operations and administration is the overarching term, which incorporates both leadership and management. 2.1 Leadership Leadership has been defined by Chemers (1997) as a process of social influence in which one person is able to enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task (Chemers 1997). From this definition we can understand that leadership involves a social influence process in which one individual exerts intentional influence over others to structure activities and relationships in a group or organization. Bass and Stogdill (1990) added that leadership is the process of in ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡uencing others to attain common aims. Spillane, Harvelson and Diamond (2004) defined Leadership through another angle. They claimed leadership is not simply a function of what a school principal, or indeed any other individual or group of leaders, knows and does. Rather, it is the activities engaged in by leaders, in interaction with others in particular contexts around specific tasks. Education researchers agreed that effective leadership is a key element to achieve school improvement. According to Harris (2002), research findings from diverse countries and different school contexts have revealed the powerful impact of leadership in securing school development and change. A further important aspect while practicing leadership is the level of power and control which schools and other educational institutions assert/maintain on their in-house management and operations (Bush 2003). However, effective leadership styles in education can be as varied as the large number of schools. Therein lays the difficulty in providing accurate definitions of leadership. Accordingly, Fiddler (1997) pinpoints two main characteristics of leadership: a sense of purpose and confidence is engendered in followers and followers are influenced towards goal achievement. He continued explaining that there are various factors determining the appropriate leadership approach that need to be adopted at any particular point in time, namely : the context and its pre-history; the nature of the followers; the particular issues involved; in addition to the predispositions of the leader (Fiddler 1997). Accordingly different leadership styles may need to be adopted to deal with specific circumstances. Leithwood, Day, Sammons, Harris and Hopkins (2006), as cited by Crum, Sherman and Myran (2010), have summarized four core practices for successful school leadership as follows: (1) Setting directions. (2) Developing people. (3) Redesigning the organization. (4) Managing the instructional (teaching and learning) program. 2.1.1 Leadership theories Scholars have come up with different leadership theories throughout history. It all started with the Great Man theory which implies that leaders are born and is not made (Hoy and Miskel 2004). The idea that leadership is inherited further resulted in the trait approach of leadership. In 1927, Bowden carried out a significant study which associated leadership with personality. Hoy and Miskel (2004) cited the explanation of Bass and Stogdill (1990) concerning this leadership style: Leaders were generally regarded as superior individuals who, because of fortunate inheritance or social circumstance, possessed qualities and abilities that differentiated them from people in general. After a thorough research, Stogdill (1948) concluded that leadership is not gained solely by some inherited traits or characteristics since different situations have great influence on the impact of traits. So he came up with the theory of situational leadership (Hoy and Miskel 2004; Turner, 2005). Hunt and Larson (1977) came up with the behavioral model of leadership which implies that leadership can be taught and learned by way of teaching and observing leadership behaviors (Northhouse 2010). Behavioural theories are centered on the belief that great leaders are made, not born. The focus of this theory is the actions of the leaders, and it is not the qualities or states of the leaders (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Spillane, Harvelson and Diamond (2004), Hemphill and Coons (1950), Kunz and Hoy (1976) and Mouton and Blake (1984) among others investigated on the concept of leadership as a series of behaviors. Their studies resulted in defining various taxonomies of behaviors, including monitoring, consulting, and delegating as Hallinger and Hausman (1993) pointed out. Others like Lewin, White and Lippitt (1939) have identified other styles of behavior, such as autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire. Mouton and Blake (1964) named their findings on behavioral styles as employee-oriented and directive where as Likert called his as task-oriented and relationship-oriented and he has discussed about the relationship between these behaviors (Spillane et al. 2004). More recently Yukl (2002) developed three fundamental classes of leader behavior and he described them as Task-oriented behaviors, Relations-oriented behaviors and Change-oriented behaviors (Hoy Miskel 2004). In 1964 the contingency theory of leadership was developed by Fiedler (1967). According to him, leaders must complement the situation to his leadership behaviors for greater effectiveness (Spillane et al. 2004). The evolution of leadership theories continued with the transactional and transformational theories in the early eighties and Burns (1978) is often accredited to be the father of these concepts. Transactional theories, concentrate on the role of supervision, organization and group performance. These theories establish leadership on a scheme of rewards and punishments (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Transformational theories of leadership are considered as recent leadership theories and according to Bass (1990), this theory is an expansion of the transactional theory of leadership. Transformational leaders motivate and inspire others by helping the followers to see the importance and good side of the task. These leaders focus on the performance of group members, but they also encourage each individual to meet his or her full potential. Leaders having this style are often highly ethical and have moral standards (Hoy and Miskel, 2004; Turner, 2005) 2.2 Management As Dimmock (1999) has stated, managing means being in charge of the day to day running of the school and it is the maintenance of the system. Dash and Dash (2008) define management as the primary force within any organization which coordinates the activities of its various systems in relation to its objectives. According to them, management can be considered not only as a theory but also as a process. The theory part comprises of the philosophy, Knowledge, art, concept, objectives, functions, principles and practices, models. The process part comprises of human relations, managing physical and financial resources, planning, organizing, decision-making, executing, directing and controlling people in order to meet the objectives set. 3.0 School and Structure The School is a complex open social system. In this system the structure is a key element in transforming inputs into outputs. The structure, also called the bureaucratic expectations, defines our role and responsibilities (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Hoy and Miskel (2004) explained the transformational process of a school using the diagram below: Inputs Outputs Cultural System (Shared Orientations) Transformation Process Political System (Power Relations) Individual System (Cognition and Motivation) Learning Learning Teaching Teaching Environment Structural System (Bureaucratic Expectations) Figure 1Social-systems model for schools They explained the five key elements within the transformational process. Structure is the bureaucratic expectations designed and organised to fulfill organisations goals. The Individual provides energy and capacity to achieve organisations goals and he is viewed in terms of needs, goals, beliefs, understanding of work roles (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Mintzberg (1994) defines the structure of an organization as the sum total of ways in which it divides its labor into distinct tasks and then achieves coordination among them. Hoy and Miskel (2004) have focused on structure since it is considered as the backbone of any organization, which is the framework under which we are all doing the necessary operations. The structure monitors operations at operational level of any organization. Within a structure, we are expected to make the whole machinery work. Structure provides order, cohesion and coherence. All schools do not follow the same structure; some have an enabling or productive structure whereas others have a coercive or hindering structure (Hoy and Miskel 2004). 3.1 Enabling and Coercive bureaucracy Lawsons made a distinction between an enabling and a coercive bureaucracy. According to him, an enabling bureaucracy promotes creative, informal relations among all the employees irrespective of the levels of hierarchy. The more an organization has an enabling bureaucracy, the larger the benefits to workers and clients. In this type of bureaucracy, the workforce is considered to be an asset or a resource on which the leaders capitalize. To this end, the latter encourage and endorse professional norms and standards as they know that the workers want and need their work to be pleasant and significant. Leaders also provide training and supports to the workers to foster expertise and mastery, thus they could be trusted to make good and solid decisions. This kind of proficient and cooperative supervision is regarded as a supportive one for the workers. Moreover, workers participation is also solicited as they are aware that working conditions will determine the workers efficacy, effective ness, and their loyalty. In a coercive bureaucracy, norms and rules are not variable or open to alteration. Such a bureaucracy is considered as mechanistic since the whole organization functions, generally, on automatic pilot where there is a small number of people at the controls. All emphasis is on the respecting the norms and regulations and on the dutiful implementation of the appropriate procedures .Only the people at higher levels of the bureaucracy have a clear picture of the work needing to be performed and its relation to societal expectations and needs. Indeed the main function of the leadership hierarchy such as commissioners, managers, and supervisors is to secure submission from the workers via a strategic system of supervision and sanctions. The workers are expected to perform so as to secure their salaries and benefits which are their only incentives to be effective. Furthermore, in a coercive bureaucracy the workers are not trusted enough to participate in decision making and they are not pro vided with the appropriate expertise to give their superiors, thus the latter conduct close supervision on a daily basis. If the workers are suspected to not following the rules, the supervisory and managerial grip tightens. Consequently coercive bureaucracies become more and more hindering as in a vicious circle, bringing together a deterioration of the organizations climate (Lawson). 3.2 Weberian Model of Bureaucracy and Its Criticism Throughout the ages, many scholars have developed different organizational structures. But among them, the Weberian model of Bureaucracy is the most popular and is the theoretical basis of most contemporary study on structure. This model of bureaucracy was developed in late 1940s by Max Weber and all formal modern organizations, as well as schools, enclose aspects of the Weberian model of bureaucracy. This organizational structure comprises of five characteristics namely the Division of labour and specialization, the impersonal orientation, the hierarchy of authority, the rules and regulations and the career orientation (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Despite being largely utilized, the Weberian model has quite some limitations. Weber describes organisation as a non-living thing which can be easily moulded, but open-social system involves people and cannot be viewed as non-living. Moreover people are not all rational and well structured. Weber is describing an ideal situation, not made up of reality and on the other hand organisation is made up of people and people change, not everybody wants to attain the highest level of efficiency. Hence, there are bound to be major dysfunctions in Weberian model since this bureaucracy is made up of people and not everybody is rational, abiding and cooperative, complient, disciplined. His theory does not deal with internal contradictions of elements in the model (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Concerning the Hierarchy of authority its dysfunctions is about the distortion and blockage in communication. Every level in hierarchy is a potential communication block if subordinates are reluctant to communicate anything that will make look bad in the eye of their superior. The main dysfunctions of rules and regulations is the goal displacement, rules become ends in themselves and administrators focus too much on rules and consequently ignore certain important goals. Moreover rules and regulations can engender legalist attitude. Another critics of rules is that they are either punishment centred or representative (Hoy and Miskel 2004). Career orientation has also dysfunctions. Rapid promotion of high-achievers might produce discontent of loyal, hard working senior employees who are not as productive or creative. The Weberian model of bureaucracy also suffered from Feminist critique such as qualified women do not receive equal treatment or compensation. The feminine side is often suppressed and devalued by bureaucracies. Last, the Weberian model is criticized for having not taken into consideration the informal organization. Informal social exchanges produce differences in social relations and new networks of communication emerge. Informal organisation is not an enemy to be suppressed but rather a useful vehicle for improving efficiency (Hoy and Miskel 2004). 4.0 School Management As stated above, schools are social organizations with set objectives and their human, financial, material and physical resources (Dash and Dash 2008). The one responsible for managing all these resources is the principal or the head-master. Here is a list of his expected duties: find the best and cheapest way to achieve the objectives, careful planning, organization of human resources and materials, using the physical resources in the best way, controlling and monitoring all the different school activities, decision-making and the evaluation of the progress and achievements. In short, school management means the use of people and other resources to accomplish the objectives of the school. Such was the definition of Kutz and Boone (1984), quoted by Dash and Dash (2008). School management is divided into two parts: internal management and external management. Internal management comprises of managing the administrative works and the human, financial and material and physical resources. On the other hand, the external management is the relationship with the community, department and other external stakeholders of the school (Dash and Dash 2008). Decision-making in many schools is also split into different lines of work and the four main domains are the personnel management, the financial resources, the student policies and the curriculum and instruction. School decision-making also consists of other domains such as the development of Infrastructure, maintenance and security (Economic note 2007). 5.0 School Leadership School leadership is to identify, to acquire, to allocate, to co-ordinate, and to make use of the social, material, and cultural assets which are essential for establishing the appropriate environment in which teaching and learning will be possible. Leadership also implies the mobilization of the human resources such as the school personnel and clients so as to spot, handle, and assume the duty of changing instruction. Adding to that, they should harness and mobilize the resources required to sustain the transformation in the teaching and learning process (Spillane 2005). 6.0 Reforms in School Management From the time that schools have been recognized as formal institution, it has known numerous changes in different spheres and it is continuously being subject to change and transformation. Recently both teachers and schools have experienced an unprecedented rate of change having both positive and negative outcomes (Aspinwall 1996). Pedler, Burgoyne and Boydell (1991) define the learning organisation as: an organisation that facilitates the learning of all its members and continuously transforms itself in order to meet its strategic objectives. (Coldwell, Williamson and Cameron 2007). Caldwell (2005) defined Transformation as significant, systematic, sustainable change, securing high level achievements in all settings. 6.1 How to become A Great School? Hopkins (2005) explains how a school can become great and he suggest various strategies, known as the key drivers in order to meet this end. These key drivers are personalised learning, professionalised teaching, networking and innovation and intelligent accountability. He argues that every school a great school is not just a slogan, but an aspiration for the next stage of educational reform, in which each student has the opportunity to reach their potential. Hargreaves (2003) affirmed that school as a learning organization has to motivate teachers and create new professional knowledge. School has got the responsibility to ensure that teachers have got high morale, they are given continuous development, they are provided with the appropriate platform to engage actively in innovation so as things can be done differently. To be a great school requires strategies such as capacity building of and by the key actors, providing access and opportunities and transformation. Capacity development is important and great school will need to have further resources and see how these are being developed (Hopkins 2005). Hopkins (2005) in his explanation on the key drivers, mentioned that the activities should be decentralized and the school should provide greater freedom and authority from the centre to the periphery for the school to work effectively. The re-tooling of school structures will certainly help to keep the strength of the school system (Hopkins 2005). Access to best practice and quality professional development will help to improve performance and achievement. Transfer of best practice is not the easiest; sharing of experience is an important barrier. Alliance is important- should borrow the best practice, modify it and implement it in our own way. The element of flexibility in utilization of best practice is important. Schools as a learning organization have to motivate teachers and create new professional knowledge at the level of the school. This is important in order to help to motivate the teachers keeping a high morale and not to become disgruntled. Professional development should go side by side with leadership development (Hopkins 2005). Senge (1990) defined a learning organization as one à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free and where people are continually learning how to learn together (Johnston and Caldwell 2001). To make optimum use of its human resources, an organization must make sure that everyone should be prepared to learn at every opportunity. Organizations will only succeed when learning will be seen as a continuous need for each individual. However, the learning organization will not become one by a sudden and remarkable transformation, rather it should proceed by developing gradually each of the five disciplines, namely, systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision and team learning (Johnston and Caldwell 2001). Intelligent accountability will only be possible if there is close monitoring of every aspect of school life. Monitoring of performance data is crucial and eventually it leads to the development of a framework for effective, ongoing self-evaluation of the level of the school (Hopkins 2005). 7.0 Decentralization of School Management In the 1980s and 1990s, a new international trend emerged in many developed countries throughout the world, that of decentralization of their education system. It was obvious that large, centralized bureaucracies didnt possessed the necessary qualities to keep pace with the rapidly changing economic realities. According to Levacic (1998) and Raab (2000), the step was to decentralize the decision-making from the central government to the local school level and to share the decision-making among the principal, teachers, parents, community members and students at the school level (Ng and Chan 2008). Accordingly, many schools adopted the school-based reforms, with a goal to upgrade the quality of education, which is expected to sustain the state competitiveness internationally. Ng and Chan (2008) further enumerated various examples of such school-based reforms. These are In the UK, the Educational Reform Acts of 1988 and 1993 introduced the reforms of Local Management of Schools and Grant-maintained Schools. In the USA, there were similar reforms of Site-based Management and School-based Leadership. In Australia, the Schools of the Future and Better Schools were also based on a school-based reform approach. According to School-based Management published by the United Nations Educational, Scienti ¬Ã‚ c and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (Abu-Duhou 1999), many other examples could be found in Europe, Asian and Latin America countries (Ng and Chan 2008). They further interpreted such a collective shift as a means to enhance the education quality, responding to globalization and to develop the knowledge-based economy. This decentralization archetype is expected to provide greater freedom and responsibility to principals, teachers, students and parents, in domains like the school decision making about budgets, personnel and the curriculum. Such a freedom will enable them to establish more effective learning environments for the students (Ng and Chan 2008). The Economic Note (2007) also examined this particular form of market-based education reform known as decentralization of school management which has become more and more popular during the recent years. Also known as school-based management, the decentralization of school management can be in various modes and has emerged in many forms in different countries. The main argument brought to support decentralization is that principals, teachers and parents are best placed to make decisions about how a schools resources should be organized to meet the needs of students and the wider community (Economic note 2007). 7.1 Criticism of Decentralisation Many advantages have been observed such as an improvement in educational outcomes due to the enhanced management and accountability of schools and examples of that are: an increase in the test scores and a decrease in drop-out rates. Another advantage is a more effective organization as an autonomous school had the strongly influences the overall quality of the school organization (Economic Note 2007). Other prospective benefits from decentralization are an increase in efficiency and innovation in the teaching and learning process of education, a reduction in the educational bureaucracy, schools become more receptive to the needs of the local communities, the accountability is reinforced and an increased commitment with the schools, thus increasing the financial support. Increased self-management for schools is a key element in whichever strategy to provide greater choice in education (Economic note 2007). In World Bank (2007b), the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of case studies in some countries where the process of decentralization of authority to the local-level is in force from the past decades. Among the various strategies brought by Governments around the world for the improvement of financing and delivering of education services and more recently to improve the quality and to increase quantity of enrollment rates, is the decentralization of educational decision-making. Defenders of this strategy argue that such type of decentralization encourages demand and it guarantees that schools now echo priorities and values of the local communities (World Bank 2007b). In conferring the freedom to voice out and the decision-making power to local stakeholders, who is more knowledgeable about the local education systems than the chief policymakers, decentralization can bring greater progress to educational outcomes thus increasing the clients satisfaction (World Bank 2007b). The decentralization of decision-making in education has various definitions and names but it is most commonly known as School-based Management (SBM). However they are all relevant in decentralizing authority from the central government down to school level (World Bank 2007b). 8.0 School-based Management or Self Managing School Caldwell (2005) has observed that the governments of every country aim at transforming their schools. Transformation is only attained when significant, systematic, and sustained change has occurred, thus improving outcomes for every students in whichever settings and contributing socially and economically to a country. One of the strategies invariably proposed to meet this goal is the School-based management. The management of a school is in no way a simple task, the head of school alone will not be able to attend to all these duties. As Dash and Dash (2008) have rightly said School management is a cooperative human endeavour. They further continued by explaining that for an effective school management, teachers, parents, students and even the community members have to cooperate with the head of school even if he is the manager of this human enterprise. Through the literature, we have come across several definitions of school-based management where one complements the other. Some of them are worth noting: The Economic Note (2007) defined School-based management as the systematic decentralization to the school level of authority and responsibility to make decisions on significant matters related to school operations within a centrally determined framework of goals, policies, curriculum, standards, and accountability. In the World Bank (2007b), two main definitions were quoted. First, Caldwell (2005) definition SBM is the decentralization of authority from the central government to the school level. Secondly the definition of Malen, Ogawa and Kranz (1990): School-based management can be viewed conceptually as a formal alteration of governance structures, as a form of decentralization that identi ¬Ã‚ es the individual school as the primary unit of improvement and relies on the redistribution of decision-making authority as the primary means through which improvement might be stimulated and sustained(World Bank 2007b). Bush and Gamage (2001) quoted a definition of school-based management given by Caldwell and Spinks (1988) as a self-managing school as one for which there has been major and steady decentralisation to the school level of authority to make decisions related to the distribution of resources. Decentralization of school management is another way of calling the above mentioned cooperation. Decentralization or school-based management varies from country to country and it can take different shapes (Economic Note 2007). School-based management has many shades of meaning. It has been implemented in different ways and for different reasons and at different rates in different settings, as Caldwell (2005) pointed out. A large number of countries in the world have adopted the school-based management in different forms of self-governance according to their specific context. However each of them revolves around the same central idea that greater autonomy will lead to improved educational outcomes (Bush and Gamage 2001) and that there has been an increase in authority and responsibility at the school level, but within a centrally-determined framework that ensures that a sense of system is sustained (Caldwell 2005). The authority is typically delegated to the governing bodies at school level which consist of representatives of significant stakeholders, at the same time as the delegation of the operational management to the principal. The concept of self-governance is centered on the idea that decision-making concerning groups of individual within the educational system should be in the hand of those within the schools in