Zimbabwes economy in the past years and now Essay - 1

Zimbabwes economy in the past years and now - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that during the past few decades Zimbabwe has faced major political and economic problems that have contributed to an almost dual figure negative growth in her economy. These factors have also contributed to an enormous rise in inflation, disregard of the rule of law and market breakdown. The country’s GDP has been a victim of decline since 1990. According to the macro economic figures researched by IMF in 2008, Zimbabwe’s GDP dropped from 7 % in 1990 to negative 6 % in 2007. This negative growth can be attributed to adverse weather conditions which led to the worst decline of negative 10 % GDP growth in 2003 which was a contribution of a major drought that was witnessed in 2003. These figures have however shown an encouraging growth since 2003. Currently, three major problems face Zimbabwe’s economy notably; scarcity of food, less fuel delivery, and power load-shedding as a result investors shy away. It is worth noting that the major cause of these problems dates back to the era where the country’s commercial farms were nationalized. Nationalization of commercial farms has seen its effect on a reduced export earnings and low food production. This means the country has to cater for expenses on an importation of food and consequently reduced earning in foreign currencies. In addition, foreign banks’ and donors’ withdrawal of financial aid, as well as credits, has worsened the state of the economy in Zimbabwe.

Marks And Spencer Strategy Analysis

Marks And Spencer Strategy Analysis Executive summary Marks Spencer is one of the UKs leading retailers with over 21 million people visiting their stores each week. However, in the fiercely competitive market environment, operational management strategies are quite important for retailers to obtain a competitive advantage and access to greater income. This report will introduce the history of MS and different market segment in MS, and analysis how MS can running there business in the competitive environment. Some operation management theories are applied in the process of analysis. Instruction Marks Spencer is one of the UKs leading retailers with over 21 million people visiting their stores each week. Now they sell stylish, high quality; great value clothing and home products and outstanding quality food. However, in the fiercely competitive market environment, operational management strategies are quite important for retailers to obtain a competitive advantage and access to greater income (Chase, 2001). First, it will introduce the history of MS and different market segment in MSà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’and have an overview of Porters models of competition. Second, analyze how MS can running there business in the competitive environment, trying to explain more different market segment in MS and how the different market segment works together, analyzing their competitive advantage in this cloth industry. Finally, it will use Porters global generic strategy to analysis MS, discussing how MS attract different customers by using different strategy in the global environment. Discussion and Analysis Introduction about MS and Overview of Porters Models of Competition Martha is a retail business founded by a Jewish immigrant in United Kingdom 1884. 1884, 21-year-old Michael à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Marcos in Kekegaite open-air market of United Kingdom Leeds City had opened a unique small stalls, which is the embryonic form of Marks and Spencer. Marcos. He displayed goods by category and price tag, getting rid of the bargaining traditional transactions. Most notably one is a billboard in his stall: Do not ask the price, a penny can be. This simple and eye-catching slogan quickly spread among the people in the middle and lower classes. By 1894, the British Spencer Tom with 300 pounds, and Marcos had co-founded Marks Spencer. The company from the early 20th century has become a national chain store. In 1926, MS in all major cities in United Kingdom has established a branch to become the UKs largest retailer. Until today, MS is still one of the worlds most profitable retailers (John Stanley, 1991). Porters competitive strategy theories are mainly five force model, general strategies, value chain, diamond system and industrial clusters. 1) Five Forces model provides a very useful analytical framework to study the competitiveness of industry, competition in the corresponding morphology and how to design a strategy. Porter believes that the intensity of competition in any industry is generally affected by five kinds of factors. The industrys competitive position and comprehensive degree lead to economy structure changes within industry, to determine the intensity of but from industry inner competition and determine the ultimate profitability within the industry. The companys core strategy should be to choose the right industry, as well as the industrys most attractive competitive position. 5 kinds of factors are the threat of potential entrants, threat of substitutes, the bargaining power of buyers, suppliers and the bargaining power of existing competition within industry. 2) The general strategy theory: Porter believes that the struggle with the five forces of competition, each company should only have two basic types of competitive advantage, namely, low-cost and product differentiation, which both with a special scope of business combination can be drawn from three types of successful strategic thinking, these three ideas is the overall cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy and centralized business strategy. 3) Value Chain: Value Chain is an essential tool for analysis of source strengths. It can dissociate a variety of business activities with the value of transmission methods in order to understand the cost features of enterprise, as well as existing and potential differentiation sources. Business activities are independent and dependent. 4) Diamond system: the State plays an important role in the success of enterprise competition. Thus, Porter makes an extension of his research into the national competitiveness. In response to this theme, Porter puts forward the analytical framework of Diamond System (also known as diamond theory). He thinks factors that may strengthen their national enterprises to create competitive advantages include factors of production, demand conditions, business strategy, structure and competitors, related industries and support for industry performance. 5) Industrial clusters: regional competitiveness has a great impact on competitiveness of enterprises. Porter through the study of industrialized countries finds industrial cluster is a common phenomenon in the process of industrialization, in all developed economies, are it is clear that a variety of industrial clusters. Industrial cluster is defined as a specific area, with competitive and cooperative relations, and geographically concentrated, with interactive relevance enterprise, specialized suppliers, service providers, financial institutions, related industries such as manufacturers and other relevant bodies composed of groups. Complex ity and depth of different level of industrial clusters is different (Francisco J, 2009; Mohr, 2002). Analyze market segment and competitive advantage of MS In 1992, the company has 280 chain stores in the United Kingdom with sales of 75 billion dollars. From the view of Sales category, MS accounts for 15% of the UK clothing sales, food sales 4.6%. Guinness World Records reveals that volume of the companys flagship store in London MarbleArch is 3700 dollars per square foot. MS offers clothing having exquisite style, quality and value for money and household items, as well as outstanding quality foods, all products undergo rigorous screening, from more than 2,000 suppliers around the world. M S in the UK and other countries, more than 75,000 employees in the UK, currently has 622 stores in the international context, MS is also actively developing business. In the 07 and 08 fiscal year, sales exceeded 90 billion pounds. From a market positioning perspective, since the 20th century, 30 years, MS makes middle-class as a sale object, and make every effort to provide them with quality-price ratio appropriate goods. For customers to eat well a nd well dressed has always been motto of MS, which is also main historical reason for 100 years of food and clothing at the same time. After the First World War, due to a shortage of materials, a penny sales strategy is difficult to sustain. MS decisively changed its thinking, making sell project focused on clothing and food, and expanding rapidly, with unprecedented turnover. Until 20 the eighties and nineties, MS gained unprecedented praise in terms of quality, service, diversification. However, from 1998 to 2001, MS operating profit had been on the decline. MS decided to change strategy, developed a new program in overseas sourcing and manufacturing goods. This saved a lot of costs, and profits began to improve. With the emergence of electronic commerce, MS also creatively establish a website, combining traditional retailing with e-commerce. This allows people to see a century-old shop in the face of challenges, courage to change themselves and innovative vigor (Jemmeson, 1997). Most traditional retail stores are selling a variety of brands of goods, of course, there are also some traditional retailers also selling a small amount of own-brand goods, such as designers for Target to sell tailored specialty products. MS has sold almost all own-brand goods. And it has also characteristic of its own brand, types of goods is not exhaustive, but rather selective to provide customers with the best-selling inexpensive goods. At present, 80% of MS operating goods have the brand of St. Michael. MS approach is: from store to collect from the customer views and demands for commodities, and then from Marthas technical development department for product innovation and design (or with the manufacturer to design), and then delivered the manufacturer to produce the final re MS Sales through distribution systems. Thus, Martha has become the worlds largest no plant manufacturers. MS persists in shaping its own brand into image of a healthy environment, in its own brands contai ns a fair trade, sustainable, non-genetically modified products, animal welfare and so on. Almost 100% of sales of own-brand are a biggest difference for MS with the general retailers. This unique brand strategy makes its own brand has become endemic in the United Kingdom as part of shopping culture, while Marks Spencer thus have unmatched brand equity. Marks and Spencer is known to the world due to a standardized and information-oriented management style of supply chain management and suppliers to make it a truly meaningful win-win situation. Standardization is Marks and Spencers consistent style, product quality, type and design of store layout, product display, and even the staff of the service program has a meticulous standard. Standardization Management greatest advantage is that we can save a lot of management costs, while consumers can enhance the overall impression of the Marks and Spencer, giving them a home away from home shopping experience. Marks Spencer has achieved a paperless management, which ensures that all over the world Martha chain can continue to run in an orderly manner. Marks Spencer and suppliers have far more than a general partnership, but rather become a complicit relationship to work. Marks and Spencer has nearly a thousand of suppliers, and suppliers Dibos companies having more than 100 years cooperat ion, with more than 60 suppliers with more than 50 years of partnership. On the one hand, Marks Spencer suppliers guarantees strict demands on product quality; the other hand, Marks and Spencer takes it as its responsibility to help suppliers reduce costs, care providers technological transformation and staff welfare (Tony Grundy, 2003). As a result, suppliers are also with the development of the development of Marks Spencer. Close cooperation of both sides ensures Marks and Spencer to achieve its corporate objectives provide its goal customers with high-quality product within the ability to purchase. Customer satisfaction business philosophy: customer satisfaction has always been Marks and Spencers business philosophy. Customer firstly thinks a lot of commodities with high-quality and low price, which is Marks Spencer sought-after standard. Customers are also increasingly focusing on product design and after-sales service, so Marks Spencer has also taken a series of measures accordingly. In recent years, Marks and Spencer pay more attention to understanding customer needs, internal management structure to take the simple and rapid decision-making mechanism, the focus from how to buy to how to sell. Customers buy Martha not satisfied with the goods that can be unconditional refund. Carried out on the part of the membership-based customer and sales records of the Commissioner of the members on a wide range of information, including birthdays, clothing numbers, special preferences, and settlement accounts. Marks and Spencer will be in the form of time by phone to inform new member s of the listing, the monthly will be in the form of a letter seeking the views of members. 1999 opened on-line shopping service, but also a cadre of loyal customers, people satisfaction with Marks and Spencer increasing. Oxford Street is a well-known British commercial street on the number of stores, the London crowd to get on the top spot. MS in such a competitive market environment also pursues their usual high quality of goods and services, and provide an elegant display of the environment. In this area, Marthas main competitors are facing the department store, and Saier Fu Leach youth-oriented casual relaxed style of the shops, in addition to including many other stores. The advantage that MS is different from these competitors is its depth and breadth of product portfolio and a unique marketing strategy (David Campbell, 2009; Lowson, R.H. 2001). Strategy Theory and Practice Analysis about MS M S retail as an industry has its own specific competitive structures, which can be analyzed from the Porter five forces of competition: 1) Entry threat. The low-cost of commercial retail enterprises, lead to lower barriers to entry the retail industry, retail businesses are always faced with the threat of new entrants. 2) Replacement threat. As the retail business operated products, the technical content of most is not high, more likely to imitate, so facing a greater alternative threats. 3) The bargaining power of suppliers. From the most developed countries show that, in the retail business and manufacturing enterprises bargaining in retail enterprises grow in power. 4) The bargaining power of buyers. As the retail business more and more abundant supply of commodities, increasing the power of buyers, which forced more and more retailers adopt the low-cost, low-cost, high-quality service strategy, retailers profiteering opportunities less and less. 5) Existing competitors. At pres ent, the existing competitors in the competitive retail industry has become a variety of forms, a variety of tissue types, regions and business scope of the three-dimensional cross-competition. Facing fierce competition, M S retail businesses have successfully used a variety of competitive strategies to improve their competitiveness. To face the future social development, to further advantage, M S should be good at using the Porters competitive theory, adopting strategy and measures suited to the situation on their own (Dinesh, 2008; S. Ambec, 2002). (A) Differentiation strategy Competitive differentiation is the basic strategy, to pursue I have what people dont have, my superior that what people have customer value that is different from other competitors. Differentiation strategy is that the business through the characteristics production makes their product or service unique, and thus consumers are willing to pay a higher price. Successful examples adopting differentiation strategy are such as the United States Norton department stores, its different, nuanced human service has won praise from consumers, so that no rival can match. Commercial retail enterprises implement differentiation strategy with mainly the work to be undertaken: first, accurate positioning for the enterprise. The main way to differentiate their market position, that is, to determine a companys market position is different from other enterprises or image. Second, establish and run enterprises to brand image. Large-scale commercial retail enterprises shall include at least the brand con notation of the brand of goods, services, brands, and on the basis of the previous two derived from the three-tier corporate brand meaning. Retail business once chooses differentiation strategy, it must be based on its own seeking to establish a brand image to reflect this brand image on the one hand business activities, on the other through the advertising campaign to promote this brand image. Third, long-term to maintain brand image. After companies establishing their own unique brand image, they should make long-term planning to maintain its own brand image (Harry J.P., 2000). (B) Cost leadership strategy Cost leadership strategy is to low operating costs or fees. Retail business goals taking cost-leadership strategy is to become the industrys low-cost firms, which tend to have economies of scale, proprietary technology, preferential supply of commodities prices, lower transaction costs and management fees and other advantages. When enterprises have become a cost leader, they can effectively compete against the other forces of competition, obtaining advantage in competition. The most successful retailer using cost leadership strategy the worlds largest retailer, Wal-Mars. The 20th century, 80s, it began to lease satellite transmission, integrated global marketing data, the commodity management, logistics and distribution, global procurement and data processing of all applications of advanced modern information technology to significantly reduce the cost, annual savings of more than competitors) 750 million of dollars in spending. Commercial retail enterprises can be achieved through t he following areas cost leadership (Voss, 2003). First, they can through cost analysis identify the greatest impact factors on the business cost, controlling systematically cost. Second, it is to establish alliances among commercial enterprises, reducing procurement costs and jointly developing the market. Third is using capital operation, expanding the enterprise scale. Through joint, mergers, acquisitions, joining, enterprise implements chain operations, the rapid expansion of operation scale, to achieve business activities standardization, specialization, centralization. Fourth is scientific management with application of advanced technology. Retail enterprises further reduce business costs through the use of POS (selling real-time systems), MIS (management information systems), EDI (electronic data interchange), EOS (Electronic Ordering System) and other modern management techniques (Shankar, 2004). (C) Objectives accumulation strategy Retail enterprises to implement the strategic objective is to choose one or the accumulation of a group of market segments as part of its services, target markets, strategic optimization, to seek their presence in the target market on the competitive advantage. Because it takes a specific consumer group focused to meet their needs, so companies can be more economical than the other competitors, more thoughtful to meet their needs (Mittal, 2004). In addition, the strategy also adopted by the choice of the target market to find the weakest link in the existing competitors cut into, to avoid a competitor with a strong head-on collision. Select the target build-up strategy, first, to conduct market research and market segmentation. According to differences in consumer demand will be divided into different consumer market segments, so that enterprises can more effectively meet their needs. Second is to determine the target market. Not all segments have value to enterprise. Companies shoul d choose a potential market segment as its target market that will not conflict with a strong competitor. Generally speaking, potential market segments should also have the following three conditions: 1) adequate, the reality of unmet demand or potential demand; 2) Enterprise has ability to provide products or services to meet these needs, and helping the can map; 3) Business in this market segment can achieve certain competitive advantage. Third, accounting for the characteristics of the target market, it is to develop practical sales strategy, including determining the number of sales outlets, choice of a commodity business scope, pricing strategies. In addition, the in the implementation process of objectives accumulation strategic, the cost leadership strategy and differentiation strategy can also be used at the same time. Conclusion MarksSpencers is a leading retailer of clothing, food, home ware and financial services. Marks Spencer is one of the UKs leading retailers with over 21 million people visiting their stores each week. However, in the fiercely competitive market environment, operational management strategies are quite important for retailers to obtain a competitive advantage and access to greater income. It could supply goods whatever customer needs timely whether it is the variety of food products or clothing style. This paper first introduces the history of MS and different market segment in MSà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’and have an overview of Porters models of competition. Second, analyze how MS can running there business in the competitive environment, trying to explain more different market segment in MS and how the different market segment works together, analyzing their competitive advantage in this cloth industry. MS is changing the business strategy timely when market environmental change, while the contin uous improvement on strategy goes along with the change of customer demands. Finally, it uses Porters global generic strategy to analysis MS, to face the future social development, to further advantage, discussing how MS attract different customers by using different strategy in the global environment. The outcomes through analysis and discussion give a useful help to retail industry. The experience of the old brand department store tells the world that they can create their own lands as long as the constant innovation even in a traditional industry. Recommendations Through the above analysis, MS has made a great progress, getting over lots of difficulties. However, in todays fiercely competitive market environment, MS should also adopt optimal strategy to obtain a stronger competitive by reducing human and material costs by exploring overseas cheap labors and improving their quality of service and giving full play to their creativity.

The Last of the Mohicans as a Mixture of Genres Essays -- English Lite

James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans as a Mixture of Genres James Fenimore Cooper's The last of the Mohicans is often seen as a simple adventure story within the historical frame of the French and Indian war. Only if we analyze the novel in a closer way, we will realize that it goes beyond this label and that its sources are many and varied, giving the work the richness of the genres on which Cooper's novel is based. These are romanticism, western, (being its author one of the forerunners of these genres in the U.S.A.), captivity narratives and epic. In works belonging to Romanticism, nature is given a great important role. In fact, the action takes place in the open air, except for the chapters of the siege of Fort William Henry, so it is the setting which predominates along the work. The close connection between the characters of romantic novels and nature is exemplified in the characters of Chingachgook, Uncas and Hawkeye, which apart from knowing the place where they live and being completely adapted to it, they consider nature as a divine entity. In his introduction of this novel in the Oxford Classics edition, John Mcwilliams agrees with this affirmation of the concluding that for Cooper it was more than the place where they move; 'it was the very condition of life, the shaper of moral values and of human behavior, for good and for ill'. In a similar way, the same happens in other important romantic American novels such as Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and Herman Melville's Moby Dick. In the former, Hester and hi s daughter Pearl live in close connection with nature as a source of moral freedom, and in the latter, the Nantucketeers consider themselves as part of the sea. The theme of nationalism, a... ... In conclusion, The Last of the Mohicans does not belong totally to a particular genre since it displays some key aspects of epic, it is one of the most important forerunners of western and inherits some aspects of characters of captivity narratives, facts which help to create an special example of romantic literature close to Herman Melville's Moby Dick, works which seem to be adventure stories but in fact they are richer than that due to both their quality and the variety of their sources. WORKS CITED Cohen, Hennig and Levernier, James eds. and comps. The Indians and their Captives. Wesport, Connetcticut: Greenwood Press Inc, 1977. 299 pp. Cooper, James Fenimore. The last of the Mohicans. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford's World Classics., 1998. 433 pp. LÃ ³pez Estrada, Francisco. Poema del Cid. 12th ed. Fuenlabrada, Madrid: Odres Nuevos, 1986. 164 pp. www.britannica.com

Women Suceptability To Hiv Health And Social Care Essay

Holy Cross Hospital is a 240 bed degree one infirmary located in the rural Pondoland of Eastern Cape in the old Transkei, South Africa. It serves a population of about 50,000 around Flagstaff, Lusikisiki, Mkambathi and Bizana. There are 153 members of the infirmary staffs. The bulk of the rural people are hapless and as such, diseases associated with poorness are prevailing among the people: TB, malnutrition and HIV/AIDS. The infirmary is divided into different units among them is the HIV Clinic where bulk of patient on the life salvaging ART roll up their medicines. Fig 6: Number of employees at Holy Cross Hospital, Eastern Cape. Management 10, Professionals 56, Clerical 22, Unskilled 65 In the rural community where adult females are the objects of societal force like colza, domestic assault and worst affected by poorness, they can merely be subjugated by the harrying effects of HIV. There are other parts that could be attributed to the prevalence of the disease among the adult females rural inhabitants. Female venereal mutilation although non a bulwark in South African societies, this could non be wholly ruled out in the rural communities where a batch of activities on traveling are underreported due to hapless media coverage. In another scenario, the act of masochism is besides a fuelling factor- a male dominant society.LITERATURE REVIEWIn the planetary, national and local reappraisals of HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence, it has ever been that adult females are at higher proportion. Even in the events of related decease, adult females are at the greater loss. There must be factors responsible for such properties. In a related comparing, prenatal attendants in Sout h Africa have greater Numberss of the virus than the mean population. Here, the ground is obvious ; to be pregnant meant unprotected sexual intercourse. Different reappraisals of one-year prenatal studies in South Africa as conducted by UNAIDS, AIDS epidemic update, 2009 ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.unicef.org/factoftheweek/index_53596.html ) the Human Sciences Research Council ( HSCR ) has ever shows a greater per centums than the national HIV/AIDS prevalence. This is besides the same in many other states of the universe. Although, the virus was foremost discovered in 1981 among homosexual work forces in the United States of America, the displacement in the paradigm is a cause for concern. â€Å" This epidemic unluckily remains an epidemic of adult females. † – Michel Sidibe , Executive Director of UNAIDS. â€Å" At the terminal of 2009 it was estimated that out of the 33.3 million grownups world-wide populating with HIV and AIDS, more than half are adult females. It is suggested that 98 per centum of these adult females live in developing states. The AIDS epidemic has had a alone impact on adult females, which has been exacerbated by their function within society and their biological exposure to HIV infection.A Generally adult females are at a greater hazard of heterosexual transmittal of HIV. Biologically adult females are twice more likely to go septic with HIV through unprotected heterosexual intercourse than work forces. In many states adult females are less likely to be able to negociate rubber usage and are more likely to be subjected to non-consensual sex. Additionally, 1000000s of adult females have been indirectly affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Women ‘s childbearing function means that they have to postulate with issues such as mother-to-child transmittal of HIV. The duty of caring for AIDS patients and orphans is besides an issue that has a greater consequence on adult females † ( Avert, 2010 ) 1.State2001 prevalence %2002 prevalence %2003 prevalence %2004 prevalence %2005 prevalence %2006 prevalence %2007 prevalence %KwaZulu-Natal33.536.537.540.739.139.137.4Mpumalanga29.228.632.630.834.832.132.0Free State30.128.830.129.530.331.133.5Gauteng29.831.629.633.132.430.830.3North West25.226.229.926.731.829.029.0Eastern Cape21.723.627.128.029.528.626.0Crocodile river14.515.617.519.321.520.618.5Northern Cape15.915.116.717.618.515.616.1Western Cape8.612.413.115.415.715.112.6National24.826.527.929.530.229.128.0Estimated HIV prevalence among prenatal clinic attendants, by state ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.avert.org/ safricastats.htmAgeMale prevalence %Female prevalence %2-143.02.015-192.56.720-245.121.125-2915.732.730-3425.829.135-3918.524.840-4419.216.345-496.414.150-5410.410.255-596.27.760+3.51.8Entire7.913.6Estimated HIV prevalence among South Africans, by age and sex, 2008 ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.avert.org/safricastats.htm ) There are different distinctive features to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in different societies, but the common features globally are the larger adult females exposure. However in the context of Africa, the prevalent poorness, female gender misdemeanor and the alarming in incidences of colza instances in the rural South Africa, male dominated society, unemployment, and illiteracy are some of the prevailing fortunes increasing the exposure to the virus. In the scientific position, adult females still take greater proportion of PLWHA. The open countries of female venereal piece of land are greater than male and vaginal mucosal are more crumbly which become easy bruised with harsh sex. For every brush of heterosexual intercourse, adult females are at greater hazard of reaching HIV ( WHO, 2010 ) . The same rule besides applies to the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Womans have been known to bear the greater load. Access to information is besides another important factor that is missing among adult females. Many of which are uneducated and as such, the Numberss of adult females in the places of power and authorization are slender. To do informed pick and cognition of bar of HIV/AIDS is rather lacking. â€Å" Lack of instruction and economic security affects 1000000s of adult females and misss, whose literacy degrees are by and large lower than work forces and male childs ‘ . Many adult females, particularly those populating with HIV, lose their places, heritage, ownerships, supports and even their kids when their spouses die. This forces many adult females to follow survival schemes that increase their opportunities of catching and distributing HIV. Educating misss makes them more equipt to do safer sexual determinations † ( WHO, 2010 ) . Crime rate is another spotlight to the spread of HIV/AIDS. This act of force makes adult females to be the objects of onslaughts. In the local communities across South Africa, gender force is prevailing attitude. It was late reported that British twosome tourers were abducted in the rural community of Khayelitstha in Cape Town. The adult female was said to hold been raped and finally killed by the rural goons. The act of this societal force is merely non against the local adult females once more, it has transcended beyond the local communities. The narrative became a planetary sensational narrative. â€Å" A 26-year-old adult male has been charged with commandeering the auto of a British twosome who were honeymooning in Cape Town at the weekend and slaying the bride, constabulary said Wednesday.The adult male from Khayelitsha, the sprawling township on the outskirts of Cape Town where Anni Dewani ‘s organic structure was found, was charged within hours of being taken into cons tabulary detention on Tuesday † ( Afro News 24, 2010 ) . The common local believe in South Africa is that HIV/AIDS is curable by holding sexual intercourse with virgin or person old who has abstain from sex for long clip. This is a remarkable factor announcing the up-surge in the colza instances in the state. Of class the traditional physicians ( Sangoma ) frequently times indoctrinate immature work forces populating with the virus to hold sex with virgin in order to be remedy. Statistically, South Africa has the largest figure of PLWHA worldwide than any other state. And with the local believe, the present state of affairs would hold been expected. Another misnomer is the tradition of adult females submissiveness. A good adult female is rather frequently viewed by the local communities as submissive to her hubby, non oppugning her hubby about his sexual life, ready to give sex anytime without dialogue and must bear many kids. This attitude frequently endangers adult females life and possibly the unborn kids in state of affairs where the adult male of the house engages in coincident multiple sexual partnerships. A recent study in a local community in a South Africa neighboring state, Botswana found that 62 % of work forces have engaged in multiple sexual partnerships in the old three months ( New York State, 2010 ) . This is merely what happens in a state non ill-famed for high incidence of force against adult females. Then, the state of affairs could be far making in the rural South African communities.OPERATIONAL DEFINATIONS AND HYPOTHESISHIV/AIDS prevalence is greater among Womans?HIV as normally known is Human Immunodeficien cy virus while AIDS is the terminal phase of HIV infection. AIDS is Acquired Immune lack Syndrome. In most instances, HIV infection depending on the immune position of the septic persons can quickly come on to AIDS in a year`s clip without medical intercession. However, there were records of people that have lived more than 20 old ages on ART after despite the virus4. The commonest manner of transmittal of the virus in sub-Sahara Africa is through heterosexual intercourse. Prevalence is an epidemiological parametric quantity evaluation the distribution of disease status in a population at a peculiar clip. While incidence focal points on the happening of new form of a disease status. Prevalence encompasses both the new and the bing diseased in a population. In the events of HIV/AIDS, new instances of HIV will be considered as incidence and both the new instances and those that have AIDS are expressed as the prevalence of the disease.Prevalence = entire Numberss of people with disease status A- 100entire figure of the populationThe age of consent for expiration of gestation ( TOP ) in South Africa was one time said to be 12 old ages. However, this has late been reviewed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa ( HPCSA ) ( HPCSA, 2010 ) . Presently, there is no age limitation for TOP. Amongst many other things brewing the ceaseless addition in the figure of adolescent gestation and childhood HIV/AIDS is this reviewed ethical consideration of age of consent for TOP. Therefore, anybody that is 12 old ages old or more and pregnant are considered as female parent and the fable of muliebrity applies. In contrast, the same definition of been a adult female is considered after the age of adolescence ( after 18 old ages ) for non pregnant females. This regulation besides applies for work forces after adolescence. Testing the hypothesis, it a widely believed that HIV/AIDS is a gender related disease status and that the status is at higher prevalence among adult females. There are different statements that could be put frontward to back up this misnomer in the society. For case, HIV/AIDS and STI prevalence is higher among female commercial sex workers. They serve as reservoir of infection in the community. This form could be acceptable as different people sleep with workers whose HIV and STI position are non verified. This may account for a greater incidence among adult females. However, it is merely a handful Numberss of adult females that engages in commercial sexual activities and this can non be generalised for all. Cultural patterns are the ways of people which has been over clip been accepted as norm in the society. Africans have several norms and patterns that are assisting to fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS. But are at that place any cultural believe that make HIV/AIDS adult females heritage? Polygamy and multiple sexual partnerships are accepted among many African civilizations. Work force are frequently seen as the dominant factors in most African societies and the strength of his domination is frequently designated by how many adult females he could hold sex with. The work forces are even sometimes adored with particular fears: holding multiple sexual spouses as the nature of work forces, they need to hold frequent sex as to maintain tantrum and healthy and multiple sexual partnerships denote suppressing adult females. Are these defects in our modern society? Another ground ascribed to adult females higher HIV/AIDS prevalence? In the aftermath of HIV/AIDS pandemic, the usage of barrier method of HIV bar was among the initial intercessions to control the spread of HIV. Male rubbers were so introduced and later the female rubbers. It is known facts that have been proved over times that condoms prevent HIV spread efficaciously. However, to utilize rubber in each sexual brush is non a exclusive duty, collaborative attempts is needed. In the society where adult females are already subdued by the social norms, regulations and ordinances, negociating sex with rubber is regarded as act of insubordination. Consistent and right usage of rubbers for adult females in heterosexual relationships is frequently compromised. Dry sex is another common demand of local African work forces from adult females. They claim that it gives work forces intense sexual satisfactions. Womans whose venereal mucosal are easy bruised are the object of mark for HIV and STI. In the most of these concerns laid above, adult females are at the disadvantage. The survey below looks at the epidemic among adult females, prenatal attendants and work forces in the rural Pondoland.RESEARCH QUESTIONSaˆ? What is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adult females and work forces measuring Holy Cross Hospital, Eastern Cape for medical intervention? aˆ? HIV/AIDS is more prevailing among adult females than work forces? aˆ? For the Antenatal attendants, do they hold higher HIV prevalence than other two groups as depicted in the South African prenatal HIV prevalence? aˆ? What are the cause ( s ) of higher HIV/AIDS among adult females in the rural Pondoland?Analysis OF HIV/AIDSWomans are the critical nutriment of our communities, yet most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This needs an pressing intercession. The disease status has all its tentacles in all facet of life of both rural and urban South African inhabitants. It has crippled many family of beginning of support and as such many rural fatherlands are being headed by kids. This is the coupled factor to increased Numberss of orphan kids in Pondoland.Purpose OF THE STUDYThe causal relationships of the virus and higher prevalence among adult females are critically reviewed with the purpose of find precise and curious intercession schemes in the rural Pondoland. Although most rural African communities do hold common antiquity, the schemes conveying relieve from HIV/AIDS epidemic may be expressed to each community. This is an effort to concentrate on such schemes.Importance OF THE RESEARCH STUDYIn the world, we do non cognize precisely how many people that are populating with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The national and prenatal prevalence are extrapolations and tax write-offs. This study will be a study to cognize how many of Holy Cross Hospital grownup patients live with virus. The causes of such septic grownups and the necessary intercession to control the spread of the virus.THE RESEACH METHODOLOGY ( HIV/AIDS prevalence is greater among adult females? A infirmary based survey )The design of the survey will be randomised prospective survey of adult females, Antenatal attendants and work forces measuring Holy Cross Hospital, Eastern Cape, South Africa for medical interventions. The research is traveling to be questionnaires based with translator available to interpret and explicate inquiries to the participants in the survey. The translator will be chosen among the infirmary volunteered nurse for the interest of uniformity of linguistic communication interlingual rendition and c onsequence result. It is known fact that many of the grownup members of Pondoland rural community are non huge with usage of English linguistic communication. The point distribution of the questionnaires will be at the outpatient section, exigency unit and at the antenatal clinic which takes topographic point every Thursdays. These are the first points of contact for any patient measuring the infirmary for the first clip. The survey will be conducted over the initial period of 1 ( one ) twelvemonth from January boulder clay December 2011. The mark figure of the participants will be capped as 500. There will be three groups of the participants: ( 1 ) adult females go toing outpatient and exigency sections for medical intervention, ( 2 ) work forces go toing outpatient and exigency sections for medical intervention and ( 3 ) adult females go toing prenatal clinic. The age group that will be included are adult females and work forces between 18-65 old ages old and pregnant adult females more age 12. As the survey is divided into three groups and to be conducted in three infirmary section, the form of questionnaires distribution will be stratified. The first four months of 2011 ( January till April ) , both the principal research worker ( for my portion ) and the helper, we will merely concentrate on patient go toing exigency unit, May till August 2011 in the outpatient section and September through December in the prenatal unit. The method of everyday attack will be that at every contact with the participants, the research aims and concentrate will be explained and the voluntaries are selected based on age standards will be tested for HIV. For every participant, voluntary guidance and proving for HIV will be conducted by the principal research worker and written consent will be documented for every participant. Note, all information will be treated with confidential and consequence of the research will non be linked to the participants. A rapid showing HIV proving kit for HIV 1 and 2 ( ELISA 1 and 2 ) will be used throughout the survey. Every consequence will be read after 30 proceedingss. For those proving positive for HIV, they will be offered medical aid for farther research lab trials ( CD4 counts, viral tonss, full blood counts and liver map trial ) and necessary medical intervention. Each participant will be allowed sufficient clip to make full in the questionnaires but should be return before go forth ing the infirmary premises. The construction of the inquiries will be in different subdivisions with the initial portion turn toing the demographic informations, cognition about HIV/AIDS, behavioral hazard factors for HIV/AIDS, measuring hazard of societal force and preventative scheme for HIV/AIDS. The inside informations of the questionnaire are as follows:Demographic DataAge: ( a ) 12 – 25 old ages ( B ) 26 – 35 old ages ( degree Celsius ) 36 – 45 old ages ( vitamin D ) 46 – 55 old ages ( vitamin E ) 56 – 65years ( degree Fahrenheit ) more than 65 old ages Gender: ( a ) Male ( B ) Female Occupation: ( a ) non-skilled worker ( B ) semi-skilled worker ( degree Celsius ) skilled worker ( vitamin D ) immigrant worker Marital Status: ( a ) Single ( B ) life partnership ( degree Celsius ) Married ( vitamin D ) Divorced Religion: ( a ) Christian ( B ) Muslim ( degree Celsius ) Traditional Race: ( a ) Black ( B ) White ( degree Celsius ) Coloured ( vitamin D ) Indian Monthly Income: ( a ) Roentgen 500.00 – Roentgen 3000.00 ( B ) Roentgen 3001.00 – Roentgen 10, 000.00 ( degree Celsius ) R 10,001.00 – Roentgen 20, 000.00 ( vitamin D ) greater than R 20, 000. 00 ( vitamin E ) unemployedKnowledge about HIV/AIDS1. HIV is the abbreviation of Human Immunodeficiecy Virus Y N D2. Sexual activity intercourse with multiple sexual spouses increases the hazard of geting HIVY N D3. Transfusion of unscreened HIV infected blood can take to HIV infection Y N D4. sharing nutrient with AIDS patient can take to HIV infection Y N D5. venereal diseases are risk factors for HIV infection Y N D6. Terbium is an illustration of timeserving infection Y N D7. HIV infected individual should non unwrap his/her position because of stigma Y N D8. HIV/AIDS is a godly penalty for unfaithfulness Y N D9. PLWHA should non be employed because they are underproductive and weakY N D10. HIV is passed on by sneezing, manus shingle, caressing, and kiping togetherY N D 11. HIV/AIDS is entirely big disease and the young person should non be concerned.Y N D12. HIV bar instruction should merely be a precedence in schools and collegesY N DAdapted from: ( hypertext transfer protocol: //unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001270/127076eo.pdf ) Y = Yes, N = No, D = Do n't cognize, FBO = Faith Based Organisations, PLWHA = People Living with HIV/AIDSBehavioural Risk Factors for HIV/AIDSMake you smoke coffin nail, if yes, how many per twenty-four hours? Make you imbibe alcohol? If yes, how many bottles per twenty-four hours? Do you hold more than one sexual spouse? If yes how many? Has any of your sexual spouse ( s ) been treated for STI in the past three months? Make you cognize sexual spouse ( s ) HIV position? If yes, what is it? Are you in polygamous relationship? Have you been sexually been abused by your spouse or mistreat your sexual spouse in the past three months? What is your sentiment about dry sex? Have you portion needle and endovenous drug with your friend before? If yes when was it? Make you prosecute or patronize commercial sex workers? If employed, does your occupation maintain you off from your place more than two hebdomads or more? Are you or your male spouse circumcised?Measuring hazard of societal forceHave you of all time been sexually abused by opposite gender? Have you been sexually abused by your spouse ( s ) or abused your sexual spouse in the past three months? If yes, when was the first maltreatment? And how terrible was it? Does your spouse have fire arm? And if yes, does he/she endanger to kill you before? Have you of all time sustain any signifier of physical or emotional harm from spouse force? Does your spouse respects your sentiment if you are non in the temper of holding sex? How can you depict the last three sexual brushs with your spouse ( s ) ? Make you cognize if your spouse has been reported as violent to any other individual? Is your spouse of all time been arrested by constabulary for societal force or drink-driving? Does your spouse have job with choler direction?Measuring Preventive Strategies of HIV/AIDSWhich HIV/AIDS bar schemes do you cognize? Make you see utilizing HIV bar if you are non certain of the HIV position of your spouse? If your spouse is HIV positive, will you see utilizing rubber during intercourse? If yes, why? Make you utilize any signifier of HIV preventative step during your last three sexual intercourse? If yes, which one or province them. If condom explosion during sex, what is the immediate measure you should take? If employed, what are the schemes in topographic point of your work guaranting bar of HIV? What is your sentiment about male Circumcision and HIV bar? If HIV and pregnant, will you take ART to forestall HIV transmittal to the unborn babe? What option ( s ) are available for HIV positive spouses to forestall transmittal of HIV to unborn babe? Have you been treated for genital disease in the past three months? What is the nexus between genital disease and HIV?POPULATION SAMPLING AND RESULT ANALYSESWhat inform the entire sampling population is the immense figure the infirmary serves, 50,000. 1 % of that is tantamount of 500. Although this is a little figure in associating to the entire population measuring the infirmary, but associating to the chief research worker and the helper, it is tremendous. That is why the survey would hold been conducted throughout a twelvemonth period. The purpose of the age distribution chosen was to affect grownups entirely in the survey ; nevertheless, adolescent gestation is a rampart happening in South African communities. That is why pregnant adult females from age 12 are portion of the proposed survey. There are five constituents of the questionnaire and three groups of participants involved in the survey, the consequences will obtained individually for each group and interpreted utilizing Microsoft excel. The usage of Chi square trial will be employed the hypothesis – Hiv is higher among adult females than work forces.Expected RESULTS FROM THE STUDYThe survey is expected to conform to the present form of the virus epidemic in South Africa. â€Å" HIV/AIDS is more prevailing among female grownups under the age of 40 in about all age groups. Approximately 4 in every 5 people with HIV/AIDS aged 20-24 are adult females, and merely one tierce of people with HIV/AIDS aged 25-29 are work forces. Although prevalence is higher among adult females in general, merely 1 in every 6 HIV/AIDS infected people with multiple sex spouses are adult females † ( Wikipedia, 2010 ) . Although some divergences are expected, could these be peculiar to the rural Pondoland community? South Afri ca adult females who have been disempowered revealed the high degree of colza and domestic maltreatment, a societal misnomer brewing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state ( Avert, 2010 ) . The National HIV and Syphilis Antenatal Sero-prevalence Survey, 2005 and 2007, the per centum of pregnant adult females with HIV per twelvemonth was as follows ( Wikipedia, 2010 ) :Year:1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Percentage:0.7 1.7 2.2 4.0 7.6 10.4 14.2 17.0 22.8 22.4 24.5 24.8 26.5 27.9 29.5 30.2 29.1 28.0 These one-year studies of HIV among the pregnant adult females are higher than the national prevalence of 10.8 % , though the incidence is higher among adult females 13.3 % than in work forces 8.2 % ( HSCR, 2005 ) . The same result is besides envisaged as above. Possibly there are disparities, they will be noted and a farther study may be needed.EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY TO THE HOSPITALSouth Africa higher HIV/AIDS national statistic is higher than any other state, that is what has geared the exceeding authorities attempts in other to undertake the disease tendency. The robust attempts of the authorities are the largest HIV/AIDS strategy in the universe ( All Africa.com, 2010 ) . The tendency of the disease needed to be known exactly in Pondoland. The result of the survey could be presented to the regional wellness authorization for amendment of HIV/AIDS authorities intercession at the infirmary. Critical reappraisals of different diaries have shown that HIV/AIDS has unprecedented rise among adult females ( UNICEF, 2009 ) , the result of the survey is expected to be in conformance. However, if the consequences show greater proportions of adult females than expected, it could spell a readjustment in the infirmary planning scheme to turn to direction of HIV/AIDS among adult females. The local untypical causes of rise in HIV/AIDS will be known if there is any. The illation will be surmised from the response of adult females proving positive for HIV in the survey. Therefore local epidemiological form of HIV in Pondoland will be verified. The result of this survey could name for more survey in HIV/AIDS and other local endemic disease in the infirmary. A rural infirmary where academic research is seldom conducted, this will be an oculus opener. It will be a beginning of inspiration particularly for the freshly graduated medical physicians and druggists in the infirmary set abouting their rural community service.DecisionFor effectual intercession to come into drama in the direction of the increased HIV/AIDS disparities among adult females and work forces, the specific factors responsible have to be outlined and schemes to battle these could be sourced. In the aftermath of HIV/AIDS in the 80s, the epidemic was rather rampart among homosexual in the USA and equal intercessions were ensued as reflected in the state HIV/AIDS statistics. Africa needed to larn from this. The basic nutriment of any community is the valued lives of the household members. Womans who are the beginning of generational continuity are in hazard in our society. Didactic and pressing attack should be instituted in the rural and all African communities to halt the harness effects of HIV/AIDS. Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV transmittal, handiness of free rubbers in public establishments, adult females empowerment and wellness instruction should parts of focus authorities and NGO agendas to readdress HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.

Exercise 29 Statistices

Exercise 29 – Statistics work book SUMITHA THOMAS GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY Exercise 29 – Statistics work book Name:____Sumitha K Thomas________________________________________ Class: ____________________ Date: ___3/10/2013______________________________________________________________________________ ? EXERCISE 29 Questions to be Graded 1. Were the groups in this study independent or dependent? Provide a rationale for your answer. Groups are independent in this study.According to the above data independent groups define as if the two sets of data were not taken from the same subjects and if the scores are not related. In this study subjects are two different genders which is men and women and scores are not even related each other. Therefore this is an independent study. 2. t = ? 3. 15 describes the difference between women and men for what variable in this study? Is this value significant? Provide a rationale for your answer. T = -3. 15 describes the mental health variab ility. This is a significant value because it’s provides the degree of freedom.According to the data above the significance of a t ratio can be determined by comparison with the critical values in a statistical table for the t distribution using the degree of freedom for the study. The value is significant because p value of it is 0. 002 which is smaller than alpha value set for this test that is 0. 05 3. Is t = ? 1. 99 significant? Provide a rationale for your answer. Discuss the meaning of this result in this study. t = -1. 99 is significant because it represent health functioning variables between men and women which compares men and women for perceived coping, quality of life and social support.Smaller P value indicates more significant findings. The P value for health functioning is 0. 049 which is smaller than the alpha level 0. 05 in this study. 4. Examine the t ratios in Table VI. Which t ratio indicates the largest difference between the males and females post MI in this study? Is this t ratio significant? Provide a rationale for your answer. The largest difference between the males and females post MI indicates the mental health. It has t ratio of -3. 15. This is a significant ratio because it has a p value of 0. 02 which is smaller than alpha value that being sent for 0. 05 5. Consider t = ? 2. 50 and t = ? 2. 54. Which t ratio has the smaller p value? Provide a rationale for your answer. What does this result mean? t = -2. 50 has a p value of 0. 01 whereas t = -2. 54 has the p value of 0. 007 which is smaller than p value of 0. 01. This result means that t = -2. 54 has more significant findings, which indicate that better role- physical after post MI between men and women than the physical component score. 6. What is a Type I error?Is there a risk of a Type I error in this study? Provide a rationale for your answer. According to the data above, a type 1 error occurs when the researcher rejects the null hypothesis when it is in actuality true . The type 1 error is often represented by the Greek letter alpha (a). In this study the level of significance or alpha was set at 0. 05 and multiple p value has gone above 0. 05 such as socioeconomic p value0. 58, family p value 0. 51. Therefore, there is type 1 error in this study. 7. Should a Bonferroni procedure be conducted in this study?Provide a rationale for your answer. Because this study has a risk of a type 1 error, a boneferroni procedure should be conducted. This procedure is used to correct the risk of a type 1 error. The boneferroni procedure is a simple calculation in which the alpha is divided by the number of t-tests run on different aspect of the study data. 8. If researchers conducted 9 t-tests on their study data. What alpha level should be used to determine significant differences between the two groups in the study? Provide your calculations.Alpha/ number of t tests performed on study data = more stringent study to determine the significance of study results 0 . 05/9 = 0. 0055. 0. 005 is the alpha level should be used to determine significant differences between the two groups in the study. 9. The authors reported multiple df values in Table VI. Why were different df values reported for this study? The author used multiple df values in table VI because according to the data above, significance of a t ratio can be determined by comparison with the critical values in a statistical table for the t distribution using the degrees of freedom for the study.DF is a mathematical equation that describes the freedom of a particular scores’ value to vary based on the other existing scores values and the sum of the score. The formula for the df = number in group 1+ number in group 2-2. This way author is becoming more specific by providing different df values which shows the comparison and differences between 2 independent groups. 10. What does the t value for the Physical Component Score tell you about men and women post MI? If this result was consistent with previous research, how might you use this knowledge in your practice?The t value tells us about the differences between men and women post MI physical component score. In my practice using this t value, I would be able to work differently between men and women after post MI. Teaching might provide to women more about physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain and general health since these are all included in physical component score. The physical component score for women is 48. 5 compared to men 51. 1 (standard deviation). Therefore, women might need to educate more about the physical components than men.

Definition and Examples of Universal Grammar

Definition and Examples of Universal Grammar Universal grammar is the theoretical or hypothetical system of categories, operations, and principles shared by all human languages and considered to be innate. Since the 1980s, the term has often been capitalized.  The term is also known as  Universal Grammar Theory. Linguist  Noam Chomsky  explained,  [U]niversal grammar is taken to be the set of properties, conditions, or whatever that constitute the initial state of the language learner, hence the basis on which knowledge of a language develops. (Rules and Representations. Columbia University Press, 1980) The concept is connected to the ability  of  children to be able to learn their native language. Generative grammarians  believe that the human species evolved a genetically  universal grammar  common to all peoples and that the variability in modern languages is basically on the surface only, wrote  Michael Tomasello. (Constructing a Language: A Usage-Based Theory of Language Acquisition. Harvard University Press, 2003) And Stephen Pinker elaborates thusly: In cracking the code of language...childrens minds must be constrained to pick out just the right kinds of generalizations from the  speech  around them....It is this line of reasoning that led Noam Chomsky to propose that  language acquisition  in children is the key to understanding the nature of  language,  and that children must be equipped with an innate  Universal Grammar: a set of plans for the grammatical machinery that powers all human languages. This idea sounds more controversial than it is (or at least more controversial than it should be) because the logic of  induction  mandates that children make  some  assumptions about how language works in order for them to succeed at learning a language at all. The only real controversy is what these assumptions consist of: a blueprint for a specific kind of rule system, a set of abstract principles, or a mechanism for finding simple patterns (which might also be used in learning things other than language). ( The Stuff of Thought. Viking, 2007) Universal grammar is not  to be confused with universal language, noted Elena Lombardi, or with the  deep structure of language, or even with grammar itself (The Syntax of Desire, 2007).  As Chomsky has observed, [U]niversal grammar is not  a grammar, but rather a theory of grammars, a kind of metatheory or schematism for grammar (Language and Responsibility, 1979). History and Background The concept of a  universal grammar  (UG) has been traced to the observation of Roger Bacon, a 13th-century Franciscan friar, and philosopher, that all languages are built upon a common grammar. The expression was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s by Chomsky and other linguists. Components that are considered to be universal include the notion that words can be classified into different groups, such as being nouns or verbs and that sentences follow a particular structure. Sentence structures may be different between languages, but each language has some kind of framework so that speakers can understand each other vs. speaking gibberish. Grammar rules, borrowed words, or idioms of a particular language by definition are not universal grammar. Challenges and Criticisms Of course, any theory in an academic setting will have challenges, comments, and criticisms by others in the field; such as it is with peer review and the academic world, where people build on the body of knowledge through writing academic papers and publishing their opinions. Swarthmore College linguist K. David Harrison noted in The Economist,  I and many fellow linguists would estimate that we only have a detailed scientific description of something like 10% to 15% of the worlds languages, and for 85% we have no real documentation at all. Thus it seems premature to begin constructing grand theories of universal grammar. If we want to understand universals, we must first know the particulars. (Seven Questions for K. David Harrison. Nov. 23, 2010) And Jeff Mielke finds some aspects of  universal  grammar theory to be illogical: [T]he  phonetic  motivation for  Universal Grammar is extremely  weak. Perhaps the most compelling case that can be made is that phonetics, like  semantics, is part of the grammar and that there is an implicit assumption that if  the syntax  is rooted in Universal Grammar, the rest should be too. Most of the evidence for UG is not related to  phonology, and phonology has more of a guilt-by-association status with respect to innateness. (The Emergence of Distinctive Features. Oxford University Press, 2008) Iain McGilchrist disagrees with Pinkner and took the side of children learning a language just through imitation, which is a behaviorist approach, as opposed to the Chomsky theory of the poverty of the stimulus:   [I]t is uncontroversial that the existence of a universal grammar such as Chomsky conceived it is highly debatable. It remains remarkably speculative 50 years after he posited it, and is disputed by many important names in the field of linguistics. And some of the facts are hard to square with it. Languages across the world, it turns out, use a very wide variety of syntax to structure sentences. But more importantly, the theory of universal grammar is not convincingly compatible with the process revealed by developmental psychology, whereby children actually acquire language in the real world. Children certainly evince a remarkable ability to grasp spontaneously the conceptual and psycholinguistic shapes of speech, but they do so in a far more holistic, than analytic, way. They are astonishingly good imitators- note, not copying machines, but imitators. (The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World. Yale University Press, 2009)

Massospondylus - Facts and Figures

Massospondylus - Facts and Figures Name: Massospondylus (Greek for large vertebrae); pronounced MASS-oh-SPON-dill-us Habitat: Woodlands of South Africa Historical Period: Early Jurassic (208-190 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 13 feet long and 300 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large, five-fingered hands; long neck and tail About Massospondylus Massospondylus is a good example of the class of dinosaurs known as prosauropodssmall-to-medium sized, small-brained herbivores of the early Jurassic period whose relatives later evolved into towering sauropods like Barosaurus and Brachiosaurus. In early 2012, Massospondylus made headlines thanks to the discovery in South Africa of preserved nesting grounds, containing fossilized eggs and embryos, dating to the early Jurassic period (about 190 million years ago) This plant-eaterwhich paleontologists believe stomped in stampede-sized numbers across the plains of early Jurassic South Africais also a case study in changing views of dinosaur behavior. For decades, it was widely believed that Massospondylus walked on all fours, only occasionally rearing up on its hind legs to reach vegetation. In the last few years, though, convincing evidence has come to light that Massospondylus was primarily bipedal, and faster (and more agile) than was previously believed. Because it was discovered so early in paleontological historyin 1854, by the famous naturalist Sir Richard OwenMassospondylus has generated its share of confusion, as various fossil remains have been incorrectly assigned to this genus. For instance, this dinosaur has been identified (at one time or another) with such dubious and now-discarded names as Aristosaurus, Dromicosaurus, Gryponyx, Hortalotarsus, Leptospondylus, and Pachyspondylus.

15 Purposes for Parentheses

15 Purposes for Parentheses 15 Purposes for Parentheses 15 Purposes for Parentheses By Mark Nichol Parentheses are versatile tools for writers. These examples illustrate their uses; use them to enclose the following: Examples, directions, explanations, and clarifications: 1. â€Å"Retain ampersands when they appear as part of an official name (Barnes Noble, Ben Jerry’s).† 2. â€Å"At that point, you may want to consult with a professional. (Refer to the Resources chapter for a list of tax advisers.)† 3. â€Å"Here is a selective glossary of editing and production terms. (Synonyms are in italics; cross-referenced terms are in bold italics.)† 4. â€Å"Precede the dollar amount with the initials US only to avoid confusion (in, say, an article about Australia, where the basic unit of currency is also called the dollar).† Numerals that confirm a spelled-out number in a contract: 5. â€Å"The confirmation letter is due within thirty (30) days.† Abbreviations (usually) after the first reference to the full version of the term: 6. â€Å"The country’s import and export levels are regulated by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).† Note: If the abbreviation is well known or is used again within the next sentence or two after the full name, omit the parenthesized abbreviation immediately after it. Numbers or letters that distinguish items in a run-in list: 7. â€Å"The constituent parts are (1) the thingamajig, (2) the whatchamacallit, and (3) the whatsit.† Note: Sometimes, only the close parenthesis is used in this format. However, usually, neither numbers nor parentheses are necessary in such cases. Modifying words or phrases, or interjections: 8. â€Å"The writer will (one hopes) produce well-crafted prose.† 9. â€Å"It turns out that he had (gasp!) told the truth.† Translations, pronunciations, or equivalents: 10. â€Å"She ran from the kuma (bear).† 11. â€Å"Stay at the warung (wah-ROONG) near the mosque.† 12. â€Å"The distance from Marseille to Paris is 771 kilometers (479 miles).† The area code in a phone number or a unit in a mathematical or logical expression: 13. â€Å"(213) 867-5309† 14. â€Å"a(b) = c† In-text citations: 15. â€Å"However, the literature is ambivalent on this issue (Howard, Fine, and Howard 1925; Marx et al. 1912).† Punctuation in Parentheses A full sentence in parentheses is capitalized and is followed by a period preceding the closing parenthesis: â€Å"Have these resources on hand before you begin. (Items listed in parentheses are desirable but not essential.)† A partial sentence in parentheses is not capitalized and is not followed by a period but may precede a question mark or exclamation point: â€Å"Use a dark, fine-pointed pen (erasable pens allow for neat alteration) or pencil.† â€Å"Now that you’re finished (you are finished, aren’t you?), we will proceed.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Regarding Re:The Letter "Z" Will Be Removed from the English AlphabetWoof or Weft?

Phase 2 Individual Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Phase 2 Individual Project - Essay Example ect team in line with their involvement in the different phases of the project management life cycle, as well as with their contributions to the different knowledge management areas of project management. With available staff, personnel are chosen to perform key roles in the project as end-user, business analyst and team leader. The paper concludes with emphasis on resource allocation for the different project phases. Rick Auto Enterprises (RAE), has a legacy billing system in place, which was installed over ten years ago, with upgrades according to the vendors schedule. Today, RAE is embarking on a major upgrade for the new web-based version of the system, which will function in addition to the mainframe legacy system update. The project will involve significant changes to current business processes and jobs. The web-version will allow customers as well as auto brokers to view and pay their bills on-line, and access a billing customer service agent when needed. It is expected that the implementation of the web version will reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction and reduce the number of days of accounts receivable. However, the changes will affect the billing, sales, and customer service departments. The requirement for the Project Manager is to determine the project sponsor, the steering committee structure and the participants for this project, which should be done during the initiation ph ase (Case Resource). Project management is a carefully planned and organized effort to accomplish a specific goals or objectives. It involves developing a project plan with goals and objectives defined, how these will be achieved, resources needed and timetables for completion. Project management also includes implementing the plan with controls to ensure that project goals are achieved (FML, 2008). Project management usually has major phases such as initiation, planning, execution, control, and closing. The requirement for the Project Manager for RAE’s major upgrade

No selected topic yet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

No selected topic yet - Essay Example Extreme heat waves is one of the many health effects of global warming. For instance in 2003, it claimed 70,000 lives in Europe alone. Bad air, allergy and asthma are part of the health issues. Global warming increases smog pollution some areas and intensify pollen allergies and asthma. Other issue associated with global warming are infectious diseases, food and waterborne infection outbreaks. Warming temperatures, irregular periods of deluges and droughts, as well as ecosystem disruptions have contributed to more extensive outbreaks of contagious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, which at any point affects the economy of the country in one way or the other. Rising global temperatures speed up the melting of ice caps and glaciers and cause premature ice thaw on rivers and seas. This causes a rise in sea level, hence flooding is increased, which, affects living organisms dearly (Archer, 10). Global warming is a problem to be addressed seriously by all countries and governments in the world. Failure to put serious, practical measures to end the situation may result into long-term effects to both human beings, wildlife, and the environment at

Research Process and Terminology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research Process and Terminology - Essay Example There are many research methods that once can choose in the field of criminal justice research. Most of them include the perceiving, gathering, analyzing and then carefully researching by bringing into use the scientific method, and in all these steps, the knowledge of terminology regarding the field plays an important role in fulfilling the requirements of all these steps (Hagan, 2010). Many experts argue that many of the terms which are used in the everyday life have been originated from social sciences research; and little credit has been given to the undertakings that have been achieved through theoretical knowledge because quickly after the discoveries, they were dissolved into the conventional astuteness (Brennett, Briggs &Triola, 2003). The experts seem to support their assertions by stating the fact that various numbers of practitioners from the field of criminal justice had to face failure every time because they relied more upon their common sense rather than concentrating upon the terminology that has been specially specified for this field (Ellis, Hartley &Walsh, 2010). Over the years, the criminal justice professionals have been facing a lot of challenges in their efforts to restore the tear created in the social fabric. It is a well known fact that one can’t even begin to flourish in any field in this world without a foundation from which to build, and knowledge if terminology is the foundation of criminal justice research (Ellis, Hartley &Walsh, 2010). Having to go forward in a field without building a solid foundation increases the problems and would continuously perplex the situation further. Having the sound knowledge of the proper terminology and knowledge to the professionals of the field can prove to be very beneficial in incorporation of scientific knowledge and research methods in collecting and analyzing the data and ultimately the results that are extracted from these researches can greatly influence the professionalism and caree r building ethics (Hagan, 2010). It is a well known fact that research is the fundamental part of any field of science such as biology, physics and chemistry. Moreover, the same research analysis is also needed in the fields of social sciences, criminal management research and education as well. Experiments are conducted for every research, and in every experiment two types of variables are there, namely; independent variables and independent variables (Brennett, Briggs &Triola, 2003). An independent variable is the variable that the person who is conducting the research directly and systematically manipulates, or is that variable that is selected by the researcher to determine the relation of any type of observation. In other words, this is a variable that can be under the control of the researcher, like a treatment, or may be not in control such as an exposure. On the other hand, the dependent variables in an experiment are factors which are observed and measured and determined as a result of manipulation that has been done in the independent variables. In short, the dependent variable is the outcome of the experiment that has been obtained by causing a change in the independent variables (Ellis, Hartley &Walsh, 2010). An important point worth mentioning here is that instead of studying specific elementary concepts such as studying the terminology of the field

Power Struggle in the Victorian Era as Reflected in My Last Duchess Essay

Power Struggle in the Victorian Era as Reflected in My Last Duchess - Essay Example Browning was born in England in 1812, to an average Christian family. His father owned a rare book collection from which Robert acquired the love of books and inspiration to write. As a little boy, he was said to have learned to read at the age of five. He received education in the arts mainly at home and learned greatly from his father. His mother endowed him with belief in God which he carried on for life. Moreover, Browning is known to be the loving husband of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who is also a well-known poet. These considerations guide readers to the thought that Browning’s theme in My Last Duchess is mainly inspired by the poet’s observation of his society. My Last Duchess illustrates the battle of the sexes in the Victorian Period. It presents the monologue of a duke who can be considered psychologically ill as he recalls the memory of his dead wife, who he kills himself. As Friedrich (656) claims, the duke in the poem is the Duke of Ferrara of Italy whose wife was rumored to be poisoned. In the poem, although the death itself of the duchess draws much interest from the audience, the seeming calmness of the Duke presents a deeper controversy. The speaker discusses his wife’s qualities as he shows his visitors a painting of the Duchess. Although he speaks calmly, his speech is marked with hesitations and contradictions (Mannle (3). He asks his guests to sit down yet seems to be ordering them, saying, â€Å"Will 't please you sit and look at her?† He asks the guests to sit down not to relax while looking at the portrait of the Duchess but instead to allow him to justify his thoughts and actions, to convince his guests to affirm him of his decision to kill his wife. The Duke attempts to convince his audience by telling them the negative qualities of his wife. He claims, †¦She had A heart . . . how shall I say?.. too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whatever She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. (21-24) The duke claims that his wife was too friendly and easily impressed, â€Å"too soon made glad, too easily impressed†(22-23). From these lines, readers can sense the jealousy of the duke. He implies that his wife was never satisfied with him, with the things he gave, and still looked at other men. Thus, he says, â€Å"Sir, 'was not/Her husband's presence only, called that spot/Of joy into the Duchess' cheek†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (14-15). In saying these, the duke reveals his struggle to please the Duchess, which is a sign of a power struggle. The power struggle is further reflected as the Duke recalls his wife’s unethical behavior. He narrates, †¦--and if she let Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse, E'en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop. Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, Whenever I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped togethe r. (39-46)  Ã‚  

Designing to apply new concepts in a practical way Assignment - 1

Designing to apply new concepts in a practical way - Assignment Example such as early contractor involvement, design and construction, management contractor services, construction only, cost planning and design management. The company has also demonstrated its capacity to deliver in diverse projects, such as commercial buildings, industrial and educational institutions, leisure, interiors, community and green projects. This is a preliminary qualification assessment of ADCO Construction for the construction of the Monash University proposed Green Amphitheatre based on their website. It will also explain the benefits of a careful prequalification process in determining successful project outcomes. The ADCO website helps me to establish the quality that this company is likely to bring on board should they be awarded the tender. To begin with, the company is able to deliver in a project, such as the proposed library because of their green architecture credentials (Hatush and Skitmore 1997, 129). From the website, one can decipher their experience in delivering highly rated sustainable projects. Subsequently, the ADCO website will help to determine their ability to meet the unique utility needs that form the basis of this project, which is to put up a building that complies with sustainable development architecture requirements (Saha and Hardie 2010, 671). The website also facilitates one to establish the capability of the management, as well as the qualification of the staff who are green star accredited professionals. The construction credentials of the board of directors, the national management team, and the regional management teams can also be accessed through the website, a factor which increases one’s confidence in their ability to deliver on the project (Lam et al.. 2000, 252). The diverse technical ability of the company allows it to experiment on new technologies and apply them. This is because the company employs best practices in the construction industry, such as safety management, environment management and quality

Full case study in Jobber, D. and Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2012) Principles

Full in Jobber, D. and Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2012) Principles and Practice of Marketing (7th ed). London, McGraw-Hill H - Case Study Example This would reveal the extent to which the company followed the formal process of marketing planning. Dixons was a product oriented company when it stated its journey in electrical retail segment. Their followed the strategy â€Å"stack-em high – sell-em cheap in brightly coloured stores.† This strategy validated the fact that Dixons focused more towards selling good product in well-designed stores, but customer satisfaction was overlooked and it did not occupy centre position in the strategic approach of the company. A general formal marketing planning process is segregated into four parts that is goal setting, analysing present situations, create marketing strategies and allocate the marketing monitoring system and resources. In the goal, setting segment companies set their mission and objectives. Dixons also established its mission to stock products and sell them in brightly coloured stores. Their objective was to offer variety of products and generate lucrative retur ns. However, the company missed customer service, which its competitors took advantage of. So it can be said that Dixons followed the first step of marketing planning process. The second step is to analyse current situation. The company came to know about its drawbacks during the economic crisis in 2006. It identified that there were major threats of recession in the global market and its competitors Best Buy started grabbing market share by providing better services to customers. At this juncture, Dixons revolutionised its move towards customers. This proves that the company followed the second step of marketing planning process too. The third step is to create marketing strategies, which Dixons rolled out in order to face the intense competition. It can be also called a transformation strategy of the company because it changed the focus of the company from being product oriented to customer oriented. The new business model also re-defined five specific objectives for the company. The fourth and final stage was to allocate resources and monitor the plan. The major focus was now on after-sales and support and customer choice, value and service was the major function in the new business model. This discussion proves how Dixons followed and applied marketing planning process for devising the strategies (Jobber and Ellis-Chadwick, 2012). Another superior marketing strategy that the organization applied is the integration of technology in their marketing strategy. In the company’s service-led business model the internet was a core component of the customer insight. Gay, Worth and Esen (2007) point out that online marketing is a superior tool for marketing in a technology driven society. In online marketing, Dixon employed a multi-channel approach to allow customers to research about the organization order their desired good, reserve and even purchase goods. To reach to this approach, the organization noted that those people who purchased goods online prefer red to collect them by themselves at a later date. Consequently, applying a multichannel approach provided a customer value method by allowing them to have a flexible purchase plan in the company. The success of this strategy can be associated with the global trends of internet penetration that is growing each day. By developing an information rich website, it is possible for an organization to roll out their products to their target customers

Designing to apply new concepts in a practical way Assignment - 1

Designing to apply new concepts in a practical way - Assignment Example such as early contractor involvement, design and construction, management contractor services, construction only, cost planning and design management. The company has also demonstrated its capacity to deliver in diverse projects, such as commercial buildings, industrial and educational institutions, leisure, interiors, community and green projects. This is a preliminary qualification assessment of ADCO Construction for the construction of the Monash University proposed Green Amphitheatre based on their website. It will also explain the benefits of a careful prequalification process in determining successful project outcomes. The ADCO website helps me to establish the quality that this company is likely to bring on board should they be awarded the tender. To begin with, the company is able to deliver in a project, such as the proposed library because of their green architecture credentials (Hatush and Skitmore 1997, 129). From the website, one can decipher their experience in delivering highly rated sustainable projects. Subsequently, the ADCO website will help to determine their ability to meet the unique utility needs that form the basis of this project, which is to put up a building that complies with sustainable development architecture requirements (Saha and Hardie 2010, 671). The website also facilitates one to establish the capability of the management, as well as the qualification of the staff who are green star accredited professionals. The construction credentials of the board of directors, the national management team, and the regional management teams can also be accessed through the website, a factor which increases one’s confidence in their ability to deliver on the project (Lam et al.. 2000, 252). The diverse technical ability of the company allows it to experiment on new technologies and apply them. This is because the company employs best practices in the construction industry, such as safety management, environment management and quality

Case study for HNC Social Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Case study for HNC Social Care - Essay Example After keeping in view the case history of that woman this component is future to allow populaces to appreciate the behaviour and skills of persons with whom they vocation, therefore the stress be supposed to constantly be on the request of sociological theories and ideas to social care perform and in use them to appreciate behaviour and skills. Personnel ought to be confident all through the coaching and education procedure to be relevant their information and sympathetic to create intelligence of the persons’ life incidents and behaviour. Anywhere likely pictures and requested be supposed to be full from the personnel own knowledge.Sociologists inspect the position of the family in civilization and recognise it as a input social organization. Though, personnel need to appreciate that present are dissimilar sociological move towards to the family, which guide to unrelated finished of its possible power on behaviour, skills and existence probability. For instance in investigati ve the functionalist vision they container seem at the customs in which families have urbanized to get together the desires of civilization, singing a optimistic role in sustaining civilization. They can also seem at how this move toward looks at the optimistic purposed of the family and the reimbursement that it transports to persons. In seeming at disagreement move towards they can scrutinize, for instance, collective move towards which seem at how the family preserves social disparity and utilization of some collections.

Poverty: A Global Issue

Poverty: A Global Issue 2.1 Introduction Poverty is a global issue. All the countries around the world face the problem of poverty, but there are some countries which are poorer than others like the developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. There is no one size fits all definition of the concept of poverty. The poorest people in an industrialized nation maybe well off than the average citizens in a less-developing country. The definition of poverty alternate from regions across the planet. According to the United Nations Human Development Report 1996, the average per capita income of the poorest one-fifth of Americans was $5,814 in 1993. That figure is ten times Tanzanias average per capita income of $580 per year. By Tanzanian standards, Americans in that bottom 20 percent may seem quite well-off. However, by U.S. standards, they are not. They point out that most poor American families own more luxury items and consumer appliances than average Europeans do (UN 1996). Although there are some regions have made considerable progress in reducing poverty, about two thirds of the worlds poor live in Asia and the Pacific, based on a poverty line of one dollar a day. That regions number of the worlds poor exceeds two thirds if the poverty line becomes two dollars. There are more than one billion people in the region whose income is between one and two dollars a day. There are two types of poverty, extreme poverty or absolute poverty and relative poverty. Extreme poverty is known as destitution or absolute poverty and it could be injurious to peoples health and life. In the United States, absolute poverty is traditionally defined as having an annual income that is less than half of the official poverty line (an income level determined by the Bureau of the Census). Absolute poverty in developing nations, as defined by international organisations, like the World Bank, means having a household income of less than US $ 1.25 a day in 2005. Relative poverty is the condition of having fewer resources or less income than the others within a society or country, or compared to worldwide averages. Relative poverty is socially defined and dependent on context, it is a measure of income inequality. The reasons for poverty are not clears. Some people believe that poverty results from a lack of adequate resources on global level-resources such as land, food, and building materials-that are necessary for the well-being or survival of the worlds peopl e. (Adapted from Wikipedia 2012). Other defines poverty as being an effect of the uneven distribution of resources around the world. According to this second line of reasoning, it helps to understand the inequality between the two worlds, one where some people have more than they need to live and one where the people do not have enough to survive. There has been considerable interest in recent years in the ability of non-governmental organisations to work with the poor in order to improve their quality of life and economic status through the provision of credit, skills training, and other inputs for income-generation programmes. The term non-governmental organisation can be broadly viewed as being composed of a wide variety of organisations variously known as private voluntary organisations, civil society organisations and non-profit organisations (McGann and Johnstone,2006). In the cases in where NGOs are totally or partially funded by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status by excluding government representatives from membership in the organization. Defining the term NGOs is ambiguous as they are confusing, contradicting, and sometimes overlapping in defining the terms. The NGOs sector is extremely divers as these organisation have very different structures, goals and motivations. NGOs are generally compos ed of non-profit, voluntary citizens, groups which are organised on a local, national or international level and they have certain interests, causes, or goals. NGOs work in many different fields, but the term is generally associated with those seeking social transformation and improvements in quality of life. There are many NGOs, who are affiliated with international aid and other donors, but NGOs happens not to funds and they try to generate their own, such as selling handicrafts or charging for services. In the recent decades, NGOs have moved from backstage to centre stage in reshaping the world of politics, and are exerting their power and influence in every aspect of international relations and policymaking. NGOs have a positive impact on local and international issues, such as poverty alleviation, conservation of human rights, preserving the environment, and providing worldwide relief. The growth of NGOs has been too a large extent fuelled by the inability of both domestic and international institutions to respond adequately to major economic, social and political changes which have been taking place at a fast pace (Heap, 2000). The nu mber of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) alone rose from 6,000 in 1990 to reach 26,000 in 1996 (The Economist, 1999), and 37,000 in 2002 (UNDP, 2002). Figures for NGOs operating at national level are much higher: Russia, for instance is estimated to have some 277,000 NGOs and India between 1 million and 2 million NGOs (Chicago Tribune, 2007). In 2006, it was estimated that there were some 1.5 million NGOs in the USA alone (McGann and Johnstone, 2006). 2.2 Evolution and Growth of NGOs International non-governmental organizations have been dating back to at least 1839. In 1914 there were 1083 NGOs (UN 2007). International NGOs played a big part in the anti-slavery movement and the movement for womens suffrage, and reached a peak at the time of the World Disarmament Conference. However, the term non-governmental organization only came into popular use with the establishment of the United Nations Organization in 1945 with provisions in Article 71 of Chapter 10 of the United Nations Charter for a consultative role for organizations which are neither governments nor member states (UN 2007). Globalization occurring during the 20th century gave importance to the rise of NGOs globally and most importantly in developing countries. International treaties and international organizations such as the World Trade Organization centred their interests mostly on capitalist enterprises. In an attempt to counterbalance the interests of these international organizations and internati onal treaties, NGOs were developed to emphasize humanitarian issues, developmental aid and sustainable development. Though the term NGO became known to the world in the year 1839 the voluntary sector around the world is much older than this. In England voluntary work made its way back in the medieval time where the poor were being looked after by the monastery. The poor people and the beggars were taken care by the monasteries and churches. It was like this that in England there was the introduction of the Poor Law and later it became the Welfare States. But in the beginning it all started as voluntary work as the clergy men were not paid to help the poor. Voluntary work has always been present, especially among the religious organisations, giving food or money was common. NGOs in its traditional form have been working in different religious trust-based schools, hospitals and orphanages. In India NGOs became known in 1980s but voluntary work started after the independent from the British in 1946. In independent India, voluntary organizations started by Gandhi and his disciples were to fill in the gaps left by the government in the development process. In the 1980s, however, the groups who were now known as NGOs became more specialized, and the voluntary movement was fragmented into different groups. 2.3 Evolution of NGOs in Mauritius NGOs in Mauritius started with voluntary works for the welfare of society. In the past, such type of social works started with the bourgeoisie class, the young girls from the upper class where were doing charity work to help the poor like giving them food and sometimes educating them. Later on this voluntary work was untaken by other agencies like the church or other religious bodies, like for example Arya Samaj who helps poor people by giving free education to their children and till now it is still done. Much of the charity work and voluntary work which are done now were performed in the past by religious organisations. They worked dependently from the government even if the government were allocating them money. NGOs are present where the government or other organisations have failed to cater for those in need. There are a large number of religious organisations that are considered to form part of NGOs according to Macoss. Some examples of these organisations are: Al Marjaan Islam ic Secular Institute, Hindu Maha Sabha, Jummah Mosque Port Louis, Arya Sabha, and Adventist Development Relief Agency. NGOs became known quiet recently thought Macoss (Mauritius Council of Social Service) in Mauritius. The Mauritius Council of Social Service was founded in November 1965 and it was incorporated, under Act 55 of 1970, voted in Parliament, providing the legal framework of the Council. As an Umbrella organisation for NGOS, Macoss seeks to promote Social and Community Development and Voluntary Actions through Non-Governmental Organisations. It helps its members by initiating communication, collaboration and networking among NGOs and between NGOs, Government and private sector, primarily through meetings, workshops, consultation and institutional development activities. Macoss also facilitates its members organisations and strengthens their organisation capacity. Macoss plays a leadership role in good governance, policy, advocacy, capacity building and innovation for a vibrant, efficient and effective Non Government Organisation sector and Civil Society Organisation. 2.4 Causes of Poverty Poverty is like a vicious circle. Poverty causes poverty. Just as the rich people get richer as they are already rich and the poor get poorer because they live in poverty. Poverty has many causes and some of them are very basic. Some experts suggest that poverty is caused due few employment or lack of food. The basic factors that may lead to poverty are: inadequate education and employment opportunities overpopulation, inability to meet standard of living and cost of living, certain economic and demographic trends, the unequal distribution of resources in the global economy, welfare incentives and environmental degradation. 2.4.1 Overpopulation Overpopulation is the situation where large numbers of people have too few resources and too little space, and this is closely associated with poor people. This overpopulation can result from high population density, which is the number of people to land suface, usually showed as numbers of people per square kilometre or square mile, or there are low amounts of resources, or from both. Very high population densities put stress on resources that are available. Only a certain amount of people can be supported on a given surface of land, and that number depends on how much food and other resources the area can provide. In countries where people live by primary means of basic farming, gardening, herding, hunting, and gathering, even where there are larger land surfaces the production of food is still low given the number of people are small is due to the production means. The production means is not intense enough to produce large amount of food to feed large amount of people. 2.4.2 High Standards of Living and Costs of Living People in developed countries generally enjoy a higher standard of living because these nations may have more in terms of resource and wealth than those in developing countries. People who may have adequate resources and wealth in a developing country maybe be considered as poor in a developed country. For example people in America, on average, tend to expect to make, about $30,000 per year. They may also expect to rent a house or an apartment with electricity facilities and water supply, to able to buy food to eat and clothes, and get health care provision. In addition, many of these people hope to afford other expenses, such as, the purchases material not need for survival, such as cars, entertainment and high priced food. In comparison, people in most developing countries usually may consider themselves to be well off if they have productive agriculture, some cattle, and a house made out of mud-bricks. In the rural areas, people can be used to not having water facilities, electric ity, or adequate health facilities. Developed countries tend to have a high cost of living, even the most basic lifestyle with few or no luxuries; can be relatively expensive as compared to developing countries. Most people in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, western European nations, and other developed countries cannot obtain adequate food, clothing, and shelter without ample amounts of money. In some areas, even people with jobs that pay the legal minimum wage may not be able to cover their basic expenses. People who cannot find well-paying jobs often have no spare income for emergency expenses, and many rely on state welfare to survive. In Mauritius about 106,000 citizens or 8.5% of the population live in absolute poverty; this is according to figures released by the Ministry of Finance. These figures reveal that the number of Mauritians living under the poverty line is increasing. From 8.2% in 1996/97, it fell to 7.8% in 2001/2002 to reach 8.5% in 2006/2007. The minimum wage for an adult living in a poor family is estimated at Rs 3,821 monthly. In Rodrigues, the rate of poverty is higher. It is estimated at 32.4% in 2006/2007 against28.7% in 2001/02. 2.4.3 Inadequate Education and Employment Illiteracy and lack of education are very frequent in developing countries. Very often the state of developing countries cannot afford to cater for good educational facilities to the people, especially those living in rural areas. Whereas in industrialized countries nearly all children have access to at least the basic education, in sub-Saharan Africa only about 60 per cent children go to elementary school. Without education, most people in the developing countries are unable to find income-generating work. Poor people are also often propelled schooling so as to concentrate on earning a minimal living. In addition, developing countries tend to have fewer employment opportunities as compared to developed countries, especially for women. Resulting in the fact that, schooling is perceived as being crucial to people. Even in developed nations, unemployment rates may be high. When people do not work, they cannot earn a living; thus, high rate of poverty is a result of high unemployment. The amount of employment that is available also tends to fluctuate; creating high unemployment periods. If the unemployment level in countries with high population increases with only a few points, this leads to millions of people who are able to work and earn a living. Because unemployment figures indicate only the number of people eligible to work who have no job but are seeking employment, such figures are not necessarily an accurate indicator of the number of people living in poverty. 2.4.4 Economic and Demographic Trends Economic trends can sometimes be linked with poverty in many developed countries. In the year 1950s and 1960s, for example, in the United States most people experienced a growth in their income due to economic boom and in Mauritius it was in mid 1970s. The average income of a family was doubled in that period even with inflation. However, there was a rise in the standard of living taking into consideration inflation, between the years 1970s and the years 1990s. Young people and less-educated ones are more affected when there are periods of economic recession as they find it difficult to get a job and support them. Poverty levels have also been increased with changes in labor markets in developed countries. In many developed countries the amount of poor has increased resulting from the inequalities in the distribution of resources. For example, since the 1970s, the 20 percent poorest of all U.S. households have earned an increasingly smaller percentage of the total national income while the wealthiest 5 percent of households have earned an increasingly greater percentage. During mostly of this period, due to an increase in the cost of living the middle and those at the bottom in the distribution line have worsened. 2.4.5 Individual Responsibility and Welfare Dependency There are different schools of thought about individual responsibility for poverty. Some believe that there is a proportion of the society who would stay in poverty no matter what due to the structure of society. While some other thinks that due to some dysfunctions of some social institutions such as the labour force, poverty would be pertaining. According to this school of thought poverty id beyond the control of the people who are in it, but this problem can be remedied if proper policies are implemented. There are other people who think that the poor people tend to stay in poverty intentionally. For example, there are people who choose to take drugs voluntarily leading them to stay in poverty these people can be blame for their situation. Adding to that there are those who think that many people in developed countries tend to throw the blame on cycles of poverty, people who have the tendency to remain poor, or they depend on the generosity of the welfare institutions. Those who support this view includes some politicians, criticize the government to spend too much on the poverty though welfare programs. They argue that such welfare programs encourage people to stay in poverty in so as to benefit from payments continuously. They also argue that these welfare programs discourage marriage and work. In the American society and several other developed countries, being employed reduces their welfare supports and it is the same if a single parent gets married. 2.5 NGOs Performance in Poverty Alleviation in Other Countries According A.K.M. Ahsan Ullah, Jayant K. Routray, (2007), a very important aspect of poverty in Bangladesh is unemployment or being under-employment. These people are dependent mostly on agriculture to survive in the rural areas and most of the time they are not owners of the land or own too little land to be able support their family. There are more than 20,000 NGOs have been performing in Bangladesh with two major aims of alleviating rural poverty and empowerment of the women. However, the phenomena of poverty in Bangladesh are much higher as compared to the East Asian countries and the South Asian neighbours. Since, poverty is persistent in Bangladesh, the great majority of the poor do not own their land, and there is relatively few number of formal sector employment opportunities in rural areas, poverty alleviation strategies of NGOs have focused particularly on the possibilities for generating income as a solution. One of the major reasons for the increasing use of NGOs in countr ies like Bangladesh in the developmental activities is to find an alternative and better channel for development aid in the third world countries. All the NGOs work with two basic missions, to alleviate poverty and empowering the poor, especially women (Lovell, 1996; BRAC, 2000) by organizing them into small groups at the village level, arranging adult literacy programmes, providing necessary training and regular discussions on particular issues. Nearly, 60 million people of the population of Bangladesh have been brought under different health programmes by NGOs. These programmes aimed at reducing childhood and maternal morbidity and mortality; and increasing awareness about sexual health. NGOs non-formal primary education programme has covered about three million children from poor families. Among which the majority of the children are girls. Non-formal primary education programme of the BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) is regarded as the worlds biggest private sector educational system and is being replicated in other countries of the world as well (BRAC, 2000; Proshika, 2001). According to Keith M. Henderson author of Alternatives to imposed administrative reform: the NGOs: In the Caribbean, NGOs serve as intermediate between the micro-level of the poorest household and the formal institution of the state (a role which might otherwise be served by political parties or trade unions). NGOs and local development organizations (LDOs) are widely seen as agents for alternative development, particularly because, as a sector, they have begun to formulate development policy in order to improve considerably the life of the citizens and often with a direct impact on official aid policies. Along with the larger efforts, such as the Village Awakening Movement in India which operates in thousands of villages, and the related Sarvodaya Shramadana movement in Sri Lanka which focused on small scale village improvement projects in more than 8,000 villages, are the Christian Base Communities found in Brazilian rural areas. The State very often is unable to cater for these poor villages in India and rural areas in Brazil. These movements perform important service-delivery functions. In Latin America, pervasive distrust of the US has resulted in a variety of indigenous organizational forms often unsustainable and a fertile ground for grass-roots movements. Considerable attention has been given to the political role of such activities; much of the literature is in Spanish. In Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics, the term foundation covers a multitude of private groups organized for collective action. In Africa, numerous small-scale self-help projects, such as banking schemes, food storage arrangements, barter exchanges, family planning, and traditional medicine centres, have been initiated by peasant farmers with the help of NGOs. According to Mritiunjoy Mohanty (2006) NGOs in Bangladesh have been using the microcredit as a means to alleviate poverty there. Microcredit is the extension of very small loans to impoverished borrowers who typically lack collateral, steady employment and a verifiable credit history. It is designed not only to support entrepreneurship and alleviate poverty, but also in many cases to empower women and uplift entire communities by extension. In many communities worldwide, in developed and developing nations alike, women lack the highly stable employment histories that traditional lenders tend to require (2012). Noting the pioneering work done by Mr. Yunus and the Grameen Bank, it is worth recording that it has been providing the poor in Bangladesh as a medium of access to financial resources. There are other NGOs that have walked, struggled and prospered down the same path, as the Grameen bank has since the 1970s and the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee or BRAC. To draw attentio n to the role of other NGOs involved in microcredit is not to take away from the catalytic role Mr. Yunus and the Grameen Bank played both at home and abroad in furthering the microcredit movement but it is to show the work they have accomplished together in poverty alleviating in Bangladesh. 2.6 NGOs Performance in Poverty Alleviation in Mauritius There is a number of NGOs working in order to alleviate poverty in Mauritius such as SOS Poverty, Caritas Mauritius and Currimjee Foundation, Le Centre Des Pauvres, Maison Familiale Rurale Du Nord, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ These NGOs help people in different ways like for example in Maison Familiale Rurale Du Nord they try to eradicate poverty by sensitizing youngsters from poor families. The young people are given training in hotel mechanics, agriculture and hospital services. They promote a sense of entrepreneurship among these young people and encourage a sense of social inclusion to help them come out of their poverty. SOS Poverty is a non-governmental and charitable organization set up to fight poverty and social injustices in the country. So far they have implemented a global plan of actions, comprising of several micro projects implemented, laying emphasis on two major factors: Education and Economic. Their field of action consist of pre-primary education, women empowerment like org anising a corporate organisation in order to help women wanting to work and earn a living to come out of poverty. They endeavour to combat poverty through inclusive education/ training programmes and self-help socio-economic programmes. The Currimjee Foundation in association with several other NGOS and NEF (National Empowerment Foundation) has planned out a project on poverty alleviation in Mauritius. The project is about helping people in absolute poverty who cannot afford to build a house. They would be constructing 50 houses in concrete with aluminium ceiling with square metres of 21to 25 and costing around Rs 165,000 each. The Currimjee Foundation also sponsors scholarships of Rs 20,000 to needy students attending University of Mauritius and University of Technology of Mauritius. Le Centre Des Pauvres which is found at Grand Riviere Nord Ouest Port Louis provide poor people with clothes and organise food donation. Children are give education materials such as books, copybooks pencils etc and to smaller children toys are given to them. NGOs have been performing well in different countries around the world. They have been able to help people especially where the government have somehow failed to provide for their citizens. They have brought some light to the peoples life. There are countless things that the NGOs have done the state would not have been able to do as the NGOs works at a micro level. It is easy for them to target the needy people. They have more personal contact with the individual and they are very often on field. And the people also know where to turn to seek help. Poverty alleviation is a tremendous task for every country in the world is it developed countries or developing countries, without the efforts showed by NGOs one third of the work accomplished now would not have been done left alone on the state and other institutions.