Saturday, August 31, 2019

Michael Jackson Paper on Courage

Kyler Pulst Mrs. McMahon Writing February 18, 2010 Michael Jackson Courage Paper Michael Jackson never stopped doing what he loved even when he was 50 years old. My hypothesis was supported by the information I gathered because I had so many pages of information it was so hard to narrow it down but that is how my hypothesis was supported by the information I gathered. Michael Jackson performed 7 solo tours in his lifetime. Michael Jackson soon decided to leave the Jackson 5 when the fans said that his four brothers were holding him back.Then Michael became a solo artist producing hit after hit, he also acted in plays. Two of his most popular hits were, â€Å"Thriller† and â€Å"Billy Jean. † He loved his business and worked so hard at it he became the King of Pop. Michael Jackson was going to have another tour in 2009. It would have started on July 8, 2009. During that tour he was going to perform over 50 sold out concerts. He never stopped doing what he loved even when he was a father. He loved his children Paris, Prince and Teddy.He found time to play with his children more than normal fathers even while being a big time popular singer and dancer. Another thing that proves Michael Jackson was courageous was that he went out on stage and sang and danced in front of thousands of people even when he thought that he was hideous (that’s why he got plastic surgery so many times on his nose). That proves that he showed courage because he was willing to do what he had to do even when he thought he was ugly.My data confirmed my hypothesis. Michael Jackson proved how courageous he was by sticking with his dream of music. He proved this by staying in the music business from age 11 (Jackson 5) all the way to his solo career throughout his life time. Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 and died on June 25, 2009. ______________________________________________________________________________ Cited Page 1. ) www. allmichaeljackson. com/biography. html

Friday, August 30, 2019

Poetry Lesson Essay

2. In â€Å"The Winter Evening Settles Down,† T.S. Eliot described the end of a day during winter in a city.   But in his description, the poet did not simply portray how winter evenings dawn.   Instead, he uses the words to express how he saw his environment during the time and what he feels about the era.   The lines of the poem speak of modern decay as characterized, for example, by the words â€Å"grimy scraps.†Ã‚   His view of the world at that point are summarized the few lines of his poem.   The withered leaves dropping to the ground, the loneliness of the streets and the cold gust of winds relate to how the world was fading into decline from the author’s eyes. 3. In Kelly Cherry’s poem â€Å"Advice to a Friend Who Paints,† he alluded to Cezanne, who was a French painter during the post-impressionist era.   Knowing who Cezanne was gives clarity to the poem’s main theme — that of giving pointers to an artist, as the title implies.   The poet is giving advice to her friend for trying so hard to obtain perfection in his art.   Using Cezanne as an example, it would be easy to interpret that the author asks her friend not to seek too much perfection in his craft for man and nature were born and made imperfect.   Kelly Cherry recalls to her friend’s mind how the French artist struggled and failed to perfectly capture on easel the nature and man he loved.   By doing so, the poet hopes to make her friend become more satisfied with his work. 4. In the poem, â€Å"This is Just to Say,† the lack of punctuation provides uncertainly in the tone.   The second and the succeeding lines become part of the first line in the stanza by taking away commas and other punctuations.  Ã‚   Even the second stanza is connected to the first stanza because the first did not end with a period, while the second stanza begins with a small letter. The lines become connected and turn into one message that suggests that even one as simply written as this one could be considered beautiful.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Website evaluation - Hebrew Poetry Research Paper

Website evaluation - Hebrew Poetry - Research Paper Example A. Authority/Source: The domain of the website is ".org", suggesting that the site belongs to an organization, most probably a non-profit organization. The "About" page (http://medievalhebrewpoetry.org/index.html) of the site clearly states its purpose, intended audience and author. According to the description, the site aims at providing information on Hebrew poems and poets to scholars, general readers, librarians, teachers and poetry lovers. However, it is further stated that the site is mainly aimed for general readers and poetry lovers only. The website also provides information about its creator and editor on the "About the Editor of This Site" page (http://medievalhebrewpoetry.org/abouttheauthor.html). The author's professional, publishing and teaching experiences are clearly stated (http://medievalhebrewpoetry.org/resume.html). It is apparent that the information on the site is authentic as its author and editor (Henry Rasof) has several publications to his credit. The site a lso acknowledges the contributors and publishers who granted permission for use of copyrighted information from journals, books, and other publications. The website also provides the author's email address, which can be used for verifying the site's credibility. The site was initially developed as a project for the author's MA degree; however, the author hopes to expand it further. The site also provides the address of the author for sending feedback ... Z. Idelsohn (http://medievalhebrewpoetry.org/idelsohnchapterfinal.html). Most other articles and poetry have been excerpted from similar publications. Most of the articles have appropriate footnotes and are backed by complete bibliographies for verification of factual information. The information provided thus seems credible. While excerpts of copyrighted information are accompanied with details of the original authors, the sites own articles are also accompanied with sufficient information on the author and his/her credentials. The site uses minimal graphical representations, which if shown, are appropriately labeled. However, their sources are not cited. For instance, a map of "Andalucia: Center of Islamic presence in Spain during the time of the medieval Jewish poets" shown on the site's home page (http://medievalhebrewpoetry.org/index.html) has an appropriate and detailed legend, but its source is not cited. C. Currency: Original articles by the author of the website do not state the date of creation. Therefore, it is difficult to determine when the article was actually written. For instance, the article "Abraham Ibn Ezra and the Metaphors of Imagination" (http://medievalhebrewpoetry.org/abrahamibnezrabiointro.html), originally written by Henry Rasof, the site's author and editor, does not state when the article was created. Since the information is related to historical and literary aspects of Hebrew poetry, the date of creation does not necessarily matter. There is no indication that the site is constantly updated or edited. According to information provided by the site, its articles were last updated on 7th June, 2008, indicating that the site is outdated. The site provides links to external sources and websites. All the links are

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Adult Educator Interview and Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Adult Educator Interview and Paper - Essay Example trial trainer obtained a post graduate diploma in industrial training arming him with relevant skills to offer excellent industrial training to employees. He began practicing human resource management in the company before being charged with industrial training responsibility following greater educational achievements. From my findings, the students being adults in most cases, the trainer employs adragogical techniques such as letting the students take control so as to feel the independence in the learning process. He encourages the sense of self direction. He also uses the learners experience to facilitate the learning process through quoting examples which any other person in class could share. For instance, asking the trainees, "could anyone share his experience with an indiscipline employee?" Kohn Kim, e-mail message to author November 6, 2012. The other way is through the adoption of two way and three way communication where students may communicate among themselves and with him. One of the models that I realized was being utilized by the instructor was the Hannifin and Peck design model. Here there were three phases involved. It begun from the point of evaluation then designing of a proper structure followed by development and implementation of instructions as may be relevant. The main reasoning in this case was evaluation and revision. The other model adopted by the instructor was the ADDIE model where analysis came as the first step. This was followed by designing then development and implementation. A final step was evaluation. Sutherland (1998) argues that; most adult students exhibit autonomy where the sense of control is extremely high. These students are also more goals oriented than otherwise. They strive to achieve their aims at all times. According to Wodlinger (2007), adults prefer practical knowledge where they become competent and master of basic concepts under study. They embrace learning by experience considering their wealth of knowledge.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Cross Cultural Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Cross Cultural Human Resource Management - Essay Example Globalization and the development of international trade have led to the emergence of borderless trade that involves the transfer of capital, goods, service and human resource. This has created significant opportunities to different people across the globe and has increased the scales of operation for different companies whose market has been significantly grown (Denison, Adkins & Ashley, 2011). The emergence of international trade has led to the development of multinational corporations whose scale of operations and management practices goes beyond the domestic borders. Most multinationals adopt different human resource management approaches depending on their domestic culture and practices. However, the expansion into the international business environment has presented a major challenge to multinational in developing more flexible and effective human resources practices that suit cross-cultural settings (Claus, 2008). The choice of human resource management approach adopted by an organization will influence largely its success in the global market, thus making it highly important a management practice. Companies use different models of human resource management, including the use of expatriates, local managers or a mixture of both. This is influenced by the MNCs approach to managing cross-cultural differences that arises in the international context (Tabrizi, Ali & Safar, 2012). In order to help illustrate the essence of adopting better human resource management approaches in cross-cultural setting, this paper will use a case study of Samsung. Samsung is an electronic company based in Seoul, in South Korea but with significant global presence. It is currently considered as one of the leading electronic manufacturers across the globe and thus controls significant global market ratio. The cross-cultural human resource management practices adopted by the multinational company that has enabled it to register the significant growth will be evaluated (Denison, Adk ins & Ashley, 2011). Putting in mind the diversification of cultures, societal values and cultural norms, will greatly enhance management of human resource in a setting where a company is set. For instance, if an American company decides to start a company in Japan, it has to consider the aspect of interpersonal relations given the fact that Japanese shake hands and do not make body contacts in public yet America is a free society where no one minds how you interact on corporate issues. Corporate and organizational cultures Organizational culture influences the behaviour of employees towards each other within the organization and the way they represent the organization in market. Organizational culture is defined as a set of behaviour that is nurtured and encouraged within an organization as identical set of behaviours and codes. Within the multinational setting, organizational culture is influenced by the company headquarter and this depends on the cultural setting and behaviour wi thin the country. Different organizations and multinationals define employee relationship and behaviour towards each other and towards the top management in different ways. The hierarchal system of management and authority in an organization is also determined by the organizational culture and behaviour and this depends on the societal culture and power distance (Van Der Westhuizen, Pacheco & Webber, 2012). Corporate cultures within organization differs and this is significantly influenced by the

Monday, August 26, 2019

Novartis Environmental Analysis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Novartis Environmental Analysis - Case Study Example In order for Novartis to achieve excellence in its international markets, it has employed technology to foster innovation in drug manufacturing and promotion. As a result, the company has been able to adapt effectively to the technological environment for excellence and effectiveness in achieving its goals and objectives in the market. International Factors Since Novartis’ pharmaceutical business is internationalized, global or international factors have a significant impact on its operations (Pharmawatch 15). This includes the forces of globalization which has made international companies to comply with the changes in international markets. In this regard, it is reflective that the developments and changes in the pharmaceutical businesses across the world have an influence on the operations of the company. As a result of the international factors, Novartis has been able to form mergers with international companies (Novartis AG 154). In addition, the international forces in th e labor market have an impact on the recruitment and employee retention practices of the company. Political Factor Political risk is related to all forms of international business. This is due to the political forces which are likely to have an impact on the operations of a company in its international market. For example, changes in governments would have a negative or positive impact on the business activities and success in a specific market and economy. Because of the inevitable political forces, Novartis has engaged in political risk assessment in the international markets and economies in which it intends to venture into (Global Pharmaceuticals 129). The assessment of political risk is aimed at allowing the company to be able to determine the possible changes in the political environment which are likely to lead to negative implications on its business activities (Andreas 1). Through this assessment, accurate and informed strategic decisions are made in the company’s in ternationalization program for its pharmaceutical business (PR Newswire 1). Social Factors The social environments which comprise of the culture, religion, beliefs and practices of a society significantly affect the success of an international company within a specific market (Fair Disclosure Wire 1). The pharmaceutical business in characterized by inevitable implication from the social environment which includes the beliefs of a society on the use of conventional drugs as opposed to the religious traditional approaches to healing (Novartis AG SWOT Analysis 7). It is in this sense that it is evident that the success of Novartis in various drug markets across the world depends on the social factors. It is therefore reflective that Novartis employs socially, culturally and religiously acceptable forms and strategies of marketing communication for its drugs so that it would conform to the values and beliefs of the society within which it operates its business (Datamonitor 5). Ecologica l Factors There are ecological risks which internationalized pharmaceutical companies face in their operations. These include possible eco-toxicity and degradation of forests in the extraction of raw materials for the production of the environment (Franchini 6). Novartis has therefore employed chemical analysis processes to ensure that its products are not harmful to the environment in which it operat

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Article review(Replanting the Brain's Forest. ) Essay

Article review(Replanting the Brain's Forest. ) - Essay Example The processes of replacing the cells otherwise believed before by scientists to have been gone forever breathe life into a new field of scientific research. The 1990s was a pivotal point in stem cell research when neuroscientists delved on a more sophisticated application of the procedure. By grafting fetal brain tissue directly to the diseased brain, the experiment hoped to substitute the dead neurons with the new artificial ones. The results, however, were disappointing. The article then goes on to elaborate the new take of scientists to improve on the process by growing neurons in the laboratory and then injecting them directly to the person’s brain. This, the author again underlines, may not be used as a conventional therapy within the next two decades as believed by many experts (Jabr para. 2). Stem cell therapy has a wide range that is not only limited to the brain. In order to delineate the scope of the article, its application to the treatment of neurodegenerative dise ases such as traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease were the main concentration of the article. Parkinson’s disease published the most significant results. ... The distance became the main problem in this research and to address this problem, subsequent researchers grafted directly to the striatum which yielded better results. The same experiment was conducted with monkeys and the same progress in motor functions was seen with normative dopamine levels than before. This is believed by to be attributable to inherent growth factors in the striatum (Jabr para 4-5). Research in Sweden in the 1990s propelled further research as adopted in the United States and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They implemented two focus groups on the trials, with one receiving transplant and another undergoing a sham surgery. Similar to the previous experiments, the results were disappointing as there was no significant development in both groups. Unsurprisingly, there are differences of opinion on the failure of the experiments. Andres Bjorklund argues that this is because the researchers set unreasonably high expectations at an inconsiderably short amount of time. In fact, in a follow up study it has been found that some patients who had received grafted cells had progressed two years and four years after the NIH conducted study (Jabr para 6-7). The future seems to be hopeful in stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Lorenz Studer is providing new benchmark by developing a standardized way of transferring fetal tissue through closely monitoring the growth if neurons in the laboratory. Trial is expected to be conducted to humans within the next three to four years (Jabr para. 8). This is seen to be the future for Parkinson’s and if the results will prove to be considerably

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Law - Essay Example Similarly, in CTN Cash and Carry Ltd v. Gallaher Ltd, the court ruled that the practical benefit accruing to the promisor constituted consideration for the additional payment.2 Moreover, in the Central London Property Trust Ltd V. High Trees House Ltd, The tenants relied upon the principle of estoppel against the landlord and prevented him from enhancing the rent.3 Furthermore, in Tool Metal Manufacturing Co Ltd v. Tungsten Electric Co Ltd, the Law Lords ruled that the promise was binding during the period of suspension, and that after furnishing reasonable notice, the owners could receive the compensation payments.4 In our case, the Idyllic Hotels Limited stood to realise a considerable profit, if the work were to be completed in time. At the same time, if there was any delay in the construction, the room bookings would have been cancelled, leading to considerable loss to Idyllic Hotels Limited. This practical benefit constitutes the consideration for extra payment. Exclusion clauses fall under the purview of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Unfair Terms of the Consumer Contract Regulations 1999. The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 renders businesses liable for violation or circumvention of statutory obligations, in the normal course of business. In Thornton v. Shoe Lane Parking the court held that the exclusion clause was not applicable, since the exemption clause had not been included in the contract. Hence, the company was held liable for the personal injury caused due to its negligence.5 In Hollier v Rambler Motors (AMC) Ltd, the latter’s attempt to evade liability by resorting to an exclusion clause was disallowed by the Court of Appeal, which held that the defendants were liable for any damage caused by fire, due to their negligence.6 The Vitus Equipment Hire Ltd had provided a defective ladder to Urban. The outcome

Personal statement media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personal statement media - Essay Example The media today is a powerful tool in this age of communication and its magnanimity is appealing to me. The growth in the media in the past few years has been immense as there have been ventures in coverage of all sorts of events and stories from world news, local news, politics, sports, art, music, culture and generally anything of human interest (Thussu 2009, Pg. 22). It is an exciting time to join the media especially due to the changes and the innovation that is going on at the moment; I would like to be part of this industry and inject my ideas into it as well. I have an ambition to start my business in media later on in life and entry into media school is the first great step in starting that journey. By studying media in the university, I will learn the fundamentals of media as well as discover means of channelling my passion of music and poetry into the media. I hope to realize my dream and would appreciate you granting me the chance to study media in your

Friday, August 23, 2019

Manage Information of Northampton Business School Essay

Manage Information of Northampton Business School - Essay Example From the report it is clear that  the database making process has been developed considering not only the problem of reduced attendance of the students but will also provide an overall view of the factors that is contributing to the reduced rate of attendance in Northampton Business School.   The database management process will be based on the relationships and attributes reflected in the Entity Relationship Model. The relationship model of the Department reflects the overall scenario that leads to the students and their attributes whereas the relationship model of students specifically focuses on the information required by the University for assessing the factors leading to the growing numbers of absentees among the students.  This discussion stresses that  the entities identified in both the relationship models are having direct or indirect relationships with the students monitoring process. Considering the overall view as provided in the relationship model with departmen t view, the entities are department, faculty, students and course whereas the specific student relationship model reflects only two entities namely, students and courses. The relationship between the entities is mostly defined by the purpose served by each entity.  The primary and foreign keys in the created models have been marked with multicoloured attributes to reflect them clearly.  The primary keys in both the models are the id numbers of the courses and the students.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector- Assessments Essay Example for Free

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector- Assessments Essay Role, responsabilities and boundaries of teacher in the teaching/ training cycle. The key aspects of current legislative requirements and codes of practice relevant to your subject and the type of organisation within which you would like to work. Expalin how you could promote inclusion, equality and diversity with your current / future learners. Identify other points of referral available to meet the potential needs of learners. Explain the ways in which you would establish ground rules with your learners, and which underpin behaviour and respect for others. Explain ways to embed elements of functional skills in your specialist area. Explain the need for keeping records and describe the types of records you would maintain. State the different assessment methods available and explain the ones you would use for your subject area, including reference to initial assessment. State the types of assessment records you would complete and explain why. Produce a learning programme/scheme of work in your subject area, for a minimum of six sessions (the length of each session is to be agreed between yourself and your tutor). Produce session plan(s) (these can be from the scheme of work or different) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Deliver the micro-teaching practice session(s), demonstrating a selection of teaching and learning approaches to engage and motivate learners. You need to communicate appropriately and effectively with learners. You must not deliver the same planned session more than once (total 30 minutes of delivery). Explain and justify the reasons behind your choice of teaching and learning approaches and use of resources for one of your delivered sessions. Obtain feedback from your peers and tutor/observer, and complete a self evaluation to refelct and evaluate the effectiveness of your own teaching. Give feedback to your peers regarding their delivery. (Peer feedback is applicable to micr-teach sessions only). Complete a reflective learning journal after each assessment task completed and/ or session attended throughout the PTLLS programme. At the end of the programme, complete a summative profile and action plan.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Experience of Novice Nurses with NIV in General Wards

Experience of Novice Nurses with NIV in General Wards Experience of novice nurses caring patients with non-invasive ventilation in general wards. Non invasive ventilation (NIV) is used to provide respiratory pressure support to upper airway by using external masks without the insertion of endotracheal tube. It is mostly used for the early management of acute respiratory failure (ARF) (Rose and Gerdtz, 2009) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) ( Penuelas, Frutos-Vivar Esteban, 2007). NIV is considering less intensive than mechanical ventilation, therefore some clinicians manage these patients outside the intensive care unit (ICU), particularly in hospitals where ICU beds are unavailable (Farha et al., 2006, Hill, 2009). One audit report revealed that inappropriate use of NIV outside the ICU is associated with higher mortality (Sumner and Yadegafar, 2011). Its increasingly usage outside the ICU, lead less experienced nurses to care for these patients’ results in quality care compromised. Previous studies have identified the following factors that contribute towards treatment failure with NIV is lack of know ledge and experience about the regulation of NIV (Kallet, 2009, Lopez et al., 2006, Lopez-Campos et al., 2006, Elliott et al., 2011), inappropriate guideline (Sinuff et al., 2007), patient-ventilator asynchrony, poor judgment about the appropriate mask selection, patient intolerance (Hess, 2011) and delay in patient care at ward level (Elliott et al., 2011). Safe delivery of NIV can be assured when the patient received care from experienced, educated and well trained staff (Rose and Gerdtz, 2009). Previous studies had explored the experiences of experienced nurses worked in ICU and identified that experienced nurses are using their practical knowledge to select the appropriate mask to patient face. They are using their communication skills to gain control on patient breathing and using their clinical experiences to solve the problems and avoiding delays in adjusting the ventilation (Sà ¸rensen et al., 2013) and providing reassurance to immobilized patients and protect them from errors (Acebedo-Urdiales et al., 2014). There is another study that covers the perspectives of general ward nurses about the NIV, is not generalizable study because it was conducted only in one hospital. However, data revealed that 67% nurses didn’t get involved in the decision making process and were inadequately informed. Even they did not received adequ ate consultation from physicians and medical emergency team and mostly, all nurses in medical wards state that training was inadequate about the NIV (Cabrini et al., 2009). Most of the studies have viewed the experiences of competent nurses in ICU or general ward; however no study has explored the experiences of novice nurses caring the patient with NIV in general ward. Therefore, the purpose of my study is to explore the experiences of novice nurses caring the patient with NIV in medical ward. The one of the reason for selecting this topic is my own area of practice and my experience of being a novice nurse in medical ward in Pakistan. I remembered that when I was assigned with NIV patient, I really felt very anxious and worried. Because, I didn’t have any idea about the BIPAP machine like how it is operated, what assessment I need to do in patient condition to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Sometime, I felt hesitate to consult with physician about the patient’s condition, because of my lack of knowledge, skills and training about the NIV. Therefore, some time I had a fear of harming to patient. My colleagues also had shared the same experiences and feeling with me. For literature search, I have used these electronic databases: CINAHL (15), PubMed (45), Embase (32) and Scopus (35). I have developed the keywords from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) from each database. I have used these keywords for literature search: work experience; job experience; experience; experiential learning; nursing knowledge; nursing role; nurse-patient relations; job satisfaction, nursing practice; critical care nursing; education, nursing; staff nurses; nurse attitudes; decision making; nurse-physician relations evaluation; new graduates nurse; staff development, nursing care; nurses; novice nurses; respiration, artificial; noninvasive ventilation; noninvasive ventilation; non-invasive ventilation. Reference lists of relevant papers were also checked to identify other potentially relevant literature and take the assistance from nursing librarian. The inclusion criteria for each database were paper published in the English and between the periods of 1 January 2005 to 3 1 March 2015. I have also used the Boolean operators to limit my search results. The reason for such limitation is to get the relevant literature about my area of interest. Total number of paper which I get from each database is 127 documents. Once, I done with literature search, I started to read the abstract of each article and select the relevant and near relevant article to my research purpose and eliminate those which I found irrelevant. Out of 127, 26 articles were selected, review critically and develop themes like factors for NIV failure, lack of knowledge and skills etc .The difficulty which I faced during literature search was I cannot be able to remove the duplicate articles from each databases. As, no study has viewed the experience of novice nurses, therefore I would like to conduct the research build on this research question that â€Å"what are the experiences of novice nurses, while caring the NIV patients in general wards?† This study will explore the experiences of novice nurses and uncover the challenges which novice nurses are facing at intrapersonal, interpersonal or organizational level while caring the patient with NIV. Moreover, this study will highlight the need for staff training. Because, through proper training of staff, it’s eliminates those factors which contributed towards NIV failure in ARF patients and provides quality patient care. In these studies, novice nurse is defined as â€Å"nurses who are new graduates or have limited experience in nursing care particularly with NIV patients† (CINAHL). The reason for selecting the general wards setting is as my area of specialty in medical ward and most of the time, general wards staffs are less experienced and untrained comparatively to ICU staff. References: ACEBEDO-URDIALES, M. S., MEDINA-NOYA, J. L. FERRE-GRAU, C. 2014. Practical knowledge of experienced nurses in critical care: a qualitative study of their narratives. BMC Med Educ, 14, 173. CABRINI, L., MONTI, G., VILLA, M., PISCHEDDA, A., MASINI, L., DEDOLA, E., WHELAN, L., MARAZZI, M. COLOMBO, S. 2009. Non-invasive ventilation outside the Intensive Care Unit for acute respiratory failure: the perspective of the general ward nurses. Minerva Anestesiol, 75, 427-33. ELLIOTT, M., CROOKES, P., WORRALL-CARTER, L. PAGE, K. 2011. Readmission to intensive care: a qualitative analysis of nurses perceptions and experiences. Heart Lung, 40, 299-309. FARHA, S., GHAMRA, Z. W., HOISINGTON, E. R., BUTLER, R. S. STOLLER, J. K. 2006. Use of Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation on the Regular Hospital Ward: Experience and Correlates of Success. Respiratory Care, 51, 1237-1243. HESS, D. R. 2011. Patient-ventilator interaction during noninvasive ventilation. Respir Care, 56, 153-65; discussion 165-7. HILL, N. S. 2009. Where should noninvasive ventilation be delivered? Respir Care, 54, 62-70. KALLET, R. H. 2009. Noninvasive ventilation in acute care: controversies and emerging concepts. Respir Care, 54, 259-63. LOPEZ-CAMPOS, J. L., GARCIA POLO, C., LEON JIMENEZ, A., ARNEDILLO, A., GONZALEZ-MOYA, E. FENANDEZ BERNI, J. J. 2006. Staff training influence on non-invasive ventilation outcome for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis, 65, 145-51. LOPEZ, A. D., SHIBUYA, K., RAO, C., MATHERS, C. D., HANSELL, A. L., HELD, L. S., SCHMID, V. BUIST, S. 2006. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: current burden and future projections. Eur Respir J, 27, 397-412. PENUELAS, O., FRUTOS-VIVAR, F. ESTEBAN, A. 2007. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in acute respiratory failure. Canadian Medical Association Journal,177 , 1211–1218. ROSE, L. GERDTZ, M. F. 2009. Review of non-invasive ventilation in the emergency department: clinical considerations and management priorities. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18, 3216-3224. SINUFF, T., KAHNAMOUI, K., COOK, D. J. GIACOMINI, M. 2007. Practice guidelines as multipurpose tools: a qualitative study of noninvasive ventilation. Crit Care Med, 35, 776-82. SØRENSEN, D., FREDERIKSEN, K., GRØFTE, T. LOMBORG, K. 2013. Practical wisdom: A qualitative study of the care and management of non-invasive ventilation patients by experienced intensive care nurses. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 29, 174-181. SUMNER, K. YADEGAFAR, G. 2011. The utility and futility of non-invasive ventilation in non-designated areas: Can critical care outreach nurses influence practice? Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 27, 211-217.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The Life Insurance Need Analysis

The Life Insurance Need Analysis Under this, the insured person pays the premium regularly to insurance company, once a policy is taken, and in lieu of this, the insurer promises to pay a fixed sum of money at the time of the death of insured or on the expiry of a specified period of time, whichever is earlier. The payment for life insurance is certain but the event for which insurance is taken is not very certain. A Beneficiary can be a Person, Business, Trust, or Estate. The Owner of the policy is the Person or Organization who pays the premiums and has ownership rights : The right to name the beneficiary The right to receive dividends and to surrender the policy for cash The right to change ownership The right to assign a policy as collateral for a loan. Death is certain, but when it occurs is not Life insurance is of utmost importance for all individuals, businesses, communities, society and general public at large. If offers protection against loss of income and compensates the titleholders of the policy. It has other principal functions besides making cash payment on death of a life insured. Life is unpredictable. As the head of the family, everyone wants a secured life for their family members. The nightmares about your familys financial protection keep haunting you. You need life Insurance because typically the need for income continues for those who are financially dependent on you, but there is no guarantee of your ability to earn consistently and for the rest of your life. Life insurance can help you safeguard the financial needs of your family. To replace income the family would need to maintain their standard of living after the death of a wage earner. Life insurance insures your life and reduces any hardship your family may have to bear in the unfortunate event of your death. Insurance can provide an emergency cash reserve. It can provide capital to pay last expenses and operating capital during a familys readjustment period. to pay off a mortgage loan and other personal and business debts or to create a rent fund. To create a fund for childrens education. To create a family emergency fund or a fund for a family member with special needs. Life insurance proceeds generate a financial lump sum that can be used to cover a familys current and long-term operating expenses. It facilitates savings for old age to enjoy secured and peaceful life as the earning capacity of a person is reduced after retirement. It encourages people to save money by making them obliged to pay premium regularly when a life policy is taken. It helps to mobilize savings of the public to channelize it for investment and thus promote economic development of the country. It (policy) can be used as a security to raise loans and thus improves credit worthiness of an individual or a business. It also has tax benefits as under Income Tax Act, premium paid is allowed as a deduction from the total income. Exhibit 1 : Life Expectancy Graph of life expectancies from birth and from age 65 from 1900 to 2003. In order to estimate the amount of life insurance that is required an agent must be able to assess with the client which costs would be faced by the survivors resulting from the premature death of the proposed life insured, and how much it would cost to maintain the same or similar standard of living. A fact-finding interview with the client will begin by establishing qualitative goals. Once quality of life has been planned then this figure can be assigned to meet those objectives. These figures are called quantitative goals. Qualitative Goals Qualitative goals are quality of life goals. They reveal lifestyle choices that have a direct bearing on expenses, risk tolerance, and investment choices. For example; a family chooses to vacation each year in England of a month has made a qualitative decision. Quantitative Goals Quantitative goals are the dollar figures assigned to qualitative goals. For example, the family who vacations in England for a month needs Rs.22,000 to pay for their holiday. What Is Life Need Analysis ? It is the actual amount that would be needed to maintain the surviving dependants for the period they remain dependants. By considering all offsetting resources and benefits, the aggregate need for insurance can be trimmed to the unmet need for insurance the gap to be filled in order to satisfy the established goals. This net estimate may be used as the basis for a specific sales proposal. The nature of the unmet needs might also suggest the amounts and combination of types of insurance to recommend, such as a specified amount of whole life or other form of level coverage and a specified amount of decreasing term coverage. There are three basic methods for measuring life insurance needs : The Human Life Value Approach and The Needs Approach The Capital Retention Approach Each approach is a tool to help determine the amount of life insurance needed by an individual or family. Life insurance provides protection from the permanent loss of income that arises from premature death. The approaches are based on the principle that a life has economic value. This value is called capitalized value of life. Capitalized value may be represented by the sum earned as salary by an income-earner who dies during the prime of his or her life. Capitalized value may also be represented by the loss of income-in-kind such as the cost of having to provide day-care, then costs of day-care or nanny services will be a cost for the survivor to pay. The objective of insurance is to replace the capitalized value of the life insured with a sum of money that when invested at the interest rate in effect at the time of need analysis will provide an annual income stream equivalent to the annual lost earning power of the life insured. This can be expressed as : Annual Income Need à · prevailing Interest Rate = Lump Sum insurance required Capitalization of income determines the amount of insurance needed to replace that lost income. Capital retention determines the amount of insurance needed to pay capital costs of survivors by providing a lump sum-the interest earned on the lump sum provides the income. For example; if todays interest rate is 4%, the capitalized value of a life insured who earns Rs. 60,000 annually is Rs. 60,000 / 4% i.e. Rs. 15,00,000. This means Rs.15 lacs would have to be invested at 4% so that Rs. 60,000 could be used annually for expenses that would have been paid by the income earner. For the Financial Dependency of Survivors The three phases of financial dependency and the costs that survivors will face during these phases are : Readjustment/ Last Expenses Dependency/ Ongoing Expenses Survivor Life Income Needs/ Future Expenses (all explained later in this chapter) It provides ample information to establish the most effective means for that potential loss. Considerations can be personal, property or the liability. Needs Analysis can help determine the right amount of life insurance that is appropriate for your needs. It explains the overall principals behind estimating the costs associated with the death or disablement of an income earner and the provision of ongoing support for any dependants and/or the insured. Also outlines the factors to consider in the planning the amount of cover for short term disablement or illness. Again it explains how the value of property assets should be estimated for insurance purposes and develops a comprehensive and integrated set of insurance policy options for the particular clients needs and circumstances. These other assets will help in determining the amount and kind of insurance necessary to meet the applicants current and future needs. When estimating the potential contribution of Social Security benefits to survivors income, you should be aware of something known as the blackout period. This is the period of time after the youngest child is 16 years old and before the surviving spouse becomes eligible for retirement benefits. During this period, no benefits will be paid by Social Security to a surviving spouse. Offsetting benefits may reduce or even eliminate some of the items in the needs list. If existing medical insurance has a large lifetime benefit, any uninsured exposure related to a last illness may be limited to the deductibles and coinsurance, if any. Existing life insurance may substantially reduce a number of needs. Group life insurance will not provide a retirement income, but it will reduce the need for insurance by a working parent working with minor children in the family. An unpaid mortgage may already be fully insured by a credit life policy. Social Security and other available benefits might cut the remaining need for retirement income considerably. How much Life Insurance/ Determining the Need for Life Insurance (A General Concept) Well, the answer isnt really how much life insurance you need actually your life insurance needs often depend on a number of factors, including whether youre married, the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage and your goals. Its how much investment capital your family will need at the time of your death. This excellent question is to which there are as many answers as there are people to ask. Every advisor, financial columnist and relative has a formula that they consider the best. There are a number of approaches you can use to figure out how much insurance you should have. This section is designed to present the various need analysis methods used, as well as the pros and cons of each method. As these issues deal with how to value a life, it is indeed a very complex proposition. The method that makes the most sense to you is probably the one that may work the best for you. No method is perfect, as you are trying to hit a moving target. Life brings many changes and your needs will change with them. The more assumptions you make, the more complex you will make your planning and the more chances there are that something will not work as planned. This does not mean that you should only use simplest methods it is to give you a concept of why it is important to actively participate in all of your planning, fully understand it, and constantly monitor it. After all, it is your money. Remarkably, the simplest formulas can often be the best. Another thought to keep in mind is that as your other assets grow, such as retirement plans and investments, your need for life insurance will decrease. What determines your life insurance need ? Methods of calculating life insurance need Insurance mistakes What determines your life insurance need ? Life Stages and Circumstances When determining your life insurance need, you should first consider your life stage and circumstances. Marital status, number of dependents, size and nature of financial obligations, your career stage, and your intentions to pass on your property are all factors to consider. Your need for life insurance changes as the circumstances of your life change. Starting Out In the Starting Out stage of life, you may be just beginning your career or family. You may not have children or other dependents at this stage, but that doesnt mean you have no obligations. For instances, if you paid for your college education with student loans, you likely had a cosigner for your loan-may be your parents or a grandparent. The same may be true of your car loan. If you were to die before the loan is paid, your cosigner would be obligated to pay the debt. Under law, a cosigner is responsible for full payment of a debt in the event of default. Death doesnt erase the debt obligation. single Adult A growing percentage of the population now falls into the single adult demographic group. This group covers a broad spectrum of ages, lifestyles, and obligations. Family Obligations-Parents Although you may not have a spouse, your death could have a serious financial impact on other family members. If, like many adults, you are supporting your parents (either financially or with care), your death could have a major impact, both emotionally and financially. They would not only lose the support you have been providing to them, but they would also need to come up with the money for your final expenses. Family Obligations-Children If you are a single parent, the primary financial support for your children would die with you. If you are lucky, you may have family members who would step in and help your children if you died. If you are even luckier, they will be able to provide your children with the education and lifestyle you had hoped for them to have. Your need for life insurance as a single parent is even greater than that of a dual-parent, dual-income household, which would still have one income if one parent died. Life insurance is a cost-effective way to make sure that your children are protected financially should anything happen to you. Debt Obligations In this stage of life, you may still be paying for or even still accumulated education loans. You may have purchased a house or condo with a cosigner. If you died, your cosigner would be legally liable for the payments on the debt. Protect Your Insurability Another reason to buy life insurance at this stage of your life is to protect your future insurability. Once you buy a permanent, cash value life insurance policy, it remains in effect for your entire life (assuming the premiums are paid), even if your health changes. If you were to experience a serious change in health, you might not be able to buy additional insurance coverage, but you would still have the permanent coverage you already own. Dual-Income Couple or Family If you and your spouse both earn an income, it is possible that if one of you died, the other may be able to cope financially on the remaining income. If there are mortgages, joint credit cards or other debt, or children in the picture, the loss of one income could be much more difficult to overcome. The more people who depend on your income while you are alive, the more life insurance you should own. If you died today with insufficient or no insurance, your mate could be forced to give up the residence or lifestyle for which you have both worked. When there are children involved, the loss of one breadwinner could mean a setback in the daily way of life, not to mention any plans for private school or college. Parent of Grown Children Just because your children have grown up and left the nest doesnt mean you have no need for life insurance. you may have spent your entire adult life building an estate that you intend to pass on to your children, grandchildren, or favorite charity. You can use life insurance to ensure that the bulk of your estate passes to your heirs or designated charitable organization subject to certain tax advantages. Part of Overall Financial Planning Determining your life insurance needs should not be done in isolation. Instead, it should be looked at as part of your overall financial plan, with consideration given to your goals for savings and retirement, as well as tax and estate planning. As your life changes, your financial goals may change, as well as your need for life insurance, making it important to also periodically review your coverage. Methods of Calculating Life Insurance Need Several methods are used to calculate the appropriate level of insurance for you and your situation. While they all share common features, some methods strive to be more simplistic, while others involve more sophisticated calculations. You may want to determine an amount on your own, using one of the simpler methods. This can provide a basis for your discussions with your financial planner. Insurable Interest Before you begin calculating your insurance needs, it is important to determine insurable interest. Basically, having an insurable interest in a persons life means that you would suffer emotional or financial harm or loss if that person were to die. It is always assumed that you have an insurable interest in your own life. However, to prove an insurable interest in someone elses life, you must have a relationship to that person based on blood, marriage, or monetary interest. You must have an insurable interest before you can purchase an insurance policy. Family Needs Approach The family needs approach is one of the more comprehensive methods of calculating your life insurance needs. It assumes that the purpose of life insurance is to cover the needs of the surviving family members. This method takes into account the immediate and ongoing needs of the surviving family members, as well as income from other sources and the value of assets that could be used to help defray the familys expenses (such as bank accounts and real estate). Capital Retention Approach The capital retention approach is one of two calculation methods under the family needs approach. This approach assumes that life insurance principal will support the family indefinitely into the future. Because you will purchase more life insurance under this method, you will be in a better position if the surviving spouse lives longer than expected. Capital Liquidation Approach The capital liquidation approach is the second of two calculation methods under the family needs approach. This method does not provide as much continuing capital for the surviving spouse or for heirs after the death of the surviving spouse. However, it does allow you to spend less money by purchasing a lesser amount of life insurance coverage. Estate Preservation and Liquidity Needs The estate preservation and liquidity needs approach attempts to determine the amount of insurance needed at death for items such as taxes, expenses, fees, and debts while preserving the value of the estate. This method considers all the variables of family lifestyle and the total cash needed to maintain the current value of the estate while providing adequate cash needed to cover estate expenses and taxes. Income Replacement Approach The income replacement calculation is based on the theory that the purpose of insurance is to replace the loss of your paycheck when you die. This analysis determines an economic or human life value and factors in salary increases and the effects of inflation in determining the appropriate level of coverage. While more comprehensive than the rules of thumb, this method still fails to consider special circumstances or financial needs and operates on the premise that the current level of income provides a satisfactory standard of living that will remain level throughout the future. Rules of Thumb The rules of thumb are extremely basic calculations. They provide a starting point but fail to recognize special family circumstances or needs and focus only on the most basic components. One rule of thumb dictates that multiplying your salary by a certain number will provide an adequate level of insurance, while another calculates need based on normal living expenses. Insurance Mistakes No Insurance The worst mistake you could make concerning life insurance is having a need and not having any insurance at all. Very often, people can find all sorts of excuses for not buying life insurance. Its no fun to plan for your death, for one thing. For another, theres the tendency to think that dying wont happen to you, only to some person you read about in the obituaries. But how many times have you heard about a young, apparently healthy person dying suddenly in a car accident, leaving behind a spouse, a young child, and no insurance? Sadly, it happens, and when it does, the family faces not only emotional trauma but possibly an extremely difficult financial situation, as well. Not Enough Insurance The majority of people with insurance are underinsured. Insufficient coverage can occur as a result of buying what is affordable instead of what is needed. Failure to review your coverage periodically could also result in insufficient insurance, even if you started out with adequate levels. Inflation rates, your career, and your lifestyle may have changed. Your family could be faced with a large financial gap and left unable to maintain the current lifestyle if you died today. Consequences could include loss of the family home, scaling back of college plans, and possibly years of financial difficulty. Too Much Insurance If you purchased a large policy during one point in your life and then didnt adjust your coverage when your insurance need was reduced, it is possible that you have too much life insurance. this is another good reason to periodically review your coverage with your financial planning professional. Periodic reviews of your insurance coverage can reveal opportunities to change your levels of coverage to match your current and projected needs. Nowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦review your coverageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Trying to figure out how much life insurance is enough isnt always easy, and that amount will likely change with your changing circumstances. By examining your familys anticipated expenses during various periods after your death, you get a more realistic estimate of your life insurance needs. Unfortunately, many people underestimate their insurance needs and are under-insured. Often, the purchase of life insurance is based on cost instead of whats needed. By the same token, its possible to have more insurance than you need. You may have purchased a large policy during a particular point in your life, and then didnt adjust your coverage when your insurance need was reduced. Both of these circumstances are reasons to review your insurance coverage periodically with your financial professional. Doing so can reveal opportunities to change your levels of coverage to match your current and projected life insurance needs. Determining the Need for Life Insurance/ How Much is Enough? (A General Concept) HUMAN LIFE APPROACH The present value of the familys share of the deceased breadwinners future earnings. The human life value concept deals with human capital. Human capital is persons income potential. The Human Life Value approach uses mathematical computation to determine how much life insurance is needed by valuing a human life. The Human Life Value approach considers the human being to be an income-producing machine. It is a device that mathematically converts your output into an amount of cash, your expected income until retirement. It determines the value today of cash that is flowing out in the future. This method focuses on an individuals future stream of income. It considers such things as annual salary and expenses, years remaining until retirement, and the future value of current rupees and translates this into an amount of insurance needed to replace the income stream in the event of premature death. What is your Human Life Value ? Beyond all doubt, your life is invaluable. Yet, there is a certain worth that can be attributed to the financial support you offer your parents, spouse or children. This worth is referred to as Human Life Value (HLV). In the future, if your family does not have the protective blanket of your presence, they will no longer be able to enjoy the benefits of the income you earned. Put simply, Human Life Value is the present value of your future earnings. Why should you calculate your Human Life Value ? You should calculate your Human Life Value so you can accordingly invest in insurance plans that provide your family with adequate finances and hence security even in your absence. The human life value concept goes beyond numbers and considers the entire impact caused by the loss of a human life and the value to a persons loved ones. How much are your tomorrows worth? What is your Potential Earning Power (PEP) HLV of any person can be measured by capitalized value of that part of his income or income earning capacity devoted or meant for dependants arising out of economic forces incorporated within his being, like character, health education, training, experience and ambition. For better understanding let us see some illustrations. Illustration Mr. X :- Age-40 yrs, Retirement age-60 yrs, Current salary-3,00,000 per annum (expected to remain same), Personal expenses-1,25,000, Net contribution to family-1,75,000 (300000 125000). Suppose he dies at the age of 40. Income lost by the family-175000 * 20 yrs (60 40) * discount rate for 20 yrs (Present value factor): 19,00,000. Illustration Mr. Y :- Age-30 yrs, Age of spouse-27 yrs, Life expectancy of spouse-70 yrs, Age of child-3 yrs, Childs share of monthly household expenditure-10 %, Child will remain dependant till-22 yrs, Monthly household expenditure Rs. 40,000, Out of this, amount spent on Mr. Y Rs. 10,000. Expected inflation in household expenditure 5 %, Money to be set aside for childs education (in present value terms) Rs. 10,00,000. Money to be set aside for childs marriage/ other needs (in present value terms) Rs. 7,50,000. Outstanding loans Rs. 15,00,000. Other liabilities Rs. 5,00,000. Medical expenditure/ emergency fund Rs. 5,00,000. Rate of return on low risk securities/ deposits 8 %. Hence, HLV will be Rs. 1,66,45,475. If the rate of return on low risk securities/ deposits is 7 %, Revised HLV will be Rs 1,81,83,996. How do you determine your Human Life Value ? This approach is about determining how much insurance is needed and is based simply on how much income the proposed insured earns. All individuals who have financial dependants need life insurance. Factors to be taken into consideration while calculating HLV are age, current and future expenses and current and future income. The formula is; Annual Income / Interest Rate = Lump Sum (The Human Life Value). Illustration If the annual income of the primary wage-earner is Rs.30,000, the total amount of insurance needed would be (assuming a nominal rate of interest of 8% and a long-term inflation rate of 3%, the real rate of interest is 5%): Rs. 30,000 à ·.05 = Rs.600,000 (human life value = amount of insurance required) If Rs.600,000 is invested at 5%, the return will be Rs.30,000 annually. Thus, the family of the insured has, in economic terms, would replace the income-earning value of the life lost through a policy with a Rs.600,000 death benefit. Illustration An insured makes Rs.42,000 a year and the current interest rate is 3.4%. She has a generous policy plus disability benefits that pay 70% of her salary. How much life insurance does she need based on capitalization of income? A. Rs. 1428 B. Rs. 12352.94 C. Rs. 1,42,800 D. Rs.1,235,294.10 There are different school of thoughts and approaches for purchasing and calculating the needs of life insurances, which say as under : One should purchase insurance worth 5 to 10 times the current annual income. This is an old thumb rule that does not take into consideration current assets and any special needs the customer or their family may have. Thus, When ones annual income is known, the insurance need is calculated simply as annual income multiplied by the number of years to service left. Ones yearly outgo towards Insurance premium should be 10% of ones annual Income. Thus, Life insurance need is, the financial need analysis approach. This is an approach which can take care of specific needs of an individual. Here, the basic objective is that the insurance coverage should be sufficient to provide for the dependants needs in case the breadwinner dies early. Steps for Calculating Human Life Value Approach In the human life value approach, the first step is to find the amount of annual income that is surplus to the individual. The surplus is the amount above what the insured would consume himself; which provides the overall standard of living for the individual and the family. The surplus includes amounts spent on education for children, automobiles, vacations, clothing, and food for everyone in the family except him. The items to include in costs of self-maintenance are any money spent on his portion of housing, his clothing, food, the portion of his salary that goes for FICA, federal, state, and local taxes, and all other expenses to maintain the insured as a productive asset. The next part of the human life value approach involves plugging the given information into the mathematical model and calculating the answer. To determine the surplus, subtract the self-maintenance expenses from the average income. Exhibit 2 : Steps for Calculating Human Life Value Approach Weaknesses of the Human Life Value Approach Other sources of income are ignored, (e.g., business earnings), it is calculated by using a constant income stream over the life of the insured since it is difficult to know what increase in income is probable. It ignores the number of years that income (mentioned above) will be required; a person aged 25 and a person aged 65 would appear to require the same amount of coverage. In its simplest form, work earnings and expenses are assumed to be constant and employee benefits are ignored. The amount of money allocated to the family can quickly change because of divorce, birth of child, or death of a family member. The effects of inflation on earnings and expenses are ignored. Points to Ponder : One, HLV is a moving target and to make it meaningful, you must review it once a year. Rather than chasing the revised HLV year after year, the aim should be to get the broad trend right with the expectation that in the long-term, the actual and estimate will converge. Two, do not get overawed by the HLV numbers thrown up. The `number is just a starting point and must be put into the context of your present ability to set aside money. Three, remain disciplined in the sense that at any point in time you should have planned in such a manner that in your absence, your family will not need to compromise on their yet-to-be fulfilled needs. NEEDS APPROACH It is a method of calculating how much life insurance is required by an individual/ family to meet their needs (expenses) if the family head dies. These include things like funeral expenses, legal fees, estate and gift taxes, business buyout costs, probate fees, medical deductibles, emergency funds, mortgage expenses, rent, debt and loans, college, child care, private schooling and maintenance costs. This approach contrasts the human-life approach. The needs approach is a function of two variables: How much will be needed at death to meet obligations ? How much future income is needed to sustain the household ? When calculating your expenses, it is best to overestimate your needs a little. By doing this you will be buying and paying for a little more insurance than you need, but if you underestimate, you wont rea

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Carnal Prayer Mat by Yu Li Essay -- The Carnal Prayer Mat

Vesperus’ masculine beauty is a central theme in Li Yu’s moral comedy, The Carnal Prayer Mat. What’s more, his life trajectory parallels non-Mahayana Indic accounts of Siddhartha’s path to enlightenment, particularly on the emphasis placed on descriptions of both men’s physical perfection and their subsequent sexual appetite and prowess. Both Vesperus’ and Siddhartha’s masculine beauty propels them forward on their life paths, positioning them in the simultaneously instructive and destructive feminine sphere of the inner quarter. The wealth of sexual experiences gives both men the necessary insight for their critical realization of the superficiality and emptiness of a life guided by carnal desires and sexual pursuits of women. As a result, masculine beauty becomes a critical component in and indication of a man’s ultimate karmic destiny in The Carnal Prayer Mat. Beautiful women consequently are positioned as Vesperus’ se xually instructive tools and immoral opponents. Their further importance as sites of masculine karmic retribution speaks to the degree to which the novel works within a Buddhist framework of gender dichotomies. Ultimately, The Carnal Prayer Mat places beautiful men in a privileged position destined to enlightenment, as their physical perfection affords them access to the critical sexual experiences and lifestyles that they must reject in order attain enlightenment. While The Carnal Prayer Mat is laced with Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist doctrine, this paper aims to understand Buddhist concepts of destiny, karma, and enlightenment through an analysis of representations of masculine ideal beauty in late Imperial China. Vesperus’ and Siddhartha’s parallel life journeys, particularly with respect to experiences i... ...on for all human beings: â€Å"Desire is almost as defiling as the act itself, however†¦.Desire, in the form of love (raga, a word meaning color, but also lewdness, concupiscence, lust, attraction), is therefore one of the ‘three poisons’ that pollute and maintain human existence† (Faure 17). Thus his experiences within â€Å"inner quarters,† defined by his desire for beautiful women that spark sexual excess that simultaneously affirm his virile masculinity, are fundamental components in his journeys to enlightenment. Works Cited Faure, Bernard. The Red Thread: Buddhist Approaches to Sexulity. Princeton:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Princeton University Press, 1998. Li, Yu. The Carnal Prayer Mat. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1990. Powers, John. A Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Indian Buddhism. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2009.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Summary Of Beyond Formula: American Film Genres :: essays research papers fc

Summary Of Beyond Formula: American Film Genres The passage taken from the book, â€Å"Beyond Formula: American Film Genres† by Stanley Solomon, focuses specifically on Western films. Solomon suggests that, â€Å"the Western is primarily a genre of location,† (56) which not only suggests the plot of the movie but the characters portrayed in the film as well. If the location is based in a harsh or rugged environment, the viewers automatically assume that the characters in the film will be just as rugged or even unlawful. If location of the film takes place in a small country town the viewer knows that this usually means that that the town is under-populated and industrially inept. The viewer also knows that some sort of trial will present itself to the towns people, typically a group of out-laws, and the citizens of the town will have to muster up what courage they have and stand up to their rivals. In this case the towns people usually are unable to overcome their opponents causing them to rally around a strong spiri ted leader to lead them to victory.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The location, according to Solomon, of Western films gives a direct view of moral values that both the hero of the story and the villain understand. If these values are broken both the hero and villain knows the consequence of their cowardly deed. Location also adds to the film by giving the characters another source of danger than the villains, causing them to be aware the their surroundings in order to survive. Solomon states that, â€Å"the location further determines the moral perspective by inviting sudden violence and the accompanying necessity of perpetual violence† (57).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the hero or villain arrives in the film, the location makes the viewer aware of the characters past, arousing a curiosity about the character and where he came from. â€Å"The arrival of the hero or villain in the Western setting,† Solomon states, â€Å"immediately prompts discussion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (58). According to Solomon, when the hero or villain shows up in the movie it is to be assumed that he has experienced life, and at the peak of his career, he has reached a critical point where he is now faced with a crisis that must be rectified.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Location, characterization and the characters history are the key elements to the Western film genre. According to Stanly Solomon, location is either a simple town, (or settlement) or the wilderness, and both types of locations involve countless attempts to overcome hardships.

oppositional defiant disorder :: essays research papers

According to the DSM-IV, if a child's problem behaviors do not meet the criteria for Conduct Disorder, but involve a pattern of defiant, angry, antagonistic, hostile, irritable, or vindictive behavior, Oppositional Defiant Disorder may be diagnosed. These children may blame others for their problems. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months, during which four (or more) of the following are present: Often loses temper. Often argues with adults. Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules. Often deliberately annoys people. Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior. Is often touchy or easily annoyed by others. Is often angry and resentful. Is often spiteful or vindictive. It is important to note that a counselor or therapist will consider a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder only if the behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level. In other words, the problems and conflicts between teens and parents are as old as time itself, and some conflict is normal and inevitable. However, when the parent/child conflict becomes increasingly severe and appears to be spiraling out of control, then ODD might be considered. Also, as teens are growing and learning, they will sometimes do some very ill-advised things that can cause them problems, both legal and in school. However, if this behavior does not repeat itself and is a one-time event, then a behavior disorder is probably not present. For a diagnosis of ODD to be made, the disturbance in behavior must be causing significant problems in school, in relationships with family and friends, and in the workplace. ODD will not be diagnosed if the the therapist suspects that the teen's behaviors are being directly caused by another psychotic or mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder. oppositional defiant disorder :: essays research papers According to the DSM-IV, if a child's problem behaviors do not meet the criteria for Conduct Disorder, but involve a pattern of defiant, angry, antagonistic, hostile, irritable, or vindictive behavior, Oppositional Defiant Disorder may be diagnosed. These children may blame others for their problems. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months, during which four (or more) of the following are present: Often loses temper. Often argues with adults. Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules. Often deliberately annoys people. Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior. Is often touchy or easily annoyed by others. Is often angry and resentful. Is often spiteful or vindictive. It is important to note that a counselor or therapist will consider a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder only if the behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level. In other words, the problems and conflicts between teens and parents are as old as time itself, and some conflict is normal and inevitable. However, when the parent/child conflict becomes increasingly severe and appears to be spiraling out of control, then ODD might be considered. Also, as teens are growing and learning, they will sometimes do some very ill-advised things that can cause them problems, both legal and in school. However, if this behavior does not repeat itself and is a one-time event, then a behavior disorder is probably not present. For a diagnosis of ODD to be made, the disturbance in behavior must be causing significant problems in school, in relationships with family and friends, and in the workplace. ODD will not be diagnosed if the the therapist suspects that the teen's behaviors are being directly caused by another psychotic or mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Short Talks

2/20/13 English 1102 Introduction I start off with a couple of stereotypes I recently heard or saw people discussing and give my feelings/opinions on why I feel people say things like that. Next is my feelings toward SSU, it’s a mixed feeling really a love and hate relationship. I end my short talks with my first, and definitely not my last, fight I had; that occurred in kindergarten. All I can say about that is never and I mean NEVER touch my crayons!On Stereotypes- â€Å"All black people like chicken,† is one of the most commonly known stereotypes but recently I ran into some really interesting stereotypes; like all black people have gaps, if your black your house has roaches, black people were more helpful to America as slaves, all black people are ugly when they’re babies, and black girls put weave in their hair because they don’t have any. When I hear people talk like this all I can do is laugh at the ignorance, you have to be on a whole other level o f stupid to even think like that and then to let that stupidity slip out of your mouth.People let statements like that get to them and get them all roweled up over it but, you have to sit back sometimes and think about where they get their point of view on African Americans people from. I find that a lot of it comes from the older generations in their family where the racism is still alive and brewing, and once again I laugh because it is 2013 and if you still feel African Americans should be slaves and they’re ignorant monkeys then go ahead and do you.As far as those other statements though I have a gap I know plenty of â€Å"black people† who don’t, my house doesn’t have roaches and never will, I wouldn’t be a good slave because I’m way too strong willed and I only work for pay, I was a beautiful baby, and plenty of African American girls have long beautiful hair. On Savannah State- â€Å"You are so rachet with your power outs, slow wifi, bad cable connection, rude faculty and staff, and rising tuition that’s mostly going to athletic fees for teams that aren’t even good. † -AnonymousI love my SSU but I hate it too, it has so much potential to be a great school but there has to be some major changes first. The first thing that the people over the school should take a good look into is the way a lot of their staff members act towards current and future students; some of them are rude and nasty every day to everybody. Next, they should move to the â€Å"problem professors†, which are the ones who the students complain the most about, they have the highest rate of students dropping out, and they have the highest failure rate.Lastly, would be what they use the budget for the school on I feel some of the funding for certain things could be used for more important things that the school needs, like a full time doctor for example. On Self-Respect- â€Å"How can you expect anybody to respect you i f you’re half naked on Facebook for likes? † Girls are always crying on Facebook, twitter, instagram, and other social sites about how they want a â€Å"real man† but yet they have all of these lewd, distasteful pictures up for the whole internet to see.On top of that they get mad when they get a bunch of sexual comments and messages, it’s kind of baffling because what else would they expect to get if that’s how they present themselves. On the struggle- It’s hard being in college with no form of income coming in, eating ramen noodles every night, and borrowing paper from other students in class. Being broke makes your refund check, no matter how big or small, look like a little slice of heaven.Refund check time is when all of the ballers come out, when the mall is packed with college students going on a spending spree for themselves and for the homies who don’t get a refund, and when all the parties you go to have a bunch of alcohol an d weed; but a month later it’s back to the struggle. The month after refund is when people go back to begging for things, back to one or two bottles of liquor at the party, and back to those stupid ramen noodles. On my first fight- I remember when I was a little, sweet, loving, only child living in Yonkers, NY.I got everything I wanted and I never had to share anything, unless I wanted to and I was always kind enough to do it anyway. My mother came home one day with these new glitter crayons for me, since I loved to draw and color; and I loved them. I brought them to school the next day to show my best friend and we colored with them during breakfast, before class. One of the older students saw us and came over, she took all of my friends crayons and pushed her out of her seat and proceeded to reach for mine.I grabbed my things, backed away and told her she couldn’t have my crayons. I saw a little bit of rage in her eyes as her friends laughed at her for not being able to take a kindergartener’s crayons; so she pushed me and went to take my things. I wanted to sit there and cry like my friend was doing but instead I got mad, I got real mad just thinking about the fact my mother just bought me some new â€Å"special† glitter crayons and some hood rat with no manners was going to have them for free wasn’t sitting right with me.I got up and punched her in the face and I could tell by the look in her eyes that it hurt, so I punched her again and again and again; I even started to scratch at her face. Her friends who were at first laughing saw how serious I was about those crayons and went to get the school’s officer, who eventually stopped me. I didn’t get in trouble that day but I got a newly found confidence that would lead me into trouble with anyone willing to cross the wrong path with me.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Analysis of Exposure Wilfred Owen

â€Å"Crickets jingle here. † Onomatopoeia This sentence was described in the lines where the soldier had a flash back where he used to live. Jingle is like a sound of a bell vibrating, like in occasions in Christmas which is the most important holiday in England. When the people hear the bell jingle; it’s echoing and creating a melody and some kind of music inside the sound. The writer’s linking the crickets with the jingle sound could be because the crickets sound also echo and create some kind of melody, and usually summer, you should find crickets jingle everywhere.The sound effect in this case would be Owen wanted to create the sounds that are familiar to the people in England. â€Å"The night is silence. † Metaphor Silence is the absent of sound. It tells us in the dark sky, the soldier also has to face the problem he has to look towards nothing and there’s a complete silence. The quote describes the place in an atmospheric way, and there†™s not much to discuss about. â€Å"The flickering gunnery rumbles. Onomatopoeia There’s a consonance of the r sound in this quote which is not a hard sound, yet a soft sound. I might be that the writer wanted the rhythm to slow down perhaps. The quote described clearly the image of the gunnery when the soldier’s using it. â€Å"Sudden successive flights of bullets streak out the silence. † Alliteration The quote has the alliteration of the s sound in the word sudden and successive.S is a hard sound so this helps emphasize the flights of bullet tearing the silence. The quote help raise questions in the reader: Has the battle begin again? â€Å"Worried by the silence, sentries whisper, curious, nervous,† Metaphor The sibilance of the repeated ‘s’ sound creates the effect of whispering, an attempt to not draw the attention of the enemy, who are futilely using flares to see what is going on. The S sound creates like fussing sound.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Journal on Poems Essay

The poem portrays the definitions of sanity and madness. However, these definitions vary from the perspective of people and the surroundings as pointed out in the second line. In other words, the poem points out that for certain people, something normal is considered insane and vice versa. 2. The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Basically, for me, the poem depicted a common experience in life wherein one makes a choice between two things and then wonders what could’ve happened had he or she took the other option. The situation shown in the poem reflects a reality that everyone faces in life which is making a choice and standing by that decision. However, as illustrated in the poem, despite the choices people make regarding, for example, careers and business ventures, there will also be times that one doubts whether he or she made the right decision or not. 3. Design by Robert Frost The poem basically illustrates that most of the time the world’s beauty can be appreciated through observing the natural things such as the spider and the moth. In addition, as the title suggests, life is basically a design. It is natural for a spider to eat the moth as it was designed to do so. However, since the spider killed the moth, the author also wonders why the â€Å"designer† allows such a thing to happen. In short, while the author acknowledges the beauty natural order of things, he also questions why horrible events, such as death, happen. 4. Mending Wall by Robert Frost Initially, the poem suggests that there are no need for walls between neighbors as this suggests division. However, at the end, although the speaker in the poem still did not favor the construction of a wall between him and his neighbor, he acknowledged the fact that walls are important as these set boundaries and limitations. Basically, the poem also illustrates that in real life, â€Å"walls† or boundaries, which are best exemplified by laws and rules, are necessary to maintain order. 5. Cross by Langston Hughes The poem clearly depicts the speaker’s confusion about his identity. As the title of the poem says, the speaker is a â€Å"cross† between a white man and a black woman and is confused about his true identity. He also wonders if he would share the same fate of his mother and father and yearns to know where he really belongs to. The poem also depicts two realities in life which are discrimination and racism. Basically, the poem suggests that if these two did not exist, the speaker would not have to long for acceptance and would not have to search for his identity.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Understanding Downsizing and Rightsizing

DOWNSIZING AND RIGHTSIZING Downsizing: The downward migrations of business applications are often from mainframes to PCs due to low costing of workstation. And also today’s workstations are as powerful as last decade’s mainframes. The result of that is Clients having power at the cost of less money, provides better performance and then system offers flexibility to make other purchase or to increase overall benefits. Rightsizing: Moves the Client/Server applications to the most appropriate server platform, in that case the servers from different vendors can co-exist and the network is known as the ‘system’. Getting the data from the system no longer refers to a single mainframe. As a matter of fact, we probably don’t know where the server physically resides. Upsizing: The bottom-up trend of networking all the standalone PCs and workstations at the department or work group level. Early LANs were implemented to share hardware (printers, scanners, etc. ). But now LANs are being implemented to share data and applications in addition to hardware. Mainframes are being replaced by lesser expensive PC’s on networks. This is called computer downsizing. Companies implementing business process reengineering are downsizing organizationally. This is called business downsizing. All this would result in hundreds of smaller systems, all communicating to each other and serving the need of  local teams as well as individuals working in an organization. This is called cultural downsizing. The net result is distributed computer systems that support decentralized decision-making. This is the client/server revolution of the nineties As client/server technology evolves, the battle cry is now right sizing–design new applications for the platform they are best suited for, as opposed to using a default placement. An application should run in the environment that is most efficient for that application. The client/server model allows applications to be split into tasks and those tasks performed on individual platforms. Developers review all the tasks within an application and determine whether each task is best suited for processing on the server or on the client. In some cases, tasks that involve a great deal of number-crunching are performed on the server and only the results transmitted to the client. In other cases, the workload of the server or the trade-offs between server millions of instructions per second and client millions of instructions per second, together with the communication time and network costs, may not warrant the use of the server for data intensive, number-crunching tasks. Determining how the tasks are split can be the major factor in the success or failure of a client /server application. And if the first client/server application is a failure, for whatever reason, it may be a long time before there is a second. Some variations on this theme are: 1. Downsizing: A host based application is downsized when it is re-engineered to run in a smaller or Local Area Network based environment. Downsizing involves porting applications from mainframe and mid-range computers to a smaller platform or a Local Area Network based client/server architecture. Downsizing is not as easy as buying and installing hardware and software that support client/server computing. This paper presents a case of rightsizing, with an outsourcing approach, of a mainframe based information system. A full downsizing process, is a highly complex process due to the following reasons: * The need to manage, at the same time, the old and the new technology and environment for the parallel periods; * The need to migrate in the new platform the millions of LOC (line of code) of the several applications. In this paper we describe how that process can be performed in an outsourcing framework. We discuss which are the critical factors that assure an efficient process and big savings from the cost/benefit and cost/performance point of view. There are several key factors to be considered in order minimizing the risks of failure and maximizing the success. The paper is organized in the following three parts: * The Rightsizing process; * The case study and the results obtained; * The lessons learned from the experiences done. The rightsizing Generally we can distinguish two main streams of the Rightsizing process: the downsizing and upsizing processes. The downsizing process is characterized by data and process shifting from Mainframe to desktop connected with LAN and WAN network. The following steps, instead, characterize the Upsizing process: * The integration and connection of stand alone workstations or LAN * The development of distributed applications on this new architecture The Rightsizing of the applications and systems, that is their Downsizing or Upsizing, provides a major opportunity for cost savings and improving the flexibility of the information systems. In the following figure we see the rightsizing of the case study. It is from a traditional architecture based on a MVS IBM to a new distributed Client-Server architecture. The new Client-Server applications are executed on several application servers. Down Sizing is nothing but The Process of moving an application from a {main frame ) to cheaper system, typically a (client-server) system. Downsizing and Client/Server Computing Rightsizing and downsizing are strategies used with the client/server model to take advantage of the lower cost of workstation technology. Rightsizing and upsizing may involve the addition of more diverse or more powerful computing resources to an enterprise computing environment. The benefits of rightsizing are reduction in cost and/or increased functionality, performance, and flexibility in the applications of the enterprise. Significant cost savings usually are obtained from a resulting reduction in employee, hardware, software, and maintenance expenses. Additional savings typically accrue from the improved effectiveness of the user community using client/server technology. Downsizing is frequently implemented in concert with a flattening of the organizational hierarchy. Eliminating middle layers of management implies empowerment to the first level of management with the decision-making authority for the whole job. Information provided at the desktop by networked PCs and workstations integrated with existing host (such as mainframe and minicomputer) applications is necessary to facilitate this empowerment. These desktop-host integrated systems house the information required to make decisions quickly. To be effective, the desktop workstation must provide access to this information as part of the normal business practice. Architects and developers must work closely with business decision makers to ensure that new applications and systems are designed to be integrated with effective business processes. Much of the cause of poor return on technology investment is attributable to a lack of understanding by the designers of the day-to-day business impact of their solutions. Downsizing information systems is more than an attempt to use cheaper workstation technologies to replace existing mainframes and minicomputers in use. Although some benefit is obtained by this approach, greater benefit is obtained by reengineering the business processes to really use the capabilities of the desktop environment. Systems solutions are effective only when they are seen by the actual user to add value to the business process. Client/server technology implemented on low-cost standard hardware will drive downsizing. Client/server computing makes the desktop the users' enterprise. As we move from the machine-centered era of computing into the workgroup era, the desktop workstation is empowering the business user to regain ownership of his or her information resource. Client/server computing combines the best of the old with the new—the reliable multiuser access to shared data and resources with the intuitive, powerful desktop workstation. Moving to Open and Client-Server System environments allows organizations to take advantage of several opportunities: the new cost/performance relations for the hardware components, the ? easy to use? graphical interfaces, the portability of the software, the adoption of faster software life cycles like RAD, the use of the information highways (for example internet) and so on . Most of the organizations invest in rightsizing processes to build Client/Server architectures. Actually, upsizing and downsizing process has become a phenomenon of big importance for a lot of organizations. It is possible to preview that the next years the rightsizing tendency will increase very much, and will become a rule. Anyway we must consider, from the point of view of the architectural structure, that a rightsizing process is complex and may imply an increase of complexity of the final system if it is not well planned. A typical distributed Client-Server architecture is characterized by the presence of workstations and personal computers acting as clients, by the interconnection of different groups of these computers through different local and wide networks, by the presence of several servers including eventually a mainframe as a file server. It is typical of the local network that there is a local database; the local stations of the network are able to reach this database instead of the remote database. In order to lower the complexity of the process, an outsourcing of all the IT activities, for the rightsizing period, or even more, can prove effective. The IT system after the outsourcing/rightsizing period (typically from 3 to 5 years) becomes technologically updated and easier to maintain (especially if the outsourcing/rightsizing contract provides strict guidelines for the development of the new software and for the Reverse Engineering projects). The major trend for corporate information systems this decade will be downsizing. In its broadest sense, downsizing means implementing applications traditionally deployed on mainframes or minicomputers, on personal computers and Local Area Network (LAN) platforms. Applications most often involved in downsizing are those designated as mission-critical, the success of these applications is integral to the daily operations of the organization. This shift will enable companies to use the power, affordability and flexibility of the microcomputer as the hub of their information systems, and when appropriate operate cooperatively with existing mainframe or minicomputer investments. Downsizing is enabled by a number of factors: -Powerful cost effective PC platforms. -Mature networking technology providing a communication infrastructure. Software that delivers a robust development environment for the creation of applications with mainframe-like complexity. -Economical migration paths for moving applications to the desktop. -The ability to integrate and synchronize front-end tools and back-end data sources. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. In the 1970s, the prevalent model for information management systems was a centralized hierarchical database platform. Such database s, residing on a mainframe or minicomputer, offered high performance and tight security but little if any end-user access or control. Essentially, the mainframe provided a highly sophisticated server with unintelligent clients, or â€Å"dumb† workstations. For its day, the approach was sound, giving information system managers a way to electronically store huge amounts of information that previously filled volumes of books and ledgers in company storage rooms. But it soon became clear that accessing and manipulating these databases was difficult, as well as prohibitively expensive. The 1980s saw the introduction of PCs that were used by individuals and departments within an enterprise to provide local, easy-to-use decision-making tools. Over time these users became more sophisticated in their usage, their expectations rose and they had a desire to communicate with others in their group and to have greater access to all corporate data. The solution at the time was to link these PCs through Local Area Networks, giving the users increased information access. This approach, which used a â€Å"file server† model in which the server acted as an unintelligent storage device, did offer peripheral sharing but, there was no intelligent data management capability, which severely limited the types and sizes of applications that could be used. The immaturity of this approach was reflected in the lack of well integrated and transparent connectivity to mainframe and minicomputer systems, where much of the corporate data resided (and still remains). In short, workstations were restricted in their ability to handle complex applications and to get at relevant data. Information system managers were highly interested supporting their end-user's desires and in gaining improved access to all their corporate databases through the use of PC technology. A significant concern of these managers though was a guarantee that they could maintain security, integrity of data and accessibility. The existing single platform approach would no longer work, a new model of computing architecture was needed. Downsizing: A Critical Edge By downsizing applications to the desktop, organizations can more easily deliver vital information to its users, providing a competitive edge. With the cooperative processing model these organizations can integrate their applications and information system resources with others throughout the enterprise. This approach, which blends the flexibility and power of the PC (linked more and more through LANS) with the benefits of the resident database management system, offers numerous advantages: An Open Computing Environment. Despite well-intended and energetic attempts to impose a single computing standard on the industry, the truth is that corporate information systems are and will remain heterogeneous. Standards provide for a level playing field where users can invest and be assured that their investments will be protected. And, standards provide a platform for software innovation, a mainstay of the computer industry. Integrating new technologies and approaches with existing standards should be a goal of every company. The challenge in running this type of heterogeneous environment is to find the correct balance between innovation and standards. Therefore, a information system designed to work with existing processing environments, utilize industry standards and be capable of taking advantage of emerging technologies will deliver the most effective business solutions. The desire to balance new technologies and trends with existing resources is a large part of the motivation behind downsizing. By providing a modular architecture and component pieces that easily connect, the cooperative processing model delivers an environment that enables enterprise-wide connectivity and integration of heterogeneous data formats. The alternative is to create a homogeneous environment that by its nature is limited to its native capabilities. Rapid Application Development Part of the attraction of downsizing is the ability to rapidly prototype, develop and implement applications. One of the principle shortcomings of a mainframe or minicomputer-based information management system is the application development time required and the resulting backlogs. Building a mission critical systems at the desktop is literally months and years faster than on a mainframe or minicomputer. Having robust development tools that enable the creation and implementation of systems in weeks rather than months allows organizations to benefit more from their information and realize a significant dollar savings in the process. Leveraging Existing Investments Information management systems that handle mission-critical applications represent investments of millions of dollars and thousands of man-hours of work. When faced with the need to expand or upgrade these systems, scrapping the existing investment and building a new one is simply not a financial option. Nor is it necessarily a wise one. What is required is the ability to responsibility migrate these systems to the desktop by integrating the various platforms. Development Flexibility The purpose of any software application is to provide a service that makes accomplishing a task efficient and economical. Downsizing mainframe and minicomputer applications to the desktop offers the application developer a wide range of PC-based tools to assist them in meeting needs of specific applications. The flexible nature of this environment lets the developer work faster, maintain applications with less effort, and be more responsive to the needs of the organization. Financial Considerations Developing applications on the desktop platform is a much more cost effective than traditional mainframe or minicomputer approaches. PC-based development means your hardware and software investment is less, development time and its related costs are reduced and with the ability to leverage existing information system investments, and you do not incur the large expense of starting from scratch. Other Advantages Downsizing also offers smoother application maintenance; freedom from being locked into proprietary systems that may become outdated; and the ability to scale applications to match the changing needs of the organization. Ultimately, downsizing gives users improved tools and critically needed access to data, which in turn increases productivity and the effectiveness of an organization. Rightsizing is defined as finding the correct platform for your enterprise. Compared with downsizing (moving to a smaller platform) and upsizing (moving to a larger platform), rightsizing lets a company align its information systems to its corporate goals. Rightsizing involves selecting the most appropriate computing resource to perform a task based on location, size, organizational structure, business work flow, and processing requirements.