Theories of Counseling Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Theories of Counseling - Term Paper Example If he gets demotivated and stops working hard his grades may even drop. The bottom line is that an individual endeavors to achieve success through hard work thereby overcoming the weaknesses. This contributes towards a personal drive to completeness. Hence, my view of the nature of people is closest to Alfred Alder’s Individual Psychology according to which people strive towards achieving success and this is referred to as a personal growth towards perfection. Also, according to Alder social interest was affected by social training and was not inborn. Unlike Freud’s theory, Alder believed that the conscious behavior was the backbone of an individual’s personal development. As a result, this theory makes an individual responsible for their perception and adaptations to the different events. An individual’s own lack of properly adjustment explains their lack of growth. If an individual is discouraged or his or her positive gestures do not result in required outcome, misbehavior occurs (University of Nevada Las Vegas, 2010). Individuals act as the components upon which the structure of family is made up of. An individual is affected by the family system very deeply as the family as a whole is a complex and dynamic collection of these individuals playing their roles (Hammond, 2010). The behavior of an individual in their family is shaped by the expectation of the family. This is the same reason why an individual may behave differently with their family members and their friends. This is because an individual is aware of what is expected of him as a brother, sister, daughter, son, parent, or grandparent. The theory which is closest to me view is the Family Systems theory according to which a family is a group of individuals, components and subparts. Similar to any mechanical system, a family can also be diagnosed by researchers and therapists so as to locate the point of repair by investigating its members (Hammond, 2010).

Louis XIV, his good, great, and bad habbits as ruler Essay Example for Free

Louis XIV, his good, great, and bad habbits as ruler Essay Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, has been said to be the greatest ruler in all of Frances history, but many still accuse him of having bad aspects such as having homosexual habits, being anti-protestant, not understanding commoners, and following Colberts mercantilist principles which did not have a solid basis. There are many supporters of Louis, such as Pellison, Boussuet, and Mousnier, but also many adversaries: Leibnitz, Saint-Simon, Sorel, and Gooch. His rule cannot be classified as completely good, or completely bad, but many incorrect claims which supported the Sun King were made about him which need to be corrected. Many people made statements that were pro-Louis by saying He surrounded himself with numerous men who were extremely intelligent and capable, this may be true but many think that these capable men were homosexuals who satisfied the Sun Kings needs. Louis XIV was never openly gay, but it was said about him, partly because of his brother, Phillippe. Philippe was openly gay, and thus the object of scorn, which also affected Louis XIV. Louis also did not have as many mistresses as the rulers of other countries such as England and Spain, and more male servants than those countries too. Also the fact that he is the French ruler does not make his national background convincing to be heterosexual. Louis XIV supported Colberts mercantilist principles, and because of them he did not go bankrupt as soon as he did. Colbert believed that one country could become wealthy only at the expense of another, this was a general mercantilist thought but it had no solid foundations. Countries do not only become wealthy at the expense of others, that could be one way but there are many more such as exploiting natural resources. Colbert thought that the world was at a limit of goods and resources, while the world does have a limit, it was, and still isnt, close to being achieved. Colbert also believed that the wealth of a nation is measured by the amount of gold and silver it has; this made the Sun King strive for expansion which cost massive amounts of tax raises because of the costs of an army. In the end Colberts principles brought the downfall of Frances economy because of Canadian interests. He believed that the only use for Canada was to take all the gold and silver from it, this caused massive inflation as time went on,  too much to control. From following Colberts policies Frances economy thrived early on, but collapsed in the end. While many debaters say that Louis XIV was the epitome of monarchy and absolutist beliefs, there are were many faults during his reign. His proud saying Letat Cest Mois! which translates to The state is mine was spoken frequently and with good reason by the Sun King. He took complete power over the country; with this power he delayed meetings of the Estates General for over a century. This was not popular with the people who, with that motif, had no say in the government at all, when as before that had a minor say. During Louis reign France was established into three estates, and 2 of them showed grand signs of dislike toward the king. A nobleman, the Baron of Montesquieu, wrote a book about general beliefs of the nobility. The book was entitled The Spirit of the Laws; it discussed how there can be no liberty when all power is placed in the hands of one, or even a handful of rulers. He believed that the government must be based on a separation of powers, into three or more branches, to give equal liberty to all of the people; because France lacked this it had a poorly assembled government. There are also theories on Louis XIV disliking aspects about his reign, for upon his death bed he warned his great grandson not to partake in his ways. That the Sun King had had too much extravagance and too much power that his successor should spend more time with his people instead of his friends. Some might say that Louis religious policies were based on toleration or unity but this is wrong for many reasons. Louis himself was a catholic at heart and mind, while not publicly, he disliked Protestants and their faiths. This is shown also with his personal advisers, who were all catholic. Louis himself committed an act that threatened his reign; he revoked the Edict of Nantes. This revocation proved how Louis did not wish to tolerate Protestants, and how he did not wish to make peace or friends with them. Louis also believed that as absolute monarch, he could control everybodys beliefs. One king, one law, one faith was a common phrase used to describe Louis feelings toward the Protestants, and everyone who did not accept Catholicism. Louis XIV had many bad tendencies during his reign, but also many good ones. Some of these good traits and acts have been over exaggerated and need to stand corrected. Such as his like of male advisors who were extremely capable, this hints at homosexual tendencies of Louis XIV. Also his following of Colberts principles brought the inevitable downfall of Frances economy and his dislike of people opposed to the catholic faith did not bring him religious allies from the Protestants. Finally he did not understand the commoners when he claimed that he was the absolute ruler or France. While there are many downsides to Louis XIV we cannot forget his positive aspects, he ruled well into his seventies and built a marvelous palace, Versailles, to keep his legacy forever.

Prospects of Outsourcing Clinical Research Projects

Prospects of Outsourcing Clinical Research Projects A STUDY OF OUTSOURCING CLINICAL RESEARCH PROJECTS TO ASIAN COUNTRIES (INDIA): ITS GROWTH AND FUTURE PROSPECTS ABSTRACT Outsourcing is increasingly becoming a trend within the clinical research industry. The pharmaceutical and biotechnological spend on outsourcing was estimated to be $48 million in the year 2008 and is expected to increase to $48 million by 2010 [Bloch et al, 2006]. The concept of outsourcing for the development and global studies on new drugs has become widely accepted in the pharmaceutical industry due to its cost and uncertainty. India is going to be the most preferred location for contract pharma research and development due to its huge treatment naà ¯ve population, human resources, technical skills, adoption/amendment/implementation of rules/laws by regulatory authorities, and changing economic environment. But still ‘miles to go to fulfil the pre-requisites to ensure Indias success. In spite of all the pitfalls, the country is ambitious and optimist to attract multinational pharmaceutical companies to conduct their clinical trials in India. The research methodology is done mixing the quantitative and qualitative methods as explained by Creswell (Creswell, J. W., 2003). The questionnaires designed for collecting data had open-and-closed ended questions to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data for the analysis. An extensive literature review of existing trend of outsourcing clinical research project was carried out. Six interviews were conducted; two interviews to gain an understanding of the process and the activities outsourced by the pharmaceutical industry, benefits and risks involve in outsourcing, why Indian CRO are considered better to outsource the clinical research projects and four interviews to evaluate the strategies employed by the CRO in order to improve the relationship with key clients. The primary conclusion from this study is that outsourcing is a necessity within the clinical research industry. The study concluded that the many pharmaceuticals from UK are outsourcing their clinical research mainly to Asian countries for fast, cost effective and quality results. The study concluded that the relationship between the client and the CRO is the key element for the future of outsourcing clinical research projects. Chapter 1- Introduction and Background 1 INTRODUCTION â€Å"Outsourcing allows companies to reduce costs, benefits consumers with lower cost goods and services, and causes economic expansion that reduces unemployment, and increases productivity and job creation.† [Elder, 2009] According to the American heritage dictionary outsourcing is defined as the â€Å"procurement of services or products from an outside supplier or manufacturer in order to cut costs† [Amiti, 2004] This chapter aims to understand the rationale behind this project which is on understanding the process of outsourcing within the clinical research industry. The cost of drug development has been consistently on the rise, which has led to the pharmaceutical industry looking for new methods for conducting clinical research [Jayshree, 2005]. These companies have also been trying to develop strategies in order to identify and focus on their core competencies [McIvor, 2000]. This has now been achieved by the process of outsourcing. Contract research was initially limited to pre-clinical studies and clinical trial services; however it now covers a varied range of activities. [Jayshree, 2005] Outsourcing therefore has become a customary business strategy. [Editors, May 2005]. As time progresses a number of activities are outsourced to service providers such as Contract Research Organisations (CRO). It has been estimated that there are 1200 organisations which are involved in clinical research; these include pharmaceutical and biotechnological in-house clinical management, site management organisations (SMOs), academic and medical centres, private research sites and contract research organisations. These organisations aid in completion of the projects within the stipulated timelines and thereby increase the profit margins of the pharmaceutical companies. In the US, 60% of the clinical research activities were outsourced to CROs, in the year 2001. The CRO market has been growing rapidly ($1 billion in 1992 to $8 billion in 2002). This growth is evident not only in terms of revenue generation; but also in the number of patients being recruited in clinical trials (7 million in 1992 to 20 million in 2001). Therefore there is an increasing demand in the pharmaceutical industry for outsourcing activities to these service providers. [Jayshree, 2005] In order to meet the project requirements and timelines the pharmaceutical companies attempt to select the best service provider from several CROs. There is an intense competition between these organisations. I.1 illustrates the results of a survey conducted by Contract Pharma in 2005 wherein the respondents have graded the various characteristics they expect from a CRO in terms of very important and / or important. 1.2 RESEARCH TITLE A study of outsourcing clinical research project to Asian countries (India), its growth future prospects 1.3 RESEARCH BACKGROUND As time progresses a number of activities are outsourced to service providers such as Contract Research Organisations (CRO). It has been estimated that there are 1200 organisations which are involved in clinical research; these include pharmaceutical and biotechnological in-house clinical management, site management organisations (SMOs), academic and medical centres, private research sites and contract research organisations. These organisations aid in completion of the projects within the stipulated timelines and thereby increase the profit margins of the pharmaceutical companies. In the US, 60% of the clinical research activities were outsourced to CROs, in the year 2001. The CRO market has been growing rapidly ($1 billion in 1992 to $8 billion in 2002). This growth is evident not only in terms of revenue generation; but also in the number of patients being recruited in clinical trials (7 million in 1992 to 20 million in 2001). Therefore there is an increasing demand in the pharmaceutical industry for outsourcing activities to these service providers. [Jayshree, 2005] Clinical trials are designed to help us find out how to give a new treatment safely and effectively to people. With escalating pressure on research and development (RD) cost-containment across the global pharmaceutical industry, there is increased focus on reducing the cost of clinical development. The additional problem of delayed development is also affecting new drug introductions, losing incremental revenues. This dual challenge of accelerating clinical development and reducing costs has forced major pharma companies to look at alternative destinations for sourcing patients for their global studies. Exploration on these lines guides pharma industry to take interest in the countries like Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia. Amongst Asian countries, India stands out prominently due to its huge treatment-naà ¯ve patients population, English speaking doctors and a large pharmaceutical presence that has dominated the world market due to cheap generics. As the multinational drug co mpanies in the United States and Western Europe look east to outsource research and clinical trial activities, countries such as India will gain proficiency and expertise, assisting its move from generic and speciality contract manufacturing to innovative drug discovery and development in its own right, setting the stage for increased global competition. [Unknown, website:http://www.cyfuture.com/history-ofoutsourcing.htm]. India has emerged as a strong base for clinical trials in recent times. Due to the multitude of benefits it offers, the country is fast growing as a centre of conducting clinical trials for many international companies. India, with its huge patient base, low cost advantage, completion of cilia trial on time, improving infrastructure, and with a strong government support is witnessing a double digit growth in its clinical trial market. All major pharmaceutical companies and Clinical Research Organisation (CROs) have already started conducting their clinical trials in India, and with improving infrastructure, industry friendly regulations and trained workforce, the growth is only likely to increase in future. 1.4 RATIONALE FOR CHOSEN TOPIC I decided to do my research on outsourcing because my personal interest and also clinical research outsourcing became the most important factor in the economic growth of many developing countries. I strongly believe that this paper provide some good literature along with some organizational evidences which will be beneficial to other pharmaceutical industry to outsource their clinical trials to India. Further as I have chosen my area as a clinical research outsourcing from European countries to many developing Asian countries along with the risk involvement in it so I will be collecting theories and information from pharmaceutical companies which will provide some evidence to the topic. In addition to the theories, I will be interviewing the mangers of pharmaceutical companies to find out their opinion and on that basis I will further review my topic. Also my personal interest in this topic is that I have worked in the clinical research industry for around 3.5 years. I know many of the processes and whole flow of the study completion. I have worked in CRO for top pharma companies like Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline so I know all the insights of clinical research its importance, criticality and confidentiality. Also by working on this thesis I will get to know UK pharmaceutical market and how they carry out their clinical research. It will definitely help me in my job search as I want to work in clinical data management field in UK pharma or CRO. 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS: They are a means to structure, focus and direct the dissertation and to reconcile the objectives with the primary research. (I need your inputs regarding how to reference this portion of work as I have taken it from your notes) Research is an organised and systematic way of finding answers to questions. Questions are central to research. If there is no question, then the answer is of no use. Research is focused on relevant, useful, and important questions. Without a question, research has no focus, drive, or purpose. Research questions:- 1) To understand the UK pharmaceutical/clinical research Industry. 2) To define the nature and characteristics of outsourcing 3) What is the importance of Clinical Research industry? 4) What is the relationship between pharmaceutical industry and CR industry? 5) Why outsource clinical research? 6) Why outsource clinical research mainly to Asian countries? 7) What are the effects of outsourcing clinical research on a pharmaceutical industry? 8) How to improve relationship between pharma and CRO in the process of outsourcing? 9) Which elements are most important for relationship between pharma and CRO both now and in future? 10) How to manage performance throughout the outsourcing process to improve its future? 1.6 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Outsourcing is a fascinating field which now forms a core component of business within the clinical research industry. This chapter aims to understand the aims and objectives which are intend to be completed during the course of this project. 1.6.1 Aim: To understand the growth and future prospects in outsourcing of clinical research projects from UK Pharma to Clinical Research Organisation in Asian countries. This research was conducted in order to understand the process of outsourcing within the clinical research industry. This research is mainly based on pharmaceutical companies in UK and Europe who outsources their most of the clinical trial work to overseas companies mainly in Asian countries .The actual aim of this research is to find out why there is an increase in outsourcing of clinical trials to Asian countries and what are the future prospects for both pharma companies and CRO where the projects are getting outsourced. This research also talks about what benefits the companies have due to outsourcing its clinical trials to developing countries. 1.6.2 Objectives: The following are the objectives of the research 1. To understand the current scenario of outsourcing within the clinical research industry. 2. Analysis of UKs Pharmaceutical industries where companies are going for outsourcing 3. What are the various reasons behind outsourcing? 4. Analysis of Clinical Research Organisations in Asian countries were outsourced jobs get done. 5. Overlook on the procedure of outsourcing and the basis on which selection outsource company is being done. 6. To identify the risks and benefits involved in outsourcing from the perspective of a client and service provider. 7. To develop a questionnaire in order to establish the internal views of a leading Pharmaceutical (Client) and CRO (service provider) on outsourcing. 1.7 THE STRUCTURE OF DISSERTATION This paper consists of following chapters which are, Dissertation document structure: Chapter 1: Introduction In chapter 1, an introduction to outsourcing and clinical research industry was given in order to provide the reader a good background of outsourcing and clinical research industry. The Chapter also addresses why UK Pharma companies choose CRO in Asian countries (India) for outsourcing and the relationship between them. Chapter 2: Literature review This chapter provides background information on the processes of outsourcing as well as gives an overview of outsourcing within the clinical research industry. Chapter 3: A structured research methodology A background on the research methodologies, knowledge claims, research strategies, and data collection was given as the first part of this chapter. The implemented research process and methodology for this research study was explained subsequently. The last part of the chapter addressed the validation process and the objectives achieved through the research study. The author of this thesis selected a research methodology mixing the quantitative and qualitative methods as explained by Creswell (Creswell, J. W., 2003). The questionnaires designed for collecting data had open-and-closed ended questions to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data for the analysis. An extensive literature review of existing trend of outsourcing clinical research project was carried out. Chapter 4: Company Case Chapter 5: Data Collection and Analysis of the project Six interview were conducted from the UK Pharma and CRO in India to gain an understanding of the process and the activities outsourced by the pharmaceutical industry, benefits and risks involve in outsourcing, why Indian CRO are considered better to outsource the clinical research projects and what is the future prospects of outsourcing clinical research by developing good relationship between client and CRO. Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations The primary conclusion from this study is that outsourcing is a necessity within in the clinical research industry. The study concluded that the many pharmaceuticals from UK are outsourcing their clinical research to Asian countries for fast, cost effective and quality results. The study also concluded that the relationship between the client and the CRO is the key element for the future of outsourcing clinical research. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 INTRODUCTION In the previous chapters I have presented the overall background to the topic and also supportive literature to the outsourcing of clinical research along with relationship building in between CRO and pharma. The main aim of this chapter is to outline the research methodology used for this topic. In this chapter we will provide and discuss the content of the research approach towards the topic and designing of it used throughout the study of it. 3.2 RESEARCH PROCESS This is traditional and highly structured view of research process. This model also provides research as neat and orderly process, with one stage leading logically on to the other. As provided in step 1 research topic can be identified as a result of your course, work, job, interest area or general experience. On the basis of research topic in order to narrow down the research area, research problem is defined which focuses on particular research problem with small enough of investigation. Next step is to tell how exactly the research is to be conducted which is followed by the collection of the data which includes primary and secondary data. After analyzing and interpreting this collected data final report is being written. 3.3 NATURE OF RESEARCH PROBLEM Conducting research in the real world was a challenge for dissertation due to the lack of a central body/authority to provide information related to pharmaceutical and CRO confidential data regarding outsourcing of clinical research. The followings are some of the key challenges faced during the research process: 3.3.1 Lack of transparency An effort was made to address some questions through the questionnaires related to the outsourcing of clinical research and its benefits, the risks you face when you outsource processes to the CRO, the key issues that lead to a loss of business from the clients, and the competencies that differentiate the CRO from its competitors. These questions were either not answered or answered with uncertainties by some respondents. The author has to take out the information through indirect ways of addressing the questions over the interviews conducted with some of the Operational managers and employees in person or through phone interviews. This indeed increased the time and effort in the data collection phase in the research process but was overcome with certain limitations. 3.3.2 Inadequate references: The author had struggled to find good references or documents related to outsourcing clinical research, its future and all the other relevant data was offered either through the common portal or the business departments sites. The lack of academic case studies on information security, publications, or white papers was a challenge for the extraction of information in the literature review and data analysis. Despite the above challenges, the objectives of the research as mentioned in Section 1.4 were the pillars of the research methodology and the research process was implemented to achieve them. 3.4 RESEARCH METHOD Research method tells about the methodologies used for the research topic. The main aim of this method is to discuss and select the appropriate method to achieve the research objectives which also provide the structured and systematic way throughout the process to perform the research. A Research Method is nothing but a way in which the data is arranged to get desired output. It can also be defines as a systematic and orderly approach to the collection and analysis of data. In any research collected or gathered is always called as samples or data, which is raw, specific, untreated, undigested and therefore largely meaningless. The analysis arranges the data in a meaningful manner and resolves research questions. So it is very important to select a correct analysis method on the correct set of data to get accurate results and outputs for the research problem. There are several different analytical methods, which are commonly used in business and management research works. These methods vary according to the nature and scope of the topic and thesis, the sources of data to be used, the purposes of gathering data, the amount of control in obtaining the data, and assumptions to be made in analyzing the data. 3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN Research design is a ‘Science of planning procedures for conducting studies so as to get the most valid findings (Vogt, 1993, P.196). Research design will give you detailed plan and guide about focus of your research. Research design is a strategic research approach which is adopted to answer the research questions. The research approaches are classified as exploratory, descriptive or analytical research. Exploratory research is generally conducted for the topics where hardly any few or nothing to refer for the researcher in terms of work done by previous researcher. Researcher conducts the exploratory research for three main purposes a) diagnosing a situation, b) Screening alternatives, C) Discovering new ideas.(Zikmund,200). In general exploratory research is meaningful in any kind of situation where there is not a exact understanding in order to proceed with research (malhotra, 2004). Research conducted for this project was largely exploratory, which involved brand equity research; a research wherein the researcher determines the favorability of a particular brand among its customers [Trochim, W.M.K, 2006]. In order to fulfill the aims and objectives set for this project a schedule of tasks to be completed was drawn up: 1. A comprehensive study of article and reports which dealt with basic outsourcing as a concept. 2. A study of articles and reports related to outsourcing within the clinical research industry to provide an insight into the functioning of pharmaceutical companies. 3. Evaluation of the information gathered so as to compile a literature review. 4. Preparation of questionnaires as tools to obtain the generic information about outsourcing within a leading pharmaceutical company. 5. Selecting relevant interviewees for conducting the interview. 6. Preparation of questionnaires in order to interview key people within the organisation who were responsible for ensuring that deliverables are met in a timely manner. 7. Conducting the interviews 8. Transcription of the responses obtained during the interviews 9. Analysing the responses obtained and generating the results. 10. Conclusions and recommendations from the results obtained. These tasks required a comprehensive collection of information from various sources. The collection of data for analysis and interpretation was done in two phases: 1. Desk Research 2. Field Research 3.5.1 Desk Research The desk research comprised a comprehensive and extensive literature review in order to gain a thorough understanding of the industry, outsourcing. This took place during the first four weeks of the project. The reading material covered a range of internet articles and industrial reports. The majority of the articles were found by using internet research. This method of research involved the extensive use of the Internet especially the World Wide Web [Berry, D. M. (2004)]. The search engines used to look for information included Google, Yahoo, MSN, Google Scholar and the UWIC library search hub. Some reports were also provided by the Industry Supervisor. The articles were read and the information which was relevant to the project aims was reviewed and included in the literature review which forms the second chapter of the thesis. Some of the well known reports such as the Tufts reports and a report by Alison Sahoo, (2006) on Pharmaceutical Outsourcing Strategies did not only provide very good background information but also provided a plethora of information on outsourcing. Name of report Kind of information provided McKinsey Reports These reports provide comprehensive information on issues such as consolidation, licensing, biotechnology pipeline, outsourcing within the industry etc [McKinsey company website, accessed on 12 Dec 2009] Tufts Reports Strategic information for drug developers, regulator and academic researchers to help improve the quality of pharmaceutical development, review and utilisation [Tufts website, accessed on 15 Dec 2009] International Biopharmaceutical Association Publications The publications give information on product updates, news and industry trends, these journals have articles on the current issues related to the industry [IBPA website, accessed on 20 Dec 2009] William Blair Company reports These reports provide information on research providers and high quality growth companies. [William Blair and Company website, accessed on 22 Dec 2009] International Monetary Fund reports These reports provide information on high quality research and publish articles by a variety of guests on a number of topics [IMF Staff Papers, accessed on 27 Dec 2009] 3.5.2 Field Research The research on the subject of outsourcing included the construction of questionnaires and interviewing internal members of a leading CRO in order to fulfil the aim of the project. There are two types of research classified on the basis of type of questioning: 1. Quantitative research 2. Qualitative research Quantitative research is research which uses a combination of inferential statistics and descriptive statistics as tools to analyze data and draw conclusions. It involves random sampling techniques to enable valid and credible sampling from a particular population. This kind of market research includes surveys and questionnaires which express a statistically significant result. [Bradburn et. Al. 1988] Qualitative research, on the other hand, generally precedes the quantitative research. It aids in understanding a problem, setting up a hypothesis and determining the route to be taken for the quantitative research. This type of research is expensive and does not progress as rapidly as its counterpart. The number of respondents in this type of research is few and therefore the results of such a research cannot be extrapolated to the entire population [Malhotra, 2006]. The essential guide to doing research The research carried out in this study was qualitative in nature and hence did not generate a large amount of statistical information. It was decided, with the consent of the University and the Industry Supervisors, that the aims and objectives of the project could be fulfilled by interviewing relevant people within the CRO itself. There were four interviews, in total, which were conducted. Two interviews were conducted from the members which belong to pharmaceutical company and other two were conducted from CRO, which is service provider for this pharmaceutical company. 3.6 Data collection There are two main types of data collection primary data collection and secondary data collection. Primary data is the one which can be obtained by researcher directly, by observation or measurement of phenomenon in a real world without any disturbance of third party involvement. (walliman,2005). In every case researcher is answerable for his sources and should be able to argue in defense of quality of his sources. In secondary data the information is subjected to the source of reference. The main difference between primary and secondary data is, Primary data is originated by researcher for specific purpose of addressing the problem where as secondary data have been already collected for the purpose of other than problem (Malhotra, 2005). In the data collection process, both questionnaires and interviewing methods were adopted. The interview data were analyzed using the immersion approach (Robson, C., 2002) The questionnaires were designed to include open ended questions and closed ended questions in order to give the participants the flexibility to add more comments and points and not be restricted to the answers provided for any question (Creswell, J. W., 2003). 3.6.1 Review of secondary resources: * Related research papers, journals, industrial white papers, and surveys were researched, collected, indexed, and reviewed by the author. The objective of this step was to have a good repository of all journals and conference proceeds addressing the topic of outsourcing, different methods of outsourcing, clinical research industry, pharmaceutical industry , and increase in the outsourcing of CRO projects to developing countries like India , china etc. * During the course of the research, the author had either read or skimmed through more than 50 journals, whitepapers, conference proceedings, and books. Only 50 references regarded useful to the research were indexed and documented. 3.6.2 Identifying Interviewees: It was of paramount importance to select the right people to interview from a plethora of people, each skilled in their own field. With the intention of obtaining the maximum amount of information from the interviewees about outsourcing within the clinical research industry, people who were crucial to increasing the business opportunities for the leading pharmaceutical were chosen for these interviews. These people form a bridge between the top pharmaceutical companies and the CRO; hence it was decided that they were the best in the field of outsourcing within the CRO and therefore were selected for the interview. The questionnaires for the interviews were prepared accordingly. The field research was carried out in two phases: 1. Phase I: Preparation of questionnaires 2. Phase II: Conducting the interviews Phase I (the preparation of the questionnaire) required the author of this thesis to have an appreciation of the challenges of the industry and the current state of the art with respect to outsourcing in order to be able to target the questions in the most appropriate manner. There were two different questionnaires employed and these were directed at two different business activities that could be outsourced. These were: 1. Questionnaire for members belonging to pharmaceutical company. 2. Questionnaire for members who are part of CRO Structured interviews: Two questionnaires (A and B) were created and were sent to Pharmaceutical Company (Pharma) and the CRO (Clinical Research organisation) respectively with specific and direct questions related to the areas of research interest. A preliminary interview with the head of Outsourcing Department in the pharmaceutical company was conducted to explain the purpose of the research and seek his opinion on the questionnaires and their objectives. Some of the heads of the departments did not have the chance to fill questionnaire and requested the author to fill them during their interviews. Mailed/Online questionnaire Both questionnaires A B were sent to the appropriate participants. The participants were invited based on their management involvement and based on their strong background on the outsourcing issues. The questionnaires were sent via email to them and the feedbacks were received through email. Both questionnaires A and B were developed as an output of this phase with different sets of questions addressed to the two categories of respondents (pharmaceutical company and Clinical Research Organisation). The questionnaires were sent and assistance offered to clarify the questionnaires questions if needed. The background information was obtained by a comprehensive study of the available literature and that has been reported in Chapter III. This chapter aims to report the results obtained during the interviews which were conducted as part of the research. 3.6.3 Questionnaire for members belonging to pharmaceutical company related to outsourcing This questionnaire was designed to obtain informat

The Medical and Ethical Perspectives of Human Cloning Essay -- Argumen

The Medical and Ethical Perspectives of Human Cloning      Ã‚  Ã‚   In our modern day world, the technology of genetic engineering and human cloning for the use of asexual reproduction has reached a point to where we must ask ourselves if it is a good practice for medical purposes, or if it presents issues of ethical and moral concern.   Human cloning is a very cmplex process; it is very multilayered in the promises and threats that are suggested by scientists (Kolata 8).   In the basic definition, cloning is accomplished by removing the nucleus of a mature, unfertilized egg and replacing it with a specialized cell from an adult organism.   The nucleus taken contains most of the hereditary material from the original human source, and it develops from the human source it was taken from.   This process makes it possible for scientists, or geneticists, to reproduce unlimited amounts of duplicates, which are known as clones (Pence:   Flesh 18).   Human cloning has reached a point wher the ethical and moral values have not been co nsidered, and we have not fully learned and understood the negative consequences of such a new and overwhelming technology.   There are, however, individual benefits of using genetic engineering for medical purposes.   Such purposes include gene therapy and asexual reproduction.   The use of genetic engineering in our society is viewed differently in two very arguable ways.   Scientists, bioethicists, doctors, lawyers, professors, and authors join in the debate over human cloning and its medical benefits versus moral and ethnical concern.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Cloning and genetic engineering ahve been ideas that scientists have explored for a long time.   "Cloning first came to public attention roughly thirty years ago, following the s... ...raise tough questions. http://www.msnbc.com/news/229707.asp Mohler, Albert R. "The Brave New World of Cloning: A Christian Worldview Perspective."   Human Cloning: Religious Responses.   Ed. Ronald Cole-Turner. Louiseville, Ky.: Westminster John Know Press, c 1997. MSNBC Staff and Wire Reports.   Korea says human clone test succeeds: Scientists claim to cultivate human embryo in experiment.   http://www.msnbc.com/news/224234.asp Pence, Gregory E. Flesh of my Flesh: The Ethics of Cloning Humans.   Lanham, Md. Rowman and Littlefield, c 1998. Pence, Gregory E. Who's Afraid of Human Cloning? Lanham, Md. Rowman and Littlefield, c 1998. Roleff, Tamara L. ed. Biomedical Ethics: Opposing Viewpoints.   San Diego, CA Greenhaven Press, Inc. c 1998. Wekesser, Carol. ed. Genetic Engineering: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, CA Greenhaven Press, Inc. c 1996. The Medical and Ethical Perspectives of Human Cloning Essay -- Argumen The Medical and Ethical Perspectives of Human Cloning      Ã‚  Ã‚   In our modern day world, the technology of genetic engineering and human cloning for the use of asexual reproduction has reached a point to where we must ask ourselves if it is a good practice for medical purposes, or if it presents issues of ethical and moral concern.   Human cloning is a very cmplex process; it is very multilayered in the promises and threats that are suggested by scientists (Kolata 8).   In the basic definition, cloning is accomplished by removing the nucleus of a mature, unfertilized egg and replacing it with a specialized cell from an adult organism.   The nucleus taken contains most of the hereditary material from the original human source, and it develops from the human source it was taken from.   This process makes it possible for scientists, or geneticists, to reproduce unlimited amounts of duplicates, which are known as clones (Pence:   Flesh 18).   Human cloning has reached a point wher the ethical and moral values have not been co nsidered, and we have not fully learned and understood the negative consequences of such a new and overwhelming technology.   There are, however, individual benefits of using genetic engineering for medical purposes.   Such purposes include gene therapy and asexual reproduction.   The use of genetic engineering in our society is viewed differently in two very arguable ways.   Scientists, bioethicists, doctors, lawyers, professors, and authors join in the debate over human cloning and its medical benefits versus moral and ethnical concern.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Cloning and genetic engineering ahve been ideas that scientists have explored for a long time.   "Cloning first came to public attention roughly thirty years ago, following the s... ...raise tough questions. http://www.msnbc.com/news/229707.asp Mohler, Albert R. "The Brave New World of Cloning: A Christian Worldview Perspective."   Human Cloning: Religious Responses.   Ed. Ronald Cole-Turner. Louiseville, Ky.: Westminster John Know Press, c 1997. MSNBC Staff and Wire Reports.   Korea says human clone test succeeds: Scientists claim to cultivate human embryo in experiment.   http://www.msnbc.com/news/224234.asp Pence, Gregory E. Flesh of my Flesh: The Ethics of Cloning Humans.   Lanham, Md. Rowman and Littlefield, c 1998. Pence, Gregory E. Who's Afraid of Human Cloning? Lanham, Md. Rowman and Littlefield, c 1998. Roleff, Tamara L. ed. Biomedical Ethics: Opposing Viewpoints.   San Diego, CA Greenhaven Press, Inc. c 1998. Wekesser, Carol. ed. Genetic Engineering: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, CA Greenhaven Press, Inc. c 1996.

Debate & MySpace Essay

The motion here today is that Social networking sites can actually cause more harm than good. We do not however deny the fact that in today’s society, these social networking sites do bring benefits to our daily life and also in the ever growing business industry. For example, it helps us connect with our loved ones who are halfway round the globe, or even a marketing platform for business developers with its vast consumer reach. On the other hand, what we are affirming today is that despite it upsides, it can bring about MORE harm than good. It is an increasingly untenable fact, especially with the ease of access to the internet to virtually anyone, that these social media can have more negative effects than good. This is Veronica, she will be speaking about the negative effects that it will bring to our health and financial fraud. Secondly, Hema will elaborate further the effects on business risk and personal risk. Thirdly, Nazrul will touch on the topic of productivity and cyber-criminal activities. Last but not least, Joshua will briefly wrap up about this debate. This is a 5-round debate, and we look forward to challenging our opponent in this controversial topic. Social networking sites are websites that facilitate communication between 2 or more individuals. When we are communicating with 2 or more individuals, many fail to realise that we are essentially putting out information on ourselves out there on the World Wide Web. There are obviously a lot of privacy issues at hand when this happens. I’m certain that the opposition will argue that we have control of what we share over the internet, and we can prevent these issues from happening. Even if we are very careful on what information we share, we still cannot prevent all forms of privacy violation  from happening. An article on The Guardian UK states that Facebook users are unwittingly revealing intimate secrets – including their sexual orientation, drug use or political beliefs. A research shows that just by looking at a user’s â€Å"Like† activities, they can predict information about the user. Researchers are able to predict a user’s characteristics, race, religion, beliefs and political views with up to an accuracy rate of a shocking 88%. Even if we do put in controls, data on these sites are still accessible to anyone, especially those with expertise in the IT arena. A student from the University of Georgia is suing her university of $2 million dollar over the misuse of her Facebook picture. The University have pulled out a picture of her in a bikini from her social media account for a district-wide presentation campaign raising awareness on what not to do on social media. Incidentally, this student has set her privacy settings to only allow her friends to view her pictures. These examples here gives a fair indication of how our personal information can be accessed by almost anyone regardless of the measures that we took to protect our information. And if the opposition party would like to argue that it is the user’s decision NOT to put anything on the social sites, then I think that it would be considered as NOT USING these social media sites in any case, and as such, would be irrelevant to the topic of today. Another issue that I would like to address today is Cyber Bullying. Cyber bullying is a very serious problem because it’s very harmful to younger generation psychologically and also physically. Most bullies don’t think about what they say or do have an enormous effect on others. A very famous case sparked the attention of many people to realize that cyber bullying does have a very negative effect. The case of Amanda Todd shocked the world as she posted a video before committing suicide. In the black & white video, Amanda tells the world her story of years of bullying. I now would like to pass on to my fellow colleague who will go on to the second point. Cyber Bullying Amanda Todd http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Girl-Commits-Suicide-After-Being-Cyber-Bullied/qIO2h9LBhUaCEB_3oQlbzg.cspx Jessica Laney http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/social-media-blamed-teen-suicide-article-1.1218550 Eden Wormer http://abcnews.go.com/US/bullied-teen-commits-suicide-posting-loves-haterz/story?id=15887174 http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/mar/11/facebook-users-reveal-intimate-secrets http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/student-sues-school-district-for-using-her-facebook-bikini-picture-in-school-wide-presentation/ http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/selfies-damage-relationships-study-article-1.1424830 http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/internet-is-bad-for-kids-mental-health-237178.html In Wake Of Teen Suicides, Ask.fm Faces A â€Å"Myspace† Problem

Negligent Training

Negligent Training Negligent training at the workplace is the demeanour that fails to comply with the law of safeguarding persons against harm. Generally, negligence is unintentional though the employer is held responsible for the tortuous encounters of workers. Usually, the company is assumed to have been negligent in equipping the workers with all the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment. In the court of law, the plaintiff must prove that his duty was breached and that he or she was hurt because of that breach.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Negligent Training specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More An example of negligence training was In Stacy v. Truman Medical Centre in 1992 (Barnes 2001). This consolidated appeal involved two unlawful deaths that were filed after a fire occurrence in room 327. Stephen Stacy and Dale Wheeler were the two patients who died because of the fire accident. As a result, Stephen’ s family filed a wrongful death suit against the medical centre and one of its nurses. Consequently, Wheeler’s family brought a related suit, and the two cases were then consolidated for investigation and trial. On that fateful day, Cheryl Stacy, Stacy’s sister had visited him. Cheryl found Stephen smoking a cigarette under the watchful eye of one of the nurses. Stephen was not supposed to walk around due to his head injuries. Cheryl had not been advised on Stephen’s smoking restriction while inside the room. Furthermore, they utilized a plastic soup tray to dispose tobacco ashes since no hospital staff offered to get them an approved ashtray. It was not long before a nurse came and held Stephen back with fastens to prevent him from falling off the chair. At that moment, Stephen received a lit cigarette from Cheryl and subsequently disposed it in the wastebasket instead of the soup tray. Shortly afterwards, a fire started out in the wastebasket and spread out. T he room was ill equipped since there was no smoke detector. When the nurse in charge noticed the fire, she assumed that Wheeler was not in an immediate danger, and so she decided to first untie Stacy from his chair before embarking on putting out the fire by suffocating it with a cotton sheet. When her attempts failed, she ran out and cried for help. Afterwards, she returned and tried to smother the fire. Because of the fire, the nurse in charge and other staff members grabbed Stacy by the legs and dragged him towards the hallway. During the process, Stacy’s restrains burnt up and he fell down from the chair to the floor. The nurse attempted to get back to the room, but she was barred by the extreme smoke, heat and flames. Later, the nurse and her colleague returned to the reception to ask for reinforcement while Wheeler remained in the room. A co-worker called Caminos got into the room with a fire extinguisher trying to save Wheeler. However, the extreme heat and smoke preve nted her from rescuing him. As a result, Wheeler died in the room from smoke related complications. Several weeks later, Stacy too died because of burns related complications.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The medical centre was obliged legally to train its nurses in the appropriate performance of their task. Despite the existence of the institution’s policy on evacuation upon a fire outbreak, the nurse on duty during the occurrence of this tragedy was not appropriately trained on the relevant procedures. Thus, the nurse’s breach of duty was related with the failure to remove the patient from the room. To reduce negligence training, as in this situation, I should conduct proper training to all staff members in our organisation. Through these trainings, staff members are enlightened on the policies and skills for a safe working environment. The risk management unit will be of great importance in developing appropriate policies and strategies for training staff on legal responsibility. Lastly, the department should conduct several seminars to educate the staff members on laws and important law decisions relevant to their jobs (Orrick 2008). References Barnes, A. M. (2001). Health care law desk reference. Philadelphia, PA: American Law Institute-American Bar Association, Committee on Continuing Professional Education. Orrick, W. D. (2008). Recruitment, retention, and turnover of police personnel: reliable, practical, and effective solutions. Springfield, Ill.: Charles C Thomas.

John rawls fairness as justice essays

John rawls fairness as justice essays John Rawls believes that fairness and justice should not be seen as the same, but that fairness is a major concept of justice. He focuses attention on justice as a virtue of social institutions. He does not look to particular actions or of persons, but to practices. Rawls states that justice is just part of the vision of a good society. His take on justice can account for the aspects of the utilitarian view of justice which can sometimes be misleading. Rawls conception of justice can be broken down into two principles. The first idea in his conception of justice is the liberty principle. It states that each person participating in a practice has equal rights and liberties. This means that everyone should be treated equally and given the same rights. The liberty principle applies very much to the legal systems and giving citizens of a practice basic freedoms. The second idea for his conception is the difference principle. This principle makes up for the inequalities that can occur concerning wealth and social positions. Differences are only justifiable if they work out to the advantage of everyone, and the positions are available for all to achieve. Inequalities cannot be justified if some benefited while people at the bottom did not, this instead would be justice as utilitarianism if those at the top were the majority. After setting the initial principles, Rawls makes note that people of a practice are going to be self interested. He does believe, however, that justice can still be built if those people are rational when establishing liberties and rules. Rationality can be achieved with a veil of ignorance. Somehow people should be blind to their status in a society, when making claims for justice. The first method of creating a just society is to allow the participants to voice their complaints or liberties that they feel are principles which they wish to be bound to in future occasions. With e...

Festive Medieval Christmas

Festive Medieval Christmas When the holiday season engulfs us- and as we are subjected to a barrage of sentiment and commercialism (which are often indistinguishable from one another)- simpler days seem so much more attractive, and many of us tend to look to the past. Many of the customs we observe, traditions we practice, and foods we eat today originated in the middle ages. You may already incorporate some of these festivities in your holiday, or perhaps you might like to start a new tradition with a very old one. As you celebrate these customs, remember that they started with a medieval Christmas. A Christmas Carol and a flood of nostalgia for the Victorian era gives us a fairly good idea of what a nineteenth century Christmas was like. But the concept of observing Christs birthday goes back much farther than the nineteenth century. In fact, the origin of the English word Christmas is found in the Old English Cristes Maesse  (mass of Christ), and winter solstice festivities date back to ancient times in all corners of the world. So what was it like to celebrate Christmas in the Middle Ages? Early Medieval Christmas Observances Determining exactly what Christmas was like depends not only on where it was observed, but when. In late antiquity, Christmas was a quiet and solemn occasion, marked by a special mass and calling for prayer and reflection. Until the fourth century, no fixed date had been formally set by the Church- in some places it was observed in April or May, in others in January and even in November. It was Pope Julius I who officially fixed the date at December 25th, and why exactly he chose the date is still not clear. Although it is possible that it was a deliberate Christianization of a pagan holiday, many other factors seem to have come into play. Epiphany or Twelfth Night More commonly (and enthusiastically) celebrated was the Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, celebrated on January 6. This is another holiday whose origins are sometimes lost in the festivities of the moment. It is generally believed that Epiphany marked the visit of the Magi and their bestowal of gifts on the Christ child, but it is more likely that the holiday originally celebrated Christs baptism instead. Nevertheless, Epiphany was much more popular and festive than Christmas in the early middle ages and was a time for the bestowal of gifts in the tradition of the three Wise Men- a custom that survives to this day. Later Medieval Christmas Observances In time, Christmas grew in popularity- and as it did so, many of the Pagan traditions associated with the winter solstice became associated with Christmas as well. New customs particular to the Christian holiday also arose. December 24th and 25th became a time for feasting and socializing as well as a time for prayer.

Human Papilloma Virus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human Papilloma Virus - Essay Example The warts seldom cause cancer or other medical complications, though the viruses that are transferred sexually and cause warts to be located on the genital reason are capable of causing cervix cancer in females (Stern, 1994). Though the actual cause of any form of human papilloma virus in an individual is still unknown, it can be contracted by making contact with a person that does have the virus. Genital HPV infections are developed through sexual intercourse and oral sex; in the case of oral sex, the warts can appear around or in the mouth or throat. In regard to other forms of the human papilloma virus, skin-to-skin contact, regardless of the body part, can cause a person to pass the virus on to another. The human papilloma virus cannot always be cured. Even if the person no longer has warts, as they are able to disappear, the person can still be harboring the virus and can still pass it on to another (Dizon, 2010). Vaccines and medications are available to get rid of the warts ca used by the virus. Other methods of treating the warts include freezing with liquid nitrogen, which can be done in an over-the-counter fashion, and surgical or laser surgery. It is difficult to prevent human papilloma virus, especially the types that produce common warts. Sexually transmitted viruses can be prevented by practicing safe sex and reducing the number of partners. References Dizon, D. S. (2010). Human papilloma virus. New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Stern, P. L.

Module 1 TD-HRM 401 - Recruitment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Module 1 TD-HRM 401 - Recruitment - Essay Example Human resource management is all about producing the appropriate means of replacing or adding to existing staffs. The internet has proven to be effective in recruiting professional in different location. The internet has the deigned tools to advertise and shortlist candidates for the selection process. Individuals are able to attach required documents without physically appearing at a design panel. This will reduce the cost used in recruiting given individuals as the outsourced recruitment parties would at minimal using this approach. The third party involvement in most cases may compromise the quality needed in the recruitment process. In conclusion, the internet is accessible by a large number of people at the same time hence becoming an appropriate tool while advertising. The parties interested are able to confirm their credentials and at the same time receive feedback within the shortest of period. Using the tool the company is able to save on cost of recruitment and at the same time receive a large number of applicants at the same time. Large numbers of applicants will means that the Human resource manager will use diversification as a means of recruitment. Â  Bersin, J. (2013, May 23). Corporate Recruiting Explodes: A New Breed of Service Providers. Forbes magazine. Retrieved from

Sumary critique on Williams, J. (2006, Summer2006). Debt Education Assignment

Sumary critique on Williams, J. (2006, Summer2006). Debt Education. Dissent - Assignment Example With the high tuition, fees and interest rates on students’ loans, the author notes that higher education may soon be left to the rich (Williams 54). The author also notes that this debt should not only be treated as a way of financing the students but also as a form of teaching. From the lessons learnt from the student debt, the author proposes that the best way would be to do away with the current system of student debt and move to direct lending controlled by the federal government to colleges (Williams 53-59). The author clearly explains and shows the significance of debt to the students and their families. The author provides credible evidence to show how majority of American populace depend on the student debt to finance their higher education. Education is a necessity and it is for this reason that the author provides sufficient support to the point that people should not pay back for a necessity (William 57). The author also tries to show how student debt has immensely changed over the past decades. In addition, the author shows that the student debt serves more as a teaching mode than as a financing mode. It teaches us that higher education is a consumer service, teaches us career choices, comprehensive view of the world and human life, civic lessons, and the worth of an individual (Williams 56-58). With this, the author tries to answer to the question ‘why student debt should be scraped off and shift to federal government lending’. Moreover, the author has used signific ant terms such as draconian, pedagogy and worldview. However, though the author gives an outstanding proposal, he fails to understand and explain that financing of higher education by the federal government means an increase in taxes, which would be borne by the American Citizens. Increase in taxes would result to increased prices of items, and the poor would again be on the suffering end. In addition, the author fails to give support on why

Final Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Final Project - Research Paper Example Investment that was made in Brazil could have been overinvestment that made the business spend much on fixed assets. The production capacity that is not used in this situation does not generate any cash hence becomes a waste of cash. Negative flow of cash in Brazil could also be caused by too much stock in the country. The stock will tie up cash and through this; there is increase in risk that the stock become obsolete. Allowing too much credit during sales is a factor that is able to lead to negative cash flows (Chorafas, 98). Credit to customers is a way to build revenues but late payments are a problem that always arises but a strain on cash flows. Overtrading is a factor that could make Brazil has negative cash flows. Overtrading occurs when the business expands quickly putting on pressure on short-term finance. Seasonal demand in the products also is a factor that has led to negative cash flows in the country as the goods are mainly demanded during war times (Chorafas, 209). There are feelings by investors that the statement of cash flow is the most transparent and this makes it difficult to fudge. This makes it to be the most reliant in the business to discern the true performance of a business. The division of cash flow statements is divided into three major areas making to be the most effective for use in the business (Dominguez and Tesar, 204). The division includes operating activities that constitutes the revenue generating activities to the business. Investing activities are also a composition of a cash flow statement that constitute payments that are made to acquire long term assets as well as cash that are received from sales. Financial activities constitute activities that will change equity or borrowings of a business. Currencies that are to be hedged by Raptor International are those that are on sales and investments. The currencies when hedged will enable holding onto foreign currencies as an investment such that a

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS - Article Example The article was written by a professor who is part of the Center for Creative Leadership and co-author of books about leadership and cultural intelligence. I find the article very practical and informative since the writer is indeed right on her observation how international business is conducted nowadays. Moreover, she pointed out the necessity for learning cultural agility since there are many leaders appointed to manage overseas operations. However, even if a leader has an MBA and years of experience is not a guarantee that the person can successfully handle a very diverse environment. According to the writer â€Å"When leaders operate with culturally limited perspectives, the result is missed opportunities, poor performance, frail relationships and weak teams. In contrast, leaders who are culturally agile are able to respond to and perform well in varied and unfamiliar cultural contexts. They successfully engage a diversity of perspectives, learn new processes and All over the world, there are many global leaders who typically originated from the west. These CEOs or COOs are often assigned overseas to take care of global operations since the business has expanded. In fact, this situation is presently happening in China were American managers set-up their business operations carrying with them western orientation in running a business. For example, an executive from the U.S. may find himself entangled in complicated situations if he is assigned in China. A large number of American businessmen have undergone complicated situations in China since the government has a peculiar way of governing foreign businesses. Add to that is cultural differences in terms of language and how different Chinese business etiquettes are. Technology was cited in an article as an ally in â€Å"crafting strategies for future leaders† ( Brosseau, Nov 2, 2010) but I believe that leadership

Case6 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case6 - Article Example For this reason, the state has encouraged several new fund-raising suggestions, including the one advanced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has tried to find new firefighting funds with an insurance surcharge on all home and business owners that would likely raise $130 million extra yearly. Some of the cash will be used to cover the cost the state’s fire department called Cal-Fire This is a general alternative that the state would have to finance state services in California because since Cal-Fire’s budget comes widely from the state’s general fund incurred by all California’s taxpayers. According to San Diego senator, Christine Kehoe, the citizens are not paying enough for fire protection and argue that frenzied buildings in rural areas increase the burden of state of firefighters. In this regard, the senator has introduced a bill in the state legislature similar to what the LAO is proposing an annual fee paid by resident who live in rural areas to help offset the cost of firefighting. CalFire’s mission has changed as well. The service is mandated with protecting 31 million acres of wild land which includes the states timber stands, watershed and huge agriculture lands. CalFire protects lands that benefit the public in general. I agree with the sentiment that fire fighting could be financed by tax. The local government of respective states should introduce tax on people so that whenever fires break out, it can be easily contained because of the availability of fire fighting resources. It is rational to argue that if there was a taxpayer staying in the place with no or little risk of a fire or wildfire, they should be able to pay for services if a fire or wildfire was close their home. If this could be the case, I think that Tennessee could get ways to utilize those funds to enhance firefighting in where they lack the resources. I concur with the argument that If a charge for service was introduced, it would have to be conducted

Final Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Final Project - Research Paper Example Investment that was made in Brazil could have been overinvestment that made the business spend much on fixed assets. The production capacity that is not used in this situation does not generate any cash hence becomes a waste of cash. Negative flow of cash in Brazil could also be caused by too much stock in the country. The stock will tie up cash and through this; there is increase in risk that the stock become obsolete. Allowing too much credit during sales is a factor that is able to lead to negative cash flows (Chorafas, 98). Credit to customers is a way to build revenues but late payments are a problem that always arises but a strain on cash flows. Overtrading is a factor that could make Brazil has negative cash flows. Overtrading occurs when the business expands quickly putting on pressure on short-term finance. Seasonal demand in the products also is a factor that has led to negative cash flows in the country as the goods are mainly demanded during war times (Chorafas, 209). There are feelings by investors that the statement of cash flow is the most transparent and this makes it difficult to fudge. This makes it to be the most reliant in the business to discern the true performance of a business. The division of cash flow statements is divided into three major areas making to be the most effective for use in the business (Dominguez and Tesar, 204). The division includes operating activities that constitutes the revenue generating activities to the business. Investing activities are also a composition of a cash flow statement that constitute payments that are made to acquire long term assets as well as cash that are received from sales. Financial activities constitute activities that will change equity or borrowings of a business. Currencies that are to be hedged by Raptor International are those that are on sales and investments. The currencies when hedged will enable holding onto foreign currencies as an investment such that a

Case6 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case6 - Article Example For this reason, the state has encouraged several new fund-raising suggestions, including the one advanced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has tried to find new firefighting funds with an insurance surcharge on all home and business owners that would likely raise $130 million extra yearly. Some of the cash will be used to cover the cost the state’s fire department called Cal-Fire This is a general alternative that the state would have to finance state services in California because since Cal-Fire’s budget comes widely from the state’s general fund incurred by all California’s taxpayers. According to San Diego senator, Christine Kehoe, the citizens are not paying enough for fire protection and argue that frenzied buildings in rural areas increase the burden of state of firefighters. In this regard, the senator has introduced a bill in the state legislature similar to what the LAO is proposing an annual fee paid by resident who live in rural areas to help offset the cost of firefighting. CalFire’s mission has changed as well. The service is mandated with protecting 31 million acres of wild land which includes the states timber stands, watershed and huge agriculture lands. CalFire protects lands that benefit the public in general. I agree with the sentiment that fire fighting could be financed by tax. The local government of respective states should introduce tax on people so that whenever fires break out, it can be easily contained because of the availability of fire fighting resources. It is rational to argue that if there was a taxpayer staying in the place with no or little risk of a fire or wildfire, they should be able to pay for services if a fire or wildfire was close their home. If this could be the case, I think that Tennessee could get ways to utilize those funds to enhance firefighting in where they lack the resources. I concur with the argument that If a charge for service was introduced, it would have to be conducted

Management History Essay Example for Free

Management History Essay Managers can look at past managerial methods in order to make decisions that will best suit themselves and help their organisations, as well as giving their organisation a competitive advantage (Boddy D. , 2005). In this essay I will be arguing against the proposition that knowledge of management history is irrelevant to modern practice. To show that management history is important for modern managers, I am going to discuss and focus on a number of historical management techniques and theories and how they can be useful. I will talk about how these management techniques and theories are relevant with modern management. The first approach I will look at is the classical approach. Too elaborate on this theory I will split it in to two areas; the scientific management theory and the administrative principals. Firstly I will discuss the scientific approach; where I will talk about Frederick Winslow Taylor and his theory on the importance of workers being trained and the importance of the selection process (Bartol Martin, 1994). The next branch is the administrative approach involving theorist Henri Fayol and how his theories have been well respected and become a big part of modern management today. To finish off my argument I will be talking about the behavioural side of management by relating to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Through looking into these methods I hope to give the reader a good understanding as to why I believe historical management has had a big impact on modern management today and will continue to do so in the future. The first discussion will be based around the classical approach, an approach to management that is seen as a way of managers making decisions based around economic concern. There are three main areas within the classical approach, these being scientific management, administrative principles and bureaucratic organisation. However, throughout my argument I will be focusing only on two of these approaches, thus being the scientific approach and the administrative principals. The two main theorists who are heavily involved in these consist of Frederick Winslow Taylor, whom was the founder of scientific management and Henri Fayol whom has had a big influence on the administrative principals. I will also mention Mary Parker Follet whom has also had a big impact on the administrative principals. (Schermerhorn, Davidson, Poole, Simon, Woods, Chau, 2011). I have chosen to focus only on these two areas of classical management as they are well related to my argument that historical management is relevant to modern management. The  first approach I will be discussing is the classical approach, where we will first be talking about scientific management. The man behind the scientific management theory is known as Frederick Winslow Taylor. Taylor’s main contributions to management thought and practice hav e come through his idea of the scientific management theory and approach. In 1911, Frederick Winslow Taylor published his work, ‘the principles of scientific management.’ These principles described how applying the scientific method to the management of workers could greatly improve productivity through the analysis and synthesis of workflows. It is a theory of management that analyzes and synthesizes workflows, improving work productivity (Schermerhorn, Davidson, Poole, Simon, Woods, Chau, 2011). To back my argument that management history is important for modern managers we see Henry Ford come into the picture. The ideas of Taylor were continued through well-known car manufacturer Henry Ford who went on to replace his workers with machinery, generally when it came to doing things such as heavy lifting (Daft, 2005). Scientific management has four guiding action principles, these being; to develop a ‘science’ for every job that includes rules of motion, standardize work processes and appropriate working conditions. Also to carefully select workers with the right abilities for the job, to carefully train them and give them proper incentives to cooperate with the job ‘science’ (Schermerhorn, Davidson, Poole, Simon, Woods, Chau, 2011). Frank Gilbreth whom worked as a bricklayer put Taylors ideas into place and created a method that allowed the number of movements to lay a brick reduce from 18 to 2 therefore going on to increase the rate from 120-350 bricks (Hatch Cunliffe, 2006). Taylors work is still being used in modern day and his concepts are well thought of, his ideas are clearly seen at the roots of management today. Scientific management has proven to be a very beneficial way for companies to develop and improve their approach towards business (Helms Cengage, 2006 ). The next part of the classical approach I will be talking about is the administrative principals. The administrative principal’s approach to management came about from a man named Henri Fayol. Most management textbooks published today acknowledge Fayol to be the father of the administrative theory (Daft, 2005). Fayol was a French mining engineer, whom gradually worked his way up the ranks until he was manager of up to 10000 employees for over 30 years. The administrative principles  involved issues such as departmentalization, span of control, exceptions to routine, and hierarchy. An example of the administrative principals being used in modern management can be seen through major fast food franchise McDonalds. The efficient production of their fast food is crucial towards customer satisfaction and organisation success therefore Fayol’s principles come in use for this systematic type of organisational structure. Here we see another part of historical management being used in a very successful franchise within the modern era. Mary Parker Follet was also a contributor to administrative principles. Follet believed that growth and success would come from the direct interaction between members of the organisational groups achieving common goals and objectives. She also displayed a general understanding of groups and showed commitment to human co-operation, creating ideas that are still relevant today (Schermerhorn, Davidson, Poole, Simon, Woods, Chau, 2011). The next part of my argument belongs to that of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Abraham Maslow has identified 5 important needs that individuals should aim to require in order to positively influence their contribution within the workplace. Maslow’s theory is often represented as a pyramid, with the larger, lower levels representing the essential needs, and the upper levels representing the need for self-actualization. The first need starts from the bottom of the table, this being psychological. Psychological needs are our basic needs, needs such as food and water. Safety needs are next, expressing an emphasis on the need for security and protection. Self-belongingness is the next need and falls under the category of social needs and feeling as though you are a part of something, a community, or group of some type. This is then followed by self-esteem needs which will mean you are given respect and recognition for your work, leaves the employee with a sense of competency. The last need of all and the highest need in Maslow’s theory is self-actualisation. This need looks at employees achieving self-fulfilments and goals, on the completion of certain tasks employees allow themselves to grow in confidence by using their abilities to their full extent (Davidson, Griffin, Simon, Woods, 2009). Maslow believes that the only reason that people would not move well in direction of self-actualization is because of hindrances placed in their way. These days we are beginning to see Maslow’s theory in many businesses as a way of motivating employees. Managers are using Maslow’s  theory within the work place to help give their employees motivation and something to work towards and achieve, it is a tool managers use to help point employees in the right direction (Davidson, Griffin, Simon, Woods, 2009). A prime example of this is volunteers working for non for profit organisations. With the fact that there is no money involved in volunteer works it is important for these volunteers to have the Maslow’s theory approach merged into their business setting as well as a part of their work ethic. This is vital in order to feel as though they are reaping rewards from the hard work they are putting in, as in volunteer work, money is non-existent. Managers also now tend to change and mix up the way they are motivating employees by giving different rewards and motivation stimuli in order to keep volunteers and employees happy to stay with the organisation (Hatch Cunliffe, 2006). As I have stated, it is clear too see that the two types of classical approaches discussed both have an impact on modern management. With Frederick Winslow Taylor and his theory of scientific management we can see that an important aspect is to obtain maximum wealth for both the employee and the employer. The example of Frank Gilbreth and his techniques used with bricklaying help us understand that positive outcomes come from Taylors theory and we are able too see that his theory has not gone un noticed and is infact a part of modern management. The same goes with the next part to classical management, this being the administrative principals. We again see administrative principles being applied to modern management. Our example based around this theory being major fast food franchise McDonalds. ‘The efficient production of their fast food is crucial towards customer satisfaction and organisation success.’ McDonalds is one of the largest franchises in the world today and will continue to be for years to come, and it is worthy proof showing the administrative principals involvement within such a successful franchise within modern management. The last theory I discussed was that thought by Abraham Maslow and his hierarchy of needs. This theory is a vital part of one’s mind and can help achieve a certain degree of self-belief within an employee as well as a manager or employer. It is a useful tool for managers to keep employees motivated and feel as though they are achieving. Throughout this essay I believe I have been able to support my argument as to why I believe that historical management is relevant to modern management. References Bartol, K. M., Martin, D. C. (1994). Management. Michigan: McGraw-Hill series in management. Blake, A, M. (2010) One hundred years after The principles of Scientific Management. One Hundred Years after The Principles of Scientific Management, 1-9 Boddy, D. (2005). Management an introduction 3rd edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd. Daft, R, S. (2005). Management second pacific rim edition. Florida: Dryden press. Davidson, P., Griffin, R. W., Simon, A., Woods, P. (2009). Management 4th Australasian Edition. Milton: John Wiley Sons Australia. Hatch, M. J., Cunliffe, A. L. (2006). Organization Theory. New York: Oxford University Press Inc. Helms, M. M., Cengage, G. (2006). Chain of Command Principle Retrieved 22 August, 2011, from http://www.enotes.com/management-encyclopedia/chain-command-principle Schermerhorn, J. R., Davidson, P., Poole, D., Simon, A., Woods, P., Chau, S. L. (2011). Management (4th Asia-Pacific ed.). Milton, Queensland: John Wiley and Sons.

Laws and Guidelines Regulating E-Commerce

Laws and Guidelines Regulating E-Commerce Laws and Guidelines regulating e Commerce http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ Use the link above and the course textbook to investigate the following legislation and guidelines Why it was introduced? What must an e commerce business do to avoid contravening these rules? Data Protection Act (1998) To allow the users data to be protected when they are using any website. To prevent people from gaining access to sensitive information when purchasing or signing into a business website. This .blocks users access into the systems database where the users personal and sensitive information is stored. A business should avoid breaking these laws by making sure that when a user enters sensitive information that they are protected from people being able to gain access to that information. Users should also be aware that the information is being stored on the website and ensured that their data is protected. Computer Misuse Act (1990) To prevent people from being able to gain access into peoples computers since the internet was becoming a large-scale application. It was introduced to prevent hackers from gaining access into computers and being able to get away with it. To avoid breaking the law a business must ensure that they have antivirus software to prevent hackers from getting into the system and being able to get access to users sensitive information. As well as to make sure that, the business does not use the clients details to gain access to their information. They should also be aware of the ways to get malware and other viruses. Consumer Credit Act (1974) To make sure that users where aware of what was happening with their data within an agreement and if they werent happy they would be able to break the contract/ decline the contract to prevent their data from being leaked it also ensures that payments will be made. This cooling off period is within a period of two weeks. In addition, retailers are guaranteed with  £25,000 worth of payments. A business must make sure that they disclose what the arrangements are for the user. Such as making sure users are aware of the period that they can return the product. Trading Standards Trading standards where introduced to prevent traders from providing their users with dodgy products and to make sure users got a high quality product. Local governments also decide on whether or not the trading company is u to the trade standards. A business needs to make sure that it is able to get approval to make sure that the product provided is up to trading standards. Freedom of Information Act (2000) The Act was introduced to allow people to view the activities that the business has been doing to make sure that users are aware of what the business has been doing. This can come under the form of a request from the company if the information is not public. This comes under peoples right of having the right to know. A business should make sure that they are able to provide the appropriate information to users about the companys activities and if a user request to see information that isnt public that the user is aware if they should be able to have access to that information. Copyright Legislation Copyright legislation was introduced to make sure that a persons property was protected from other people copying it and using it for their own product/idea. This was first introduced with the Copyright and design Act, which allowed companies to be able to protect their property such as logos or music this would then be able to go on for a set amount of time where it can then be renewed. As business, it is important that they are aware what pieces of work are an infringement of someones/another companys piece of work under the copyright conditions. E-commerce Regulations It was introduced to make sure that users are aware of the protection and use of their data and what their data might be used for. It also provides users with information about the company such as where their brick stores are located as well as the contact details to be able to get into contact with the business. It also allows sure to make amendments to orders if they were to mistype the order. It is important that the business makes sure that the users are protected and that their data isnt stored onto the site for people to use.

Computers Should Not be Teachers :: Teaching Education

Computers Should Not be Teachers Imagine being a one-year-old, sitting in front of a computer on your parent’s lap. The computer, in its lovely electronic voice, says â€Å"D† is for dog. Flashy screens and unfamiliar voices are not going to register as anything more then entertainment for a young child. Is it really necessary to be on a computer at that young of an age learning the information that parents should be teaching? Try to think ahead a decade latter to a college algebra course. The only resources are a computer and a poorly designed math program on compact disc. Confusion arises, you do not understand how to do functions and the computer’s method is just not working. All that is wanted is a straight answer from a real teacher, and the computer cannot possibly offer that. For both the child and the college student hands on learning taught by a human would be more affective. Parents and teachers need to take full responsibility for teaching in all levels of education. Many teachers an d parents in today’s technologically advancing society are changing to a more computerized way of teaching that is less effective and can harm the way students learn. Parents are being told, through the media, that they have a responsibility to begin preparing their children for a future of computers and technology which will advance them onto top schools and high paying jobs. Parent’s fear that without an early start their children will fall behind and never catch up technologically. Parents are accomplishing this by putting their children as young as eight months in front of a computer. Many companies have designed computer programs for children two and under to learn numbers and letters before they can even speak a sentence. Keyboards have even been designed for small hands and that are drool proof. The concept companies are trying to sell is; if parents buy the programs their children will be smarter. Can a developing child really become smarter just by being exposed to a computer at a very early age? In the first few years of development children learn many of the skills that will carry them through the rest of their lives. Some of the most important skills are language and socialization. Children learn to problem solve, find solutions and to be creative at an early age. They also develop and improve motor skills, hand eye coordination, and depth perception, which cannot be taught by any computer.

Chinese Intellectual Property Protection :: Economy

Chinese Intellectual Property Protection "The Master [Confucius] said: I transmit rather than create; I believe in and love the Ancients." The Analects of Confucius, bk 7, ch I 1 As the globalization of the world progresses China, a country that values the past greatly, seeks to develop into a technologically driven country that can sit among developed nations. I. Introduction Globalization is an inevitable fact of the modern world. Unless the Chinese work hard to adjust to the changing conditions they will fall behind. By looking at the history of the Chinese we can come up with answers to the ethical questions of who is morally responsible for the problems with Chinese Intellectual Property Law. Although this will not give us the answers to problems China faces, it will give us answers to some moral questions. II. A Bit of Chinese History on Intellectual Property Before Significant Foreign Contact The notions of a copyrights, trademarks, and patents came very late in China. Understanding what occurred during era of Imperial China (221 B.C. -A.D. 1911) can help us to figure exactly what kept the Chinese so far behind the western world in the intellectual property respect.1 During the age of Imperial China, most laws developed tended to be penal in nature and the central government lacked the civil laws that the west enjoyed.1 According to scholars, rather than implement these laws centrally, civil laws were "delegated" to village and clan elders.1 Thus, it was up to the family to dictate what was right and wrong at a civil level. It is important to note that although Chinese law did not have many governmental civil laws, it did however have the Ten Abominations (the most serious offenses) of which half involved actions concerning the family -- this shows that in some ways that there was some sort of delegated authority on civil law.1 The "Four Books" (which are part of the great Chinese Classics) were the guidelines that the elders used in matters of social situations.1 The first restrictions to printing came during the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279) and was greatly aimed at restricting reproduction of heterodox.

Compare the Techniques Of My First Sonne and Limbo Essay

When looking at the two poems it is clear that On my First Sonne is composed to deal with a father losing his seven year old son. While in comparison the poet Brathwaite is highlighting the topic of slavery. When comparing the two poems it is quite noticeable that they deal with life issues of death and sadness. However, once studying the two poems it is quite noticeable that both poems distinguish and highlight religion. This is highlighted in Limbo as it say’s in the last line â€Å"on the burning ground.† Which can be clearly suggested that it is portraying the Christian image of Hell. Which can be defined as a place where you’re in torture, which relates to the life of an African Slave where there struggling for life in places e.g. the sugar plantations. In On My First Sonne it’s communicating to the reader about religion like Limbo. However, instead of comparing religion to torture, it is discussing can people envy his son because he’s going to heaven? This is particularly shown in the following line where he leaves a question mark â€Å"Will man lament the state he should envie?† Looking at both the poems there’s a huge contrast in there individuality and uniqueness. This is clearly shown through the way that both the poems are written. For example, Limbo is presented in free verse which is probably suggesting that the slaves once had an identity. The word â€Å"Limbo† emphasises that the free verse is trying to show that the slaves were his ancestors with an African past. However, Brathwaite is presenting that the slave dealers stripped his ancestors of an identity for example â€Å"the dumb Gods are raising me.† Showing that the poet has no knowledge of Africans God’s or culture. While in contrast, the techniques used in On My First Sonne shows a traditional English poem about his love to his son. It is also writing about the English tradition of the Church of England and an identity about what it is to be English. Which during it’s time was to believe in the old tradition of religion and heaven. Which when comparing the two it is noticeable that On My First Sonne show’s identity and Limbo conveys lost identity. On My First Sonne it uses Trochaic pentameter in order to create the feeling of sadness by the use of a stressed and then a unstressed syllable. By using this technique it creates a feeling that the author is clueless which is shown through sentences like â€Å"Will man lament the state he should envie?† Limbo also uses Trochaic pentameter in order to create the feeling of sadness as the poem is talking about the struggle of slavery â€Å"long dark deck and the water surrounding me.† When looking at the tenses of On My First Sonne it uses past, present and future. For example in the first four lines there is a use of past. This is shown as he talks about his seven year old child and uses in the last sentence â€Å"on the just day.† It then changes to present, as the poet talks about in the next four lines â€Å"Will man lament the state he should envie?† suggesting he should envy his son because he is in heaven. This quote also shows that he has accepted the death of his son. It then goes to future as the poet mentions in â€Å"soft peace.† This poem shows to the reader that the poet wrote this poem over a long period of time. Showing to the reader the past represents that his child died, the present in between lines is mentioning the child’s burial and the future is that the child is buried and now in heaven. In Limbo there is a use of only present tense and repetition of the title â€Å"limbo†. This technique is used to make the poem capture the audience and get into the character of a slave. Furthermore, the use of repetition creates a tempo and the beat is indicated as it uses the word â€Å"drummers†. However, in On My First Sonne there is a use of punctuation to create the tempo meaning the audience are less involved with the poem. In conclusion this essay shows to the reader the background of the poems one to do with slavery and another to do with England and the Church of England of faith. Furthermore, I’m showing how both poems contrast and how language is used to show tempo and contrast.

Key Events in the Space Race Essay

The 60s were infamous for many rapidly changing aspects pertaining to different topics at the time. The subject of space was one not to be left behind. This decade would be one of the world’s golden ages of extraterrestrial research and every event during this time would be recorded into history. In a period most people know as the ‘Space Race’, the Soviet Union (USSR) and the United States (USA) would compete for supremacy in space exploration. Most events occurred in this decade, but the period of the ‘Space Race’ itself lasted from the 1957 to 1975. Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, was launched on October 4th, 1957 by the USSR. Sputnik itself was a polished metal sphere, 23 in. in diameter, with four external radio antennae to broadcast radio pulses. It was sent into an elliptical, low-Earth orbit and provided scientists with information. Its purpose was to measure the density and composition of the upper atmosphere, as well as measuring solar radiation, magnetic fields, cosmic rays, etc. It travelled at about 18,000 mi. per hour, taking 96. 2 minutes to complete each orbit. Signals continued to reach Earth for 22 days until the transmitter batteries ran out of energy on October 26, 1957. Sputnik burned up on January 4, 1958 as it fell from orbit upon reentering Earth’s atmosphere. It travelled at about 43. 5 million miles and spent a total of 3 months in orbit. Although life had been sent into space before, Yuri Gagarin would be the first human to exit Earth’s atmosphere. He was born on March 9, 1934 in a small village in the Soviet Union called Klushino. The cosmonaut boarded onto Vostok, a craft that consisted of a spherical descent module, 2. meters in diameter, which housed the astronaut, instruments, escape system, and a conical instrument module, containing propellant and the engine system. Upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere, the cosmonaut would eject from the craft at about 7,000 m. and descend via parachute, while the capsule would land separately. Gagarin’s mission to circle the Earth on April 12, 1961 lasted for 1 hour and 48 minutes. He was only 27 years old at the time and that was the first and last time he went into space, since he was too valued to send on a risky mission again. Gagarin may have been the first human in space, but Alan Shepard became the first American to exit Earth’s atmosphere. He was born on November 18, 1923 in Derry, New Hampshire. Although the flight was originally scheduled for October 1960, delays by unplanned preparatory work meant that this was postponed several times, initially to March 6, 1961 and finally to May 5. On April 12, 1961, Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin had become the first person in space and to orbit the Earth. On May 5, 1961, Shepard piloted the Freedom 7 mission and became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space. The suborbital flight only lasted a mere 15 minutes, but the launch was seen live by millions. While the USSR was showering in fame and glory, ahead of the US in the ‘Space Race’, America’s President John F. Kennedy declared the dramatic and ambitious goal of sending a citizen safely to the Moon before the end of the decade on May 29, 1961. This was announced before a special joint session of Congress. This decision would soon change the world forever in 1969. The Soviet Union left the United States in the dust again when they sent Alexey Leonov, a Russian cosmonaut, to become the first human to conduct a spacewalk on March 18, 1965. He was born on May 30, 1934 in Listvyanka, Kemerovo Oblast, USSR. His walk in space was originally to have taken place on the Vostok 11 mission, but this was cancelled, and the historic event happened on the Voskhod 2 flight instead. He was outside the spacecraft for 12 minutes and nine seconds, connected to the craft by a 5. 35 m. tether. America was humiliated once again in early 1966 as it watched the USSR successfully land the world’s first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. Luna 9 was launched on January 31, 1966 and landed on the Moon’s surface on February 3, 1966. Its mission was to land safely on any planetary body other than Earth and to transmit photographic data back. Signals lasted for 6 days until the last transmission was sent on February 6, 1966. The spotlight was moved from the Soviet Union onto the US for once when the country launched the Apollo 11 mission, an event that would forever change history. The primary objective of Apollo 11 was to complete a national goal set by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961: perform a crewed lunar landing and return to Earth. The crew consisted of Neil Armstrong as the Commander, Michael Collins as Command Module Pilot, and Edwin â€Å"Buzz† E. Aldrin, Jr. as the Lunar Module Pilot. Apollo 11 was launched on July 16, 1969 and successfully landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Millions of American watched the event live on television. Armstrong set foot on the moon and declared â€Å"That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. † A few minutes later, Aldrin joined him. Together they collected soil samples and took photographs. They stayed on the moon for 21 hours. Many experiments were tested and 22 kilograms of lunar samples were collected. On July 24, the astronauts returned home aboard the command module Columbia, landing in the Pacific Ocean. On August 13, they rode in parades in their honor in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Indeed, the time of the ‘Space Race’ is one not to be forgotten by the world. The Soviet Union and United States must be well acknowledged for all the effort spent on the study of space alone. While the USSR won some battles, the US won others. That, however, will never change the fact that they impacted the world, science, and history today.