Education Theatre Essay Example for Free

Education Theatre EssayCAN you windlessness remember your configuration I instructor? This was once the by-line of an advertisement of one financial institution. This is similarly the base concept of the play Ang Guro staged by Stairs Production and Imagination Beyond Events Philippines at West Negros University Gym outlast Satur twenty-four hour period, January 21. The musical play was written by occupational therapist capital of Minnesota B on the wholeano. This is his form of loving tri besidese to his Grade I school instructor, Mrs. Cecilia Resontoc, who was instrumental in making him pursue, convey and reach his goals, despite all odds. As Paul fondly recalled after the curtain call, Mrs. Resontoc do him hope in what he can do, what he can achieve, and what he can become. The softspoken up to now dexterous singer K bel Marquez performed the slip away lineament perfectly. Comely, gentle yet versatile, Karel took in the part of Ms. Amelia Resontoc, a newfangled high school teacher who has the knack of understanding and motivating her students. With her strong convictions, she encouraged her students to keep on going by singing The Climb, as she accepted each of their individual differences in straight Colors. Izzy Trazona, one of the Sex Bomb Dancers, showed off her acting and dancing prowess as one of the talented yet late bloomer students of Ms. Resontoc. Sheila Asuncion, who plays the mother of Karel, not only played her role well but also belted out one powerful, heartr quiting r stamp outition of The Prayer together with the lead singer. Together with Charina Ramirez, Kath Jarabelo, Zac Celadania, Yab Aragones, Jake Duquiatan, Vida Masakayan, Jess Ibasco, Juddie Fe Suarez, Ahmee Galguerra, Owen Siy, Sweet Reyes, Jen Galope, Kiana Rodriguez, Armand Go, and playwright Paul, they composed the powerhouse of a cast which made the play a natural success.Moreover, the plays universal theme on the crucial role that teachers play in the moldi ng of the countrys young minds and the nobility of the teaching profession are great ideas which need to be brought to light. No wonder why the Department of Education and the West Negros University back up the staging of the musicale. The stage set and backdrop were to the minimum. Same with the costumes. But the plot thickens with almost real-life dialogues and scenes which every teacher and student or school administrator in the earshot could easily identify with.The different personalities of teacher and students, and the varied circumstances which caught each web of each other lives provided the audience with hearty laughs, and flowing tears. The end of the play may postulate been tragic, but all good works do not go in vain. Especially that of the noble teacher Ms. Amelia Resontoc. Directed by Sweet Grace Ballano, Ang Guro may hushed have to undergo some minor refinements in stage blocking, but it has carved a erupt niche for itself in the world of stage plays.The cameo r oles which some WNU dancers and students did in the play are also deserving mentioning. But because the play is conceptualized and brought to different schools all over the country with no thought of a big profit, except to fulfill the writers dream and to bring forth the messages of acceptance, honor, love and understanding. Its bonny quite sad to note that not everybody in the teaching profession or those who are enrolled in education courses have watched the play.But still, like a good book, or a worthy movie, the musicale Ang Guro has moved(p) hearts and minds. And if all the student-members in the audience took leave of their seats to go thank their teachers in the audience and give each a warm hug, such is indicative that the musicale has brought its message across its audiences hearts. Thus, warm kudos to the members of production and the cast of Ang Guro and to the wonderful people and sponsors in Bacolod who brought the musicale here. Well, what or who then is the guro? in all probability they could be as specific as Socrates, Anne Sullivan, Marva Collins, Mary McCloud Bethune, Bel Kaufman or, from the namesake of the lead player in the musicale, Mrs. Cecilia Resontoc all of them having one thing in common they were all teachers in their own time. Or in generics, a guro can just be a he or a she nameless or anonymous yet gentle and wonderful beings who have long been forgotten but whose valuable lessons and strength in character will always be remembered by their students.So, at this point, can you now recall your Grade 1 teacher? Or even your other teachers? I hope you can. I would like to end with a part of a speech of John Schlatter of Cypress, California which I adapted. Throughout the course of the day I have been called upon to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of the lost article, money lender, psychologist, substitute parent, and a flight attendant of faithI am allowed to see that life is reborn each day with new que stions, destroy of ideas and young friendships I know that if I build with love and trust, what I build will last forever I am a warrior, daily doing battle against peer pressure, negativity, fear, conformity, prejudice, ignorance, and apathy. But I have great allies curiosity, intelligence, creativity, faith, love and laughter which all rush to my banner with indomitable support I AM A TEACHER. Dear teachers, our hats off you. GOD BLESS.

Aerobic Bacteria Associated with Septic Abortion

aerophilous Bacteria Associated with putrefacient AbortionAerobic bacteria associated with germy miscarriage among Sudanese womenYagoub Hamadt Allah Elhaj Abd Elseed1*, Mohamed, A E.M. Ibrahim2 Waled Amen Mohammed Ahmed3 thieveBackground pussy miscarriage is a common health problem with short- and long-term ramifications that affect the tincture of life of those fortunate enough to avoid death rate. Both spontaneous and induced stillbirth may closure in septic complications.Objective This ascertain aimed to seize and identify aerobic bacterial causative eonnts of septic abortion in Sudan.Method A descriptive study was conducted in the period from March 2013 till June 2013 in Gynecological Unit in Khartoum direction Hospital, Sudan. Thirty women with vaginal exhaust in the unit were included in the study. Thirty high vaginal swabs and cervical swabs were collected from the selected ladies admitted to the hospital with bleeding.Results The prevalence of abortion was a s fallows, in age group(20-25) abortion cases were (13.3%), in group(26-30) abortion cases were (33.3%), in group(31-35) cases were (20%), in group(36-40) cases were (33.3%) (P 0.05). apart(p) bacteria from those cases were Staphylococcus epidermidis (86.2%), Klebsiella ozaenae (6.9%), Proteus mirabilis (3.4%), Escherichia coli (3.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (3.4%). The present study showed that induced abortion (73.3%) was insignificantly more than habitual abortion (26.3%), (P=0.07).Conclusion The major marooned organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (86.2%), which was spaced from both consummate(a) and initial cases. But aerobic pathogenic bacteria isolated were Klebseilla ozaenae, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.Keywords Septic abortion, vaginal swab, great(predicate) women, Stahpylococcus epidermidis.IntroductionSeptic abortions contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality. Improving literacy aim in the female population and effective family planning should shrink its incidence 1. In 1900, the rationale of therapy of the sketchy septic abortion was divided into a medical or surgical approach. Medical therapy comprising oxytocic, bed suspire and supportive measures theoretically decreased the incidence of sepsis, while increasing the problem of blood loss and draw out hospitalization. The surgical approach classified by some as controlled blood loss but theoretically increased the incidence of sepsis 1.In 1973, a report described an adolescent admitted to a large capital of Massachusetts Teaching Hospital with what proved to be incomplete septic abortion 2. Deaths from illegal abortion argon mainly due to infection2,3.Additional to that At 1990 a review of deaths due to abortion in the united states say that 62 percent of the deaths from illegal abortion and 51 percent of deaths from spontaneous abortion were due to infection, as comp atomic pattern 18d which only 21 percent of death from lega l abortion 4 . Mccormick (I944) estimated that 3,500 women died annually in America from this complication of pregnancy and a recent estimate in Turkey suggested that 10,000 women a year died from this cause in that country5.A recent publication by Sedgh et al. (2007) estimated that a total of 42 million abortions were performed in 2003, shine from 46 million estimated for 1995 using the same methods. The same study showed that 20% of all pregnancies, including miscarriages and stillbirths, terminate in abortion each year. This means that one out of every five pregnancies worldwide is voluntarily modify annually, a statistic that illustrates its enormous dimensions. Expressed an separate way, the worldwide rate of induced abortion was approximately 29 per 1000 women between ages 15 and 44 years in 2003, down from 35 per 1000 in 1995. This means that globally one out of every 34 women within that age range has an abortion each year 6.On the basis of verbal autopsy data and hospital records it is estimated that approximately 25% of maternal deaths are caused by hemorrhage, 15% by infection,12% by pregnancy-induced hypertension, and 8% by obstructed labor7. At the last years it has been observed that there is an increase in the prevalence of septic abortion among pregnant women, and its complication upon community. Septic abortion is considered nowadays one of the most important issues concerning Maternal health .There are not much studies traced in Sudan investigating the septic abortion prevalence and its causative agent. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and identify aerobic bacterial causative agents of septic abortion in Khartoum, Sudan.Material and MethodThis is a descriptive study. It had been conducted among pregnant women in age of (20 40 ) years, who are being admitted to the Gynecology bleeding exigency room of Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan, in the period from March 2013 till June 2013.High vaginal swabs by and by the introduction of the s peculum, the swab should be rolled firmly over the surface of the vaginal vault. The swab should consequently be placed in Amies transport medium with charcoal or/and Stuarts transport medium.Cervical swabs afterwards introduction of the speculum to the vagina, the swab should be rotated inside the endocervix. The swab should then be placed in Amies transport medium with charcoal or Stuarts transport medium. Then all collected specimens were inoculated on rail line agar (aerobic 370c), chocolate agar (aerobic 370c and 5-10% co2) and Macconkey agar (aerobic 370c). Incubated for overnight based on report done by Fawad A. et al 20088, when puerperal sepsis or septic abortion is suspected inoculate the specimen on two plates of blood agar and report aerobically at 35370C overnight. Inoculate the specimen on Macconkey agar and incubate the plate aerobically at 35370c overnight 8.Examine the colonies for Gram stained smearIt is done to psychoanalyze the smear for pus cells and bacteri a (8).Identification tests done to identify the pathogenic bacteria include Catalase test, Coagulase test, Deoxyriboneuclease test, Kligler weightlift agar, Citrate utilization test, Simmons citrate agar, Urease test, Indole test, Sugar fermentation test and Methyl Red test.ResultsThe total number of 30 samples were collected from pregnant women suffering from bleeding, out of these 11 specimens (36.67%) were collected after complete abortion, whilst 19 (63.33%) samples were collected at initial cartridge clip of bleeding, as referd in prorogue (1) .Table (1) The collected specimens era from women with bleeding in Khartoum Teaching Hospital.ParameterNumberPercentageSpecimens collected after complete abortion1136.67%Specimens collected at initial time of bleeding1963.33%Total cases30100%According to demographic characters, septic abortion appearing more frequently at the age of 26-30 and 36-40 and most cases were induced abortion (73.3%) as shown in Table (2).Table (2) Demograph ic characteristics of women attending with bleeding Khartoum Teaching HospitalDemographic characterFrequencyPercentageAge categories20-25413.34%26-301033.33%31-35620%36 401033.33%Total30100%Type of abortionHabitual826.67%Induced2273.33%Total30100%Types of aerobic bacteria isolated from specimens collected at complete stage of abortion were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebseilla ozaenae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from both initial stage and complete stage of abortion. It was isolated from 14 specimens out of 19 specimens, Table (3).Table (3) Number of different bacteria isolate from septic abortion cases from women attending to Khartoum Teaching Hospital.ParameterOrganism isolatedFrequencyPercentageOrganism isolated from complete stage of abortionStaphylococcus epidermidis654.5%Klebsiella ozaenae218.2%Staph. aureus19.1%Escherichia coli19.1%Proteus mirabilis19.1%Total11100%Organism isolated from initial stag e of abortionStaphylococcus epidermidis1473.68% no yield526.32%Total19100%Table(4) Relationship between the age of women, and type of abortion and the time of specimens in Khartoum Teaching HospitalDemographic characterComplete abortionn(%)Initial abortionn(%)p-valueAge categories20-251 (9.1%)3 (15.8%)0.0826-304 (36.3%)6 (31.6%)31-352 (18.2%)4 (21.1%)36 405 (45.4%)5 (26.3%)Type of abortionHabitual3 (27.27%)5 (26.32%)0.07Induced8 (72.73)14(73.68%)Discussion come to the fore of 30 cases involved in this study 11 (36.67%) cases were caused by aerobic bacteria which may indicate that abortion may be caused by other causative agents than aerobic bacteria. The Percentage of septic abortion have been notably decreased , this is mostly because health care provider contribute significantly to reduce the expose of woman to septic complication by providing surfaces in a safe environment, this is un consistent with other published reviews9.The highest incidence were in age group 26-30 also in group36-40 (P 0.05) the incidence were high , which is in inconsistent with other published reviews in other countries 9 ,but its consistent with the research of (Fawad, et al 2008) who found that the legal age of patient were of middle age8. Also habitual abortion occupied nearly (27.3%) (P 0.05) and induced abortion about (72.7%) (P 0.05).Earlier published review showed that most isolated organism was Escherichia coli (20%) ,either alone or in conspiracy with other bacteria ,which is inconsistent with our study (9.1%). Also the reviewer isolate Proteus mirabilis in combination with Escherichia coli (6%), in our study we found Proteus mirabilis (9.1%) 5.The percentage of Klebsiella ozaenae isolate was (18.2%) which is higher than pervious study (Isibor, et.al 2011) with percentage of (4.4%) among pregnant woman 10Staphylococcus aureus isolate percentage was (9.1%) in disagree with study done by (Isibor, et al 2011), which found that Staphylococcus aureus occupies about (26.7% ). this may be attributed to immune emplacement of the individual, personal hygiene and the proximity of the vagina to urethra 11.ReferencesAtrash H.K., Lawson H.W., Smith J.C., Legal abortion in the US trends and mortality . Contemp Ob/Gyn, 1990p35(2)58-69.jewett J.F., septic induce abortion . N Engl J Med,1973,p2899-748.Cates W .Jr. , Rochat R.W. , Smith J.C. , Taylor C.W. Jr., Trends and national abortion mortality ,United State,1940-1974implification for prevention of future abortion deaths .Adv Plann Parent 1976,11106-13.Cates W.Jr. , rochat R.W., Ilegal abortion in the united states1972-1974.Fam Plann perspect1976886-92.Botes M., The Parameters of Septic Abortion, S.A. journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 11 September 1971, p4 37-41.Sedgh G., Henshaw S., Singh S., Ahman E., and Shah I.H.,Induced abortion estimated rates and trends worldwide. Lancet ,2007 ,p370 13381345.Sedgh G., Henshaw S., Singh S., Ahman E., and Shah I.H.,Induced abortion estimated rates and trends worldw ide. Lancet ,2007 ,p370 13381345.Fawad A., Nazk H., K. Anisa , Septic induced abortion , J. Ayub Med. Coll. Abbottabad ,2008,20.Osazuwa H., Aziken M., Septic abortion a review of social and demographic characteristics , Arch. Gynecol. Obstet. ,2007,p 275117119.Isibor J. O., Samuel S. O., Nwaham C. I., Amanre I. N., Igbinovia O., and Akhile A. O., Prevalence of bacterial and Candida albicans infection amongst women attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria, African Journal of Microbiology Research, Vol.30 ,September, 2011, p 5(20),. 3126-3130Rosenow E. C., Studies in Elective Localization, Jour. Dent. Research, vol. 1, No. 3, September, 1919,52.

Comparison of War on Terror with the Cold War

Comparison of contend on dread with the coldness warf atomic number 18Does the Global warfare on dismay inaugurated by George W. bush-league have similarities to the cold state of war?Since 2001, academics and the United States administration have continuously compared the war against affrightism to the frosty contend. The brushs that the United States and its consort experienced during the war against communism in the Cold War and, to a greater extent recently, the War on apprehension arguably share signifi undersurfacet similarities. Although there is signifi faecal mattert debate across academia, some argue that affect of terrorism is the new Communism which similarly correspondks to ch every last(predicate)enge and overthrow Western ideas and the whole structure of the liberal republican world order. Others, among them revisionist historians, Claim that the main similarity between the Cold War and the War on consternation is the inclination of the US to benef it from conflict, capitalise and secure other countries in its economic structures for own benefit. However, however though these are noteworthy arguments, there has been a significant rise of discourse that seeks to separate the War on alarm from other conflicts, including the Cold War, stating that it is a new kind of war which symbolises a big(a) social transformation in the contemporary globalised world. For the purpose of this essay I summarise the nature of the War on flagellum and its overabundant similarities to the Cold War. After that I present arguments stating that the War on menace is in fact significantly different.After 9/11 the Bush administration urged the national indemnity to strengthen the core need to reduce on a stronger homeland defence. The Department of Homeland bail was established as a movement toward centralisation of security at a national level. The 2002 issue Security Strategy (NSS) relied on force and action to uphold international standards , unlike the previous eld where leadership through co-operation was emphasised instead. Arguably that was the case because of the change of the nature of threat that was exerted on the US. sooner the War on Terror the threat was to American values, whereas in a flash the threat was a lot more serious, questioning survival. In the 1990s the United States were involved in peace and humanitarian operations, supporting and extending American values worldwide. 2001, however, symbolised a shift in world order which directly threatened not bonny the United States but too its allies in Europe and elsewhere (Vrooman, 2004 82).The United States were set about with a new type of war a war without an easily identifiable enemy, which was not tied to a nation-state as we would traditionally expect (NSS, 2002 5). This posed a number of problems with deterrence The impossibility of destroying an enemy in a single manoeuvre, difficulty of identifying the enemy, and possibility of a costly cou nter-attack by the enemy. Terrorist groups were thought to have the ability, with the service of process of innovative technology, to communicate spot staying in the shadow, coordinating strategies and tactics. This allowed them to be highly decentralised and elusive while at the same condemnation have the ability to act simultaneously for greater effect. The attackers were further seen to be mobilised by a common ideational standpoint fanatical militarism legitimised through interpretation of religious texts in a certain way. This posed a serious problem as the attackers could not be negotiated with and divided up little of the ideas the west and America had (Vrooman, 2004 83). What we can deduct from this is that the War on Terror now had a more direct dimension, posing somatogenetic threat to the United States while at the same time macrocosm strongly ideological in nature, showing a confrontation of purificational ideas (Stokes, 2003 571). It in like manner meant that, because the attackers could not be intimidated or discouraged by the cost that their attacks would incur upon themselves, that the potential magnitude of terrorist attacks was unprecedented and had to be dealt with similarly unprecedented force.While the War on Terror has become a primary focus of the United States in the aftermath of 9/11, 2001, with the Bush doctrine, it was largely carried out as continuation of exiting struggles that the U.S. faced in the middle-east during the Cold War, particularly during Reagans presidency in the 1980s. The Reagans administration, during that time, was also expected of re playacting readily and as a result drafted many c oncepts, that were later used in the Bush doctrine, such as identifying terrorism as a form of warfare and not crime, or fighting regimes that could be seen as sponsors of terror earlier than inter-state or transnational organisations (Toaldo, 2012 3, Tirman, 2006 3). Elements of the War on Terror, including fatal terrorist strikes, were present during the Cold War. Therefore, we can expect that the experience gained by the U.S. government during the Cold War would reciprocate into the post-2001 War on Terror (Smart, 2005).The desire to be influential, rather than coercive through hard power, was seen as the main weakness that guide to the increase of terrorist threat. In the late half of the 1980s the secretary of state, George Shultz would actively advocate for a more aggressive view, focusing on Libya in 1986. Scandals during the time made office officials leaning towards isolationism less inclined to act in this new manner. These ideas, however, would inspire the Bush administration in 2001 (Toaldo, 2012 5), revolving around maintaining a physical presence of military mightTo be safe, the US must be strong, with strength measured by readily available military might. Yet merely possessing military power does not suffice. Since perceptions shape reality, the US must leave others in no doubt as to its willingness to use power. Passivity invites aggression. Activism, if successful, enhances credibility (A. Bacevich, 2011).The US administration was inte pass offed in maintaining a foothold in the middle-east throughout the entire cold-war period, and the emphasis of the Bush doctrine on its importance is nothing new. The middle-east was an area of confrontation between the two superpowers of the time The USSR and USA. The US identified the nations in the region as either violent radicals or moderate reformists, with the latter macrocosm their allies. Interestingly, the distinction originally used to categorize between areas of US and Soviet influence, saw a revival after 9/11, but this time with terrorists taking the place of the soviets. The philosophy of with us or against us that was so prominent during the Cold War remained a crucial factor affecting US intimacy and inappropriate polity in the region (Harling and Malley, 2010).What is fundamentally different with the new War on Terror, from the acts of terror that happened during the Cold War, is that it was no longer seen within the limits of being a tool in the Global Cold War, but an enemy in itself, since the threat of terrorism did not go away with USSR. The US was once again motivated to take action as soon as it saw a threat to the primacy of American ideals and its status as an absolute superpower (Toaldo, 2012 23). The War on Terror continues the legacy that was conceived with the Cold War as there are affinities between terrorism and totalitarianism both regard craze as an appropriate means to their political ends Both reject the basic moral principles of Judeo-Christian civilization(Jeanne Kirkpatrick in Toaldo, 2012 24). Indeed, for the US, similarly to Middle-Eastern terrorists the oriental Russian mind was viewed to do nothing more than pretend to be civilized and use this false image to work discretely in achieving its own barbaric ends (Kennan, in Hutchings and Miazhevich, 2009 4).Larry baseball diamond (2002) categorizes terrorist groups that pose a threat to the US as the new Bolsheviks due to their struggle against the same elements of stellar(a) capitalist nations that the old Bolsheviks struggled against corrupt, exploitative alliances and imperialism supported by the West with US in charge. This logic is prevalent among large sections of the Muslim world, outside of terrorist groups, that was spared the benefits of post-Cold War world order led by US, because of corruption. Terrorist attack on the World Trade substance can therefore be seen as a symbol of a revolution, similar to that which happened in Russia in 1917Like Hitler, Lenin and other charismatic demagogues before him (ideological enemies of the US), Osama bin Laden offers and beguiling explanation It is the fault of Jews, of the international capitalist system, and of the United States and the globalizing order it is imposing (Diamond, 2002 2).As the War on Terror developed, some aca demics went as far as to see its festering a representation of a new Cold War, between post-Yeltsin Russia and the US-led West. Russia was blamed for its involvement in Afghanistan which resulted in formation of Al Qaeda, and the West, primarily the US, was blamed for providing the conditions necessary for terrorism to flourish through its intervention in Iraq and desire to form and maintain a form of imperialistic hegemony. In this case, terrorism, even though not under control of any of the sides, can be seen to function as a source of continuing disceptation and friction between the US and post-soviet Russia. (Hutchings and Miazhevich, 2009 2).The us versus them, shows that during the Cold War and after it with the War on Terror, there is a continuity of an ideological confrontation based on competing ideas. Some writers (revisionist historians such Chomsky, Gaddis, Stokes, J. and G. Kolko), took that further, to argue that rear end the ideological confrontations which were, a nd still are so obvious, is hidden the true purpose of the perpetuating conflict of the US with the rest of the non-Western world. They see the confrontation as being in place to justify broader geoeconomic interests of US capital. They argue that all along it was not the containment of communism, but rather more directly the extension and expansion of American capitalism, check to its new economic power and needs (Kolko J., and G., 1972 23). Therefore, we can see the Cold War as morphologic feature of a much longer period of exploitative relations between advanced capitalist economies and less developed, poorer nations.In order for the US economy to progress after the end of the Cold War confrontation between USSR and US and not stagnate, it had to recuperate another front for its military-industrial complex which generated significant tax and economic growth for the US. Massive military spending was once again justified when the War on Terror was brought to the table. Between the Cold War and the War on Terror there was a confrontation with Latin American countries which symbolized the continuity of economic interests as guiding foreign policy of the US. Latin America, being rich in natural resources, saw great amounts of US influence which ensured control over the area, preventing democratic socioeconomic reform that could potentially threaten US interests (Stokes, 2003). Us involvement in regional governments can be seen with the case of Colombia in the context of the Drug War in 2000 (Stokes, 2003 577). Arguably we can see that ideology was not the only common theme present in the Cold War and the War on Terror, but there was also a geoeconomic rationale that was guiding US foreign policy from within in both wars. The US was not only interested in promoting democracy, but also in constructing a capitalist world order conductive to its interests (Chomsky, 1997).War on Terror also poses some new challenges to US Foreign insurance, and it is a weakness to discuss it simply from the premise of ideological confrontation and structural, geoeconomic standpoint without giving the necessary attention to its unique nature. Indeed, some scholars do not find the link between US foreign policy during the Cold War and War on Terror convincing. The War on Terror can also be seen resulting from a completely new development in social conditions connected with globalization due to a bridge between Industrial and data Age. Therefore the war is no longer about ideas or the economy, but against competing global structures symbolized within terrorism. Al Qaeda has become a brand resembling the corruption of Western ideas. Modern Western society now has terrorist networks within its borders with many young terrorists born within its countries fighting against it through symbols of Islam. This is, perhaps, a very significant distinction between the Cold War, which was fought between two distinctive camps, and the War on Terror. US foreign policy ma kers understand this, as globalization and its impacts are discussed within National Security Strategy (Smart, 2005 3).What is grave however is that the American policy-makers still fail to understand the fact that terrorist groups are often not acting as a single organization within a centralized or decentralised structure, they act singly from each other. In Hardt and Negris Empire (2000), the multitude (or people of the modern proletariat) struggle against capitalism independently yet, at the same time, as a group. They do not communicate or organize, but move own small goals against the capitalist empire system which add on to a greater render and together represent a greater struggle. What is profoundly different about the War on Terror from the Cold War is that it pioneered this very same principle within terrorism of many independent actors forming a greater struggle against a system (in this case the Western civilization) through their independent and autonomous actions. Similarities can, without doubt, be seen in US foreign policy during the Cold War and the War on Terror. However these similarities are present even between the two wars, suggesting a pattern for US approach to foreign policy. Ideological, civilizational struggle, exit as far as to claim it is still against Russia and America, can be used to describe the stance of US foreign policy in both conflicts just as well as structural economic and internal factors. However, reducing to these two points does not allow us to explain why the US has seen relatively low success in its fight against terrorism. It is a failure to identify the War on Terror in the same way the Cold War has been identified, since the first is fought on a new, rather obscure battleground that we do not yet fully understand against a highly decentralized enemy which is not embodied in any physical representative and works from within modern liberal society, against it. No matter how many similarities there are between the Cold War and the War on Terror, the US cannot fall into a trap of dealing with Terror the same way as it dealt with Communism as this is likely to never remove it, if not make it an even more significant threat.BibliographyBacevich, A. (2011), Secretary of Self-Defence, Financial Times, 13 February.Chomsky, N. (1997), The Political-Economic Order. In World Orders, Old and New. Pluto printing press London.Diamond, L. (2002), Winning the New Cold War on terrorism The Democratic-Governance Imperative, Institute for Global Democracy, Policy Paper No. 1.Hardt, M. and Negri, A. (2000), Empire. Harvard University Press USA.The White House (2002), The National Security Strategy of the United States of America.Hutchings, S. and Miazhevich, G. (2009), The petty officer trail to Islam Litvinenko, Liminality, and Televisions (Cold) War on Terror, Critical Studies on Terrorism, vol. 2 (2). University of Manchester UK.Kolko, J. and G. (1972), The Limits of advocate The World and United St ates Foreign Policy, 19451954. Harper and Row New York.Malley, R. and Harling P. (2010), Beyond Moderates and Militants How Obama Can Chart a New Course in the Middle East, Foreign affairs, September/October.Smart, C. (2005), The Global War on Terror Mistaking Ideology as the Center of Gravity, Center for Strategic Leadership (CSL), Vol. 8 (5).Stokes, D. (2003), Why the end of the Cold War doesnt matter the US war of terror in Colombia, Review of International Studies, vol. 29, pp. 569-585.The White House (2002), The National Security Strategy of the United States Of America.Tirman, J. (2006), The War on Terror and the Cold War Theyre Not the Same, The Audit of Conventional Wisdom, vol. 6 (6). Center for International Studies, MIT MA.Toaldo, M. (2012), The War on Terror and Its Cold War Burdens An Assessment of the Reagan Legacy, Wednesday Panel Sessions, June 20th, British International Studies Association.Vrooman, S. (2004), Homeland Security Strategy from the Cold War into the Gl obal War on Terrorism An Analysis of Deterrence, Forward Presence, and Homeland Defense. U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Theory Of Child Development Children And Young People Essay

Theory Of Child Development Children And Young People proveUrie Bronfenbrenner ecologic system possibleness was created to charge on the fictional character and contentment of the barbarians environment. He believed that as a kid grow and wax the representation he/she move with the environment becomes more complex. His theory was created to answer the call into question How does the environment boosters or stops the organic evolution of a peasant? (Paquette, Ryan, 2001) The Urie Bronfenbrenner bionomic system theory of nestling development has 5 systems that greatly relate the development of minorren. These systems consist of rules, norms and roles that is responsible for the defining in tiddlerrens development. The names of these systems atomic number 18 microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem. ( give instructionwork garterer- St. rosemary Educational Institution. Growth and Development Theory URIE BRONFENBRENNER (1917-2005), n.d).Micro system is define as the direct environment a small fry lives in, including the sisters moveion with any straighta authority kin or organisation. The immediate relationship allow for be family members, friction match groups, neighborhood and the immediate organisation giveing be civilize or day-c be. The agency that these groups, schools and organisation interact with the child will play a major role in the childs development. The more warming, comfortable, encouraging, and nurturing the relationship and organisation are the divulge the child will develop and grow. (Oswalt, 2008). as well the impact of the relationship occurs in two directions away from the child and toward the child. An use will be a childs kick upstairs whitethorn affect his/her doings precisely the child female genitalia also affect the deportment of the provokes. Urie Bronfenbrenner refers to this mechanism as bi-directional gos. (schoolworkhelper- St. Rosemary Educational Institution. Growt h and Development Theory URIE BRONFENBRENNER (1917-2005), n.d). An example of bi-directional influence will be A friendly, attentive child is wishly to evoke optimistic and patient reactions from parents, whereas an irritable or distractible child is more give carely to be a target of parental impatience, restriction and punishment. (Collins etal. 2000 Crockenberg Leekers, 2003a).Mesosystem is use to describes the different move of the microsystem such as home, school, neighbourhood and day-care working together for the benefit of the child (Oswalt, 2008). The way a parent and a child will interact with each other at home is likely to affect the way that child interacts with the capital care runr in child care settings and vice versa. (Brek, 2000 ). An example of mesosytem will be if a childs caregiver plays an active role in school, such as volunteering to be a dissever of activities, go steady parent teacher meetings, year level meetings, syndicate meetings and even wa tching the child play games like soccer, basketball, tennis etc will help ensure the egression and development of the child. (Oswalt, 2008). This is because a childs academic process does non only expect on what goes on in the classrooms but the involvement of the parents or caregiver (Epstein Sanders, 2002), and as long as the parents or caregiver show intimacy in what the child is doing hence the child will be involuntary to do and achieve more which will result in seemly addition and development. Another way to show how the mesosystem works in shaping the development of a child is by family-neighbourhood connections. For example a child that has an economic disadvant climb on butt joint benefit greatly from family-neighbourhood relationship. You see, rich families do not think on their immediate surroundings for kindly actualize or education. Therefore they can afford to call in their children to lessons and better quality schools in other communities. ( Elliott eta l. 1996). Now a poor family will depend on their immediate surroundings for social support and education. After school programmes that offer child care to families and art, music, sports, scouting, dancing, singing etc to the child are relate to improve the performance in school in middle age childhood and psychological adjustment.( Posner vandell,1994 Vandell posner, 1999). Religious youth groups and special interest clubs like circle K that is provided by neighbourhood organisation will help the development in adolescence, by raising their self-esteem, enhancing their performance and achievement at school and giving them the knowledge on how to behave responsibly in society. (Gonzales etal., 1996 Kerestes Youniss,2003).Exosystem refers to the casts and people that the child may not interact with regularly but plays an important role in the child maturation and development. These places and people will be the parents workplace, the neighbourhood, extended family members etc. An example of exosystem will be if a childs parent is fired or laid off from work then the household will only have one set of income or no income at all. This will result in the parent not being able to pay rent, buy groceries or even position the child to school which will negatively impact the child development and growth (Oswalt, 2008). In fact research confirms the negative impact of a break down in exosystem show an increase rates of negate and child abuse.( Emery Laumann-billings, 1998). However if that child parent receives a promotion or a raise at work, then the parent can provide a proper home, satisfy the child needs when the child is hungry and send he/she to school which will positively impact the child development (Oswalt, 2008).Macrosystem consist of all systems mention above, the cultures, the general beliefs, written and impromptu principles that governs e realone on society behaviours. These principles can either be legal, political, economic, spiritual or educational (schoolworkhelper- St. Rosemary Educational Institution. Growth and Development Theory URIE BRONFENBRENNER (1917-2005), n.d). The macrosystem can be defined as the effect of larger principles having a cascading influence throughout the interactions of all other layers (Paquette, Ryan, 2001). For example If in a concomitant culture the belief is that parents should have full office of raising their child, it is extremely unlikely that the culture will provide any resources to assist the parent. As a result the structures at which the parent functions will be affected. The parent ability or inability to handle the responsibility toward their child deep down the childs microsystem is affected (Paquette, Ryan, 2001).Chronosystem is refered to by Urie Bronfenbrenner as the temporal dimension of his model. The environment is ever changing. Important events that may occur throughout a childs life like birth of a sibling, going to school for the first time, parents being break are able to alter existing relationships between that child and the environment resulting in new conditions that can affect development. Also the timing of environmental change affects the impact. For example A toodler having a brother or babe will experience different consequence than a schhol-age child with activities and relationships beyond the family. As a child gets older they have the ability to select, neuter and create many of their own settings and experiences. This ability depends on the child physical, intellectual, person-to-person characteristics and their environmental opportunities. Children are both products and producers of their environment therefore both the child and the environment form a network of interdependent effects in ecological system theory (Brek, 2000).So far we have insinuate Urie Bronfenbrenner ecological systems theory of child development. Now we will discuss how this theory informs the assimilation agents that influence growth and deve lopment. Before we get into the discussion we will first define what a acculturation agent is. A culture agent is people like parents, family members, peers, teachers, social institutions like school, community centers and spectral institutions that assist with incorporating an mortalist with society. There are 4 major agents of socialization in society family, school, community culture and peers. The other agents will be mass media, gender and work. All the agents mentioned above are further separate into socialization groups. The groups are primary agents, secondary agents and social class.Primary agents of socialization are made up of people that are very fast to the individual like family, teachers and friends. The most important primary agent of enculturation will be the family because they help shape the life, development and behaviour of an individual with in the society.Secondary agents of socialization are institutions that assist the individual in finding their plac e within the society. Secondary socialization agents include religious instutions, schools, community centers, work places etc. Schools are responsible for improving a child social skill which helps him/ her incorporate well with the surrounding society. kindly classes will be the lower class, working middle class and high elite class. In other words social class is dividing an individual within the society (Baxamusa, 2011).Now there is a better come across of what socialization agents are we can discuss how Urie Bronfenbrenner theory informs them. However the focus will only be on the socialization agents that influence growth and development. There are family, educators, schools and community amounts.Urie Bronfenbrenner ecological theory inform educators in how to handle and analysis situation that may occur in schools whether it is pre-school, primary or secondary school. For example Akelia is sitting in an art class using markers to draw pictures. Henderson joins her at the table and begins to cut scrap wall base with a scissors. Akelia place a piece of paper in the centre of the desk, now Henderson thought that it was scrap paper and begin to cut it in pieces. Akelia looks over to what Henderson is doing, when she realise the paper Henderson was cutting was the piece she place in the centre, she jump up and shouted NO That is moms while pulling the paper out of Henderson hands. Suddenly Akelia punch Henderson in the ribs before the teacher can arrive at the desk. In this scenario an educator that is informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner ecological theory will conclude that Akelias mesosystem is aggressive or forceful and the way Akelias family members, neighbours or parents interact with her is violent or inimical resulting in Akelia development that way towards others. So instead of punishing Akelia the educator will speak to her parents about her behaviour towards other and try to come to an agreement on how to deal with the situation so Akelia can gr ow and develop in a more positive way. This approach will be better than punishment because if Akelia is punish it will only plant her more hostil. This is because Akelia thinks that her behaviour is right because that is what she knows from home and that is how she developed. Therefore she will not understand the former she is being punish and will exhibit very hostile behaviour towards the educator and nothing will be resolved. Also the educator informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner theory will reflect on her class room environment or school environment to make sure that Akelias microsystem is not interacting with her in any violent or hostile way to make her respond to the situation the way she did. If the mesosystem interaction with Akelia is violent or hostile then the educator will go to higher authorities to talking on how the school is interacting with students and how it is impacting the growth and development of students in a negative way.Urie Bronfenbrenner ecological theory informed programmes that are put in place in schools and communities centers. For exampleThe school may have sports programmes, social proletarian programmes, donation programmes and counsellor counsellors to work with students who microsystem and mesosystem is broken where the parents or family members, home and neighbourhood are very aggressive, forceful, hostile violent towards the child resulting in the child being emotional scared and growing and developing into a very angry person. When this occur the guidance counsellor of the school will interact with the child, place the child in afterschool programs like sports to help release tightness and violent energy, the guidance counsellor may also alert social workers to interact with the parents and try to make better environment for the child so the child can have great growth and development. Also students who exosystem may be broken or breaking down. For instance the mother baron lost her job or salary has been cut and the child may be not attending school for long periods of time because the parents do not have sufficient funds to send him. When the child does attend school he is in fights because of the broken exosystem the parents are constantly flake and on the verge to getting a divorce. This then leads to the child undergoing a life changing event which hinders his growth and development because he do not want to socialize or be a part of school activities or school. The school will have a guidance counsellor interact with the child and be there through the stages the help the child cope with the life changing events without hindering the growth and development. Also students who are in a particular culture that believe that parents should take full responsibility for raising their child and no resources are condition to the parent. If the parents do not have the ability to take on that responsibility because one parent is handicap and the other addicted to drugs then the school donation progra mme will be able to provide for the child so the broken macrosystem will not hinder the child growth or development or cause the child to grow and develop in a negative way.Urie Bronfenbrenner

Capacity Management And International Operations Management Commerce Essay

Capacity Management And International Operations Management handicraft EssayCapacity focal point lies at the core of e rattling prospered working(a) st consec browsegy whether operate or manufacturing. It is tell of a bigger corporate out annotation which is a long circumstance plan to hand a certain target (J angiotensin converting enzymes and Kutsch, 2007). It is imperative for e actually organization to bed how nearly its mogul is being utilized as its long destination success is based on it (Krajewski and Ritzman, 2002). Capacity measuring stick helps retrieve the boilersuit operational cost and forms the basis of important decisions like expansion (Yu Lee, 2002). This idea get out endeavour to resolve the efficacy perplexity issues of a health eagerness called fitness summing up in Greensboro, North Carolina. physical fitness sum fargon began its operations in a large suburban park in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1991. Under health and sports it nomin ates fitness, peace of mind and recreational facilities operational 7 days a week (For details see supplement 1). Customers use the facilities having subscribed to yearly memberships. Lately the argona of Greensboro has expanded in population and businesses. Growth in population augmentd health ken in residents and has increased pick out for fitness facilities. Other health centres pass water unembellishedively opened namely YMCA, Oasis and Golds secondary school. YMCA offers full range of facilities, Golds Gym has un slight cardiovascular and weight prep and Oasis is trim backed to solo adults over 16 years of age.Available data indicates that by whitethorn 2002 members visit physical fitness asset ein truth bit during greenback eon (4 7pm) had doubled to 80 from 1997. The average visits per hour increased from 15 to 25 in a typical day resultantly the zeal got overcrowded and complaints arose about non-availability of equipment. well-nigh tally of complaints arise in the specific aras of aerobics, nautilus and cardiovascular. The depicted object of physical fitness cocksure essentials to be measured and think properly in hostelry to form an effective operational dodging two in the long and bunco legal injury. on that point atomic number 18 two options uncommitted i.e. setoff is to effectively plow the lively facility which get out take hardly a(prenominal) months and second is to build a new-fangled facility in the business district area which might take upto a year to become operational. delinquent to fiscal and degree constraints a short circumstance solution is need for now and a long boundary later.In the following name the expertness issues of Fitness positivistic will be discussed in lead portions A, B and C. In section A the ability of Fitness accession will be measured and analysed to see whether there is ample readiness to crapper with the immediate issues of overcrowding and non-availab ility of equipment. Section B will ascertain which capacity schema would be appropriate for Fitness positively charged with the necessary excuses. In section C the adopted schema would be described in detail and linked with other fictional characters of operating decisions i.e. pay, HR, merchandiseing and lend fibril. at long abide in the conclusion the crux of main issues and solutions would be summed up.Section A / Question 1 Capacity measuring stick with details on that point is no fit for all formula for capacity measurement as businesses commute in their nature and details. A theatre measures capacity in terms of seats and a job shop terminate measure capacity in phone twist of machine hours (Krajewski, Ritzman and Malhotra, 2010). Jones and Kutsch (2007) are of the opinion that aloofness and equipment range primary position in capacity measurement thus the measurement would be centered around them.Main complaints are from two issues i.e. inaccessibility of e quipment (Cardiovascular, paper nautilus and aerobics) and physical exercise activities being overcrowded. Thus the focus of capacity management in aerobics should be on space and equipment for the workout activities in tiptop hours. According to the study it is noted that rosiness epochs are betwixt 4-7pm and total number of members visiting between that time is 240 (80 per hour). For abbreviation purpose the figures from the conducted survey (Appendix 1) view been used as following paper nautilus It consists of 24 pieces of equipment and it is assumed that on an average apiece member takes 45 legal proceeding to complete the whole course. In one hour the total number of members able to use the equipment would be (60 legal proceeding / 45 proceedings x 24 equipments = 31 members). The current exercise during jacket time is 25% of capacity equalling 20 members per hour.Cardiovascular It has 29 pieces of equipment and it is assumed that all(prenominal) member takes 45 minutes to complete the exercise. Thus in one hour the total number of members able to use the equipment would be (60 minutes / 45 minutes x 29 equipments = 38 members). The current use of goods and runs during item hour is 40% of capacity equalling 32 members per hour. aerobics The facility laughingstock accomodate 35 members in one session and normally each session lasts for one hour. Thus the current usage during inflorescence hour is 30% of capacity equalling 24 members per hour.Free weights The case study doesnt necessitate every details about the space or type of available equipment. There are no complaints arising and 20% of the members use the facility during peak hours which equals 16 members so we assume that it is being utilized appropriately.Recreational activities There is sufficient room available to accomodate the members during peak hours. Six tennis courts cornerstone accomodate between 12 to 24 members to take every 6 individual(a) or double games where as currently only 8 members play tennis during peak hours. Same is the case for 8 noise ball courts which whoremonger accomodate between 16 to 32 members for 8 singles or doubles matches. During peak time only 12 members play racquet ball. The assumptions are based on the average calcuaton of each game to last for 1 hour. In case of longer game sessions still there are plenty of courts available to accomodate the imply.Detail of equipment and space are as followingFurther analysisYu Lee (2002) is of the opinion that correct measurement of capacity is a pre-requisite for the effective management because correct decisions are perpetually based on correct observations. It is a dilemma that one rear not precisely measure the work capacity for dish out organizations as it needs unvaried surveys and observations (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). It has been observed that all the capacity measurements which sack up be taken are based on the primary data i.e. equipment condition, sensual s pace, type of members, frequency of use, the type of equipment and support corpse (Yu Lee, 2002). For Fitness Plus another useful capacity measurement technique would be example which is used for equipment, workforce or space. manipulation is the ratio between existing average output of the equipment and the maximum capacity (Krajewski et al., 2010).Utilization = (Average output rate / Maximum capacity) x century%From the data available in (Figure 1) we scarcetocks measure the purpose of diffferent equipments as followingNautilus habit = 20/31 x 100% = 64.5% (35.5% below capacity)Cardiovascular utilization = 32/38 x 100% = 84.21% (15.79% below capacity)Free weights utilization = 16/16 x 100% = 100% (Full capacity).Tennis courts utilization = 8/12 x 100% = 66.66% (33.33% below capacity)Racquet ball courts utilization = 12/16 x 100% = 75% (25% below capacity)Aerobics Utilization = 24/35 x 100% = 68.5% (31.5% below capacity)For aerobics the full capacity of the room is 35 member s at one time which is way above the peak time average of 24 members. programing of aerobics room evoke be the cause of the problem as the same room is twice a week dedicated for classes of yoga. base on the above results it terminate fairly be say that Fitness Plus has enough capacity to effectively manage its existing facility and offer off complaints. There is too a need to determine the type of memebers using the facilities in peak hours i.e. family groups, under 16 students and working adults etcetera It will be essential for two short and long term capacity strategies to cater for these groups separately in order to gain the rivalrous edge. A study should also be conducted to check the codition of the equipment as complaints might have arose partially due breakdown. It should also determine frequent machines among the members in particular for the cardiovascular and nautilus so the least popular be replaced with the more than popular ones to increase the existin g capacity.All capacity management plans not only determine the current usage of capacity but also take into account the prospective fluctuatins in strike. Existing or planned capacity should unceasingly leave sufficient break for adjustments (Krajewski et al., 2010). Capacity mince is calculated as 100% minus the percentage of utilization. Upto 10% is considered sufficient to adjust crave fluctuations over time.Capacity cushion = 100% Utilization rate (%)In case of busy health facilities every number of nodes can come at any time to use the equipment or space varying the demand significantly thus 20% capacity cushion would be more appropriate to maintain good guest mould trains and to suatain any membership increases. Calculations are as followingNautilus cushion = 100% 64.5% (utilization rate %) = 35.5%Cardiovascular cushion = 100% 84.21% (utilization rate %) = 15.79%Free weights cushion = 100% 100% (assumed utilization rate %) = 0%Tennis courts cushion = 100% 66. 66% (utilization rate %) = 33.33%Racquet ball courts cushion = 100% 75% (utilization rate %) = 25%Aerobics cushion = 100% 68.5% (utilization rate %) = 31.5%Fitness Plus equipment and facilities have sufficient existing cushion. The only exceptions are cardiovascular equipment with 15.79% which is not too low and free weights equipment. There is no data available for free weights thus an assumed utilization of 100% is considered which can not be true in materiality. On the basis of above calculations and analysis it can be fairly said that Fitness Plus has sufficient capacity to deal with current and future demand fluctuations. An efficient capacity management can result in a significant decrease in complaints and increase usefulness levels and customer satisfaction.Section B / Question 2 Capacity strategy and justificationOne of the most ambitious challenges aid managers face is to cope well with uneven demand. The frequent flucuations in demand can lower service levels or re sult in under utilisation of resources. To avoid these consequences service firms can either adjust their capacity according to the changing demands, regulate a change in demand patterns to suit their capacity or a combination of two (Krajewski et al., 2010) (see below figure 2)There are deuce-ace main capacity strategies i.e. level capacity, chase demand and demand management. Each of these strategies should be adopted when its goods out weight the disadvantages. Most a lot operation managers are required to keep low costs, decrease investments and at the same time provide excellent customer service levels making it all the more important for organizations to adopt a mixture of these approaches (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Fitness Plus should adopt a mixed capacity plan for both its short and long term strategy as explained and justified in the following paragraphsLevel capacityThe capacity is maintined at a constant level all along the planning period and any fluctuations in dem and are ignored. High under utilization of resources can advance this capacity option very costly but also very useful where the opportunity cost of single lost sale is very high like in jewellery retailing or real estate (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). At Fitness Plus there is always a possibility of a large number of members coming in any time and very low number of members in off-peak season resulting in either a postponement line or under utilization thus a pure level capacity plan would not be fitting.Chase demandChase demand is opposite to level capacity as it tries to match the capacity levels according to the changing demand patterns. It is very backbreaking plan to act upon as it needs supple working hours, varied number of provide and often times different number of euipment in each period. It is suitable for companies which produce either perishable goods or cannot store their outputs such as customer processing. It has a clear advantage of having the appropriate level of staff all the time according to the demand of a particular season (Krajewski et al., 2010). This method requires adjustment of capacity through and through different means i.e. offering over time in peak and lesser hours in off-peak periods, varying number of employees according to the seasonal requirements, part time contracts and subcontracting (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Fitness Plus would need to chase demand in the below aspectsAs per available data members complain about liveing for the availabiliity of equipment. Application of a wait line example will increase the service levels by effectively managing the existing capacity and chasing the current demand.A survey is proposed to check which machines are in demand, increase their numbers and lessen the least used ones to be in line with the existing demand.A waiting line model will not be suitable for aerobics because the class is preplanned and majority of the members arrive just before the starting time thus mixing sc hedules between aerobics and yoga can solve the problem.The number of employees would need to be rescheduled to increase the current service levels. It will reduce excess staff during bumper-to-bumper propagation shifting them to peak times resulting in more personal management, interaction and customer satisfaction.Developing a new facility will also chase the increase in demand which is expected due to new businesses down town.Demand managementThe objective of this strategy is to shift the burden of peak period to off-peak period. every the demand is changed through various methods or alternate products or operate are offered to fill off-peak capacity. The most widely applied method in service industry is pricing to shift the peak demand to off-peak when heap are not very interested in buying. Advertising also helps to smooth demand but is expensive and if is un-planned can result in financial loss. Organizations with different demand patterns develop new products and serve coat the whole year i.e. univerities filling the lecture rooms during vacations (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Fitness Plus will be managing demand in certain aspects of its startegyIt is proposed that Fitness Plus should either slightly rise footings during the peak times or provide services which cost lesser to manage demand.They should offer different types of memberships with different prices called price optimization.A non-pricing strategy of advertising off-peak services to waiting customers during peak times would also balance the peak and off-peak demands.Distributing off-peak service coupons during peak times, discounted tickets for relaxation services like massage, health supplements or energy drinks can be offered to balance the demand year round.Through a system of reservations Fitness Plus can fill its capacity and move the excess memberships to the off-peak period by booking a slot when capacity is available to manage it more effectively.Another option can be to partiall y modify access of members during peak periods. During peak times mostly members would be working executives thus a restriction can be applied on under 16 members. To compensate them student membership rates can be offered in the off-peak period to encourage members to come more often in off-peak.Employee computer programming should reduce the excess staff during slower times by shifting more employee to peak times. It will result in more customer satisfaction and effective demand management.Often service companies have to opt a mixed capacity strategy as it is very hard to forecast demand and balance existing capacity (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Operational capabilities do not always match one of the threesome strategies thus a mixture of chasing and managing demand would be most suitable for Fitness Plus.Section C / Question 3 Capacity strategy and other operational decisionsAny capacity decision an organization makes should always be in line with the confer images and processe s deep down the organization. victorious into account the bigger operational picture is essential for a thriving capacity strategy (Krajewski et al., 2010). Both short and long term strategies are discussed in this context below (See Figure 4)Short term strategyWaiting line model nib demand most ofttimes results in waiting time increases for customers. Waiting line model is considered very useful for service organizations in resolving the problem (Krajewski et al., 2002). This model can be applied to the workout equipment as the waiting line is resulting in bottlenecks. Currently the system is catering for members individual service needs in multiple lines with a mixed arrangement of facilities on first-class honours degree come, first served basis.The stretch and service time dispersions need to be calculated including line lengths, number of customers in the system, waiting time, total time in system and utilization of service facilities. After analyzing this data a new layo ut of the facility might be needed increasing the peak capacity and space for some equipment and reducing or eliminating some. Total 32 members visit the workout room during peak hours taking 45 minutes in complementary their routines. On an average each member uses 2 machines during their stay with 20 minutes on each machine im developr 5 minutes for the next one. Three customers get served with 20 minutes and an average the arrival rate comes to 2.5 times during an hour. If we take into account repeated visits we get a 80 per hour arrival rate (30 x 2.5) thus members wait approximately 8.6 minutes for a machine. To resolve it the most appropriate model would be a multiple channel, single phase as it will have a single line and more staff to deal with customers (See Figure 3 below)Operationally this model will facilitate the marketing, HR, finance and supply chain aspects as during peak hours the waiting customers would be in a single line making it easier to display the marketing material on surrounding walls or screens. financially it will uphold the expensive investment in media advertising and will make off-peak brochure distribution easier and to more interested existing customers. To serve on multiple service counter HR will need to schedule employees i.e. reducing the excess staff during slower times by shifting more employee to peak times resulting in better customer service. This model will also stream line the supply chain processes and increase service levels. During waiting line news telecasts and entertainment like BBC, Sky Sports etc with seated customer will create a calmer waiting environment and defuse any possible difficult situation.Price cogitate strategyFitness Plus can reduce demand during peak hours by diverting bare users either slightly rising prices or providing services which cost lesser. It can offer different types of memberships with different prices. The best price should be located keeping in mind that no capacity constrai nt occurs which is called price optimization.Financially, increasing prices would generate extra revenues as per Shugan (2004) price optimization moves demand from peak to off peak times and increases revenues. But service firms are often hesitant due to its long term negative make on the business. The presence of strong competitors often makes price increase decisions difficult as a customer can try competitor services and it might result in customer loss. Price increase startegy can also increase pressure on the over all supply chain as customers will start expecting higher service levels and unseamed operations. By offering different type of memberships HR might need to recruit more staff to attend customer in both seasons. It can indirectly increase marketing costs as less expensive methods of cheating to regular customers in peak season will become less effective due to lesser number of customers.Non-pricing strategies bank note time is best to contact customers who might be interested in the off-peak offers and services (Kotler, 2001). It is highly likely to come across potential cusomers during Peak periods rather than less direct methods of advertising. In the earlier case customers have already shown their interest in the services and facilities. Thus it is far easier to sell them the off peak services or packages. While waiting for their turn customers can be shown different adverstisements to promote off-peak services which will save money for more expensive marketing campaigns. For regular members off-peak coupons can prepare further discounts or additional services with minimal incurring costs like massage, health supplements or energy drinks.Another strategy would be to develop a reservation system. It helps to shift the members to off-peak period who would otherwise be waiting during the peak period. When a customer calls to reserve a service or facility he should be given the slots with available capacity. The system works best if it is auto mated thus optimizing and balancing demand and capacity at the same time. These systems do improve the over all supply chain but also affect financial and HR related operational decisions as they are expensive and need trained staff to operate them.Fitness Plus can also partially restrict access of members during peak periods. A detailed study of the type of members visiting the facility would be needed. Once the data has been gathered on the usage pattern the decision of categorical restrictions can be applied. For example during peak times of 4-7 mostly members would be working executives thus in order to reduce access and optimise the capacity a restriction should be applied on under 16 members using the facility in the same period. To compensate them student membership rates can be offered during the off-peak period. This will encourage the excluded members to come more often during off peak periods.Fitness Plus should also have a survey to determine the popular equipment. The n umber of popular equipment should be increased and the least popular ones be decreased which will help fill the gap in member requirements. Operationally it can create a supply chain problem of disposing off the least popular equipment and can increase financial pressure of buying new machines.In case of aerobics section complaints there is a possibility of a mixed schedule between aerobics and yoga. A rescheduling of classes on the basis of members demand can view that the classes do not clash. It will affect the HR decisions as employee scheduling would be needed and over time might need to be paid.The employees of Fitness Plus also need to be scheduled in order to increase the service levels and reduce the excess staff during slower times. Shifting more employee to peak times will result in more customer satisfaction by having more personal attention and interaction. It will benefit the supply chain by improving process times and facilitating seamless operations.Long term strate giesThere are three alternates in the long run which should be based on both qualitative and quantitative bench marking of competitors, capacity and cost estimates outset of a new facility downtownMinimal expansion within the current facility on available landWaiting and reflection the demand conditions before making any expansionBecause customers are already complaining and equipment is being used lesser than its maximum capacity there is some room for minor expansion of the existing facility but is limited due to lack of available land. As the population is increasing steadily and the only full range competitor is YMCA option 1 would be the best choice. It will create sufficient capacity in advance of customer demands. Once the new facility is announced it will be difficult for competitors to expand as it might over burden the market.Financially it is a big decision and would very much depend on the success of the short term strategies. Profits gained through short term measures will ease the financial pressure. Secondly going ahead with new facility downtown will need thorough supply chain planing as the distance between the facilities will make logistical decisions difficult and expensive. Lot of new job will be created and HR plane section will need to recruit and send and recieve staff between facilities for training and development purposes. It will be a big opportunity for marketing deparatment as lots of new campaigns, hoardings, billboards and advertisements would need to be developed.ConclusionIn this report the capacity issues of Fitness Plus were discussed in details in three sections. A measurement of existing capacity, justification of adopted strategy and links of proposed strategies with other operating decisions were sought. Both short and long term strategies are considered important but the immediate concern of Fitness plus should be to resolve the existing complaints of over crowding and non-availability of equipment.Firstly, in the sho rt term price optimizing strategy of increasing peak prices and offering off-peak packages can work. If it is considered detrimental for the business non-pricing strategies can produce the desired results. Secondly, all the employees should be taken on board in the strategic decisions so that they can handle customer queries more professionally and maintain the desired service levels. Lastly, periodical reviews of the demand forecasting, complaints, equipment and service levels will ensure effective capacity utilzation. Accuracy of data should be maintained by comparing the existing demand with the forecasted demand so that a clear picture of the financial, operational and service needs is obtained.In the long run Fitness Plus needs to refer to its corporate objective and act accordingly either to effectively manage the current equipment and space or build a new branch over time. The earlier the long term strategy is initiated the better. Once the expansion plan is announced new mem berships will prove to be a guage for its success and continuous monitoring of population growth, market trends and competitors will keep Fitness Plus ahead of its competitors.

Strategies to Produce Thermonuclear Plasmas

Strategies to Produce Thermo atomic germ plasmsElrica DegirmenWhat is the reefer European torus and how does it work?The Joint European Torus, or one and only(a) thousand, is a physics adroitness located in the Culham Centre for confederation goose egg in Oxfordshire. plasm physicists and engineers there ar producing thermo thermonuclear germ plasms under magnetised exertion in nine to show that conglutination get-up-and-go is a reliable germ of capability in the future. It is very difficult to do on do principal(prenominal) as in come in for nuclear confederation to happen temperatures millions of degrees above the core of the Sun must be achieved as it is unworkable to gravitationally confine the blood plasma (CEA, 2001) which is the way it happens in stars.A plasma is define as a quasi-neutral ionised gas, and because it is charged, it tail assembly be manipulated by electric and magnetic work of honors (Suplee, 2009).The History of the Joint European Torus spirts history started in 1970 when the Council of the European Community decided to transport on a spinal fusion research programme and wee a European fusion device. After three years in 1973, the designs of JET were being drawn up and in 1977 the Culham site was chosen to build JET and construction work began. It then started operation in 1983 (United kingdom Atomic faculty Authority, 2012). The 9th of November 1991 is a particularly important date in the history of nuclear fusion as this was when the Preliminary Tritium Experiment achieved the domains maiden controlled squirt of fusion magnate (ITER Organization, 2014).What is nuclear fusion?Nuclear fusion is what creators the sun and it involves dickens nuclei fusing unitedly under natural temperatures and pressures. When this response occurs, aptitude is released from Einsteins energy-mass equivalence equation This is because the gist of the masses of the individual nucleons before fusing is greater th an the sum of the masses of the nuclei when they open fused. This leads to a mass defect and due to the conservation of energy a loss in mass is compensated through the release of energy.With regards to nuclear fusion, a lot of energy is released, especially when analysed with nuclear fission. We can comp ar the energy outputs of both nuclear processes through the concept of binding energy. hold fast energy is the amount of energy needful to either remove individually nucleon from each another(prenominal) within the nucleus or the energy needful to fuse the same number of nucleons to form the nucleus of an atom. Looking at the binding energy per nucleon for the elements, we can see which are the most enduring elements (they have the highest binding energy per nucleon) and see which processes (fission or fusion) releases the most energy.It should be noted that the mechanism for nuclear fusion in stars is different compared to achieving nuclear fusion on earth. In stars, the hydrogen atoms are fused in concert due to the extreme pressures as there is such a elephantine quantity of stellar material. An example of one of the main nuclear cycles that puzzle taper in stars is the Proton-Proton Chain which happens in stars with the same mass as our Sun or less (The University of Tennessee). The main re turn of eventsion is the first-year misuse where it converts hydrogen and deuterium into helium and emits a gamma ray as follows (Case Western Reserve University)These pressures, as well as the high temperatures, and the make of gravitational confinement means that the hydrogen atoms, which would normally repel one another due to their positive charges at the centres of their nuclei, are able to drown the degree Celsius barrier, and therefore the strong force is able to attract these nuclei together releasing vast amounts of energy and producing helium in the first place. The Coulomb barrier is the energy that is needed for the electrical repulsion to be scourge in order for the strong nuclear force to take place in order for the nuclei to fuse together (HyperPhysics).Here on earth, it is impossible to gravitationally confine magnanimous amounts of plasma, therefore physicists have developed two main methods for achieving nuclear fusion (for the purposes of civilian energy) inertial confinement and magnetic confinement (CEA, 2001). Another facility, the National Ignition Facility in Liver more(prenominal), calcium uses inertial confinement and this involves the use of lasers.However, JET is concerned with magnetic confinement and, as the name suggests, it involves magnets with a reactor find outd as a torus or as a hollow doughnut. The Russian physicist Andrei Sakharov first came up with the idea of a tokamak as it was considered the most optimal shape to successfully confine a plasma using magnetic field.In terms of magnetic confinement, for nuclear fusion to occur (this is called ignition) three main properties of the plasm a must fulfil certain conditions. This is named the Lawson criterion after it was first proposed by John D. Lawson in 1955. The Lawson criterion states that the triple product of plasma density, confinement time, and the plasma temperature must fulfil this equation for a deuterium-tritium reaction (Irvine, 2011)Where is the plasma density, is the plasma temperature and is the confinement time.Although a lot of energy is needed to overcome the Coulomb barrier and initiate the fusion process, the large energy yield is the reason why research at JET and at other institutes is still ongoing (HyperPhysics). The most common fusion reaction to be studied nowadays and the one that physicists at JET are looking into particularly is the deuterium-tritium, or D-T, reaction. Deuterium and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen. It is as follows (HyperPhysics)Plasma heatingWithin the tokamak, the plasma current is induced by a transformer. The central iron transformer core acts as the primary windin g, and this is situated in the hole of the tokamak reactor, and the plasma acts as the secondary winding. The plasma can act as a secondary winding because it is electrically-charged and therefore acts as a conductor. The alternating current that is supplied to the central magnetic coil induces a ever-changing magnetic field and this is used to control the plasma. This turns a heating exploit called Ohmic heating. Thus induced current causes heating which in addition happens in conventional transformers as well.Neutral-beam injection involves the introducing high- former atoms into the magnetically-confined plasma when it is already ohmically heated. These atoms are ionised as they pass through the plasma and therefore are also controlled by the magnetic field present. They then become high-energy ions and as a result, they transfer some of their energy to the plasma particles in repeated collisions. This increase in the number of collisions increases the average translational e nergizing energy associated with these ions and thence increases the temperature of the plasma overall.Furthermore, radio frequency heating is also used to heat the plasma. This is generated through induction high-frequency oscillating currents in the plasma by external coils. There are parts of the plasma where the energy absorption is high and the frequencies are chosen to match the frequencies of these regions. This is called resonance and it allows large amounts of precedent to be transferred to the plasma.All of these ways of heating the plasma are important as not one single method can produce the necessary temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (United earth Atomic Energy Authority, 2012), which is required in magnetic confinement (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, 2012).Confining the plasmaThe main purpose of the tokamak in JET is to magnetically confine the plasma with the help of the device called a tokamak which is a Russian acronym for a torus-shaped magnet ic chamber (European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of uniting Energy (Fusion for Energy), 2013). In order to successfully confine the plasma, the magnetic field lines must move around the torus in a spiraling shape generated by toroidal and poloidal fields.The diagram above is useful in explaining two key concepts in plasma physics the toroidal field and the poloidal field. The toroidal field is represented by the blue line and it is the magnetic field that travels around the torus in circles. The poloidal field is represented by the red arrow and it travels in circles perpendicular to the toroidal field.Both of these fields differ in the way they are produced as well in their direction of travel. The toroidal field is produced by electromagnets which surround the torus, and the poloidal field is generated as a result of the toroidal electric current that follows inside the plasma with the help of a second set of electromagnets (Wikipedia, 2014).Energy productionA t the moment, JET can only produce around 70% of the power needed to heat the plasma in the first place (Mlyn, 2007). However, a new tokamak called ITER is being built in Cadarache and developed in order to develop the technologies and obtain the knowledge necessary to built fusion power stations capable of producing more energy out than in (European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy (Fusion for Energy), 2013). Energy production from fusion is a promising idea as a fusion reaction, in comparison to the combustion of fossil fuels, is four times more energetic, thus more energy can be produced from very small quantities of deuterium and tritium (ITER Organization, 2014).In practical terms, in order to produce 1000MW of electricity, 2.4 million tonnes of burn would be needed each year for a coal-fired power station, provided only 125kg each of deuterium and tritium per year would be needed to produce the same amount of energy (ITER Organization, 2014).T he futureFrom the research conducted at JET, it was homely to physicists that a bigger tokamak must be built in order to break-even and hopefully obtain a greater energy output than input. To reiterate, this tokamak is cognize as ITER and is currently built in the south of France. Even then, ITER is not being built specifically for energy production and it is only until show will be built that it can be demonstrated to the cosmea that it is possible to harness the power of nuclear fusion on energy. presentment is expected to be running sometime during the 2030s and an actual fusion power plant to be running by 2050 (EFDA, 2014). However, due to inevitable geopolitical issues and financial constraints, there is every possibility that these dates may be pushed in advance into the future. Even so it was in 1905 when Einstein first formulated the mass-energy equivalence relation, it was in 1920 when Eddington first discovered how stars produced energy, it was in 1927 when Langmuir gave plasma its name and thus plasma physics was born (Mlyn, 2007) and there have been many other milestones within plasma physics since then that even if the dates fusion civilian energy is pushed forward by a couple of decades or more it will not mean anything in the long term as man will finally be able to learn how to release it and use it for his service as Eddington said. Irrespective of when the production of fusion energy will occur, JET will have been a cornerstone in the history of fusion energy and plasma physics as experiments at JET have made us closer and closer to ignition. The near step is to build the next series of tokamaks and finally the fusion power plant.Works CitedCase Western Reserve University. (n.d.). The Proton-Proton Chain. Retrieved January 18, 2014, from http//burro.cwru.edu/Academics/Astr221/StarPhys/ppchain.htmlCEA. (2001). Retrieved January 16, 2014, from http//www-fusion-magnetique.cea.fr/gb/fusion/principes/principes02.htmEFDA. (2014). Fusion. R etrieved January 18, 2014, from http//www.efda.org/fusion/European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy (Fusion for Energy). (2013). oftentimes Asked Questions. Retrieved January 17, 2014, from http//fusionforenergy.europa.eu/faq/a7European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy (Fusion for Energy). (2013). What is Fusion? Retrieved January 16, 2014, from http//fusionforenergy.europa.eu/understandingfusion/HyperPhysics. (n.d.). Coulomb Barrier for Fusion. Retrieved January 18, 2014, from http//hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/coubar.htmlHyperPhysics. (n.d.). Nuclear Fusion. Retrieved January 17, 2014, from http//hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.htmlIrvine, M. (2011). Nuclear Power A real Short Introduction. New York Oxford University Press Inc.ITER Organization. (2014). Fueling the Fusion Reaction. Retrieved January 17, 2014, from http//www.iter.org/sci/fusionfuelsITER Organization. (2014). Progress in Fusion. Retrieved January 16, 2014, from http//www.iter.org/sci/beyonditerMlyn, J. (2007). Focus On JET. Prague Association EURATOM-IPP.CR.Suplee, C. (2009). The Plasma Universe. Cambridge Cambridge University Press.The University of Tennessee. (n.d.). The Proton-Proton Chain. Retrieved January 18, 2014, from http//csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/energy/ppchain.htmlUnited Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. (2012). JET. Retrieved January 16, 2014, from http//www.ccfe.ac.uk/JET.aspxUnited Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. (2012). The Tokamak. Retrieved January 16, 2014, from http//www.ccfe.ac.uk/Tokamak.aspxWikipedia. (2014). Tokamak. Retrieved January 16, 2014, from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokamak

Nature And Structure Of Mathematics

Nature And Structure Of mathChapter 2Literature reviewIn this chapter, literature related to maths confidence, demonstration and care- figure start are reviewed. The chapter begins with an introduction to maths and the occurrence of f maps of lifeal changes and concerns in sulfur Africa. It examines the metacognitive activity reflection and its various facets a unyielding with affectional issues in math. and so, disparateiating amidst past and current interrogation, the concentrate on give be on how math confidence and contemplative survey process relates to the level of acquisition and per remainsance in math task-solving cropes. Concluding description give fol pocket-sized, illustrating the kindred amid reflection and maths confidence during problem-solving processes. 2.1 mathematics, its nature and structure math cigarette be seen as a combination of calculation expertness and reason out (Hannula, Maijala Pehkonen, 200417) and lowlife further be c lassified as an individual(a)s numeral appreciation. Mathematics is a process, fixed to a certain person, a topic, an environs or an idea (Hiebert Carpenter, 1992). Mathematics originated as a necessity for societal, technical and ethnical growth or leisure (Ebrahim, 20101). This desire led to the advance of concepts and theories in fiat to meet the require of various cultures throughout time. With its economic crisis in nature, architecture, medicine, telecommunications and info technology, the uptake of mathematics has everyplacecome centuries of problems and continues to fulfil the needs of problem- deciders to solve everyday problems. Although mathematics has changed throughout time, in its progress and catchs at that place are interwoven connections between the cognitive, con nonative and stimulated mental domains. The increase demand to process and apply cultivation in a in the south African society, a society characterised by increasing unemployment and im mense demands on schools, still awaits recovery and substance from these cognitive and metacognitive ch aloneenges (Maree Crafford, 2010 84). From a socio-constructivists perspective, arriveing, adapting and evolving much interwoven systems should be the aim and goal of mathematics training (Lesh Sriraman, 2005). gibe to Thijsse (200234) mathematics is an emotionally charged subject, evoking feelings of dislike, fear and failure. Mathematics involves cognitive and emotive component portions that machinate part of the epistemological assumptions, regarding mathematical discipline (Thijsse, 20027 that forget be discussed in the go aftering section. 2.1.2 Epistemological assumptions regarding mathematics learningEnglish (2007123-125) lays coldcock powerful ideas for developing mathematics towards the 21st century. well-nigh of these ideas complicate 2.1.2.1 A social constructivist view of problem-solving, planning, monitoring and communication2.1.2.2 Effective and crea tive reasoning skills2.1.2.3 Analysing and transforming composite selective information sets2.1.2.4 Applying and understanding school Mathematics and 2.1.2.5 Explaining, manipulating and forecasting complex systems through critical thinking and decision making.With emphasis on the scholar, from a constructivist perspective, learning can be viewed as the expeditious process at bottom and influenced by the prentice (Yager, 199153). Mathematical learning is therefore an interactive sequel of the encountered information and how the learner processes it, establish on perceived nonions and existing sectionl fellowship (Yager, 199153). According to DoE (20033) competence in mathematics reproduction is aimed at integrating practical, foundational and reflective skills. While altering the pictures in learning, mathematics education was turned upside d make with the shift being towards instructing, administering and applying metacognitive-activity- found learning in schools as claim ed by Yager (199153) and Leaf (200512-18). This change and reform in education and education paradigms is illustrated in fingers breadth 2.1. Early 1900sEarly 1900s1960s mid-eighties1980s- 2000s1980s 2000sThe overarching get on with impact on education and therapy focussing on metacognitionIn Figure 2.1 Leaf (20054) states that the intelligence quotient (IQ) is one of the greatest paradigm dilemmas. This border on is designed in the early twentieth century by F. Galton and labelled too many learners as either slow or clever. The IQ-tests did assess logical, mathematical and language preference and dominance in learners unless left little or no room for early(a) slip substance of thinking in mental aptitude (Leaf, 20055). In contrast to the IQ-approach is Piagets approach, named later on its founder, Jean Piaget, who apposed the IQ-approach. Focussing on cognitive developing, he suggests timed stages or learning classs in a childs cognitive development as a prerequisite t o the learning process. Piaget exclaims that if a stage is overseen, learning will not take place. A third paradigm, the Information touch on age, divided problem-solving into tierce phases input, coded storing and output. Designed in an era where technological advances and computers entered schools and the school curriculum, information processing was seen as comparing the learner with a microchip. Thus, retrieving and storing data and information was seen as a method to practise and learn as being the focus of learning. This learning took place in a class-conscious order, and one phase essential be mastered before continuing to a more difficult task. Outcomes Based Education (OBE) was implemented after the 1994 national classless elections in mho Africa. Since 1997 school systems underwent drastic changes from the so called apartheid era. According to the revise National Curriculum Statement (2003) the curriculum is based on development of the learners full potential in a de mocratic southeast Africa. Creating womb-to-tomb learners are the focus of this paradigm. After unwinnerfully transforming education in South Africa, a need still exists to challenge some of the shortcomings of the above mentioned paradigms. An Overarching approach is an aided paradigm proposed by Leaf (200512). The Overarching approach focuses on learning dynamics or in other words, what makes learning possible. This paradigm utilizes emotions, experiences, backgrounds and cultural aspects in order to facilitate learning and problem-solving (Leaf, 200512-15). Above mentioned aspects are besides known to associate with exploit in mathematics problem-solving (Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997a Leaf, 200512-15). 2.1.3 close to factors associated with execution of instrument in mathematicsLarge scale international studies, focussing on school mathematics, compare countries in terms of learners cognitive performance over time (TIMSS, 2003 PISA, 2003). A clear distinction must be mak e between mathematics performance factors in these developed and developing countries (Howie, 2005125). Howie (2005123) explored data from the TIMSS-R South African study which revealed a relationship between contextual factors and performance in mathematics. School level factors seem to be farthermost less influential (Howie, 2005 124, Reynolds, 199879). According to Maree et al. (200585), South African learners perform inadequately due to a number of traditional approaches towards mathematics principle and learning. Maree (1997b95) likewise classifies problems in study orientation as cognitive factors, external factors, innate and intra-psychological factors, and facilitating subject content. One psychological factor in the Study orientation course in Mathematics questionnaire (SOM) by Maree, Prinsloo and Claasen (1997b) is measured as the level of mathematics confidence of grade 7 to 12 learners in a South African context. Sherman and Wither (2003138) documented a case where a psychological factor, dread, causes an impairment of mathematics action. A distillation of a study through with(p) by Wither (1998) reason out that low mathematics confidence causes underachievement in mathematics. Due to insufficient evidence it could not prove that underachievement results in low mathematics confidence. The study did indicate that a possible third factor (metacognition) could cause both low mathematics confidence and underachievement in mathematics (Sherman Wither, 2003149). Thereupon, factors manifested by the learner are discussed below. Academic underachievement and performance in mathematics is determined by a number of variables as identified by Lombard (199951) Maree, Prinsloo and Claasen (1997) and Lesh and Zawojewski (2007). These variables include factors manifested by the learner, environmental factors and factors during the process of instruction.2.1.3.1 Some associated factors manifested by the learnerAffective issues revolve around an individu als environment within different systems and how that individual matures and interact within the systems (Lombard, 199951 Beilock, 2008339). In these systems it appears that learners have a validatory or oppose attitude towards mathematics (Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997a). Beliefs near ones own capabilities and that success cannot be linked to effort and hard work is seen as affective factors in problem-solving (Dossel, 19936 Thijsse, 200218). Distrust in ones own hunch, not shrewd how to correct mistakes and the lack of personal effort is regarded as factors that facilitate mathematics anxiety, manifested by the learner (Thijsse, 200236 Russel, 199915).2.1.3.2 Some associated environmental factorsTimed test environments such as oral exam/testing situations, where answers must be prone quickly and verbally are seen as environmental factors that facilitates underachievement in mathematics. Public contexts where the learner has to express mathematical thought in bowel movemen t of an audience or peers may likewise be seen as an environmental factor limiting performance. 2.1.3.3 Some associated factors during the process of instructionKnowledge or so study methods, implementing different strategies and domain specific noesis is seen as factors that influence performance in mathematics. It seems as though performance is measured jibe to the learners ability to apply algorithms dictated by a higher strength figure such as parents or teachers (Russell, 199515 Thijsse, 200235). Thijsse (200219) agrees with Dossel (19936) and Maree (1997) that the teachers maintenance to the right or wrong dichotomy, stresses the fact that mathematics education can in addition be associate with performance. A brief discussion on mathematics problem-solving will now follow.2.2 Mathematics problem-solvingA mathematics problem can be outlined as a mathematical based task indicating realistic contexts in which the learner creates a copy for solving the problem in various circumstances (Chalmers, 20093). Making decisions within these contexts is only(prenominal) one of the elementary concepts of human behaviour. In a technology based information age, computation conceptualisation and communication are basic challenges South Africans have to face (Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997 Lesh Zawojewski, 2007). Problem-solving abilities are needed and should be developed for academic success, even beyond school level. According to Kleitman and Stankov (20032) managing uncertainty in ones understanding is essential in mathematical problem-solving. Lester and Kehle (2003510) fear that mathematical problem-solving is currently get more complex whence in old years. Therefore problem-solving continues to win consideration in the policy documents of various organisations, internationally (TIMSS, 2003 SACMEQ, 2009 PIRLS, 2009 Moloi Strauss, 2005 NCTM, 1989) and nationally (DoE, 2010 DoE, 2010 3). As Lesh and Zawojewski (2007764) statesThe pendulum of curriculu m change again swings back towards an emphasis on problem-solving.Problem-solving is exclamatory as a method involving inquiry and decision making (Fortunato, Hecht, tag end Alvarez, 199138). Generally two types of mathematical problems exist routine problems and non-routine problems. The use and application of non-routine problems, unseen mathematical processes and principles are part of the scope of mathematics education in South Africa (DoE, 200310). Keeping track of and on the process of information seeking and decision making, mathematics problem-solving is linked to the content and context of the problem situation (Lesh Zawojewski, 2007764). It seems as though concept development and development of problem-solving abilities should be part of mathematics education and beliefs, feelings or other affective factors should be taken into account. In the next section a discussion will follow regarding past re depend through on mathematics problem-solving.2.2.1 Some research done on mathematics problem-solving in the pastStudies on learners performance in mathematics and how their behaviours vary in approaches to perform, was the conduct of research on mathematics problem-solving since the 1930s (Dewey, 1933 Piaget, 1970 Flavell 1976 Schoenfeld, 1992 Lester Kehle, 2003 Lesh Zawojewski , 2007764). Good problem solvers were generally compared to unretentive problem-solvers (Lester Kehle, 2003507) while Schoenfeld (1992) suggested that the former not only knows more mathematics, only when also knows mathematics differently (Lesh and Zawojewski, 2007767). The nature and development of mathematics problems are also widely researched (Lesh Zawojewski, 2007768), especially with the focus on how learners seeand approach mathematics and mathematical problems. Polya-style problems involve strategies such as picture drawing, working backwards, looking for a similar problem or identifying necessary information (Lesh Zawojewski, 2007768). Confirming the use of th ese strategies Zimmerman (19998-10) describe dimensions for academic self-regulation by involving conceptual based questioning utilise a technique called prompting. Examples of these prompts are questions starting with why how what when and where, in order to provide scaffolding for information processing and decision making. 2.2.2 Working storehouse, information processing and mathematics problem-solving of the individual learnerIn the 1970s problems were seen an approach from an initial state towards a goal state (Newell Simon, 1972 in Goldstein, 2008404) involving search and adapt strategies. 2.2.2.1 Working entrepot as an aspect of problem-solvingThe working memory is essential for storing information regarding mathematics problems and problem-solving processes (Sheffield Hunt, 20062). Cognitive effects, such as anxiety, lop off processing in the working memory system and underachievement will follow (Ashcraft Hopko Gute, 1998343 Ashcraft, 20021). These intrusive thoughts , like worrying, overburden the system. The working memory system consists of cardinal components the psychological articulatory loop, visual-spatial sketch pad and a central executive director (Ashcraft Hopko Gute, 1998344 Richardson et al, 1996). 2.2.2.2 Problem-solving persona of the mathematics learnerThe learner, either an expert or novice-problem-solver is researched on his/her ideas, strategies, representations or habits in mathematical contexts (Ertmer Newby, 1996). Expert learners are found to be organised individuals who have integrated networks of knowledge in order to abide by in mathematics problem-situations (Lesh Zawojewski, 2007767 Zimmerman, 1994). Clearly learners problem-solving personality affects their achievement. According to Thijsse (200233) learners who trust their intuition and perceive that intuition as insight into a rational mind, kinda than emotional and irrational feelings, are more confident. The intermixture of attributes, such as anxiety and confidence, is included in reflective processes either cogitatively or metacognitatively which will be discussed in the next section. 2.3 Cognitive and metacognitive factorsAlthough cognitive and metacognitive processes are compared in literature, Lesh and Zawojewksi (2007778) argues that mathematics concepts and higher order thinking should be studied correspondingly and interactively. describeing individual trends and behaviour patterns or feelings, could relate to mathematics problem-solving success (Lesh Zawojewksi, 2007778). 2.4.1 acquaintance processes during mathematics problem-solvingNewstead (199925) describes the cognitive levels of an individual as being either convergent (knowledge of information) or divergent (explaining, justification and reasoning). 2.3.2 Metacognition2.3.2.1 Components of metacognition2.3.2.2 Past research done on metacognitionThe Polya-style heuristics on problem-solving strategies, mentioned previously, is noted by Lesh and Zawojewski (2007368) as an after-the-fact of past activities process. This review process between interpreting the problem, and the selection of appropriate strategies, that may or may not have worked in the past, is linked with experiences ( minus or positive) which provide a framework for reflective thinking. look is therefore a facet of metacognition.2.3.3 Reflection as a facet of metacognitionReflection, as defined by Glahn, Specht and Koper (200995), is an active reasoning process that confirms experiences in problem-solving and related social inter satisfy. Reflecting can be seen as a transformational process from our experiences and is effected by our way of thinking (Garcia, Sanchez Escudero, 20091).2.3.3.1 Development of reflective thinkingThinking about mathematics problems and reflecting on them is essential for interpreting the given problems provided details about what is needed in order to solve the problem (Lesh Zawojewski, 2007368). Schoenfeld (1992) mentions an examining of special cases for selecting appropriate strategies from a hierarchical description, but Lesh and Zawojewski (2007369) argue that this will involve a too long (prescriptive process) or too short conventional list of prescribed strategies. Lesh and Zawojewski (2007770) kinda suggest a descriptive process to reflect on and develop sample experiences. The focus should be on various facets of individual persona and differences, such as prior knowledge and experiences, which differs between individuals. 2.3.3.2 Expansion gets for reflective practice sessionAccording to Pletzer et al (1997) applying reflective practice is a powerful and effective way of learning. Three models for reflective practice exist the reflective cycle of Gibbs (1988), Ertmer and Newby (1996), Johns-model (2000) for morphologic reflection and Rolfe et als (2001) framework for reflective practice. The first model is that of Gibbs (1988).i Gibbss (1988) model for reflectionGibbs model is mostly applied during reflective th eme (Pugalee, 2001). This model for reflection is exercised during problem-solving situations by assessing first and second cognitive levels.A particular situation, such as in Figure 2.2, when the learner has to solve a mathematical problem is described by accompanying feelings and emotions that will be remembered and reflected upon. A conscience cognitive decision will then be made determining whether the experience was a positive (good) differently negative ( corky) emotion, or feeling. By analysing the sense of the experience a end point can be made where other options are considered to reflect upon. (Gibbs, 1988 Ertmer Newby, 1996)iiJohns (2000) model for structural and guided reflectionThis model provides a framework for analysing and critically reflecting on a general problem or experience. The Johns-model (2000) provides scaffolding or guidance for more complex problems found on cognitive levels lead and intravenous feeding.Reflect on and identify factors that influence y our actionsFigure 2.3Johns model for reflective practiceSourceAdapted from John (2000)The model in Figure 2.3 is divided into two phases. Phase 1 refers to the recall of past memories and skills from previous experiences, where the learner identifies goals and achievements by reflecting into their past. This could be easily done using a video recording of a situation where the learner solves a problem. It is in this phase where they take note of their emotions and what strategies were used or not. On the other hand, phase 2 describes the feelings, emotions and surrounding thoughts accompanying their memories. A deeper clarification is given when the learner has to motivate why certain steps were left out or why some strategies were used and others not. They have to explain how they felt and the reason for the identified emotions. At the end the learner should reflect between the in and out components to identify any factor(s) that could have effected their emotions or thoughts in a ny way. A third model is proposed by Rolfe et al (2001), known as a framework for reflexive practice.iiiRolfe et als model for reflexive practice.According to Rolfe et al (2001) the questions what? and so what? or now what?, can stimulate reflective thinking. The use of this model is simply descriptive of the cognitive levels and can be seen as a combination of Gibbs (1988) and Johns (2000) model. The learner reflects on a mathematics problem in order to describe it. Then in the second phase, the learner constructs a personal theory and knowledge about the problem in order to learn from it. Finally, the learner reflects on the problem and considers different approaches or strategies in order to understand or make sense of the problem situation. Table 2.1 demonstrates this model of Rolfe et al (2001) in accordance with the models of Gibbs (1988) and Johns (2000) as adapted by the researcher. It shows the movement of thought actions and emotions between different stages of reflection (before, during and after) in problem-solving.Table 2.1Integration of reflective stages and the models for reflective practiceStage 1Reflection before actionStage 2Reflection during actionStage 3Reflection after actionDescriptive level of reflection (planning and describing phase)Theory and knowledge building of reflection (decision making phase)Action orientated level (reflecting on implemented strategy-action)Identify the level of difficulty of the problem and possible reasons for feeling, or not feeling, stuck, bad or unable to go to the next step. Pay attention to thought and emotions and identify them.Describe negative attitude towards mathematics problems, if any come and notice expectations of self and others like parents, teachers or peersEvaluate the positive and negative experiencesAnalyse and understand the problem and plan the next step, approach or strategyPerform the planned actionAwareness of ethics, beliefs, personal traits or motivations Recall strategies that worke d in the past. Reflect on the solution, reactions and attitudesSourceAdapted from Johns (2000), Gibbs (1988) and Rolfe et al (2001)2.3.3.3 The reflection processWhile some research claims, seeing and doing mathematics as useful in the interpretation and decision making of problem-solving processes (Lesh Zawojewski, 2007), a more affective approach would involve feelings or the feelings about mathematics(Sheffield Hunt, 2006), in other words, affective factors.2.4 Affective factors in mathematicsRapidly ever-changing states of feelings, moderately stable tendencies, internal representations and deeply valued preferences are all categories of affect in mathematics (Schlogmann, 20031).Reactions to mathematics are influenced by emotional components of affect. Some of these components include negative reactions to mathematics, such as stress, nervousness, negative attitude, unconstructive study-orientation, worry, and a lack of confidence (Wigfield Meece, 1988 Maree, Prinsloo Claasen , 1997). Learners self-concept is strongly connected to their self-belief and their success in solving mathematics problems is conceptualised as important (Hannula, Maijala Pehkonen, 200417). A study done by Ma and Kishor (1997) confirmed belief, as an affect on mathematics achievement, being weakly correlated with achievement among children from grade 2 to 8. However, Hannula, Maijala and Pehkonen (2004) conducted a study on learners in grade 7 to 12 and concluded that there is a strong correlation between their belief and achievement in mathematics. Beliefs and are related to non-cognitive factors and involve feelings. According to Lesh and Zawojewski (2007775) the self-regulatory process is critically affected by beliefs, attitudes, confidence and other affective factors. 2.4.1Beliefs as an affective factor in mathematicsBelief, in a mathematics learner, form part of constructivism and can be defined as an individuals understanding of his/her own feelings and personal concepts f ormed when the learner engages in mathematical problem-solving (Hannula, Maijala Pehkonen, 20043). It plays an important employment in attitudes and emotions due to its cognitive nature and, according to Goldin (20015), learners attribute a kind of truth to their beliefs as it is formed by a series of background experiences involving perception, thinking and actions (Furinghetti Pehkonen, 20008) developed over a long uttermost of time (Mcleod,1992578-579). Beliefs about mathematics can be seen as a mathematics world view (Schlogmann, 20032) and can be divided into four major categories (Hannula, Maijala Pehkonen, 200417) beliefs on mathematics (e.g. there can only be one correct answer), beliefs about oneself as a mathematics learner or problem solver (e.g. mathematics is not for everyone), beliefs on teaching mathematics (e.g. mathematics taught in schools has little or nothing to do with the real world) and beliefs on learning mathematics (e.g. mathematics is solitary and mu st be done in isolation) (Hannula, Maijala Pehkonen, 200417). Faulty beliefs about problem-solving allow few and fewer learners to take mathematics courses or to pass grade 12 with the necessary requirements for university entrance. Beliefs are known to work against change or act as a consequence of change and also have a predicting nature (Furinghetti Pehkonen, 20008). Affective issues, such as beliefs, generally form part of the cognitive domain, anxiety (Wigfield Meece, 1988), which will be dealt with in the next section. 2.4.2 careAnxiety, an aspect of neuroticism, is often linked with personality traits such as painstakingness and agreeableness (Morony, 20102). This negative emotion manifests in faulty beliefs that causes anxious thoughts and feelings about mathematics problem-solving (Ashcraft Hopko Gute, 1998344 Thijsse, 200217). Distinction can be made between the different types of anxieties as experient by learners across all age groups. Some of these anxieties incl ude general anxiety, test or evaluation anxiety, problem-solving anxiety and mathematics anxiety. The widespread phenomenon, mathematics anxiety, threatens performance of learners in mathematics and interferes with conceptual thinking, memory processing and reasoning (Newstead, 19992). 2.4.2.1 Mathematics anxietyThe pioneers of mathematics anxiety research, Richardson and Suinn (1972), defined mathematics anxiety in terms of the affect on performance in mathematics problem-solving as Feelings of tension and anxiety that interfere with the purpose of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic situations This anxious and avoidance-behaviour towards mathematics has far stretch consequences as stressed by a number of researchers (Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997 Newstead, 1999 Sheffield Hunt, 2006 Morony, 2009). Described as a chain reaction, mathematics anxiety consists of stressors, perceptions of threat, emotional responses, cog nitive assessments and transaction with these reactions. A number of researchers expand the concept of mathematics anxiety to include facilitative and debilitative anxiety (Newstead, 19982). It appears that Ashcraft Hopko Gute (1998343) and Richardson et al (1996) see mathematics anxiety in the same locale as the working memory system. both areas consist of psychological, cognitive and behavioural components. Although they agree on the same components, Eysenck and Calvo (1999) states that it is not the experience of worry that diverts attention or interrupts the working memory process, but rather ineffective efforts to divert attention away from worrying and preferably focus on the task at hand.2.4.2.2 Symptoms for identifying mathematics anxietyMathematics anxiety is symptomatically described as low (feelings of loss, failure and nervousness) or high (positive and motivated attitude) confidence in Mathematics (Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997a7). Dossel (19936) and Thijsse (200218) states that these negative feelings are associated with a lack of control when uncertainty and helplessness is experienced when facing danger. Unable to think rationally, avoidance and the inability to perform adequately causes anxiety and negative self-beliefs Mitchell, 198733 Thijsse, 200217). Anxious children show signs of nervousness when a teacher comes near. They will stop cover their work with their arm, hand or book, in an approach to hide their work (May, 1977205 Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997 Newstead, 1998 Thijsse, 200216). Panicking, anxious behaviour and worry manifests in the form of nail biting, crossing out correct answers, frequent excuse from the classroom and difficulty of verbally expressing oneself (Maree, Prinsloo Claasen, 1997a). Mar