Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Essay Sample free essay sample

It is one of the most common diseases. greatly impacting wellness attention and lending to the outgo in the United States of about 12 billion dollars per twelvemonth for antacid medicines. GERD affects about equal proportions of work forces and adult females. but a male predomination occurs in esophagitis and Barrett’s gorge. Increasing age is an of import factor in the prevalence of GERD complications. likely the consequence of cumulative acerb hurt overtime to the gorge. In a countrywide population-based survey by the Gallup Organization in the US. 44 % of the respondents reported pyrosis at least one time a month. On the footing of symptoms. GERD is common in Western states. Fleshiness has been associated as a contributory factor in the addition prevalence of GERD in western populations. Along with environmental factors. the epidemiology of GERD may besides be attributed to genetic sciences. The familial mechanisms are unknown but possibly related to a smooth musculus upset associated with hiatal hernia. We will write a custom essay sample on Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page reduced lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) force per unit area and impaired esophageal motility Etiology Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a effect of the failure of the normal antireflux barrier to protect against frequent and unnatural sums of gastroesophageal reflux. It is the stomachic contents traveling effortlessly from the tummy to the gorge. It is a normal physiologic procedure that occurs multiple times each twenty-four hours particularly after big repasts. Possible factors finding whether reflux occurs include abdominal straining. presence of hiatal hernia and grade of esophageal shortening and continuance of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. Pregnancy besides increases the hazard of reflux by increasing intraabdominal force per unit area and through hormonal mechanisms. In add-on. pharmacologic agents such as progesterone-containing medicines ( birth control pills ) . narcotics. benzodiazepines. calcium-channel blockers and Elixophyllin may diminish the force per unit area of LES. The relationship of H. pylori and GERD has been one of contention. Some early surveies suggested that obliteration of H. pylori infection in the scene of duodenal ulcer disease would ensue in an addition in erosive esophagitis and GERD symptoms. Although there are several surveies to back up this. the weight of the grounds suggests strongly that obliteration of H. pylori has no consequence on the development of pyrosis and in fact does non worsen GERD symptoms when they are present at baseline. Symptoms/Clinical Manifestations Most common clinical manifestations are heartburn which is a firing feeling lifting from the tummy or lower thorax and radiating toward the cervix. pharynx and on occasion back. regurgitation. chest hurting. dysphagia. Symptoms occur after eating big repasts. or after consuming spicy nutrients. citrous fruit merchandises. fats. cocoas. caffeine and intoxicant. These symptoms are related to reflux esophagitis or redness of the gorge which is due to extremely acidic reflux tummy contents. Persistent GERD causes complications which includes esophageal stenosiss. Barrett gorge ( columniform tissue replacing the normal squamous epithelial tissue of the distal gorge. which is a important hazard for esophageal malignant neoplastic disease ) . Pneumonic symptoms include cough. asthma. and laryngitis which are due to reflux into the external respiration transitions. Less Common Symptoms: Water brash = sudden visual aspect in the oral cavity of a somewhat rancid or salty fluid Odynophagia = a terrible esthesis of combustion. squashing hurting while get downing caused by annoyance of the gorge belch hiccoughssicknesspurgingOlder patients are symptomless due to reduced sourness of the reflux stuff Complications Esophageal CancerEsophageal UlcerPeptic StenosisBarretts’s Esophagus = the liner of the gorge is damaged by tummy acid and becomes like the liner of the tummy. Hemorrhagic EsophagitisAspiration PneumoniaUlcer Perforation Health Care Impact Rarely a cause of deceaseMost common digestive disease diagnosed6 or more outpatient visits with GERD per 100 people in the US 10th most common inmate GI diagnosingEstimated 95. 000 discharges per twelvemonthSecond most dearly-won GI disease behind liver diseaseChronic disease which significantly impairs quality of life Comorbidities of Cranky Bowel Syndrome ( IBS ) and pyschological hurt potentiate the negative consequence on quality of life. Methods of Diagnosis 1. Empirical Trial of Acid Suppression2. Endoscopy3. Esophageal Biopsy4. Esophageal pH Monitoring5. Barium Esophagram6. Esophageal Manometry Empirical Trial of Acid Suppression The simplest and most unequivocal method for naming GERD and measuring its relationship to symptoms. The response to antireflux therapy ensures a cause-and-effect relationship between GERD and symptoms. Proton Pump Inhibitors ( PPI ) . have become the first trial used in patients with authoritative of untypical reflux symptoms. Symptoms normally respond and disappear with PPI test in one to two hebdomads of intervention. If symptoms disappear with therapy and so return when the medicine is discontinued. GERD has been established. Initial dosage of medicine like Omprazole is 40 to 80 mg/day for at least 2 hebdomads. This attack has a sensitiveness of 68 % to 83 % for finding the presence of GERD. Advantages: office base. easy done. comparatively cheap. available to all doctors. avoids many gratuitous processs. Disadvantages: Includes placebo response. unsure diagnostic end point if symptoms do non wholly decide with drawn-out intervention. Endoscopy Upper endoscopy is the criterion for documenting presence and extent of esophagitis and excepting other etiologies for the patient’s symptoms. The sensitiveness of endoscopy for GERD is hapless but it has first-class specificity at 90 % to 95 % . Advantage: Used in patients sing dismaying symptoms of dysphagia. odynophagia. weight loss and GI hemorrhage. In these instances. endoscopy should be done early to name complications and to govern out other entities like infections. ulcers. malignant neoplastic disease or varices. Current guidelines about endoscopy is to name and handle GERD complications. Disadvantage: Invasive. may do rupture of internal variety meats. sedation is needed. Endoscopic marks of GERD: Edema and erythemaFriability = easy shed blooding consequences from the development of hypertrophied capillaries near the mucosal surface in response to acidCoarsenessRed Streaks = extends upward from the esophageal junction along the ridges of esophageal creasesErosions of the mucous membrane = begins at the gastroesophageal junction which develop with progressive acid hurt NEW DIAGNOSTIC METHOD Esophaheal Capsule Endoscopy 11 by 26 millimeter capsule and acquires video images at 14 frames per second. Images are transmitted to a portable receiving system via digital radio-frequency. This trial has a sensitiveness of 50 % for erosive esophagitis. 54 % for hiatal hernia and 79 % for Barrett’s gorge. Advantages: Painless. non invasive. convenient. no sedation. consequences available instantly. cost less than conventional endoscopy. Disadvantages: Merely gorge is evaluated and tummy and duodenum are non exhaustively seen. If abnormalcies are found. conventional endoscopy is still needed. Esophageal Biopsy Tissue samples are collected during endoscopy to find the presence of neutrophils and eusinophils. This trial is non specific histologic findings for GERD. Esophageal pH Monitoring Standard trial for set uping diseased reflux. pH monitoring is carried out for 18 to 24 hours thru a catheter or investigation inserted nasally and positioned 5cm above the LES mensurating figure of reflux episodes and continuance in unsloped and supine place. Reflux episodes are defined by a pH bead of less than 4. Barium Esophagram It is an cheap. readily available and non invasive esophageal trial. Most utile in showing anatomic narrrowing of the gorge. It allows good appraisal of vermiculation and is helpful in placing a weak esophageal pump. Barium esophagram trial is an review of the gorge. The trial is conducted as a portion of a series of trials carried out on the upper and the in-between parts of the GI piece of land. This trial is performed utilizing fluoroscopy. Ba. and X raies. Since Ba is a contrast stuff. it is used as a marker. The patient is asked to get down the Ba with H2O. and as the Ba travels down the esophageal transition. the way is mapped. Esophageal Manometry Esophageal manometry is a trial used to mensurate the map of the lower esophageal sphincter ( the valve that prevents reflux of stomachic acid into the gorge ) and the musculuss of the gorge. It allows appraisal of LES force per unit area and relaxation every bit good as peristaltic activity including contraction amplitude. continuance and speed. During esophageal manometry. a thin. pressure-sensitive tubing is passed through your oral cavity or nose and into your tummy. Once in topographic point. the tubing is pulled easy back into your gorge. When the tubing is in your gorge. the patient will be asked to get down. The force per unit area of the musculus contractions will be measured along several subdivisions of the tubing. Treatment The principle for GERD therapy depends on a careful definition of specific purposes. In patients without esophagitis. the curative end is to alleviate reflux symptoms and prevent backslidings. In patients with esophagitis. the ends are to alleviate symptoms and heal esophagitis while forestalling backslidings and complications. Non-Prescription Therapya ) Lifestyle ModificationOTC Maintenance Therapy/Prescription MedicationsH2RAsPPIPromotility/Prokinetic drugs 3. Surgical TherapyEndoscopic Therapy Non-Prescription Therapy a ) Lifestyle Alterations This is the initial direction program and particularly helpful in those with mild. intermittent symptoms. promoting caput of bedavoid tight adjustment apparels = purposes at cut downing incidence of reflux byabdominal emphasis mechanismlose weight if fleshy = weight addition can be associated withaggravation of symptomscurtailing intoxicant and smoke = both agents lower LES force per unit area. cut downacerb clearance and impair protective maps in the tummy doing dietetic alterations = cut downing stimulation of stomachic acerb secernment forbearing from lying down after repastsavoiding bedtime bites = keeps the tummy empty at dark. diminishingdark reflux episodes. B ) Over-the-counter medicines These drugs are used in handling mild. infrequent pyrosis symptoms triggered by lifestyle injudiciousnesss. Drug labeling for OTC drugs suggests daily usage for merely 2 hebdomads and so recommends to physician follow up if symptom persists. Antacids: Basic compounds that neutralize stomachic sourness and diminish the rate of stomachic emptying. They are divided into those incorporatingaluminium. Mg. Ca or a combination of these.Use: It decreases hyperacidity in conditions such as peptic ulcer disease.reflux esophagitis. gastritis and hiatal hernia.Side Effectss: Constipation. faecal impaction. intestine obstructor. Diarrhea withMagnesium. Alkalosis.Contraindications: Sensitivity to Aluminum. Magnesium and Calciummerchandises. Precautions: Should be carefully given to patients with nephritic inadequacy.high blood pressure. CHF and pregnant and breastfeeding adult females. Pharmacokinetics: Duration is 20-40 proceedingss. If ingested 1 hour after repasts.sourness is reduced for at least 3 hour.Interactions: Merchandises whose effects may be increased by alkalizers:Quinidine. Amphetamines. Pseudo ephedrine. Levodopa. Valproic Acid.Effectss may be decreased by alkalizers: Cimetidine. Corticosteroids.Ranitidine. Iron Salts. Phenytoin. Digoxin. Tetracyclines. Ketoconazole. Salicylates. Isoniazid.Nursing Considerations: Assess worsening A ; relieving factors byIdentifying location. continuance and features of epigastric hurting.Antacids should non be used if terrible abdominal hurting with febrility occurs.Do non administrate other merchandises within 1-2 hour of antacid disposal due to impairment soaking up. Administer alkalizers with an 8 oz of glass of H2O. Evaluate for absence of epigastric hurting and reduced sourness. Examples of Antacids: Calcium Carbonate. Bismuth Salicylate. Magnesium Oxide. Magaldrate. Sodium Bicarbonate. Aluminum Hydroxide. Maintenance Therapy/Prescription Medications Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists ( H2RAs ) = Acts by suppressing histamine at the H2 receptor site in parietal cells which inhibits stomachic acerb secernment. Use: Short term A ; care intervention of duodenal A ; stomachic ulcers and GERD.Side Effectss: common: confusion. concern A ; diarrhea adverse: agranulosis. thrombopenia. neutropenia. aplastic anaemia. exfoliative dermatitisContraindications: hypersensitivity to this merchandises Precautions: Cautions should be used in gestation. breastfeeding. kids5 ) . Monitor I A ; O ratio. BUN.creatinine. CBC. Administer with repasts for drawn-out consequence. Antacidsshould be one hour before or after. Evaluate for curative response likedecreased hurting in venters.Examples: Cimetidine. Famotidine. Ranitidine Proton Pump Inhibitors = category of drugs that decrease stomachic acid secernmentthrough suppression of H and K ATPase. the proton pump of the parietal cell. Use: GERD. terrible erosive esophagitis. duodenal A ; stomachic ulcers. dyspepsia Side Effectss: common: concern. diarrhea inauspicious: osteoporosis Contraindications: Hypersensitivity Precautions: Pregnancy. breastfeeding. kids. proton pumphypersensitivityPharmacokineticss: Top out 2. 4 hour. continuance 24 hour. Eliminated in urine as metabolites and fecal matters. lessenings rate of riddance in gerontologies Interactions: decreases soaking up of Ketoconazole. Clopidogrel. Additionssoaking up of Digoxin. Warfarin. Diazepam. Phenytoin Nursing Considerations: Assess intestine sounds. abdominal hurting. puffiness.Monitor hepatic surveies ( AST. ALT ) . Vit B12 lack in long term therapy. Evaluate for curative response like absence of epigastric hurting. swelling A ; fullness Examples: Omeprazole ( Prilosec ) . Esomeprazole ( Nexium ) . Lansoprazole ( Prevacid ) . Pantoprazole ( Protonix ) Promotility/Prokinetic Drugs = These drugs improve reflux symptoms byincreasing LES force per unit area. acerb clearance. or stomachic voidance. Use: GERD.prevents sickness. purging induced by chemotherapy/radiation Side Effects: Park: concern. abdominal spasms. urinary frequence. blushing. bleary vision. Adverse: Lethargy. anxiousness. restlessness A ; shudder.dystonia. tardive dyskinesia. paralysis agitansContraindications: hypersensitivity to this merchandise. Ethocaine orprocainamide.ictus upset. phaeochromocytoma. chest malignant neoplastic disease A ; GI obstructor Precautions: Pregnancy. breastfeeding. GI bleeding. CHF. Parkinson’s disease Pharmacokineticss: Metabolized by liver. excreted in piss. half life of 4 hour. continuance of 1-2 hourInteractions: Avoid usage of MAOI’s. intoxicant. CNS sedatives Nursing Considerations: Buttocks for GI ailments like sickness. emesis.anorexia. irregularity. Assess for mental position like depression. anxiousness A ; crossness. Evaluate curative response like absence of sickness. purging. anorexia A ; fullness Examples: Metoclopramide. Bethanecol. Cisapride Surgical Therapy Fundoplication The lone surgical intercession that can rectify the physiologic factors lending to GERD and potentially extinguishing the demand for long term medicine. Antireflux surgery reduces GER by increasing basal LES force per unit area. diminishing episodes of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation ( tLESR’s ) A ; suppressing complete LESR. This is done by cut downing the hiatal hernia into the venters. retracing the diaphragmatic suspension and reenforcing the LES. Side effects: dysphagia. gas bloat. diarrhoea. increased fart and herniation which requires reoperation. Endoscopic Therapy Minimally invasive outpatient interventions that alter the construction at the gastroesophageal junction to forestall reflux of the stomachic contents. All these techniques decrease reflux symptoms. better quality of life and diminish the demand for antisecretory medicines. Side effects are chest hurting. hemorrhage. esophageal perforations. mediastinitis and decease. Radio frequence energyInjection of bulking agentBioprosthesis in the LESSuture fold of the proximal gastric creases Delivery of wireless frequence energy to the gastroesophageal junctionEndoscopic intervention delivers high frequence thermic energy to the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) . This intervention is proposed to do stiffening of the country to defy stretching when the tummy is full therefore making a barrier to cut down the flow of tummy acid. Injection of bulking agentsThis technique usage bulking agents such as Polymethylmethacrylate ( PMMA ) or Plexiglas microspheres that are injected into the lower esophageal liner. The stuffs implant into the submucosa for bulking of the tissues purportedly doing bottleneck and lengthening ensuing in the decrease of reflux. Implantation of a bioprosthesis into the LESSuch devices are surgically implanted in the locality of the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) to back up and augment the map of the LES. with the end of diminishing or halting the reflux of tummy contents up into the gorge. Suture fold of the proximal gastric creasesBesides known as endoscopic gastroplasty or endoluminal gastroplication. these endoscopic interventions use mechanical suturing techniques at or below the gastroesophageal junction to beef up and lengthen the sphincter in order to make a barrier for the contrary flow of acid. Mentions Copstead. L. C. . Banasik. J. L. . ( 2010 ) . Pathophysiology ( 4th Edition ) . Show me state: Saunders. an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Feldman. M. . Friedman. L. S. . A ; Brand. L. J. . ( 2010 ) . Sleisenger and Fordtran’sGastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management ( 9th Edition ) . Keystone state: Saunders. an imprint of ElsevierInc. Skidmore-Roth. L. ( 2011 ) . Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference ( 24th Edition ) . Show me state:Mosby Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Carpenito-Moyet. L. J. ( 2009 ) . Nursing Care Plans A ; Documentation: Nursing Diagnosiss and Collaborative Problems ( 5th Edition ) . Keystone state: Lippincott. Williams and Wilkins.

Market segmentation

Market segmentation Market segmentation is the procedure of engaging products, prices, places and promotions. The process involves identifying and targeting different markets as the basis for identifying with particular marketing mixes. Proper market segmentation has to engage people, practices and different corporal substantiations.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Market segmentation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The procedure for market segmentation involves identifying the potential customers and their needs, possible market segments and later development of profiles for identified market segments. After the identification, the second stage involves selection of a target segment before engaging an attraction towards the particular market segment. It is equally important for a marketer to engage proper positioning by identifying the advantages of the chosen market segments. This may involve selection of a positioning concept befor e engaging the marketing plan for each identified segment. Market segmentation involves division of large markets into consumer-focused subsets for the clients who have common needs or applications for services or goods on offer. Clientele subgroups are identifiable through various demographics in connection with the purpose of the market segment identification or goal of the marketer. Customers’ segmentation determines deigns and implementation procedures of the marketing campaigns. In relation to McDonald and Dunbar (2007, p. 213) writing, marketers engage in the market segmentation in the aim of understanding the importance of finding a sufficient customer-base to cater for the needs. Categorizing various customers on a given criteria helps firms to establish a better application for the products or services. The gathered ideas of a criterion can thus be of help in identification of a larger audience within the demographics, and thus increase the profit margins due to ampl ification of market shares in the submarkets. There are various characteristics of a targeted consumer base. The attributes are identifiable for a given market segment such as gender, age, location, income level or education level. The market segmentation process allows for a phenomenon where a consumer may fall upon various categories. Segmentation of the market allows the company to understand the ways of enhancing customer loyalty especially among potential long-term clients. The marketers allow the customers to make suggestions concerning the practical means of improving product or service. The changes may be minor with little or no effect to the value of the core product, but they are vital in maintaining a strong and loyal customer base. The changes also ensure that the company is of goodwill because of the readiness to listen to its clients’ needs. Market segregation is generally for strengthening the bond between the vendors and the consumers.Advertising Looki ng for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The concept of market segmentation is important because the buyers and sellers form non-homogenous groups for the reason that there are differences on needs, preferences, characters and resources. Considering the Dell Inc case study, the marketing and distribution department realizes that it not possible to cater for each of its customer’s characteristics. Marketers are however able to accomplish some standardized measures of segmentation by grouping customers to various categories of common characteristics. The common characteristics are the basis for standardized marketing merges into segments. The decisive factors for market segmentation involve either the consumer or the business marketers. The segmentation requirements for Dell Inc would entail the geographical segmentation. As an international and well-known company, Dell Inc would involve the regional variables in its segmentation such as the concentration of the customers, the measures of international industrial growth rates and, other microeconomic factors such as business expansion plans. A good example of the geographical segmentation is decision to concentrate on sale of specific products to particular countries. Secondly, the company can segment markets according to the type of customers. Some of the clients are possibly big international organizations, companies, governments, or private firms. The organization’s dimensions, position in a market niche and the capacity of its value chains are the main determinants of concentration. Thirdly, there is need for Dell Inc to consider the behavioural segmentation based on the consumer performances and behaviours such as the customization, usage, patterns, prices, benefits, competition, consumer and brand loyalty. The demographic segmentation touches on the age, ethnic setting, gender, income levels, status, or oc cupation, which can equally be of assistance. Lastly, the company ought to consider the psychographic segmentation to determine clients’ bases depending on the attitudes, lifestyles and values. Integrating the marketing communication strategies Communication is a key strategy of an organization’s success. A company may be having the best and most innovative services or products, but without strong internal and external communication, then the demand may be weak. Communication of products requires the marketers to focus on the value. The quality is of much benefit to the client than quantity. Enhancement of dialogue requires invitation of client’s thoughts to enhance a rapport in promotion of coordinated efforts. Client participation ensures timely delivery of proper information or right contents.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Market segmentation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to D oole and Lowe (2008, p. 232), the proper marketing communications tools, which promote companies products and services to its customers and the intermediaries include, the ability to ensure proper direction, precision, uniformity, appearance and timings for the targeted audiences. Marketers have to guarantee the values of proper communication to avoid confusion about branding and products recognition. The marketing mix enables them to examine prices of products, the distribution procedures, adverting, promotion mechanisms and customer service certification. â€Å"By integrating marketing communications strategies, it is important for the marketers to define as well as conduct some research concerning the targeted audience, objectives, budgets, competition, social effects, and cultural or other technological issues† (Doole and Lowe, 2008, p. 232) . The final process of the strategy involves evaluation of the decided promotion strategies. Marketers can automatically acquire the customer trust and loyalty by enhancing ethical plans, right communication procedures and following the right communication guidelines such as the marketing communication tools. Marketing communications tools Advertising This tool requires the right medium to get the accurate messages efficiently to the right audience. The effective avenues of transmission depend on the market segments, the chosen niche, and the dynamics. Considering the Dell Inc company that faces the challenges of international segmentation and maintaining the well-established customers’ loyalty, the advertising tools can be the product magazines, newspapers/ newsmagazines, internet, billboards and, mobile television such as the telephony advancements. The advertisement tools have to reach a wide clientele base regardless of the expenses. Public Relations This is a marketing communications tool involving the public perception of the products or services on offer. For a marketer to be in a position of enhan cing excellent public appearance for an organization there is need to engage sponsorship vents in the aim of building good customer trust and goodwill. The product or service has to give a positive perspective. Sales Promotion Mostly, the sales promotion is a marketing strategy that involves the media, for instance, advertising contests, sales of coupons through the media, provision of prototypes/sample products, sales of premiums, displays, demonstrations and engaging incentives. Promotion of sales accelerates the short-term sales by enhancing brand awareness campaigns, and creating or encouraging a repetitive buying procedure.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Direct marketing Direct involvement is a strong marketing strategic tool that involves responses to specific individual emails, telephone calls, inquiry catalogues or mails of customers. The marketers have to respond directly to inquiries made through the media such as television or radio. The responses cater for targeted audience to increase sales and introduce new products as a different option for marketing approaches. Personal Selling This marketing tool involves direct interaction where the marketing team must set sales appointments to selected clientele. It involves making direct presentations such as one-on-one communication to attract a strong clientele base and strengthen their relationships or loyalty to the firm. Before selection of a particular marketing tool, the marketing managers and representatives must analyze the â€Å"social, competitive, legal, regulatory, ethics, cultural and technological† effects to avoid inappropriateness, controversies and illegal enc ounters (Shimp, 2008, p. 8). Analysis of Dell’s decision to enter into relationship with distributing retailers Since its initiation, the marketing strategy of Dell Inc involved a direct client-server interaction. Its engagement of a retailers’ involvement such as, Wal-Mart is a significant change of marketing strategy. Some well established retailer stores like the Wal-Mart are internationally preferences to most customers and therefore an advantage to Dell in its global retailing strategy. The shift from strict direct selling to incorporate indirect selling by external retailers is definitely a simpler choice for the marketing team, but equally a difficult cultural move in its marketing strategies. The move is currently still on its underway and it may be difficult to determine. Is it a strategic move to avoid disastrous snarl-ups considering the competition or are the challenges bonds to increase? Losing its leadership mantle to the rival group Hewlett Packard (HP), Dell may be making the move due to pressure. On the other hand, the establishment in the market may be an indication that the need to emphasize on direct sales is not necessary the attraction to its products among most clients. Selling through the well-established retailer stores is an excellent move for the Dell Company because of the benefits of exposure especially in different market niches. The company also considers the safety of its products by starting mainly with the low-end products. The progressive changeover on the marketing strategies enhances performance and ensures provisions of extended commitment in cases of needs. It is usually safe to change from one strategy to another slowly while keenly monitoring the effects as opposed to the direct changeover. Involving the retailers is a great strategy of testing how well the company would work with the retailer stores especially on the up-coming products. How well would the company be able to handle the sales of its product s by third parties especially stores that the company can barely be in a position to control? The experience is worthwhile for Dell Inc future marketing decisions. The move will automatically affect Dells procedures of engaging customers such as the advertisement strategies and, the supply chain management. The move ensures that Dell Inc is able to develop a record of accomplishment from involvement with the retailers. The record of performance such as, the rate at which the products sell would enable the marketers to decide on the possibility of engaging the more vibrant retailers. The records provide Dell’s ability to retail from various sublets in the diverse retail channels. According to Cranfield School of Management (2000, p.5), the ability to form relationship with retailers is also a greater chance for other interested parties to channel their interests and form new links since this assists the retailers on their establishments. The well-established retail markets hav e the advantage of moving their products very fast and this can turn to be a huge benefit to the Dell Company. The question many marketers would arguably pose is, how well can computer products sell like the other products in the stores? Selling a computer is similar to selling any other product, but the clients want to know how to deal with the product such as the procedure for setting it up. How many retailers have the workmanship to withstand the long hours of user explanations and education? The arguments may fall upon the earnings of the marketer. The pay scale of Wal-Mart sellers may be quite different from that of Dell, thus Dell’s move to engage outside retailers may seem like a huge bargain over sales. Conclusion The main marketing strategy is the need to enhance proper customer relationship. Dell Inc has all along emphasized on the need to focus attention on the clients’ needs and demands. Companies need to find various methods of getting closer to the client for success thus the reason why dell is focusing on diversification into the retail markets. The Dell Company detached the partnership functions to emphasize on the need for it responsibility of customer relationship. From the case analysis, it is evident that Dell categorizes its business transactions in various customer segments for instance the recent retail stores relationship, which involves the public and private sectors. It also includes the direct customer relationship and lastly the home or public medium or small business sectors. Such a company need to approach various segments carefully and differently in the aim of customizing to fit specific needs. Arguably, the most viable communication tools for Dell’s marketing strategy would include the internet and call centres considering the diversification of the products and market competitiveness. References Cranfield School of Management (2000). Marketing Management: a Relationship  Marketing Perspective, Macmillan Business, Basingstoke Doole, I., Lowe, R. (2008). International marketing strategy: analysis, development  and implementation. Kentucky, KY: Cengage Learning EMEA McDonald, M., Dunbar, I. (2007). Market segmentation: how to do it, how to profit  from it. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann Shimp, T. A. (2008). Advertising Promotion and Other Aspects of Integrated Marketing  Communications. Kentucky, KY: Cengage Learning

Has the introduction of tuition fees reduced the demand for higher Essay

Has the introduction of tuition fees reduced the demand for higher education - Essay Example In Australia, where income contingent loans have been introduced to cover tuition fees and maintenance support, up until 1995 there had been no fall in demand either as a result of reduced entry or increased drop-out rates. Higher education has proven to be an attractive investment for individuals, generating a return of 5-15% in OECD countries. In addition to the benefits derived by the individual, society also benefits largely when the population is well educated. In many OECD countries, the burden of higher education has gradually shifted from the government or the taxpayer to the students and their parents. Australia reintroduced the tuition fees for higher education in 1989 through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS).In the Netherlands, tuition fees for full-time students are determined by the Minister of Education and are uniform for all subjects in higher education programs. Tuition fee as a percentage of the total direct cost of higher education has remained stable at 20% for the past few years. A change in funding pattern is likely to influence the student community in various ways. While an immediate reaction to discontinuation of State sponsorship for higher education might be one of disappointment, it might also lead students and their parents to appreciate the of value higher education better if they are to be made to pay for it from their own pockets. This way, only students serious about research in that particular field would take up higher studies. However, without primary research or econometric testing of behaviour, it very difficult to assess the net effect of changes to the funding structure and cost of higher education to students. The theory of human capital explains the economic approach to students demand for higher education as an investment. Human capital theory suggests that

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Level of Unemployment in UK - Essay Example This change will lead to a change in standards for living while supporting different needs for individuals. The basic definition of unemployment is when an individual doesn’t have a job and is nonworking. This definition leads the individual into a specific status that defines them as unemployed because they don’t hold a regular job and have inactivity in terms of finding a job. However, there are different measurements that are used for the unemployed because of the level of activity that is defined as well as the conditions in which different individuals are under. When looking at the overall idea of unemployment, it is defined by including anyone who is not performing a series of activities in the labor field or through a job. However, there are different levels that are included in this, specifically which is measured by the frequency in which one is unemployed as well as the basic structure that they rely on to receive monetary needs over a period of time (Brandolini, et al, 153, 2006). The structure of unemployment through the basic definition is defined by measurements that determine the frequency in which an individual is out of a job. This is defined first by an unemployment cell, which is divided by the amount of time one is out of a job as well as the frequency in which this occurs. This is also measured through the region in which one is in, specifically because it provides a comparison in the economic levels and demands for employment. The first measurement is known as seasonal unemployment, in which demands change based on labor intensive markets for each time frame. Most levels of employment that are offered seasonally include outdoor jobs and labor intensive options. The second type of unemployment is frictional, also referred to as demand – deficient unemployment. When the economy begins to emerge, temporary employment becomes available. This

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Managing In golbal market - Essay Example This internationalisation strategy report identifies two viable markets for entry, Kuwait and Brazil. In Kuwait, consumers are experiencing increased disposable income levels and consumer behaviour factors represent favourable conditions for consumer acceptance of Taco Bell and its diverse product lines. Brazil maintains stable economic conditions and also encouraging consumer behaviour which can enhance Taco Bell’s ability to improve its internationally-based revenue stream. With the chain’s intention of opening one new store, internationally, every few days (Wong 2014), Brazil and Kuwait can ensure this goal is achieved and market conditions in these two countries represent stability upon market entry. This strategy report utilises many strategic models to analyse market conditions in Brazil and Kuwait as viable markets for the chain’s growth. The report’s deliverables include a full understanding of the political, economic and social factors of both markets, the competitive environment, and specific strategic initiatives that must be established to make market entry a success and ensure profit longevity. The threats and risks in both markets are also identified that might contribute to challenges upon market entry with appropriate recommendations for overcoming any barriers to entering both markets. The Kuwaiti government recognises the opportunities for attracting foreign investment. Recently, Kuwait has established a Free Trade Zone in the city of Shuwaikh, a region closely adjacent to the Iran border, a region sustaining an important international airport, and sustaining a shipping port that facilitates recurring movement of goods via water transport systems. This Free Trade Zone provides foreign companies with complete tax exemption on earnings for 10 years upon market entry (Singh 2010). Hence, the endeavours of the Kuwaiti government to entice foreign investment provide Taco

The Lancaster Treaty Of 1744

The Lancaster Treaty Of 1744 The Lancaster treaty took place between June 28 and July 4, 1744 in the old courthouse. it was concluded by Iroquois( the Six Nations) and Maryland and Virginia colonies. The treaty focused on a land dispute between Virginia, Maryland and Iroquois. The dispute was centered on the Shenandoah Valley in Western Virginia where the interests of the populations and the three colonies tended to converge. Pennsylvania took part as an inter mediator with an attempt to play the part of a honest broker. Maryland and Virginia attended because Iroquois had threatened to extract payment forcibly form the frontier settlements which were claimed to have encroached their lands. The discussion between the Iroquois and the Colonial delegates was about the invasion by the Appalachians squatters of the eastern slopes. The Maryland and Virginia delegates did attend because the colonies were claiming the land in dispute. The Maryland and Virginia governors had for a period of two years been requested by the Iroquois to meet concerning the back part lands which they claimed to have aright over them.( James 2008, 45). The Iroquois complained that inhabitants from Maryland and Virginia had settled in their land without their permission. They also claimed that Maryland and Virginia had no right of settling in those land since they had no consent and also had not purchased the land neither. The Iroquois were possible of denying the French people passage through their territory due to this reason of land dispute. According to his 2008 edition James noted in page 50 that, the Maryland representatives said that neither the Great King of England nor his subjects had ever received a claim for a period of over one hundred years from the Iroquois or the Six Nations. Our Great King of England and his subjects have always possesssed the Province of Maryland free and undisturbed from any claims of the Six Nations for above hundred years past, and you are not saying anything before us, convinces us you though you had any lands in Maryland. They went ahead to tell the Iroquois that they were telling them nothing based on those grounds and that they had no pretense to any Maryland land. The Maryland also added that the Iroquois had no right to find out or make claims of any land under whatever title. The colonists were not pleased by the words of Canassatego saying that they were their elder brother or their claim to the American soil. (James 2008, 4). The Maryland said that the Iroquois had a small reason to keep complaining about land which they had first communicated about seven years ago and re communicated again two years ago to Pennsylvania (James 2008, 9). They said that the Six Nations had for a long time never complained about the land and it meant that they had no issue with the possession. The Maryland argued that there was no need to conflict bearing in mind that they were sons of one great king and are as one man and therefore no need to stir up quarrel. They convinced them with sweet words saying that past treaties have always emphasized that they stay like brothers. Through this they further told them that every misunderstanding between them should be done away with in every way through brotherly kindness and misunderstanding. when you spoke about the affair of land yesterday, you went back to old times and told us you had been in pocession of the province of Maryland above one hundred year: but what is one hundred years in comparison to when our claim began?(James 2008, 53). They insisted that the Maryland came out of the ground in a country that lies beyond the seas. They further argued that over hundred years the dutch had come in a ship to their land. They had brought with them goods such as knives, awls and guns and taught the Iroquois how to use them. This made the Iroquois think they were good people and went ahead and welcomed them telling them to tie their ship to the shore bushes.They further liked them and tied their ship to the trees and seeing that this was not secure enough, they allowed them to tie the ship to the rocks and even to the mountains. It was with time that they started allowing them use their land and resulted being the same people with the Iroquois. It was later that the dutch s tarted proving how they though they had actually helped us by bringing the tool; knives, awls and even guns and kept on saying that if it were not fro them the Iroquois could have perished lone time ago. They claimed this as false claiming that they lived even before that and may be in a better way. The speaker Conassatego added that the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania had divided land amongst themselves and that was the reason they could not even tell how much each owned. The Virginia people claimed that they actually had right to the land since it had costed them a lot including blood. They demanded to be informed of the transactions which had been made and insisted that they even wanted to know the interpreter. They claimed that they conquered several nations including those back of the mountains in Virginia. They told them that what they were experiencing was merely from the fact that they were conquest. They denied the idea that the Great King of England and the people of that colony conquered the Indians who lived there arguing that it was not true. They claimed that what specifically lied beyond the mountains had been conquered by them and that the Virginians have a right to it. The Virginians further said that the mountains are the boundaries between them. They also reminded them of a treaty they held at Albany where they made a fence with the belt of Wampum and said that if any visitors came to the hill they would kill them. They argued that t hat was the same situation they were applying and asked the treaty to be confirmed on that (James 2008, 54-55). They also complained that the Iroquois came and lived to the wrong side of the hill contrary of the agreement and the Virginians never bothered after all they were not in a position to know what the people in the other side were doing. They also said that the Six Nations came and settled along the sides of the road of which they never complained of. They also demanded that the issue of settling along the roads be settled along the grant of the land. That the great river of potowmack and the high ridges which extend all along the frontiers on Virginia to the Westward of the present setlements of that colony, shall be for ever the established between the Indians subject to the Dominions of Virginia and the Indians belkonging and depending on the Five Nations (James 2008, 68). According to page 65 to 66 of the 2008 James edition, the Iroquois said that the Virginians had never possessed land there before. They also said that the treaty of Albany which they know was one made seventy years ago which was made for friendship and treated them as brethren which was by Colonel Henry Coursey.they also said that the other treaty was the Albany of fifty eight years ago in which the people of Virginia gave out their land to their Great King for his protection which was made by Lord Howard. The last treaty they talked about was the one made by Governor Spots wood which they claimed to have failed to recite. This treaty actually prohibited the Virginia to settle to westward of the mountains. They said that as the treaty said before, the Great River of Potomack and the high ridge mountains extending along the frontiers of Virginia shall be the boundaries between Indians and Virginia and the Indians of the Five nations. They said this treaty gave them no authority to wal k on those lands. They said that this is the treaty that they were referring and that it had been sent to their King had no action taken and to add it all some people had copies of the same treaty and still put their claims on the same land. The Virginia said that the Southern Indians also demanded the same land as the Iroquois. The Virginia however told them that they were ready by all means to live as brothers just as before and settle any disputes in a fair and honest way. They told the Six Nations that their complain should be made to the Great King who had the right to remove the people who had intruded. (James 2008, 67). the dispute between Virginia and you is setting up your right aginst the great King under whose grants the people you compalin are settled. Nothing but a command from the Great King can remove them. The three colonies had supporting evidence of how the land in question was theirs. At the end they came in to terms saying that the Connastoge and Sasquahannah indians had a right to sell the lands to the Virginia and Maryland. This is because the lands were theirs at those times but they had been conquered and they belonged to them. They argued that it was by no means that the Iroquois owned them since they have never sold or purchased any land (James 2008, 56). They actually demanded to be told how and when they conquered the Indians. At the end of the treaty, the Iroquois left with presents from both Maryland and Virginia. They were also able to reaffirm the importance of the centrality of the Iroquois confederacy and covenant chain. The Iroquois also at the end of the discussion put marks on two official deeds for the Virginia and the Maryland colonies to signify the extinguishing ownership of the land in dispute. The treaty ended in such a way that both sides were contended and happy of the outcomes (James 2008, 86-87). In conclusion, the treaty of Lancaster 1744 was about settling land disputes between the Virginia, Maryland and the Iroquois. The Pennsylvania was used to take part of an inter mediator and a honest broker. The Virginia claimed the land was theirs majorly because of the treaty of the roads. The Iroquois denied the argument saying that their was a treaty of Albany which gave them no right to settle in their lands. The Virginia further said that it was only the Great King who had authority to displace the people and no other force. The Maryland had settled in the land for over hundred years without any claim. The Iroquois demanded that the Maryland tell them how relevant hundred years was to the dispute in question. Despite all this arguments, the three came to agreement with Iroquois receiving lots of presents from both sides. Iroquois also gave them official deeds signifying the extinguishing land ownership.

Essay --

Manufacturing process of CLAY BRICKS Most bricks are formed by one of two basic processes. Extrusion Fairly stiffed texture is mixed with clay body which is loaded into extruder worm screw force it into a die through pushing it along a barrel .depending upon how much clay will shrink in drying and firing process the die is made larger considering this The clay emerges as a continuous brick shaped column. Initially this is smooth but it can be modified by removing a thin sliver from the top and sides using a taught wire to produce a ‘wiredrag’ effect or by placing textured rollers over the column to create a rusticated effect or even by blasting the column with sand. The clay column is then cut into single bricks and palletised ready for the dryers or in some factories, are loaded directly onto kiln cars. Extruded bricks can be solid but cannot be frogged & are generally perforated. Soft mud moulding Soft mud moulding Bricks are constituted in mould boxes through some number of processes . Many methods can be applied but all have a common theme. A mould release medium stops the clay from sticking to the box (sand, oil or water) when soft clay is thrown into a mould,. The bricks are turned out & the excess clay is stuck off from the top of the mould. This is done by hand by a craftsman who would create one brick at a moment. This is slow, expensive & labour intensive used In these days only for generating special shapes or decorative bricks. For standard bricks large automated machines can be replicated the hand-making procedure much quicker by taking use of banks of mould boxes on a circuit where the boxes are filled with pre sanded clots of clay, washed, sanded struck off level and the formed brick turned out.... ...re than 60 F/h by introducing steam standard weight is generally cured at 150-165 F , whereas light weight at 170-185F . After reaching curing temperature steam flow is shut down .blocks are then left for soak in moist hot air for 12 – 18 hours. After this block is left for drying by exhausting moist air and further increasing the temperature of kiln which took about 24 hours. 2) High pressure kiln pressure (autoclave) –temperature is generally higher about 300-375 F and pressure is 80-185 psi block is left to soak for 10 hours , pressure is then decreased rapidly , because of which trapped moisture of block is released quickly. It is more costly process but it takes less time. References http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Concrete-Block.html http://dcmsme.gov.in/reports/glass/HollowBricks.pdf http://www.ibstock.com/pdfs/technical-support/TIS16Howbricksaremade.pdf

Arranged marriages Essay

I find it difficult to see how anyone could possibly approve of arranged marriages. In an arranged marriage, the bride and groom are selected by a third party rather than each other. Arranged marriages are most common in the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia – however with 55% of marriages in the world being arranged- you would be likely to find cases of arranged marriages anywhere you go. There are many different types of arranged marriages which follow all different rules and traditions to ensure it goes smoothly, but none of these allow you to pick the right partner yourself. I intend to put my personal views across, my view that arranged marriages are – and always will be –a violation against human rights. The main formula for life goes something like: have a childhood, get an education, get a job, have children, and grow old. However, many people following that formula tend to do something extreme, involuntary perhaps – fall in love. People in love will want to spend the rest of their life with the person they love, and the most logical way of ensuring this is through marriage. Marriage is a commitment shared between two people, a legal contract binding them together for life. How can people want to partake in such commitment with someone, they hardly know, let alone love? If a marriage is arranged by someone else, then it isn’t based on the grounds of which most marriages take place – love. Call me a romantic, but a marriage without love sounds like a very troublesome, difficult thing. By having your wedding arranged by someone else, this is taking away your free will – and furthermore denying you of the natural emotion of love. This is one of life’s many rare experiences, and I think every human should be guaranteed the free ability to get to know someone, fall in love, and as a result, get married. Through arranged marriage, you are agreeing to commit your life to someone whom you don’t know much about, by doing this, you are choosing to dedicate your whole entire life to a person – who may turn out to be nothing like you expect. Furthermore, not everyone in the world is genuine, and a lot of people would arrange a marriage for their children or someone close to them with their own selfish concerns in mind. In under-developed countries, where lots of people live in poverty, some parents will choose to marry off their children to people of a higher social status – increasing their own honour and wealth, and the happiness of the parents may overshadow the children’s. As much as this could be an easy escape from a hard life – we must consider the effects this could have on the people getting married. Their spouse isn’t being picked to suit them – so without common interest’s etc- there is a poor chance the couple will get on, which will then lead to an unhappy marriage and perhaps a hard life, taking the person in a broken marriage back to square one. Subsequently, arranged marriages can have a massive impact on someone’s life before, during, and after the marriage takes place. Perhaps you may be the unlucky one – and because you don’t truly know the person you are marrying – will be exposed to a variety of problems which may be hard to escape. Some of these problems range from abuse, violence and forced sexual relationships, to name just a few. A case in the media not too long ago bears witness to a twelve year old bride (her wedding arranged) who died after struggling for three days in labour to give birth. This type of marriage is appalling, and disgusting within itself – but exposing girls to this at such a young age is absolutely repulsive and I have no idea how this can be legal. A Nationwide survey in 2005 showed that half of marriages in rural India involved brides younger than 18 – the age of consent. This lifestyle is leaving so many young girls with no real hope for life outside of marriage, with a lot of cases contracting life-threatening diseases such as HIV and aids. Also most of these young girls have to give up their education to enter a lifestyle they are not ready for, leaving them neglected with deprivation of choice. How can they escape this living nightmare? How could their parents be so cruel? However, many people would choose to disagree with me. Especially if you’re brought up in a culture where having your marriage arranged is a common procedure, and this is all you have ever known. Despite the points I made earlier, there may be some parents who want what’s best for their children and providing they are older and wiser, less likely be impulsive in the decisions they make. Also, this may decrease any risk of family problems or struggles. Our family’s opinions matter very dearly to us, and if they are choosing that you marry a specific person, this must mean they approve of them. This means keeping your family, community, culture and tradition happy, whilst bringing two families together as one. Also, we must remember that much of modern day arranged marriages are different from traditional arranged marriages, where the participants have no say at all. Many of the arranged marriages these days allow the couple to have unsupervised dates and get to know one another before the marriage –some aren’t so strict. Even so, many disapproved arranged marriages still take place – through blackmail or worse – and this needs to stop. The divorce rate for arranged marriages is also much lower (around 4-6%, 10 times less than normal marriages) but whether this is due to happy marriages or more to do with the fact that they aren’t allowed to get divorced- remains unseen. To come to a conclusion, the cons of arranged marriages overweigh the pros by miles for me. I think they are an unnatural disgrace to this life, which we are supposed to be allowed free will in. Marriage is supposed to be based on commitment, love, affection and attraction – this being impossible to achieve without the chance to choose the person you want all this with. â€Å"Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry the individual you can’t live without.† – this quote from James C Dobson highlights the purpose of marriage, being not just a chance to live with eac h other, but a chance to ensure your love is secure for life. People are selfish, it’s a part of our nature – we can’t escape it. Our self-centred nature is the type that means our own purposes come before others, perhaps even our children’s. Making people enter a marriage with the wrong person will leave them feeling suffocated in a relationship that might, not even, make their lives worth living. A case brought into the press has recently brought forward an 8 year old child bride that boldly went by herself to court and demanded a judge to dissolve her marriage to a man in his thirties. If that doesn’t show how disgraceful and sick arranged marriages are, then this earth surely has so sympathy or care for anyone more unfortunate than us. If an 8 year old girl can stand up for herself to defend her rights of marriage, surely the rest of us can at least have the heart to disagree with such a horrific, shameful matter – which is all arranged marriages are. Shelley Bruce, Fraserburgh Academy Word Count – 1259 Bibliography http://www.indiabix.com/group-discussion/love-marriages-vs-arranged-marriages/ http://www.womensweb.in/articles/love-marriage-vs-arranged-marriage/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/burdens-and-benefits-of-arranged-marriages-0412137 http://www.statisticbrain.com/arranged-marriage-statistics/ http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-arranged-marriages-better-than-marrying-for-love (Un)arranged Marriage – Bali Rai http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/fashion/weddings/parental-involvement-can-help-in-choosing-marriage-partners-experts-say.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 http://www.rljewels.com/home/love-marriage-arrange-marriage.html

Buffalo Hunt Essay

It was one sunny hot afternoon, when First Nation people gather and tried to observe for buffalo. They are thinking of strategies and steps on how they would kill for it. I even saw that they used a telescope in order to watch and look in a clear view. I heard conversation in which everyone was giving an opinion on what they saw. Kicking Bird and his troupe decided to buffalo hunt. Hunting is a big part for First Nation people. It is a ritual doing or a tradition. It is an ancient and time-honoured tradition, which helps us stay in touch with our roots. It also allows us to experience the link between men and animal in an intimate way, and to procure our food more directly .They hunts to live, and live to hunt. Later on, they went back to their places and tell the community that they will go for buffalo hunting. I had seen that their families are very supportive and happy. While the hunters are getting ready, everyone was excited and was not able to hide the feelings on how hunting is important in their tradition. They all started to gather all their weapons used for hunting. I have witness how their family and friends gave them the courage, strength and prayers that they needed. The yelling and loud voices of the people made me feel alive. The hunters started to leave with a passion in their heart on what result may it be. While on the way to/

The Impost and the Abacus in Architecture

The Impost and the Abacus in Architecture An impost is that part of an arch from which the arc swings upward. If a capital is the top part of a column, an impost is the bottom part of an arch. An impost is NOT a capital but is often on top of a capital that has no entablature. An impost needs an arch. An abacus is a projecting block atop a columns capital that does not hold up an arch. The next time youre in Washington, D.C., look up at the columns of the Lincoln Memorial to see an abacus or two. The Impost Block Builders of what is now known as Byzantine architecture created decorative stone blocks to transition between columns and arches. Columns were smaller than the thick arches, so impost blocks were tapered, the small end fitting on the column capital and the larger end fitting onto the arch. Other names for impost blocks include dosseret, pulvino, supercapital, chaptrel, and sometimes abacus. The Look of Imposts The architectural term impost may date back to Medieval times. The interior of the Byzantine-era Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy is often cited to illustrate the use of imposts. Built in the early 6th century (c. 500 AD) by the Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great, this UNESCO Heritage site is a fine example of both mosaics and arches in Early Christian architecture. Note the impost blocks above the capitals of the columns. The arches spring upward from those blocks, which are traditionally highly decorated. Todays American homes reminiscent of Mediterranean or Spanish architecture will exhibit architectural features of the past. As was typical of imposts hundreds of years ago, the imposts often are painted a decorative color that contrasts with the color of the house itself. Taken together, these images show the transition of the column (3) to the arch (1) by way of the impost (2). Origin of the Word Impost has several meanings, many of which may be more familiar than the architectural definition. In horse racing, impost is the weight assigned to a horse in a handicap race. In the world of taxation, an impost is a duty imposed on imported goods   -    the word is even in the U.S. Constitution as a power given to Congress (see Article I, Section 8). In all of these senses, the word comes from a Latin word  impositus meaning to impose a burden onto something. In architecture, the burden is on a part of the arch that holds it up, denying gravitys attempt to bring the weight of the arch to earth. Additional Definitions of Impost The springing point or block of an arch. - G. E. Kidder Smith A masonry unit or course, often distinctively profiled, which receives and distributes the thrust of each end of an arch. - Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, The Impost and Arch in Architectural History Nobody knows where arches began. They arent really needed, because the Primitive Hut post and lintel construction works just fine. But theres something beautiful about an arch. Perhaps its mans imitation of creating a horizon, creating a sun and a moon. Professor Talbot Hamlin, FAIA, writes that brick arches date back to 4th millennium BC (4000 to 3000 BC) in the region known today as the Middle East. The ancient land called Mesopotamia was partially enveloped by the Eastern Roman Empire during the long period we sometimes call the Byzantine civilization of the Middle Ages. It was a time when traditional building techniques and designs already developed in the Middle East combined with the Classical (Greek and Roman) ideas of the West. Byzantine architects experimented with creating higher and higher domes using pendentives, and they also invented impost blocks to build arches grand enough for the great cathedrals of Early Christian architecture. Ravenna, south of Venice on the Adriatic Sea, was the center of Byzantine architecture in 6th century Italy.   Later still, it came gradually to replace the capital, and instead of being square at the bottom was made circular, so that the new capital had a continuously changing surface, from the circular bottom on top of the shaft up to a square of much larger size above, which supported the arches directly. This shape could then be carved with surface ornament of leaves or interlacing of any desired intricacy; and, to give this carving greater brilliance, often the stone beneath the surface was deeply cut away, so that sometimes the entire outside face of the capital was quite separate from the solid block behind, and the result had a sparkle and a vividness which was extraordinary. - Talbot Hamlin In our own homes today we continue the tradition begun thousands of years ago. We often decorate the impost area of an arch if and when it protrudes or is pronounced. The impost and impost block, like many architectural details found on todays homes, are less functional and more ornamental, reminding homeowners of past architectural beauty. Sources G. E. Kidder Smith, Source Book of American Architecture, Princeton Architectural Press, 1996, p. 645Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Cyril M. Harris, ed., McGraw-Hill, 1975, p. 261Talbot Hamlin, Architecture through the Ages, Putnam, Revised 1953, pp. 13-14, 230-231Photo of Lincoln Memorial by Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images (cropped); Photo of Spanish-style home by David Kozlowski/Moment Mobile Collection/Getty Images (cropped); Photo of colonnade and arches inside the Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo by CM Dixon Print Collector/Getty Images (cropped); Illustration of an impost by Pearson Scott Foresman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Reluctant Workers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Reluctant Workers - Essay Example Leadership skills were just as important as the project manager would have to present himself as the role model for his employees and always be in high spirits to uphold the confidence of his team and motivate it sufficiently towards the project’s goal (Kerzner, 2009). Finally, organization skills were equally important in this case as the project manager would be required to possess a deep understanding of the organization and its culture, its structure as well as the way of working (Kerzner, 2009). This would enable the project manager to understand the psychology of his teammates and tackle them accordingly. Unlike other skills, organization skills are particularly useful during formation and startup of a project. The program manager is often required to integrate workers from various departments for the development of cross-functional teams when organizing work teams. These teams need to be provided with sound leadership that ensures team cohesion and provides a sense of u nified direction. Since the team includes people from various departments, conflict of interest is highly likely. ... II. Tim Aston’s skills and effectiveness As mentioned in the first part, the first skill at play was that of team building; Tim was unable to have people voice their concerns to him and was unable to ensure open communication on the part of his team members which is the building block of team building skills. He lacked the ability to motivate his employees; hence, he lacked strong interpersonal skills. Furthermore, he was unable to develop a relationship with his subordinates that resulted in greater friction between him and the 40-year old employees. He wasn’t effective in getting people shun their departmental interests for the greater good of the project. The second skill was that of leadership; Tim continually faced the problem of getting his team united to work towards one direction- that of executing the project. He was unable to unify his team mates towards a single goal- that of project management. Various leadership traits have been identified by theorists incl uding charisma, assertiveness, task competence, decisiveness (Northouse, 2009). His workers wouldn’t stay back beyond 4:30 for fear of missing the car pool. This represented Tim’s failure to pursue individuals to sacrifice their personal welfare for organizational goals. Tim lacked the personality traits of charisma and assertiveness to motivate and convince the employees to work rather than leave the office. Finally, Tim lacked adequate organizational skills; he was unable to organize the people towards project management. It seemed that each individual was adamant at pursuing his/her individual goals, thus, Tim lacked the skill to organize people in a team. He also lacked a thorough

The Glory of Living Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Glory of Living - Essay Example The play questions the models of a family that are held up as the standard in society. Despite having a mother, Lisa is unable to have a normal childhood. The disintegration of the family is complete in the family of Lisa and Clint as the couple seeks to seduce young girls into a lurid kind of death. The sterility of this kind of an existence is repeatedly held up by the author as symbolic of the fact that such forms of life are unsustainable. The playwright, Rebecca Gilman, makes it clear that such instances of sterility do not represent the modes of sterility that were characteristic of ancient civilizations where it was a phase that would be followed by a regeneration. The two children that Clint and Lisa have only serve to heighten the disturbing mood of the play as the presence of a pedophile in the family makes the situation of the children complicated. They are moreover, placed not in the care The play’s pessimism regarding the state of affairs that modern life presents is a very postmodernist one, where it has become impossible for human beings to peel away the layers of life to reveal its true essence. Here, people wander through life; performing functions that they are aware do not possess any meaning. In this sense, the play also addresses existential issues that the modern man faces and has to deal with. The importance of the existential problems that the play poses is demonstrated by the absolute lack of meaning that Lisa, the anti-heroine of the play, puts into her actions. The main aspect of the play, however, remains the fact of the development of children. The life of children whereby they are at the complete mercy of their parent’s actions is demonstrated skillfully by Gilman’s play. The play, right from the scene where Lisa is charmed by Clint into a marriage that would lead her into a much more dissipated life than her mother, to the one where she discloses her dark secrets to the authorities, is a long series of events that displays the problems of a traumatic childhood. This childhood of hers is affected by the fact that her mother was a prostitute. The fact that Clint is a person who comes with a person, who may or may not have been a client of his future mother-in-law, is one of the most disturbing aspects of the play (Gilman). The guilt that Lisa feels at the end of the play is something that stems from the fact that she has not matured emotionally. The actions that she takes at various points in the play have no rational explanation. This fact is also the result of her dissociation from the real world where events follow a more or less rational course. The union of the grotesque and the real in the life of Lisa is another aspect of the play that is interesting and significant, dramatically. The grotesque events that are related in the play are a part of the life of Lisa. They are an everyday reality for her and this results in a disturbing atmosphere in the play. The grotesque becomes the nor m for Lisa when she arranges prey for her husband. The grotesque becoming the norm points to the development of the person. The abnormal childhood that was led by Lisa, where she was deprived of attention on the part of her mother. The negative influences of her husband too, become a reason as to why Lisa becomes what she becomes. The play offers no reason as to why Clint is the way he is, portraying