Business Structure Of Australia, Particularly Company And...

Introduction This report will analyse the pros and cons of various business structures in Australia, particularly company and trust. Jack and Jill are running a business, which produces income of $350,000 in 2015 and 2016. This report will highlight tax calculation under Company and Trust structure. At the end of the report there will be a recommendation of which is the most effective business structure to minimise tax payable and how to boost superannuation for better retirement. Company Div. 1 – General, Corporation Act 2001 Unlike trust, a company is a separate legal entity in Australia. Generally, a company has the same rights as a natural person and can incur debt, sue and can also be sued. In this business structure, every†¦show more content†¦Company pat its own tax liability, and individual also pay tax liability based on their marginal tax rates (franking credit may available for dividend paid by the company to the shareholders). A company pays income tax at a flat rate 28.5% from 1 July 2015 on its taxable income (only applied for company that has turnover of $2 million or less)(Australian Taxation Office, 2015) The company owns the assets of a company and it is liable for any debts incurred. This is why this type of business structure appear to be a high-risk business ventures. Generally, the assets of the owner will not accessed to wipe off any company’s loan, debts or liabilities. However, there are some exceptions applied. Financial institutions have the right to require a personal guarantee against loans or overdrafts. A personal liability could be arisen if debts are caused by recklessness, negligence or fraudulence (Australian Taxation Office, 2015). Proprietary Company (Pty Ltd.) Section 45A Corporation Act 2001 A company can be formed as private, and it is known as ‘proprietary’. This type of companies is mostly family owned and does not listed on the Australian Stock exchange (ASX). A proprietary company has less than than 50 non-employee shareholders and. A proprietary company is not permitted to offer shares or securities to the public. It is required to have at least one director and shareholder, and at the director or the shareholder has to be ordinarily reside in Australia

Tv Advertising and Consumer Buying Behavior Free Essays

string(156) " to be used by the family, family communication structure and patterns and parents perception of children’s influence in family purchase decision making\." ABSTRACT Children are important in the family, they make a family complete and they influence a number of decisions made in the family. Children have occupied a big segment in the marketplace, there are more products produced and directed at them. The importance of children in purchase decision making has grown over the years. We will write a custom essay sample on Tv Advertising and Consumer Buying Behavior or any similar topic only for you Order Now They not only make purchase decisions for personal consumption but they also influence family purchase decision-making (Kaur and Singh, 2006). However, nearly all studies are based in the western context, like US and Europe. There are few studies focused on the African context, especially in Nigeria. As a result of this, it is important to examine how they influence the decision to purchase products for family consumption. The typology of family communication patterns and social power theory will be used for this study. The study will employ qualitative research using questionnaire to elicit detailed explanation of children’s influence in family purchase decision. Children between the ages 8-13 years are the focus of this research. Key words: family decision-making, children’s role in family decision making, typology of family communication patterns, social power theory. 1. 0 INTRODUCTION Children are important in the family, they make a family complete and they influence a number of decisions made in the family. Today children are not only passive observers but they have taken a considerable place in the families and have a significant influence on parental buying decisions and they have occupied a big segment in the marketplace. Children are consumers in their own right; there are more products produced and directed at them. Because of a growing awareness of the role children play in family decision making on family purchases other than toys and cereals, as well as a realisation that the influence of children in family decision making appears to have grown significantly over the past two decades (Sellers, 1989 as cited by Ekasasi, 2005), increasing attention is being given to children and their role in family decision making (Foxman and Patriya, 1989). There is no doubt that children establish a significant marketing zone and today they have a more important place in the society than their parents ever had. They are not only consumers but have emotional involvement direct or indirect on parents buying decisions. This trend of increased influence appears to emanate from a number of factors, including the greater affluence enjoyed by many households, higher consumer socialisation of children, product type, and the increasing independence given to children due to dual income families and higher divorce rates. Several researchers have also demonstrated how children have been â€Å"socialised to act as consumers† (Kaur and Singh, 2006). Family (parents and siblings), peers, and media are main socialising agents for children wherein family type, parental style and patterns of communication play important roles. However, most of the studies are based on the western context and there are very few studies focusing on Africa, particularly Nigeria due to which this research will be undertaken. As a result of this, it is important to examine how children influence the decision to purchase products in the family in Nigeria. 1. 2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Family as a consuming and decision making unit is a central phenomenon in marketing and consumer behaviour. Earlier, research had only focused on the husband and wife’s role where children’s role was ignored (Commuri and Gentry, 2000 as cited by Kaur and Singh, 2006). The importance of children in purchase decision making has grown over the years. It is seen that children not only influence family purchase decision but they also insist their parents purchase the products they desire (Kaur and Singh, 2006). Children’s influence differs depending on the product category and decision-making stage. Age and gender of the children also have a major impact on decision stage and the product category. The role that children play in family decision- making has directed the researchers to study the influence of children. Several researchers have also demonstrated how children have been â€Å"socialised to act as consumers† (Kaur and Singh, 2006). However, most of the studies are based on the western context and there are very few studies focusing on Africa, particularly Nigeria due to which this research will be undertaken. Since Nigerian society vastly differs from the west in terms of family composition, family type and structure, norms, values, and behaviour, it is important to understand children’s influence in the purchase decision making in families in the Nigerian context. The buying power of children in Nigeria will be different compared to the western countries, but still they play the key role in Nigerian families. Children influence family as well as individual purchase decisions. For this reason, detailed study will be done on children’s influence in family purchase decision in Nigeria. . 3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. Does parent-child communication affect the way a child contributes in family decision making process? 2. What strategies do children use in influencing family product purchase? 3. At what decision making process stage do children have more influence in the family? 4. How do parents respond to children’s attempt to influence decisions on products for family consum ption? 5. How frequently do children attempt to influence purchasing decisions on products for family consumption? 4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The primary objective of this study is to examine the roles performed by children in family purchase decisions with regard to children and family related products and to explore children’s influence in family decision making process in the Nigerian context. However, the specific objectives are: to understand the family communication structure and its influence on a child as a consumer; to examine the decision making process and the stage children have the most influence; and to examine parents’ perception of the role children play in family purchase decision-making. . 5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study will focus on children’s influence on decision making process in the family as it relates to the purchase of products to be used by the family, family communication structure and patterns and parents perception of children’s influence in family purchase decision making. You read "Tv Advertising and Consumer Buying Behavior" in category "Papers" 1. 6 SIGNIFICANC E OF THE STUDY Family is the basic unit where most individuals learn about product categories and how to consume it. So, understanding family buying behavior is very important. It used to be that husband and wife hold dominant influence in family decision-making process. However, now, their role is changing. Today, children’s role in family decision-making process is also significant. As children are an integral part of the marketplace, this study would help manufacturers of family products, marketers and advertisers to understand the place of a child in the family. Their influence relates to a wide variety of products needed by their family and not just to the items that directly relate to their need. This means that, to market successfully to the family, advertisers must understand children’s role in the decision making process in the family. The result of this research will aid advertisers to better position products to win the hearts of children who will eventually influence their parents buying decision. 2. 0 LITERATURE REVIEW This section is to review what past studies has found on the influence children have on purchase decision in the family. 2. 1 FAMILY DECISION MAKING The family is a major influence in the consumer behavior process. As the basic group, which an individual belongs, the family provides early childhood learning about products and product categories, provides the opportunity for product exposure and repetition, and sets the consumption unit, the family members. As a major consumption unit the family is a prime target for most products and product categories (Schiffman Kanuk, 1983). Loudon Della (1993) as cited by Ekasasi (2005) define the family as a group of two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption and residing together as a household. A number of different types of family exist. The nuclear family consists of a husband, a wife, and their offspring. The extended family consists of the nuclear family plus other relatives, such as parents of the husband or wife. There is also the detached nuclear family structure which has characteristics as follows: free choice of mates, higher levels of divorce, increased residential mobility, entry of large numbers of women into the labour force, and lower responsibility of children to care for their parents in their old age (Mowen, 1995 in Ekasasi, 2005). During the course of everyday living, thousands of decisions are made by family members. The husband and wife are clearly the dominant influences in family decision-making. Most studies have focused on their role in decision-making and the dominance on their role in decision-making and the dominance of one or the other. The relative influence of the husband and the wife is likely to vary according to the type of product considered, the stage in decision making, the nature of purchase influence, and family characteristics (Assael 1992). In the process of family decision-making, there are three stages: initiation, make choice and final decision. Initiation is the process whereby a family member proposes a suggestion and ideas. Making choice is the second stage. Family members search and compare different alternatives. The final stage is the buying decision process. The child has been regarded as an initiator in family decision-making. When a particular product has been chosen as a candidate in the second stage, the product has greater chance to be sold. 2. 2 CHILDREN’S INFLUENCE IN FAMILY DECISION MAKING Family decision- making research was initially directed to spouses, however the role of children on decision making and negotiation strategies had become an important issue of study (Kaur and Singh, 2006). Children not only enjoy making regular consumption decisions with their parents but they also insist their parents to buy the products they desire. The family as a purchasing unit is a central phenomenon in consumer behavior. Researchers have studied how a family makes a purchase decision for many years but most of the ‘families’ studied only comprised the husband and wife (Davis, 1976 in Kaur and Singh, 2006). However, family decisions are influenced by every member of the family, which means how a family makes decisions will not be well examined unless every member’s influence is taken into account; children inclusive. Children’s influence in family purchase decisions and the spending power of children have increased over the last 40 years (Shoham and Dalakas, 2005). After Berey and Polly (1968) as cited by Kaur Singh (2006) detected child’s influence in family decision making, there was an increasing recognition of children’s important role with the increasing influence of children in family decision making. Usually, children influence parental purchases in the shopping environment, at home, in the car, at the movies, during television viewing, on vacation, at mealtime, even in church. The influence that children have on parental purchases is extensive and principally embraces the following areas (McNeal 1999): 1. Items for the children, including snacks, toys, consumer electronics, clothing, and hobbies equipment and supplies. 2. Items for the home, including furnishings, television sets, stereo systems, and foods and beverages for meals. 3. Non-household items for family members, including vacations, automobiles, clothing, restaurant meals, and recreation. In addition to these three groups, there are others that are more difficult to classify. They include family gifts to the children’s grandparents and family donations to charities. Also, children often influence the parent’s choice of stores and shopping centers. According to Ramzy, T. Ogden, R. Ogden and Zakaria (2012) children’s purchasing power can be direct, money controlled by the child, or indirect, relating to parental purchases that the child initiates or influences. Children influence family buying decisions in four different ways. First, children influence their parents to buy products for their individual preferences. Second, older children have their own pocket money and buy the products directly. Third, children influence their parents’ choice for family products for shared consumption. Lastly, children influence their parents’ own preferences. Children exert a certain influence on the overall decision process (Wut and Chou 2009). Geuens, Mast and Pelsmacker (2002) discovered that children can have active or passive influence on purchase decision. Active influence means that the child wants to influence purchase decisions in a direct way by recommending, hinting and/or asking for things (McNeal, 1999). Passive dictation, on the other hand, means that parents are influenced by what they experience their children prefer or need (Wells, 1965). A mother experiencing that her toddler enjoys a specific meal will be more increased to buy or cook this particular food again (Mehrotra and Torges, 1977 as cited by Wut and Chou, 2009). Passive influence is mostly unconscious and as a consequence difficult to observe and measure. Various researchers have revealed that a number of factors play a substantial role on children’s influence on parents buying decisions across different product categories. Berey Pollay (1968, as cited by Kaur Singh 2006) studied mother-child dyads in purchase of break- fast cereals and found that in most of the products parents are intermediary purchasing agents for children. In such situations children’s influence on parent’s purchase decisions is governed by two factors as children’s assertiveness and parent’s child centeredness. The study showed that more assertive the child or more children cantered the mother is, more probable the mother will buy the child desired brands. The research also revealed that mother’s act as gatekeepers and bought products that weighed high in nutrition. In general children exert more influence on products for which they are primary consumers (Lee and Beauty 2002). In recent years, family structures have changed considerably. We have single parents, two parents with one source of income, dual income families and higher divorce rates. Geuens, Mast and Pelsmacker (2002) examined the impact of new family structures (single versus one parent, two versus one income, high versus low working hours, small versus large size) on children’s influence on family purchase decision-making. The increase of children’s influence on parents buying decisions in most of the developed countries can be attributed to various reasons. First; increase in number of working couple resulting in to cash rich and time poor society and hence increasing the influence of children on parents; second, the shift in the family setup from joint families to nuclear families, allowing the influence of children on parents buying decisions; third, lesser number of children per family, resulting in increase in the buying power of each; fourth, the repeated exposure to media resulting in socialization of children which in turn result in to children influence on parents buying decisions etc. Wimalasiry (2004). Williams and Burns (2000) explained that changing social trends such as working mothers, decreased and delayed childbearing, increased divorce rates, and rapid maturation have given way to a formidable market force for children. They developed a scale based on social power theory to measure children’s direct influence attempts. The seven dimensions derived to represent direct influence attempt were ask nicely, bargain, show affection, just ask, beg and plead, show anger, and con. In this study, these dimensions will be utilized to measure the direct influence of children. . 3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Two theories are proposed to guide this study. They are the typology of family communication patterns and social power theory. 2. 3. 1 TYPOLOGY OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION PATTERNS The typology of parent-child communication structures and patterns was developed by McLeod and Chaffee (1972) and this typology utilizes Newcomb’s (1953) co-orientation model. Together, the two dimensio ns of family communication structure yielded a four-fold typology of family communication patterns: laissez-faire, protective, pluralistic, and consensual. McLeod and Chaffee (1972) identified two dimensions of parent-child communications dimensions. These dimensions are the degree of social orientation and degree of concept orientation. Social Orientation: The communications in families with a high social orientation are designed to produce obedience from the child and foster family harmony. Concept Orientation: The communications in families with a high concept orientation are designed to encourage openness and foster an independent outlook. Laissez-faire families emphasize neither of the two dimensions and there is little communication between parents and children. Protective families emphasize the socio-orientation dimension, stressing obedience and social harmony, and are not concerned with conceptual matters. Conversely, Pluralistic families tend to stress the concept-orientation dimension, with an emphasis being placed on mutuality of respects and interest. Children are encouraged to explore new ideas and to express them openly without fear of reprisal. Finally, consensual families stress both the socio- and concept orientation dimensions, and children are encouraged to explore the world about them but to do so without disrupting the family’s established internal social harmony. A parent with a high socio-orientation believes that children should respect him/her, should suppress opinions on areas not pertaining to them, that children should avoid disagreements with parents and be obedient (Moschis Moore 1978). Parents with this type of communication orientation tend to control their child’s consumption-related learning (Moschis Moore 1979). A high concept-orientation means that parents encourage children to evaluate different alternatives when making decisions. Children in this orientation are allowed to discuss disagreements with parents and to develop their own consumer skills. They are also asked by their parents about purchase decisions even if the product is not directly for the child. According to Moschis and Mitchell (1986), children from families with a high social orientation are less likely to be involved in family decisions and less likely to make consumption-related decisions for themselves. Conversely, children from families with a high concept orientation are likely to have higher product knowledge, better able to manage a family budget and have a higher regard for their parents’ opinions. 2. 3. 2 SOCIAL POWER THEORY Social power theory examines power bases in social interactions. The concept of social power was initially introduced by Lewin (1951) and later developed theoretically by French and Raven (1959). Social power theory is an appropriate theoretical framework from which to study children’s direct influence attempts for several reasons. First, social power theory identifies the bases of power which are present in social interactions. These sources of power may include expertise, reward power, referent power, legitimate power, and coercion. These five bases are considered by French and Raven (1959) to be the most important resources utilized by a person, but not an all-inclusive list of potential resources. Further, social power theory suggests that a person will make an assessment of his or her resources and choose an influence attempt that is consistent with his or her sources of social power. In addition, the theory suggests that these power bases may be utilized in two ways: active (i. e. , direct) or passive (i. e. , indirect). When the utilization of power to influence is active, or the result of an intentional act, a direct influence attempt is exerted. In relation to influence and power evidence exists that children exert varying degrees of influence on the family decision-making process. This influence varies by product, decision stage, child, parental and family characteristics but are not properly researched. Social power theory is useful in explaining differences in children’s influence on purchases and distinguishes between influence derived from active and passive power, compatible with direct and indirect influence. Power bases pertinent to exercising influence include: expert (e. g. children possess detailed knowledge about toys, games etc. ; legitimate (e. g. children and products they consume including food, toys and clothing); referent (identifying with peers); reward (children exhibiting good behaviour) and coercive power (e. g. children threatening negative or bothersome behaviour, complaining or even pestering) (Flurry and Burns, 2005). Furthermore, social power theory further suggests the five power bases may be utilised in two ways: actively and passively. Power used to influence is an active and intentional action; passive, when the mere presence of power is influential. Both contribute to a person’s potential to direct a preferential outcome. 3. 0 METHODOLOGY This section comprises of the research design, population, sample size, sampling technique, research instrument to be employed, method of data collection and analysis to be employed. 3. 1 RESEARCH DESIGN This study will employ descriptive survey because the role children play in influencing family purchase decision will be described. It will also be a cross-sectional study as children’s influence will be examined from the children as well as the parents’ point of view. Since the research aims at understanding children’s influence in family purchase decision, the views of the children will be essential for this study and to get a balanced view, the views of the parents will also be important, especially mothers. This study will employ questionnaire and in-depth interview as methods of collecting primary data. 3. 2 POPULATION The study will be located in Ibadan metropolis in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Ibadan is majorly populated by the Yoruba people, but its population has always been ethnically mixed and is becoming increasingly so. Ibadan houses one of Africa’s premier universities, the University of Ibadan, which lends its economy a significant intellectual, professional and artistic profile. There are 11 Local Governments in Ibadan metropolitan area consisting of 5 urban local governments in the city and 6 semi-urban local governments. This study will be limited to one urban and one semi-urban local government which are Ibadan North-West and Ido local government respectively. One government-owned secondary school; one private secondary school will be randomly selected from the list of Secondary Schools in the two local government areas for this study. . 3 SAMPLE SIZE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE A multi – stage sampling procedure will be used for this study. At first six schools will be randomly selected from a list of public and private secondary schools in Ibadan North West as well as in Ido Local Government Areas of Oyo State respectively. Then, the balloting system will be used to choose one schoo l for the public secondary school and for the private secondary school in the two local government areas respectively. Going by the assumption that 25 pupils are meant to be in a class, a class of J. S. S 1, 2 and 3 students of a school will be the respondents for this study. This will be 75 respondents per school, making the number of respondents to be 150 altogether. The J. S. S 1, 2 and J. S. S 3 students will be used because they fall within the age range that this study would be focusing on, which is between the ages of 8 and 13 and also because they should be more matured than those in the primary school that also falls within this age range.. 3. 4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT Questionnaire and in-depth interview will be used for this study. The questionnaire will be in two sections; the first section will be addressed to the children while the second section will be filled by the parents, specifically mothers. This section is specifically to ask the mother to indicate demographic characteristics of the child; including his/her birthday and sex of the child and to find out how they perceive the role their children play in family purchase decision. This information will be used to match the parent’s responses to responses given by the child. The questionnaire will be given to respondents to take home to their parents. The interview will be for the teachers of the respective schools to be used to ascertain the schools’ demography. 3. 5 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION This will involve qualitative method. The headteachers or class teachers of these four schools will be requested to distribute the questionnaires to a class of J. S. S 1, 2 and J. S. S 3 students at the schools. 3. 6 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS The method of data analysis will involve quantitative and qualitative methods. For quantitative method, univariate and bivariate tabulation methods will be used for the analysis. REFERENCES Ali A. and Batra D. K. (2011) Children influence on parents buying decisions in Delhi (India) European Journal of Business and Management (Online) Vol. 3 (11), 19-28 Davis, H. L. 1976), Decision making within the household, Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 2, March, 241-60. Ekasasi S. R. (2005) The Role of Children in Family Decision Making: A Theoretical Review, Edisi Khusus Jsb on Marketing, Volume 3, 25 – 41 Foxman E and Patriya S. T. (1989) Adolescents and Mothers Perceptions of Relative Influence in Family Decisions: Patterns of Agreement and Disagreement Advances in Consumer Research , 449-453. Geuens M. , Mast G. and Pelsmacker P. (2002) Children’s Influence on Family Purchase Behavior: The Role of Family Structure, Asia Pacific Advances in Consumer Research Volume 5, 130-135 Hall J, Shaw M, Johnson M. and Oppenheim P. (1995) Influence of Children on Family Consumer Decision-Making, European Advances in Consumer Research Volume 2, 45-53 Kaur, P and Singh, R (2006) „Children In Family Purchase Decision Making In India and the West: A Review. Academy of Marketing Science Review Vol. 2006 (8), 1-30 Lee, C. K. C. and Beatty, S. E (2002) Family Structure and Influence in Family Decision Making Journal of Consumer Marketing Vol. 19 (1), 4-41 McNeal, J. ; Ji, M. (1999) Chinese children as consumers: an analysis of their new product information sources Journal of Consumer Marketing Vol. 6(4), 345-364 Mikkelsen M. R. and Norgaard M. K (2012) Children’s Influence on Family Decision-Making in Food Buying and Consumption International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Vol. 2 (5), 1-23 Moschis G. P, Prahasto A. E and Mitchell L. G (1986) Family Communication Influences on the Development of Consumer Behavior: Some Additional Findings Advances in Consu mer Research Volume 13, 365-369 Moschis G. P and Mitchell L. G (1986) Television Advertising and Interpersonal Influences on Teenagers’ Participation in Family Consumer Decisions Advances in Consumer Research Volume 13, 181-186 Nash C. (2009) The Parent Child Purchase Relationship Academy of Marketing Science Review Volume 8, 1-30 North E. J. and Kotze T. (2001) Parents and television advertisements as consumer socialisation agents for adolescents: An exploratory study Journal of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences, Vol. 29, 92-99 Ramzy O. , Ogden D. T. , Ogden J. R. and Zakaria M. Y. (2012) Perceptions of Children’s Influence on Purchase Decisions – Empirical Investigation for the U. S. and Egyptian Families World Journal of Management Vol. 4 (1) March, 30 – 50 Ward, S. and Wackman, D. B (1972) Children’s Purchase Influence Attempts and Parental Influence Attempts and Parental Yielding, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 9, 316-319. Williams L. A. and Burns A. C. (2000) Exploring the Dimensionality of Children’s Direct Influence Attempts Advances in Consumer Research Volume 27, 64-71 Wut T. M. and Chou T. J. (2009) Children’s influences on family decision making in Hong Kong Young Consumers Vol. 10 (2), 146-156 Wut T. M. and Chou T. J. (2009) Family Communication Patterns and Children’s influence on Family Decision Making ANZMAC, 1-7 How to cite Tv Advertising and Consumer Buying Behavior, Papers

Renaissance man and Renaissance women Essay Example For Students

Renaissance man and Renaissance women Essay Between the 1300s and 1500s, Europe experienced a period of cultural rebirth known as the Renaissance, marking the transition from medieval times to modern times. The Renaissance brought new importance to individual expression, self-consciousness and worldly experience. The Renaissance man and woman characterized the Renaissance ideals. A renaissance man was a well- educated gentleman who had cultural grace, courage and who understood the arts and sciences. On the other hand, a Renaissance woman was supposed to marry well, be loyal to her husband and give birth to boys. The most famous Renaissance man was Leonardo Da Vinci who was born on April 15th 1452 in Florence, Italy. Da Vinci was truly recognized by many to be a Renaissance child and later a Renaissance man because of his many talents. He revealed his artistic talents at the age of 17 when he was hired as a studio boy to Andrea Del Verrocchio, the leading Florentine painter and sculptor of his day. In Verrocchio workshop, Da Vinci was introduced to main techniques, from the painting of altarpieces and panel pictures to the creation of large sculptural projects in marble and bronze. His Last Supper and Mona Lisaare among the most widely popular and influential paintings of the Renaissance. At the same time his scientific interests deepened: his concern with anatomy led him to perform dissections. After a period of time, Da Vincis scientific research began to dominate his other activities so much that his artistic gifts were directed toward scientific illustration. His sketched details drawings of bone and muscle structure have helped doctors to understand completely the layout of the muscles and bones structures. As for Renaissance women, two of them made history: Isabella dEste and Catherine de Medici. Isabella dEste was born in 1474. At the age of 16 she married Francesco Gonzaga, Prince of Mantua. She was able to speak Greek and Latin as well as play the lute, sing and dance and debate with people much older than her after the death of her husband, Isabella became chief of state in Mantua. She also founded a school for young women and set artistic fashions and standards. Catherine de Medici was another Renaissance woman born in 1519. Nuns raised her when her parents died and had an arrangement marriage by her uncle the Pope. Three of her sons became kings under her influence. Catherine had a great interest in architecture when she built the new wing of the Louvre Museum, the construction of the Tuilleries Gardens and the building of the Chateau Monceau. In conclusion, Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most famous from the Renaissance period and is the example of the Renaissance man because he was a master of both the world of arts as well as the world of science. Isabella dEste during her rule set an example for women to break away from the traditional role of what women were supposed to be like during the Renaissance period. By doing this and many other things she was known as the First Lady of the Renaissance. Catherine was a great patron of arts and being this, she helped the Renaissance flourish. (576 words)

Suicide Solution Essay Essays - Suicide Prevention, Depression

Suicide Solution Essay Suicide.....a serious problem that has no blanket solution. The basis of this essay is to write about the solution to a problem. In my case, the ?problem? is suicide...and in suicide there is no real ?solution?. There are many ways to help one who is suicidal, and different precautions, such as: hotlines, counseling, and programs. Medications that you can prescribe to them also can help. Other than that, it's pretty much up to your love and support to keep them alive. Some hotlines, and web sites that help with people are Counselors Counseling, Teen Suicide Help, and there are many others that exist. These people who work for these hotlines, and the counselors out there are educated to help people who are suffering from deep depression, and suicide. They don't even have to be suicidal...they might just have deep depression, and since that is one of the main causes of suicide, they are there to help them cope with their depression so that in the future they don't have to see suicide. The certain web sites that are out there supply people with lots of facts and information about suicide itself. It tells them the causes and effects, and also how to get the strength to realize you have a problem, and to reach out for help. A couple of the medications that are prescribed to patients by doctors and psychologists are prozac, and serzone. Prozac has had over 9 years of experience worldwide, and over 7 years in the U.S.. It is prescribed for over 16 million patients worldwide, approved in over 75 countries, one of the world's most thoroughly studied medicines, and is indicated for the treatment of depression. Serzone (scientifically known as nefazodone HCI) causes you to feel less blue, and more like yourself, feeling less anxious, getting a good night's sleep, feeling more calm, more in control, less ?jittery?, being able to concentrate, and having more interest in more activities. In many cases being on these certain medications has helped lots of people to overcome their sickness, and get on with their lives. The third, and final ?solution? for suicide is basically the love and support from family and friends. Usually when people are this depressed, it is because they are feeling pain. They have lost someone, or feel lost themselves. Being ignored, unloved, being forgotten or being left out...these are all possible reasons for a person to become suicidal. They just need to know that their life is worth living, and that there are people out there who love and care about them, and who want them to stay alive. In conclusion, there are many ways of treating and helping with suicide, but there is no solution. Every person is different, therefore every suicide case is going to be different, with different needs, and different causes. If I could tell you a solution to solve suicide, and put an end to it I would be one of the most famous people in the world. I can tell you the ways to help reduce the numbers of people who commit suicide each year. That itself is solution enough. Watch every move you make, and every word you say. Be nice to others, and show them you love them. For instance, you're walking down the halls when you see someone that looks stressed out and depressed. Then as you walk by them, they drop their books. You stop to help them pick them up and just talk to them, and say hi. Who knows, you might be doing more than picking up their books...you could be saving their life.

What Does My PSAT Score Mean 3 Next Steps After the PSAT

What Does My PSAT Score Mean 3 Next Steps After the PSAT SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You just got your PSAT score – what's next?You just got your score, but don't know what it exactly means or what you should do next. There are three strong implications of your PSAT score, and those students that understand them do a lot better in college admissions that those who don't. Read on to find out what those implications are. Did you just get your PSAT score? (If not, check out the PSAT release schedule here). If so, you may be wondering how to interpret the score. The PSAT serves a number of purposes. It prepares you for the SAT test next year, which is one of the most important pieces in college admissions. It determines a number (but not all) of scholarships. And perhaps most importantly, it's the starting line when students with foresight begin planning for college. Step 1: What Does Your PSAT Score Mean? Is It Good or Bad? The PSAT score generally can be mapped to the SAT score divided by 10. So a 2000 on the SAT is similar to 200 on the PSAT. Once you know this, you can see how you did using our guide here. There are some important differences between the PSAT and SAT, however. For one, you're generally taking the PSAT in 10th grade, so that when you take the SAT next year, you will be one year wiser and smarter. This means that, on average, the PSAT provides a lower bound on your score for the SAT (see this article about how to interpret a 10th grade PSAT / SAT / ACT score). The average student improves around 50 points between the PSAT and SAT (and even more with online prep). Therefore, if you take your PSAT score, multiply by 10, and add 120 points, you'll get a good prediction of your SAT score. You can use this score to figure out what range of colleges you'll qualify for: simply search for the college's SAT score. Step 2: Find Out Whether You're in the Running for Merit Scholarships The PSAT is also known as the test of whether you qualify for the National Merit Scholarships (NMS). NMS awards are generally around $2,500, and the PSAT score needed to qualify varies according to circumstance, but in all cases, you need to get above 200 on the PSAT to be even considered. The actual qualification cutoff is 215 on average, but it's possible to score a bit lower and still qualify, or score a bit higher and still not make it. If you make the cutoff score, congrats! However, to get the NMS award, you also have to have good recommendations and academic performance at school. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) details what happens after you meet the cutoff. Also, there are important factors affecting which NMS award you get: most are from the standard pool of $2,500 awards, but some companies give slighly more to special groups. For example, I was qualifying for the NMS, my scholarship was sponsored by my father's employer for a slightly higher amount of $3,000. Finally, certain colleges will give scholarships if you go to that college, but I caution against taking these awards unless that college was your top pick anyway. Whether a college gives you a few thousand dollars is usually a smaller issue than the overall sticker price, or the quality of the education. If you don't make the cutoff, don't stress! Not all scholarships are administered by the NMS. In fact, I would say from my experience that a vast minority of scholarships are administered by the NMSC. For example, when I was attending college, most of my scholarship came from the college itself, much larger than any other I received. Other institutions provide scholarships through a process that bypasses the NMSC completely. Don't stop your scholarship search just because your PSAT score is under 200! Step 3: Get Started With PSAT Prep The PSAT is the kickoff of the college application consideration timeline. Do you need to stress about applications immediately as a sophomore? No. Do you need to read dozens of college entrance guides right this moment? No. But you should definitely take this seriously as the starting point of thinking about colleges. From my experience, my classmates that began to think about college after they got their PSAT scores fared a lot better than those who started thinking about college in the middle of junior year, or God forbid, senior year. What to Do Next How to get a perfect SAT score How to win a National Merit Scholarship

Word Choice Proscribe vs. Prescribe - Proofread My Paper

Word Choice Proscribe vs. Prescribe - Proofread My Paper Word Choice: Proscribe vs. Prescribe How big a difference can one letter make? Well, if its a choice between having a â€Å"bowl of chili† or a â€Å"bowel of chili,† we’re pretty sure which one we’d pick. Definitely preferable. (Image: Carstor/wikimedia) Likewise, confusing â€Å"proscribe† and â€Å"prescribe† in your written work, although less painful, would be pretty disastrous. This is because â€Å"proscribe† and â€Å"prescribe† are actually opposites, despite looking similar written down. Make sure you know what each words means. Proscribe (To Forbid) To â€Å"proscribe† something is to forbid it or make it illegal, usually because it’s harmful: The sale of alcohol was proscribed throughout the United States. Not everyone took the ban that seriously, though While â€Å"proscribe† is a verb, the noun form is â€Å"proscription† (i.e., a ban upon something) and the adjective is â€Å"proscriptive† (i.e., the quality of banning something). Prescribe (To Make a Rule) As mentioned above, â€Å"prescribe† is the opposite of â€Å"proscribe.† As such, it means â€Å"set down as a rule† and applies mainly to recommending something: Safety guidelines prescribe wearing protective goggles. Or doggles, if youre of the canine persuasion. Another common use of â€Å"prescribe† is in medicine, where it refers to approving a course of treatment: It turned out it was an allergy, so the doctor prescribed antihistamines. In both cases, the noun form is â€Å"prescription.† Something which sets down rules to be followed, meanwhile, can be described as â€Å"prescriptive† (like how this blog post is â€Å"prescriptive† about using the word â€Å"prescribe†). Proscribe or Prescribe? It’s understandable that these words get confused, because the prefixes â€Å"pro-† and â€Å"pre-† can both mean â€Å"beforehand† or â€Å"in advance.† This is how they’re used in â€Å"proscribe† and â€Å"prescribe,† since both words refer to setting down rules to govern behavior. The difference is that â€Å"proscribe† means setting down rules about what not to do, while â€Å"prescribe† means setting rules for recommended behavior. Remember: Proscribe = Forbid or make illegal Prescribe = Recommend or set as a rule Keep in mind that the â€Å"pro-† in â€Å"proscribe† is the same as in â€Å"prohibit,† which also means to â€Å"forbid† or â€Å"ban† something. Likewise, if you think of a doctor’s prescription pad, you can remember that â€Å"prescribe† means â€Å"recommend a course of action†.

Rural Poverty Alleviation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rural Poverty Alleviation - Essay Example In a large and diverse country like India, it is not surprising to experience the kind of hardships and obstacles that appear to hinder every attempt at large scale alleviation of poverty in general and rural poverty in particular. India is a vast democracy of myriad tradition and culture. She is also multi-lingual and in the grip of traditional customs and religious beliefs. Influential politicians, religious leaders, film stars and iconic sportsmen don the mantle of role models and guides. The television perfectly and effectively keeps everyone pre-occupied with live performances and programs, leaving the common man and woman, boy and girl with little time for serious issues of life and responsibilities. Lest I am branded as pessimist, let me hasten to add that India has achieved the targets of rural poverty alleviation to an appreciable extent in the six decades after independence. By and large, there is more prosperity in villages now than before. Government schemes like Jawahar Rojgar Yojana, Drought Prone Area Programs (DPAP), Panchayati Raj, land reforms, etc. have been designed with the common man in the rural backyard in mind. The rural folk enjoy a better transport and communication system, they are politically, economically and academically more aware, and successive five-year plans, especially from the sixth five-year plan onwards, have bestowed more privileges and benefits on them. (8th Five Year Plan) Statistics of the National... Government schemes like Jawahar Rojgar Yojana, Drought Prone Area Programs (DPAP), Panchayati Raj, land reforms, etc. have been designed with the common man in the rural backyard in mind. The rural folk enjoy a better transport and communication system, they are politically, economically and academically more aware, and successive five-year plans, especially from the sixth five-year plan onwards, have bestowed more privileges and benefits on them. (8th Five Year Plan) Conversely, however, the sheen in these progressive schemes and undertakings lost their shine with corruption at every level, powerful hold by vested interests, political compulsions and exploitation. Statistics of the National Rural Employment Program and Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Program (RLEGP), showing the extent of finance involved in rural employment programs in the Seventh Five Year Plan, are reproduced below: Performance of NREP in the Seventh Five Year Plan Year Resource availability (Rs. crores) Expenditure: (Rs. crores) Employment Generation (in million mandays) Manday Cost(Rs.) Wage-Non- Wage Ratio 1985-86 593.08 531.95 316.41 16.81 60:40 1986-87 765.13 717.77 395.39 18.15 60-40 1987-88 888.21 788.31 370.77 21.26 59:41 1988-89 845.68 901.84 394.96 22.83 57:43 Performance of RLEGP in the Seventh Plan Year Resource availability (Rs. crores) Expenditure (Rs. crores) Employment Generation (in million mandays) Manday Cost (Rs.) Wage/Non- Wage Ratio 1985-86 580.35 453.17 2.47.58 18.30 57:43 1986-87 649.96 635.91 306.14 20.77 57:43 1987-88 648.41 653.53 304.11 21.49 58:42 1988-89 761.55 669.37 296.56 22.57 58:42 (Source: 8th Five Year Plan) Disillusionment with Rural Life Mass migration of people from hinterland and rural areas into cities and, to a lesser extent, towns and

This I believe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

This I believe - Essay Example Advice on how to get involved can be obtained from our local churches, non-profit organizations, and governmental institutions. The reason I believe so much in volunteerism is because I have in the past been involved in volunteer work. I use to help out at a local shelter for homeless people. The experience of helping out the poor was very gratifying form me. The act of giving back to the community can help fulfill our souls. I have had some family members that have fallen on some hard times and become homeless. Knowing that there are people out there that are willing to help out the poor by volunteering their time makes me believe that society’s problems no matter how complex can be solved if we put our minds to it. Volunteer work can help out a lot of American families. In the United States there are over 37 million people living under the federal poverty line (Americanprogress). This figure means that nearly 12% of the US population is suffering from poverty. The efforts of volunteers can help become a part of the solution. Volunteer work can also help the sick and the elderly. There are lots of benefits of volunteering. It can help a person increase their skills, gain experience, and expand their network of contacts.

Spectrum Brands Essay Example for Free

Spectrum Brands Essay -Remington leader on shaving and personal care products generates global revenue of US$350 million with 8 sales reps assigned to specific retailers. -United/Nu-Gro leaders in the lawn and garden care with sales US$550 million and insect control products with sales US$150 million, target customers who desire comparable products with lower prices than premium-prices. -Distributors offer same services than an internal sales force could and are responsible for the sales in the diverse geographical locations of pet retailer markets. Weaknesses -Spectrum through Rayovac have been able to secure space shelf space in a small number of retailers while competitors gain market share through greater control over distribution channels, retailers, and prices. -The United/Nu-Gro professional division has its own dedicated sales force that creates a lack and dependency on sales reps expertise. -The lawn and garden care, insect control and pet foods industries Spectrum is in have different seasons that the new sales force must balance. Opportunities -The sales force from competitors offers retail discounts and promotional discounts to retailers, distributors and wholesalers creating a competitive advantage that Spectrum may add as value to its new sales force. -A restructured sales force can focus on the sales growth with greater benefits for the company -Room for greater retail presence by offering product discounts and stealing market share from competition if the sales costs are better managed. Threats -That the new sales force would end up doing significant duplication of efforts if sales reps would call same retailers at the same time. -An ineffective selection process of the new sales force could disrupt the growth momentum of Spectrum’s individual brands and the relationships with retailers, wholesalers and customers. Competitors get the benefit. -The sales in the lawn and garden division may be a risk of having a poor season since sales depend on weather conditions. SWOT analysis In general, the current sales force is not efficient as it needs to be. Although the total sales of all divisions are steady, competitors are gaining shelf space through channels of distribution that Spectrum is not able to reach due to the lack of sales focus by its sales force. Inspite of the market share challenge, Spectrum is in a great position to increase the market share by carefully creating a sales force that would increase its market visibility. Market Analysis Battery Market Consumers rely on convenience and quality when purchasing batteries and tend to gravitate towards the brand names. Spectrum’s competitors are Procter Gamble 40% and Energizer battery brand with 40% of the market share. The alkaline battery is expected to dominate the market in 5 years. In Canada, the alkaline battery market is above CAD $300 million. Rayovac holds 20% of the market. It is a household seasonal product and 70% of the sales primary done during and after Christmas. Mass merchandisers, home garden centers and niche electronic stores are used as retailers generate 60% of sales, while 40% of sales are with wholesalers, distributors, especially in Wal-Mart with 40% of shelf space. Shaving and grooming products market. A combination of electronic grooming products and hair care applications with a growth of 3% and expected to continue. It has a sales cycle as gift giving season, shaving and grooming products are in high demand on Christmas, father’s day and mother’s day. Remington merged with Rayovacin2003; Remington (Now Spectrum) has secured 30% in USA and 21% in UK of the market share with global revenue US$350 million in 2003. The major competitors in the shaving market are Norelco (Philips) with rotary shavers and Braun-Gillette (Now Procter Gamble), while in hair care industry are Conair Corporation and Norelco that competes on quality and price. Sales reps have a direct presence in the success of sales since they manage sales directly with small niche retailers like salons, specialty hair and body care. It generates 35% of total sales. Wal-Mart retail generates 40% of sales as a traditional retail channel. Lawn and Garden Market It is driven by the baby boomers population. In North America more than 80% of household’s participants in garden activities generate a US$4 billion industry in sales and a potential annual growth of between 4% and 5%. The insect control products play an important role in this market. When new diseases appeared like West Nile virus and bone diseases, it increases demand for more insect control product raising the market in about 7% to 8% in sales. Scotts and Johnson Son, Inc are the market leaders with products like Ortho and Roundup. United/Nu-Gro company a Canadian subsidiary of United Industries Corporation in USA, is the number 2 company in lawn and garden products with a 23% market share and US$550 million in sales. The key of its success is in offering brand names such as Vigoro, Shultz, and CIL to targeted consumers  who want products at a low price. In the Insect control market, United/Nu-Gro is number 2 with 24% of market share and US$150 million on sales. Mass merchandisers and garden and home centers are the channels used generating 60% of sales in the consumer division. The professional division has its own sales team specialized in professional products for specific customers like golf courses and pest control operators generating 25% and 15% of sales respectively.

Importance of the Setting in Uncle Toms Cabin :: Uncle Toms Cabin Essays

Importance of the Setting in Uncle Tom's Cabin The book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was obviously a novel where the setting was the major factor in the plot of the story. If this had taken place in any other area, like Canada, there would not have even been as story because slavery did not exist there. Therefore the South was the prime region to have this plot revolve around. Everything contained here contributed to the actions of the characters, which will be explained in the following paragraphs. The setting was such an important influence because, like I said before, it took place down in the South. This is where slavery was at its peak and was used and abused by almost every citizen. The black race was treated harshly just because of their color. They were beaten, over-worked, and disrespected. Most of them were illiterate as well which did not help one bit. In turn they could not make intelligent decisions, better yet pursue what they wanted. Even if they had that ability though, that option was not available because they were "black". The details of the setting that influenced the actions of the characters were, again, the time period and where it took place. However this was not the only thing that persuaded the characters because they influenced each other. The citizens followed the crowd and did not have their own opinions. If some person's idea differed from that of the majority, he/she would not dare speak up because they feared rejection. Legree was one of the people looked up to and respected even though what he was dong was totally wrong. Since he had power and money though, he was admired. The only three people that actually did take a stand, if you will, were George Shelby Jr., Augustine St. Clare, and his daughter, Evangeline. These three characters opposed slavery and tried to do something about it. (Unfortunately, though, the St. Clare's efforts were diminished because they both died). They were the citizens that should have been looked up to and followed. Specific examples that show the setting's influence on the characters were all over the book. The next three excerpts will give you an illustration of them.

A Personality Development Theory Applied in Choosing Career Essay

This paper attempts to look at the Big Five, a personality development theory that is used in studying the dimension of one’s personality. The Big Five model is a product of empirical research and at present, the most accepted approach among psychologists in studying personality traits. 1 The five factors are known as OCEAN- openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. 2 It is said that theses possession of these traits may be stable for over 45 years that can start from early adulthood. 3 Parts and portion of traits are also heritable genetically. In addition, the traits are result of adaptation to the environment. Generally, these factors are viewed as universal and have been found in languages of different nations. Knowing where one’s place in the dimension can be very useful for one’s improvement and realization of skills, talents and abilities. The Case Dave has long been dreaming of putting up his own business. After several years of working in the job which he definitely did not like, he finally decided to pursue his dream. At this point in time, Dave was not sure of what enterprise will best fit his personality. Applying the Big Five Personality Development Theory, we carefully examine Dave’s personality in order to see what are his dominant traits and characteristics, his weaknesses and   1Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed. ), The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives (pp. 180-207). New York: 2Guilford. Soldz, S. , & Vaillant, G. E. (1999). The Big Five personality traits and the life course: A 45-year longitudinal study. Journal of Research in Personality, 33, 208-232 3Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed. ), The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives (pp. 180-207). New York: unleashed talents if ever to be able to fit it with the kind of business that will best suit him. This is for the purpose of finding the better enterprise that will complement to his overall personality. This is important because the idea of putting up a business is much of a risk to take and Dave cannot afford not to be successful in his new chosen field after leaving his long time job. This is somehow a prelude to the future of his business because as the business and manger and owner to be, he will direct the efficiency and effectiveness of his business. To start with, traits and characters must be identified. In this case Dave provided us with some of his characteristics that are assumed to be relevant in helping him determine the best business for him. Dave mentioned that he was previously a paralegal and he had worked with attorneys and several clients in their law firm. He claimed that he often acts as a leader and in fact he formerly managed a staff. He added that he posses various leadership qualities though if given a choice, he would rather work alone. Applying the Big Five Personality Earlier, it has been mentioned that Dave, if given the chance will rather work alone, hence, we can conclude that he is an introvert. But since, he had longed desire to have his own business, it is inevitable to work with other person or to a group of person. By the word business, he is going to put up an organization. Building an organization means continuous interaction with other people and all the accompanied activities will operate in a relational or in a dynamic manner. Example of introversion is being independent and often being quiet. Introvert people prefer to do things by themselves and refuses to be helped by others and also disregard group activities because they see themselves more productive if they are alone. They are also the type who minimizes social involvement, in other words they prefer less socialization. Some of them are deliberately shy and some extreme cases found depression. Given that Dave wanted to put up his business and he also wanted to be alone if possible, I think the best business that will suit him is a coffee shop. Maintaining a coffee shop is not that difficult. Three to four people can be able to organize the business accordingly. If he will put up a coffee shop, he can be the one at the counter or he can hire another person to do that and all he needs to do is to supervise. Unlike his previous job wherein he had staff to lead to and attorneys and clients to deal with, a coffee shop business will put him in less trouble. If he has a passion in bartending, he can be the one to do it and all he needs to face is the waiter who will be passing the orders to him. As for agreeableness, undoubtedly, Dave has established leadership qualities necessary to operate a business. It will not be hard for him to deal with his employees to be, since he had his fair share on this matter on his preceding occupation. On the other hand, Dave showed did not mention about openness but I think it is safe to say that he is an open person because even if he has introvert qualities he bear with his colleagues for a long period of time and he tried to be a good leader and showed exceptional qualities of leadership in the law firm. Another proof of his openness is his likeness to have his own business. This means that he is open for new changes in his life to happen. Meanwhile, Dave has finally become assertive departing from his old reticent way. This is because at last he had the courage to left his job and starts a new with a business. Lastly, after evaluating the four factors of the Big Five, we can conclude that Dave is in the mid of imaginative and conventional dimension since he had let several years to past before actually realizing his wants, nevertheless he also posters creativity side as he was able to think of another form of occupation. In this activity, I learned the importance of knowing your personal traits and characteristics. Being familiar with your limitations and advantages may help you in various ways, likewise, it can help you understand others as well as to deal with them accordingly. Being acquainted with these traits will improve your relationship to other people and most of all it will contribute a lot in realizing your own potential and developing you as a person. References About. com Website (2008). The â€Å"Big Five Personality Model. Retrieved on January 17, 2008 from http://psychology. about. com/od/personalitydevelopment/a/bigfive. htm Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed. ), The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives (pp. 180-207). New York: Guilford. Soldz, S. , & Vaillant, G. E. (1999). The Big Five personality traits and the life course: A 45-year longitudinal study. Journal of Research in Personality, 33, 208-232

Discovery Creative Essay

He sat lazily on the cold ceramic tiles of his bedroom, resting his back against the rigid wooden framework of his single bed. With legs outstretched, chest gently dipping up and down and his forehead submissively being supported by his fingertips, Jonas Schmidt reminisced upon the caring and affectionate figure of his father. He reflected upon their journey; a collage of memories flashed through his mind- from the struggle in fleeing Germany and the rise of Nazi power, to the hardships in attaining full Australian citizenship. Seeking refuge in Australia had eventually brought them peace- the beauty of the natural landscape, morphed with the laid-back and generous attitudes of their local community had endowed them with a new life. Together they were ready for a fresh start- until war broke out in 1939. The bloody war. The god-forsaken war. All that remained sat idly in his lap, symbolising the remnants of his father. Slowly, Jonas opened the box; he penetrated into what seemed to be the past, and lifted out the first piece of history – his father’s military uniform. Harold Schmidt wandered into the mess tent of the army base, eager to fit in with the energetic cluster of young Australian men. As he pealed back the doors of the tent, a cacophony of excited noises filled the atmosphere. Thunderous laughter resonated through the room, as men told stories of their past conquests. The clink of mugs echoed, as they acknowledged each other and proceeded to down copious amounts of alcohol. The majority of the men, dressed in the same military uniform as his own, were of the traditional background- broad shoulders, bushy hair and cheesy grins. Ecstatic faces lit up the tent, reminding Harold of the same emotion displayed by his son when they were together. Nervously, he walked up to a group of them, craving to experience the sense of mateship, understanding and acceptance that seemingly emanated from their discussions. Yet at the same time, he was fearful to discover the contrary. â€Å"Hey mate, pull up a chair and join us†, slurred one of the men at the table. â€Å"What’s ya name mate?† â€Å"Er†¦Harold. Harold Smith†, mumbled Harold nervously, not wishing to reveal his German background. The members of the circle eyed  him suspiciously; noticing his distinct physical differences and outlandish accent. â€Å"So where ya from?† â€Å"Brisbane†, he lied. The ring of uniforms erupted into laughter. â€Å"Ah mate, don’t worry, there’s no need to lie about anything here†¦right? We’re all friends.† He indicated around the circle: â€Å"Well that’s Buffer, Swarley, Bomber, Richie and Dougie- we’re all mates from before. Oh, and they call me Shelley, after the missus.† Another round of laughter shook the table. â€Å"Anyway, welcome to the gang†, he said. â€Å"We’ll look after you†. Shelley extended his hand forward.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"This is going to be alright†, thought Harold, as he shook the warm and assuring hand of the Australian. Suddenly, the alarm signalled to direct the soldiers to prepare to move out. â€Å"Alright lads!†, yelled Shelley, as they all stood up to leave. â€Å"Let’s kill the flamin’ Jerry and send ‘em back to where they came from!† Harold instantly gulped at the prospect of killing his own kind. Sweat saturated his uniform, as he reluctantly marched out of the tent. Jonas retreated from his dream-like state, pondering the reality of the hallucination. Solemnly, he laid the uniform down on the bed with respect. Suddenly, a flash of metal penetrated his eyes, as a crack of light from behind the curtains illuminated the jagged edges of his father’s war medals. Jonas clutched the remnants of his father firmly in his hand; once again returning to the illusory world†¦ As the lights dimmed, Harold stood apart from his platoon. Rising to the rank of First-Lieutenant, he had almost complete command over a number of his fellow soldiers, including his new-found friends. Despite regretting each time he shot an enemy German, Harold had caught the attention of his superiors. However, it was a completely different story amongst his own people. Even at this military celebration, Harold could feel the cynical gaze of the soldiers infiltrating into his inner being. Buffer, Bomber and Dougie deliberately avoided eye-contact with him. Swarley and Richie refused  to sit next to him at the table. Even Shelley eyed him apprehensively; tension developed exponentially between the two former friends. Thus, Harold stood distantly from the group. â€Å"Maybe it’s because I’m an officer now†, he thought. â€Å"Or maybe it’s because they are jealous at my medals. They may have even discovered that I am German-born.† Nevertheless, Haro ld sobbed deeply. He felt lonely. Cursed. Like an outsider. Once again, Jonas withdrew from the vision; his eyes moist, as he expressed sympathy for his father. Delicately, he positioned the medals on top of the chest pocket of the uniform, before reaching into the box once more. His hand brushed the cold crisp metal of the 6-round revolver – the standard-issue side-arm for all officers. His mind drifted away yet again†¦ â€Å"So you’re telling me you’re one of them!†, yelled Shelley, as he stood just centimetres from Harold’s face. Trust. Companionship. Expectations. All broken from the discovery of one word. â€Å"Get off me! That’s an order!† cried Harold, as he clumsily tried to free himself of the fierce headlock that Buffer and Bomber had on him. â€Å"You’ll be court marshalled for subordination!!† â€Å"Does it look like I give a damn? We’re all bloody fighting alongside a Jerry! One of THEM! The same animals that were shootin’ at us ‘bout a minute ago!† â€Å"I’m not one of them†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Shut up! You’re not one of us! You don’t belong here!† With that, Shelley lunged forward and grabbed Harold’s revolver from the holster; muted sounds amalgamated with blurred images as a flurry of action erupted. Jonas jerked ferociously from his revelation; perspiration seeped tentatively down his neck and onto his shirt. He was almost hyperventilating now, as he endeavoured to eradicate the graphic imagery from his mind. Suddenly, the doorbell chimed. Shocked by the abrupt disturbance, he swivelled around to face the doorway. Through the translucent glass, Jonas made out the silhouette of a male figure- standing upright, proud and tall. As his mother unlocked the door, he witnessed a look of disbelief emanate from her face. â€Å"Could it be†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Jonas muttered to himself, as his heart continued to race. The door opened, bringing with it†¦ †¦ a new hope.

Free Essays on Strengths And Weakness Of The American Presidency

The Strengths and Weakness of the American Presidency The American Presidency is a puzzling aspect to most Americans. There is a lot of debate about the system’s strengths and weaknesses. I would like to offer a broad concept of the American constitutional system, which are the executive, legislative and judicial branches. To begin to grasp the constitutional system, I would like to discuss why the forefathers composed it this way. The forefathers chose a mixed government that represented three existing forms of government: a monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. The president would represent the elected monarchy, the Senate would represent the aristocracy, and the House of Representatives would represent the democracy. The American presidency has a great deal of strength and weakness, which I will discuss in this paper. One of the president’s strengths, which he shares with the Senate, is to negotiate treaties, appoint ambassadors, judges, and high officials. Another major strength is the responsible of the president’s job. As a nation, we place no greater responsibility on any one individual than we do on the president. Not one other job is as complex and complicated. We ask the president to be executive, diplomat, military leader, and consoler. On any given day he might have to make life and death decisions, propose policies that will change the course of the country, and then greet a group of elementary schoolchildren. Although the president shares power with Congress and the judiciary, he is the most powerful and important officeholder in the country. As the principal foreign policy maker, the president of the United States has become the world's most important leader in international affairs. These responsibilities have grown dramatically from the time George Washington took up his sword during the Whiskey Rebellion to the day Harry S. Truman authorized dropping an atomic bomb on Japan. The burden of such awesome ... Free Essays on Strengths And Weakness Of The American Presidency Free Essays on Strengths And Weakness Of The American Presidency The Strengths and Weakness of the American Presidency The American Presidency is a puzzling aspect to most Americans. There is a lot of debate about the system’s strengths and weaknesses. I would like to offer a broad concept of the American constitutional system, which are the executive, legislative and judicial branches. To begin to grasp the constitutional system, I would like to discuss why the forefathers composed it this way. The forefathers chose a mixed government that represented three existing forms of government: a monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. The president would represent the elected monarchy, the Senate would represent the aristocracy, and the House of Representatives would represent the democracy. The American presidency has a great deal of strength and weakness, which I will discuss in this paper. One of the president’s strengths, which he shares with the Senate, is to negotiate treaties, appoint ambassadors, judges, and high officials. Another major strength is the responsible of the president’s job. As a nation, we place no greater responsibility on any one individual than we do on the president. Not one other job is as complex and complicated. We ask the president to be executive, diplomat, military leader, and consoler. On any given day he might have to make life and death decisions, propose policies that will change the course of the country, and then greet a group of elementary schoolchildren. Although the president shares power with Congress and the judiciary, he is the most powerful and important officeholder in the country. As the principal foreign policy maker, the president of the United States has become the world's most important leader in international affairs. These responsibilities have grown dramatically from the time George Washington took up his sword during the Whiskey Rebellion to the day Harry S. Truman authorized dropping an atomic bomb on Japan. The burden of such awesome ...

Infection Control and Hand Hygiene Literature review

Infection Control and Hand Hygiene - Literature review Example Firstly the nursing staff should be aware of the proper procedure and principles of hand hygiene. They should know the correct technique to follow it. Secondly they should have the will to follow it. They should feel morally responsible for the patients and value their life. Lastly a great deal of effort has to come from the hospital to educate the staff and supply them with proper supplies related to hand hygiene. Secondary Research This is a qualitative research on the topic infection control and hand hygiene. The purpose of the research is to discuss various issues to help understand what infection control and hand hygiene is and how the two are related. The research will look to cover range of theories and articles in order to elucidate what is being discussed. For the research, following key terms and phrases were identified: Hand hygiene nursing Hand hygiene practice Hand hygiene and infection control Hand hygiene and WHO Ways to motivate hand hygiene in hospitals hand hygiene and infection prevention Maintaining hand hygiene in hospitals Infection control and hand hygiene statistics Lack of hand hygiene in hospitals Hand hygiene compliance Hand hygiene and infection control books The above keywords and phrases were researched in different academic databases like PubMed to find suitable articles and study. A large chunk of research was done from nursing books online from reputable authors and editors. Newspaper and online articles of only trusted sources like BBC and the guardian have been included for the research. Keywords Phrases E-Books and Newspapers online Book/article Selected PubMed Articles Selected GOOGLE Database Articles Selected A Hand hygiene nursing 993 1 2,200,000 3 B Hand hygiene practice 45,500 2 1,171 2 14,400,000Â   3 C Hand hygiene and infection control 12,100 1 3,234 1 D Hand hygiene and WHO 745 1 10,700,000 2 E Ways to motivate hand hygiene in hospitals 934 2 F hand hygiene and infection prevention 27,900 1 2,483 2 6,020,000 2 G Ma intaining hand hygiene in hospitals 1,680,000 1 H Infection control and hand hygiene statistics 2,240,000 2 I Lack of hand hygiene in hospitals 1,950 1 1,420,000 3 J Hand hygiene compliance 851 4 1,550,000 2 K Hand hygiene and infection control books 1,540 4 Definition of infection control Infection control looks to prevent those who might be in danger of acquiring deadly diseases and infections. Infections could come from the community as well as from the nursing staff in case a person is already admitted to a hospital. Infections develop due to poor hygiene and the most basic aim of infection control is to counter the environment that allows unhygienic practices (WHO, 2013). Glasper and Richardson, in their book Children’s and young people’s nursing explain that for infection to occur there must be a host, a germ or bacteria that could be transferred and finally a transmitter. If any of these three things are not present then it is not possible to transmit infection (Glasper & Richardson, 2007). Nizam Damani in his book ‘infection prevention and control’ explains the two most basic ways of catching infections in hospitals. Transmission of infection comes from direct and indirect contact made to the patient.

Radiation and Thermal Conductivity Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Radiation and Thermal Conductivity - Lab Report Example The third experiment involved the verification of Stefan Boltzmann law and the general realization was that there exists a direct proportionality between the intensity of radiation and the ration between emitter temperature and ambient temperature to factor four (?4). The fourth experiment involved an analysis of Aluminum and Stainless Steel. During the analysis the general realization was that the thermal conductivity of Aluminum was that the thermal conductivity of Aluminum. Introduction Radiation can be defined as the situation arising from the interaction involving heat between a system and the surrounding environment. Consequently thermal radiation involves the study of the electromagnetic radiation emitted as a result of the temperature of the emitter with regard to the dual-wave particle nature of electromagnetic radiation (Mahan, 2002). According to Mahan, studies of Heat have led to the realization that heat is an energy that occurs as a result of energy variations between a system and its surroundings. The basis of the experiment was to conduct an analysis on the various characteristics of thermal radiation as a form of heat transfer and the characteristics are applicable in real life situations. The objective of the first experiment was to study the relationship between the view factor designated F and the intensity of the radiation measured in terms of the temperature. The second experiment was aimed at validating the postulation that there exists an inverse proportionality relationship between the source of heat and the surface. The third experiment was aimed at validating the Boltzmann law which is mathematically expressed as: qb = O( Ts4 – Ta4 ) The fourth experiment was aimed at comparing the thermal conductivity of two different metals. Literature Review Apart from conduction and convection heat can be transferred via radiation. The major difference between radiation and the other forms of heat transfer is that radiation can travel in a vaccum because unlike conduction and convection that require molecules, radiation does not require molecules. Radiation occurs via elecgtromagnetic waves. According to Theodore (2011) any system that has a temperature greater than absolute zero is an emitter of thermal radiation. Theodore outlines that the amount of radiation given out by a given system depends on both the temperature and the charatceristics of the surface. In essence, the undertanding of thermal radiation requires an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic radiation is an occurrence experienced when the atoms of a system become excited from their dormant state so that they acquire enough internal energy to begin emitting the radiation. Am example of a biological phenomenon that depends on radiation is sight. Although we are not able to see the electromagnetic waves our eyes are able to detect the waves and the ability allows us to percieve the images of the objects around us. Although radiati on can be approached from the particulate aspect, scientists have since found it more convenient to approach radiation from the wave aspect. According to Kubota (2007), scientists now approach radiation as involving emission of wavelengths by solid particles. In the study of black body radiation, scientists have also

Values, Principles and social work Ethics Term Paper

Values, Principles and social work Ethics - Term Paper Example She is also very sensitive being that she was repeatedly assaulted by not just those in the prison system, whether it being the guards or the other prisoners, but also taken advantage of by the gentleman whose task it was to leave Iran and get to Canada. With this, along with her later living in a male dorm being classified as male but still wearing makeup, an assumption to be made here would be that from the traumatic experiences of Ms. P. throughout the course of her earlier life, she has been so victimized to the extent that she wishes to hide her sexuality to the outside world as a means of protecting herself from further hurt and anguish. A safety mechanism of sorts. Faced with the declaration that she may be gay, Ms. P. sought refuge with an Aunt who appears to have not only let Ms. P. wear her clothes, but also use her makeup, which also would be relevant towards the larger choice of having makeup application be her education goal. The notion of her maintaining a happy memory from her past, this being the kindness of her Aunt and wishing to take that experience and use it for her future. Response: First and foremost, the story of Ms. P. brings about a strong sense of sadness and heartbreak for the situations that she was forced to face throughout her life. Complete bewilderment as to how someone could go through as much as Ms. P. would have, but still find the means of grasping that one happy moment in time, in her case what surely had to have been the time with her Aunt and taking that by having her studies be centered upon the makeup in television and videos. A reaction of anger towards those who would have sought to inflict such harm and danger upon such a young person. Anger at such a travesty being inflicted upon someone who had little, if not none at all, recourse for sticking up for herself. The idea that only her Aunt would provide the safe

Individual vs. Society on Daisy Miller Research Proposal

Individual vs. Society on Daisy Miller - Research Proposal Example These traits are a stark contrast to the highly conventional, pretentious European society of old, making her the center of gossip and ill contempt. Even Winterbourne, who first found Daisy’s beauty attractive subsequently developed prejudice against her seemingly careless and wanton ways, although she really did nothing extraordinary that many young Americans are not doing today. In this story, the individual, a denizen of the new world, is unintentionally pitted against a decadent, prudish, traditional and old society as her course takes her into its midst. The conflict in Daisy Miller stems from the fact that the young female protagonist of the story is thrown into a culture and society distinct from her own. In the 1870s, the time when the story was written, Europe was an old decadent society steeped in traditions and conventions and America, especially New York where Daisy’s family originated, was a new, modern, coming-of-age nation. It was in this context that the young, modern American youth is thrown into as she travel as a tourist together with her mother, young brother and courier. Daisy Miller, which is said to be Henry James’ most well-known study of the ‘young feminine nature’, is described as a girl’s heedless rash indifference to the kind of decorum being observed in European civilized society. Although at first blush, her actions would seem to be one of the typical American traits of moral innocence, it turns out to be a want of discriminating judgment which tragically ended in her untime ly death (Berkovitch Cambridge University Press p. 163). Nonetheless, there was nothing terribly wrong in Daisy’s actuations from the modern-day perspective except perhaps the fact that she threw all caution to the wind when she went to the Colosseum in the middle of the night with her friend when the malaria epidemic was rampant. The matter with Daisy is that she personifies everything that is

Genesis Of Army Air Defence History Essay

Genesis Of Army Air Defence History Essay What happened in Kuwait Iraq necessitates a review of the attitude towards the army air defence and the countrys entire AD systemà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. When we ask ourselves, did it work in Iraq, we have the answer, mostly it did not. Russian Minister of Defence Yazov NATO defines air defence as all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action. They include ground and air based weapon systems, associated sensor systems, command and control arrangements and passive measures. It may be to protect naval, ground and air forces wherever they are. However, for most countries the main effort has tended to be homeland defence. NATO refers to airborne air defence as counter-air and naval air defence as anti-aircraft warfare  [2]  . Missile defence is an extension of air defence as are initiatives to adapt air defence to the task of intercepting potentially any projectile in flight. In some countries, such as Britain and Germany in World War II, the Soviet Union and NATOs European Command, ground based air defence and air defence aircraft have been under integrated command and control. Nevertheless, while overall air defence may be for homeland defence including military facilities, forces in the field, wherever they ar e, invariably deploy their own air defence capability generally referred to as Army Air Defence. A surface based air defence capability can also be deployed offensively to deny the use of airspace to an opponent. This is the central idea of this article. THE EVOLUTION There are two things that make Air Defence (AD) necessary something to defend and an airborne threat. The threat from air existed earlier than the airplane. There existed a concept of air defence much before the Write Brothers flew the first aircraft in 1903. In August 1861, an American Aeronaut while on his balloon, reported the first anti aircraft fire  [3]  . This was one of the pioneering attempts in active air defence. The air defence artillery (ADA) began its evolution, when Col RP Davidson of USA built the first automatic AD weapon around 1909  [4]  . However, very little work was done in the field of AD Doctrine, as the military leaders were yet to realize the importance of air defence. The substantial air threat encountered in World War I triggered the development of dedicated ADA. In 1914, when the Allied air attacks on Germany became more persistent, the Germans exploited this new weaponry and called it Flugzug Abwehr Kanomen or Flak  [5]  . Sound location and search lights were the main means of surveillance. The establishment of London Air Defence Area (LADA) in July 1917, was pivotal as it was the first step towards centralization integration of assets like FF units, AA Gun Batteries Search Light Batteries into one entity. At the end of World War I, to facilitate quick demobilization, the AD elements of great powers were broken up. During the inter-war period with the evolution of AF, to control Englands airspace Air Defence Great Britain (ADGB) was formed in 1925. This was the first time AF was integrated for the AD which had two distinct elements: Royal AF Bombing Formations and the Fighting Area. Fighting Area was made up of ten sectors under GOC Ground Troops who would control all ground base elements of AD  [6]  . The Garrison Artillery was also abolished and its AD units were transferred to Field Artillery. In 1930s the development of radars brought about another renaissance for the AD and fostered induction of surveillance radars and better guns. The Abyssinian Crisis in October 1935 saw the first overseas deployment of AD, when the 1st AD Brigade was deployed in Egypt to protect the English against Italian attacks. The Ground Commander continued to be in charge of the local air defences as he could coordinate allocation of resources, Passive AD (PAD) measures and deception. Procedural Air Control measures were conceived by the Japanese after the US Doolittle Raids on Japan in 1942  [7]  . However, at no time were the interceptors and ADA placed under a single commander  [8]  . The Japanese defeat through air power is one classic example of the enormous price a nation had for inadequacies and poor air defences. It was Japanese air threat in SE Asia during the Second World War which forced British Government to raise AD units in India. Thus the history of AD Artillery in India began 1939 onwards when a few Indian troops began to be trained in the use of the 3 inch gun as part of the Anti-aircraft (AA) Batteries of Hongkong and Singapore Royal Artillery (HKSRA) and Indian Artillery. From 1941 onwards AA units and training establishments began to be raised in India.  [9]  The orgaisation of AA units and formations, though akin to artillery for command and control, evolved on the basis of gun density requirement for protection of Vulnerable Points and Areas. During the World War II, the Indian LAA Regiments were awarded for their dedication and acts of valour in the face of the enemy. At the time of partition only two AD Artillery units viz 26 LAA and 27 LAA Regiments came to India while the oldest AA Establishment the 1 Training Battery failed to survive the partition  [10]  . We have come a long way since then, graduating from ACK ACK (AA) to the Air Defence Branch of Regiment of Artillery, creation of a separate Corps of AD Artillery in 1994 and then renaming it as Corps of Army Air Defence in 2005  [11]  . However, a lot of ground still remains uncovered and today in spite of having AIR DEFENCE ARTILLERY OF USA Air Defence Artillery originated from the Coast Artillery Corps which was created after the Revolutionary War to defend the US coasts against naval attack and bombardment. As the US entered World War I in 1917, Coast Artillery units were detailed as Anti Aircraft Artillery(AAA) units. Weapons for these units were procured from France (75 mm Guns) but there was no doctrine. These units entered World War II beginning with the engagement of the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. German V2 Rockets led to the development of US field missile systems. Today AAA refers to the combat group that specializes in anti-aircraft weapons (such as surface to air missiles). In the US Army, these groups are composed of mainly air defence systems such as the PATRIOT Missile System, Terminal High Altitude Air Defence(THAAD), and the Avenger Air Defense system which fires the FIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Air Defence Artillery branch descended from the Anti-Aircraft Artillery (part of the Field Artillery) into a se parate branch on 20 June 1968  [12]  . Eqpt. Corps AD/EAC DIVAD FUTURE DEVP REMARKS PAC 2 GEM (100KM/ 55KM)* AVENGER SLAMRAAM *RANGE/ ALTITUDE PAC 3 (100/ 55) STINGER MEADS THAAD (200/ 150) BSFV C-RAM LINEBACKER SLAMRAAM :Surface Launched Advance Medium Range Air to Air Missile MEADS: Medium Extended AD System BSFV: Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle C-RAM: Counter Rocket, Arty Mortar Division Air Defence(DIVAD) Units. These are Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) battalions tailor made for the formations they support with each of them having about three to four batteries. Infantry, Mechanised Infantry, Armoured, Air Assault and Air Borne Divisions have their own DIVAD battalions. Non DIVAD units. These are High and Medium Air Defence(HIMAD) Battalions at both Corps and Echelons Above Corps (EAC) levels equipped with Patriot THAAD systems. The Patriot Battalions have about five batteries. Patriot is a long-range, high and medium altitude, all-weather Air Defence system to counter Tactical Ballistic Missiles(TBMs), cruise missiles and advanced air craft. The current force of 12 Patriot Bns, 13 Avenger Bns four AMD Bns is planned to be reorganized into 16 AMD Bns ( equipped with MEADS/ THAAD) nine SLAMRAAM Bns. The 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) is a one-of-a-kind theater level Army air and missile defense multi-component organization with a worldwide, 72-hour deployment mission. 32d AAMDC consists of two brigades, 11th Air Defense Artillery and 35th Air Defense Artillery; both stand ready to accomplish any mission anywhere, anytime in support of the warfighting CINC. Recent contingency deployments to Southwest Asia and an intense exercise schedule in Korea exemplify the vital role and mission that the organization plays  [13]  . The Army Air and Missile Defence Command (AAMDC) is the Armys combat organization for planning, coordinating, integrating, and executing AD operations in support of the army service component commander (ASCC), the Army forces (ARFOR) commander, the joint force land component commander (JFLCC).  [14]  A majority of air and missile defence (AMD) coordination of interest to ADA occurs between the Area Air Defence Commander (AADC) and the JFLCC in most theatres. The JFLCC integrates Army capabilities into joint air and missile defence efforts through close coordination with the AADC. When the AAMDC is in theatre, the AAMDC commander will normally be designated the DAADC and will be the principal integrator for the JFLCC to the AADC on air and missile defence. An AAMDC liaison team works closely with the AADC and his staff and the BCD (Battle Space Coordination Center) to accomplish air and missile defence integration  [15]  . THE AIR DEFENCE OF RUSSIA The first Soviet AD Units was raised with the est of 1st AAA Regt at Leningrad in 1924. The air def directorate was formed in 1932. In November 1941, motivated by increasing German raids on Moscow Leningrad, National Air Defence Forces or PVO Strany was formed and in 1948 it became a separate service  [16]  . The organisation of PVO was very peculiar as it had its separate AD air crafts. The Air Defence Forces formerly the Air Defense Troops of the Nation (Russian: à Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ¹Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ºÃƒ Ã‚ ° à Ã… ¸Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ãƒ Ã… ¾, Voyska ProtivoVozdushnoy Oborony, Voyska PVO and formerly ProvitoVozdushnaya Oborona Strany, PVO Strany) was the air defence branch of the Soviet Armed Forces  [17]  . By 1958 separate service , AD of ground troops PVO SV was established which was responsible for AD of army assets. Operating two different ADs, PVO Strany PVO SV and also two different AFs had its inherent command control problems. So, in 1981 PVO Strany was reorga nised and its name was changed to Voyska PVO (AD Tps). The Army Air Def was made subordinate branch to Voyska PVO and was called the AD of Troops (Voyskovaya PVO). Prior to dissolution of Soviet Union, PVO was the second largest independent service of Soviet armed Forces and it consumed major share of military allocation.  [18]  On disintegration of the Soviet Union, President Yeltsin signed a new defence policy document in Aug 1998 which established a single system of military administrative division of Russian territory. This replaced the earlier military districts with six integrated strategic areas or Zones. In 1998 the AD was merged with the Air Force (VVS) and by 2003 the RVSN i.e Strategic Missile Force Army Aviation units were merged with AF. The AF is organised into six Air AD armies which are operationally under op control of military zone/district commanders. Each zone is divided into AD Districts Districts are further divided into AD Sectors . Air defence of impor tant areas is under Missile Bdes. Air surveillance and intelligence is responsibility of Radio Brigades. The overall AD system of Russian includes :- Space defence troops. AD troops (Strategic). Army AD Troops. Naval Anti Aircraft Troops. D:Documents and SettingsAdm TrgDesktopCapture456.PNG Eqpt. MISSILE BRIGADES ARMY AD TROOPS FUTURE DEVP REMARKS SA-3 PECHORA (25KM/ 15KM)* SA-6 KVADRAT/ SA- 11 GRADFLY SA-20 TRIUMF S-400(400/30) *RANGE/ ALTITUDE SA-10 GRUMBLE (200/ 90) SA -8 OSA AK/ SA-15 PANTZYR S1 SPAD (4/6) SA-12 GLADIATOR (90/ 15) SA-19 TUNGUSKA DZHIGIT(SA 16/18) SA-17 BUK M2 (42/25) $ SA-18 IGLA 2/S ANTEY 2500/ S-300 VM (200/30) $ 4 TH GENERATION SA-5 GAMMON (200/20) KS 30/ S-60/ ZU 23 @ @ GUN SYS Russian AD doctrine is defensive in nature. The anti aircraft fire is coordinated by the AD Sector and AD Missile Brigades are responsible for fire control in a specific sector. The overall AD network is completely integrated with Ranzir CP, Baikal IE systems and Polyana 4E systems  [19]  , for each level, which get inputs from AWACS through compatible integrated data transfer system. They have developed the S- 300 series S-400 series of Missiles which are Counter Missile system. The deployment of S-400 began in 2007 and is likely to be completed by 2015.  [20]  The Russian R D is now focusing on point AD systems Counter missile Systems. Russia with the help of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries is developing a comprehensive AD structure which could give depth to Russian Air space. THE AIR DEFENCE OF CHINA Armed with a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons and rapidly maturing delivery capabilities, China has little to worry about in terms of major invasion. Since China is surrounded by potential adversaries, particularly the US Pacific Forces it deploys strong ground-based air-defenses to protect itself against sudden air attacks. The official terms for the PLAAFs AAA troops is gaoshepao bing/gaopaobing and the SAM troops is dikong daodan bing/didao bing/daodan bing. However, the PLAAF occasionally refers to its AAA troops as first artillery (yipao), and SAM troops as second artillery (erpao), which is often confused with Chinas Second Artillery Corps (erpao).  [21]   During the 1950s, the Soviets exported air defence equipment to China. But the Khrushchev-era tensions put an end to that, and over time China proceeded to reverse engineer all of these Soviet designs. On 6 February 1964, during his meeting with Dr Qian Xuesen (Father of Chinese Rocketry), Chairman Mao again expressed his views on the importance of the missile defence capability. According to Mao, missile defence capability should not be dominated by the two superpowers only, and China must also develop its own missile defence weapons, no matter how long it would take. This conversation, later known as 640 Directive, led to a missile defence system that could defend the country against nuclear-armed strategic missile attacks  [22]  . Early models SA-2 Guidelines from USSR were reverse engineered and entered service as the HQ-1 and soon after HQ-2 systems. Since the year 2000, HQ-2 remains a major cornerstone of Chinese air defenses  [23]  . In the 1960s-80s the main strategic adversary was USSR and consequently most air defenses are concentrated in the north of the country  [24]  . Chinese attempts at indigenous SAMs were somewhat poor even after an injection of Western technologies during the 1970s and 80s. In the 1990s and 2000s the focus had returned to the financial hub of Shanghai (and now Hong Kong) and the Taiwan Straits. PLAAF has upgraded its air defense (non-aircraft) capabilities which involves three of the PLAAFs branches: SAM, AAA, and radar troops. It is expending tremendous effort establishing an Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) at both the strategic (SADS) and tactical (TADS) levels.  [25]  SADS Integrates Naval, Space ABM TADS Integrates PLAAF PLA AD as explained in the figure below. The Automated Air Defense Command and Control System [IBACS] identifies targets, evaluates threats, allocates forces, and guides fighters. It also commands surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and antiaircraft artillery (AAA), and it includes tactical air defense systems (TADS) and fixed radars. A sector operations center is linked with three TADS, various air bases, AAA sites, SAM units, radars, and ground and naval units  [26]  . Eqpt. REGIONAL AD FIELD AD FUTURE DEVP REMARKS HQ 9 (90KM/ 30KM)* TOR M1 ( SA-15) HQ -15 (SUPER S-300 )(200/25) *RANGE/ ALTITUDE SA-10 GRUMBLE (200/ 90) S-300 PMU HQ -7 (FM -80) HQ 16 (SUPER TOR M1 (35/20) HQ-12 KS 1(50/ 25) HQ 64 (LY -60) HQ 17 (30/17) HQ -2 B(90/20) QW-3/ TY-90 HQ 18 (400/35) PL-9/ HQ 61 A ABM SYS MANPADS ( QW  [27]  1,2,3 HN 5) QW [emailprotected] @ 4 TH GENERATION 14.5MM/ 23 MM/ 25MM/ 35 MM/ 57 MM/ 85MM GUNS. TYPE 95 GUN MISSILE SYSTEM GUN SYSTEMS The Chinese AD Doctrine post 2006 follows an Active AD Strategy with offensive and defensive character. Its deployment follows Three Strike or San Da concept which is a three ring layered deployment which is Key Area/ Key Point centric. Overall the countrys AD posture follows a front light and rear heavy pattern with institutionalized Passive Air Defence (PAD) measures. Despite significant improvement in military C4I, Chinese ability to control sophisticated military operations still lags behind current western standards and its varied AD equipment are yet to be battle tested. PAKISTAN Since most of our discussions all these years have been Pak centric, the readers would be familiar with its AD organization and setup. However, I wish to bring out certain salient aspects which are some recent developments:- Pak AD Studies (AADS 2000) and Study by HQ 4 AD Division in Jan 2008 has led to development of CLIAD (Comprehensive Layered Integrated Air Defence) Capability. This has ushered in era of variety of SAMs which are planned to be a mix of Western (30%) and Chinese (70%) equipment to be employed as under :- Combat Zone. It would primarily consist of RBS -70, FIM-90 (Chinese) and a variety of SHORADS (Short Range Air Defence Systems). Communication Zone. Low and Medium Altitude AD Systems (LOMAD) consisting of BAMSE (Sweden) and KS 2/ LY 60 D (China). Rear Areas. HIMADS comprising LD 2000 (China) and Phalanx (US). Both these systems are also capable of tackling all forms of missile threat. It has already authorized integral AD Regiments to its Infantry Artillery Divisions and is reorganizing the existing units to absorb new equipment thereby increasing the density of AD in Combat Zone. Redefining the Mission Of Army AD. Existing Mission. To provide ground based air defence to operationally critical assets/areas in harmony with visualized land air operations, nullifying or reducing the effectiveness of hostile air attacks and surveillance Redefined Mission . Provide AD cover against Low, Med and High alt air threat to national and tri Service VAsIVPs and field formations during defensive and offensive ops In the new mission Pakistan is not only looking to cover its air defence in all the spectrums but is also seeking for a better integration between the air defence forces with the other ground forces. Integrated AD concept implies provision of terminal def to PAF bases, CZ, VAs of national imp and create cone of AD wpns in specific areas of CZ in harmony with own air-land ops in order to cause max attrition on adversarys (Indian) air force.