Apfgan women's lives have not improved Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Apfgan women's lives have not improved - Essay Example first lady Laura Bush’s preposterous statement that â€Å"The fight against terrorism is also a fight for the rights and dignity of women† is juxtaposed with the revelation by Amnesty International that â€Å"forced marriage, particularly of girl children, and violence against women in the family are widespread in many areas of the country† (Rawi) even after two years have passed since the end of the Taliban regime. The introductory paragraph makes a very strong statement with the help of these two quotes that are contradictory in nature. The attempt by Rawi in the ensuing paragraphs to validate the latter quote is well substantiated with authentic factual and opinion based information gathered from various reliable sources. The diction is functional and appropriate for the clinical analysis of the issue. There is no recourse to careless use of words that betray baseless subjective opinions anywhere in the essay. Most of the essay reads like a fact-based journalistic report. However, the polemic aspects of the essay emerge through the objective observations and analyses. The writes states clearly that the American intervention in Afghan had been based merely on selfish motives, and has only promoted the mistreatment of women in various spheres of life. The arguments are systematically and chronologically categorized under apt subtitles. The economy of words and argumentative strategies make the essay a reader-friendly one, presenting facts and opinions in a swift and curt manner. The use of excerpts from an interview with an international NGO worker with regard to the deteriorating status of women in Afghanistan brings in an element of authenticity with the strength of first hand knowledge. Both the off icial records and day to day life experiences of women in Afghan are presented in a logical order that proves Rawi’s point. The effective use of unaffected language and crucial information regarding the general life standards in Afghan makes the essay an

Educational Mission Statement Paper Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Educational Mission Statement - Term Paper Example Leadership aspects among the youth that are a made-up attribute by the education institutions and views laid down by the current leaders are now criticized by the formative people because of hopelessness and the utilization of the substances (Ministry of National Security. (2010). Problems The institution faces malnutrition and severe closed head injuries obtained from the accident. In detail, the problems can be broken down into the consumption, clinical and environmental issues that institution endures in the clinical surrounding. Moderately, institution should be able to adhere to the prescribed information regarding the amounts of medication available during the enteral feeding mode. Clinical and physical conditions that BJ endures after the accident include a coma induced naturally after certain test were conducted in the hospital by the experts. The faced situations by institution were considerably abnormal according to the caregivers as severe closed head trauma assesses the n ormal neural processes within the cranium. Finally, the environmental assessments of institution regarding her skills, religion, attitude, food security and nutrition availability from her initial environment was somehow unattended. The fact that the laboratory tests displayed insufficient levels of crucial blood and gut constituents was crude evidence of imbalanced diets prior institution’s accident. Etiology Etiology consists of the contributing aspects that led to the coma and severe closed head trauma experienced by institution. Some of the linked factors that can explain the situation include Malnutrition of the girl. The low levels of hemoglobin, glucose, Serum albumin and the C - reactive protein in her blood led to relapse of the neurons and nerve cells within institution’s brain. Risks of trauma were then increased as insufficient nutrients that cater to the nerve impulse navigation were not available for the whole process. The situation also explains why her brother did not succumb to a trauma situation and institution did. In constructing the social civilization, definite qualities contained by the public are in requirement of building and acknowledgment for the development into the outlook. Not only do drugs perform the wearing out the brains of the adolescence, but in addition aids in injecting the broadening of fatal viruses in the society such as HIV/AIDS. The importance of schools in the livelihoods of the American adolescence has to be an element of the drugs prohibition proposal within the education institutions if the transfer of the drugs is to make any advancement in the livelihoods of the youth. I occasionally desire I had the capability or acquaintance and skill to get rid of drugs completely from the humanity. Regrettably, natural psychological drifts into hope indicate misery in the individual and the surroundings involved. Disclosure of the youth to abuse of drugs at a premature age is fairly saddening. Children as youth ful as thirteen years are taking a part in the utilizing and trafficking of the substances, in the name of domestic stresses. These children are more often than not liberated after discipline hours or during the weekends, if they are taking part in any lessons at all, to attain of the drugs and mistreat them. On the parking batches, buying centers, residents, at their own houses or when their keepers are not present are the periods and places where the youth carry out the unethical

Analysis of South Africas Retail Industry

Analysis of South Africas Retail Industry Executive summary South Africa is a player in the local and international retail industry. Retail like all business operates and is affected by external forces as well as internal forces. The external forces are commonly referred to as macro and micro environmental factors have a direct or an indirect impact on the retail industry. Retailers do not have much control over environmental forces unlike marketing variables. It is therefore crucial that every retail business identifies these forces and monitors them effectively to reduce negative impact on growth and profit margins. Retail is primarily about buying decisions and behaviours. Economics play a large part in influencing both individuals and organisations with regard to their buying decisions and behaviours. South Africa like any global player has as a top priority the aim to grow in terms of economic activity. The effect that the retail sector has on the SA economy and also on international impact of our retail sector on imports and exports are evaluated. The more business is conducted the more tax is available to the government to provide appropriate services and establish its various development programmes. Facts that are critical to success of South Africa retail industry are looked in relation to Market size and scope of growth of the retail industry in South Africa? Growth prospects and issues related to the industry? Size of segment of the organized market what are its growth prospects? Major players in South African retail industry, their strategies for growth, and their position in the market? Emerging trends in the South African retail industry? Opportunities challenges before the retailers in South Africa? Key findings are summarised, presenting the valid information relating to the contribution of the retail industry in the economic growth of the country. In the final stage of the analysis, a conclusion signifying which segment of Retail is most attractive is made, detailing the reasons for such conclusion, from beginning to end showing importance of the factors contributing to its attractiveness. Retail overview Retailing encompasses all activities involved in selling gods or services directly to final consumers for their personal non business use. Although most retailing is done in retail stores, in recent years non-store retailing has been growing much faster than has store retailing. Non-store retailing includes selling to the final consumers through direct mail, catalogs, telephone, the internet, TV home shopping shows, home and office parties, door to door contact, vending machines and other direct selling approaches. (Kotler, 2005) For purposes of this assignment only formal retail will be discussed. There are different type of retailers classified in terms of several characteristics including the amount of service they offer, the breadth and depth of their product lines and the relative prices charged and how they are organised. Major Store Retail types include Speciality Stores, Department Stores, Supermarkets, convenience stores, Discount Stores, Off-Price Retailers and Superstores. (Kotler, 2005 pg368) The sector encompassing wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants is an important contributor to GDP and employment for South Africa. It is evident that the preparations toward hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have likely influenced a large increase in investment in the sector as hospitality services, for example, gear up for this major event. That said, the sector has been hard hit by the recent global economic slowdown, evident in the contraction in growth of the sector itself, as well as decreases in employment. The latter is of serious concern considering that the sector is South Africas third largest and also employs 22% of the labour force, with a large proportion being women from the informal sector. (Climate Risk Opportunity A15 Retail and Tourism, 2009) Key Players in the South African Retail Market : Pick n Pay; Metcash Ltd; Massmart Holdings Ltd; Woolworths Holdings Ltd; Spar Group Ltd; Edgars Stores Ltd. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the South African economy is expected to have contracted by 1.8% in 2009 in the wake of the sharp downturn in global demand and commodity prices, tougher financing conditions, weak household spending and low business confidence. Growth will bounce back in 2010 to 2.8% spurred by the hosting of the World Cup. However, the struggling sectors, mainly manufacturing and retail, will remain in doldrums. There is a risk that electricity shortages, will re-emerge in 2010-11, constraining energy-intensive sectors, such as mining, as new base-load power station are not expected to come on stream until 2012. (rru.worldbank, 2010) The overall Ease of Doing Business ranking slipped this year mainly due to a 22 spot drop in the Starting a Business Indicator. South Africa still ranks in the top 100 in eight indicators. The lowest ranking is in the Trading Across Borders indicator. (rru.worldbank, 2010) Macro environment analysis According (Neiman and Bannet (2002), p. 32), Macro Environment takes in consideration of all the external influences that restrain a bearing in the business, but is not compact beneath its direct subject of influence. The importance falls on the renovation that unmanageable micro-variables bring about, and their implications for the business, yet enduring alongside, each other of changes in the environment, in charge to be able to forecast the changes in the environment which can turn to be a difficult mission. The universe of sociological elements that affect a companys ability to serve its customers or sell its goods and services. There are six major macro environment forces: cultural, demographic, economic, natural, political, and technological. The cultural environment includes institutions and other forces that affect the basic values, behaviors, and preferences of the society-all of which have an effect on consumer marketing decisions. The demographic environment includes the study of human populations in terms of size, density, location, age, sex, race, occupation, and other statistical information. The economic environment consists of all factors-such as salary levels, credit trends, and pricing patterns- that affect consumer spending habits and purchasing power. The natural environment involves all the natural resources, such as raw materials or energy sources, needed by or affected by marketers and marketing activities. The political environment includes all laws, government agenc ies, and lobbying groups that influence or restrict individuals or organizations in the society. The technological environment consists of those forces that affect the technology and which can create new products, new markets, and new marketing opportunities. (Dictionary of Marketing Terms) Regulatory and Political Environment: Regulatory and political environment denotes local, state, national, and global laws and regulation which concern businesses. Many business decisions are motivated by the legal and regulatory controls (Solomon, Marshall Stuart. 2006, p. 52). Retail Merchants like other industries are subjected to a number of local and international regulations. Political and legal factors contribute to the environment in which managerial decisions must be made. (Daniels)[1] They are an integral part of the retail operating environment. There are regulations governing the conduct of business in various sectors of the South African Economy. Regulatory bodies and processes the South African Retail Council (SARC (Consumer Goods Council)[2] A unified retail body that will strengthen retailers position and voice in the industry. The objective of SARC is to deal with issues pertaining to retailers interests, the pressing challenges facing the retail industry as a whole including: a fragmented retail representation to key stakeholders; and duplication of efforts and costs. As a collective voice for the industry SARC will shape the environment in which retail business takes place in South Africa. Fundamentally, SARC will focus on two particular areas as impacting on the retail industry: Economic legislative Affairs; and Labour Relations. As a unit within the CGCSA, SARC enjoys the benefit of sharing the existing infrastructure and well established resources currently enjoyed by CGCSA. SARC is mandated to engage in debates and discussions of legislation drafting which will impact on retailers; to give direct input into the South Africas regulatory frameworks. SARCs mandate with regards to labour relations would be to work w ith the government on labour issues especially regarding transformation and equity compliance. Members also have an opportunity to network through seminars, workshops and conferences thus getting an opportunity to learn and build relationships; Information and Resources: regular updates on industry position statements, policy papers or briefings and government submissions. Consumer Goods Council of South Africa[3] The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa is a Section 21 company representing over 11,000 member companies in the retail, wholesale and manufacturing of consumer goods. Its vision is to be a formidable and respected industry voice in South Africa. Its mission is to promote partnership amongst stakeholders across the consumer goods industry in resolving shared non-competitive matters in the most efficient manner to the ultimate benefit of the consumer. (CGCSA) Competition Commission In meeting the objectives to the Competition Acts, the commission is focused on restricting anti-competitive practices, eliminating abuse of dominant positions and strengthening merger control. Three institutions are created in terms of the Act to achieve the above objectives: The Competition Commission, which is independent but whose decisions may be appealed to the Competition Tribunal and the Competition Appeal Court; The Competition Tribunal, which has jurisdiction throughout South Africa and is independent from the competition institutions; and The Competition Appeal Court, which has status similar to that of a High Court and jurisdiction throughout South Africa. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) Sources: Government Communication and Information System, Waksmans Attorneys: Business Guide to South Africa, DTI Office of Consumer Protection[4] The Office of the Consumer Protection (OCP) functions as part of the consumer and Corporate Regulation Division of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti). The OCP administers the Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practises) Act 71 of 1988. The office also enforces other legislation administered by the dti that contains consumer protection provisions. The Office of Consumer Protection is committed to protecting consumers against unfair business practices through complaints resolution, investigations, prosecutions, education and voluntary compliance programmes. It does this by: Promoting the spirit of fair trade between consumers and service providers; Educating consumers about their rights and duties; Providing quick and fast resolution of complaints through negotiated settlements; Investigating and resolving matters relating to unfair business practices; Prosecuting Offenders ITAC ITAC was established through an Act of Parliament, the International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002, which came into force on 1 June 2003. The aim of ITAC, as stated in the Act, is to foster economic growth and development in order to raise incomes and promote investment and employment in South Africa and within the Common Customs Union Area by establishing an efficient and effective system for the administration of international trade subject to this Act and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement. The core functions are: customs tariff investigations; trade remedies; and import and export control. Legal Environment In the context of Macro Environment analysis a legal system is the mechanism for creating, interpreting and enforcing the laws in a specified jurisdiction. The South African Retail environment is a regulated one exhibiting elements of constitutional law, criminal, civil and commercial laws. According to (International Business Environments and Operations 12th Edition, Daniels, Radebaugh, Sullivan; Pg 158) The constitution of a country is designed to guarantee an open and just political order, the criminal law is designed to safeguard the social order, the civil and commercial laws ensure fairness and efficiency of business transactions. Aspects of all three components bear on the decisions made by managers and investors. This accurately describes the legal environment in which the South African Retail market operates. The legislation applicable in the country is a method used by the government to regulate retail business practices, defining acceptable practices for conducting business transactions, to specific the rights and obligations of parties engaged in the business transactions and to afford legal redress when needed.(Int. bus Environ Operations) The South African legal climate is that of a democratic mixed legal system, engaging, common law, civil laws codified in various legislation, regulations and customary law. South Africa offers a balanced legal and political system safeguarding the interest of consumers as well as corporations, small medium enterprises. The political climate as well as the social environment is stable. The legal environment is derived partly from the political climate in a country and has three distinct dimensions to it: The domestic laws of home country; the domestic laws of foreign markets; International law in general. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Domestic laws govern marketing within a country, e.g. the physical attributes of a product will be influenced by laws (designed to protect consumers) relating to the purity, safety or performance of the product. Domestic laws might also constrain marketers in the areas of product packaging, marking and labeling, and contracts with agents. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) South Africas commercial legal system has been influenced by English law. English courts create and follow precedents just as South African courts do. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Central to all commercial activities is the contract. The purpose of a contract is to specify the respective rights and obligations of the parties to an agreement and outline specific procedures or actions that must take place. Buyers and sellers are at times also subject to international law, which may be defined as that body of rules which regulates relationships between countries or other international legal persons. There is neither an international parliament empowered to create international law; nor an international police force to enforce it. The principal sources of international law are treaties and conventions. Other sources of international law are custom (i.e. international practice that is accepted as law) and the general principles of law recognised by civilized nations or natural law (the basis of human co-existence). The Incoterms (2000), as published by the International Chamber of Commerce, are not, strictly speaking, part of international law. Another area in which international law plays an important role is in controlling the use of the sea and the environment outside the territorial waters of countries. The control of international air travel by organisations such as IATA (International Airline Transport Association), or structures such as The Hague-Visby Rules in relation to ocean freight, may also be regarded as part of international law. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Legislation affecting the Retail Market in South Africa:- Labour Laws in South Africa (Department of Labour South Africa)[5] (Employing Workers) Workers in the retail sector are protected by a plethora of legislation (listed below). Notably the protection afforded by legislation and regulations deals with: wages,, hours of work, leave, prohibition of child labor and termination of employment. Amended Labour Relations Act; Basic Conditions of Employment (Amendment) Act, 2002 ; Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997; Basic Conditions of Employment Act Labour Relations Act ; Labour Relations amendment Act 2002; Employment Equity ; Employment Equity Act ; Skills Development Act ; Unemployment Insurance Fund; Rules for the conduct of proceedings before the CCMA; Skills Development Act; Sectoral Determination: 9: Wholesale and retail sector; No. 85 of 1993: Occupational Health and Safety Act as amended by Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act, No. 181 Of 1993 Labour Regulations There is a plethora of regulations impacting the SA Retail labor and some of these are:-Driven machinery, Electrical Machinery, Construction ,Asbestos ,Lift escalator and passenger conveyer, Electrical Installation, Environmental regulation for workplaces, Facilities, Certificate of competency. South African Paint Manufacturers Association: Guide to Health Safety in the workplace Employment Equity: Code of good practice: Employment Equity, EEA 2: Employment Equity report, EEA 4: Income differential statement, EEA 10: Occupational categories, Technical Assistance Guidelines on the employment of people with disabilities) Land and Building Laws (Dealing with Licenses, Registering Property) Construction Industry Development Board Act, 2000; National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977); Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act Tax Laws (Paying Taxes) Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 1999; Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 2004; Value-Added Tax Act, 1991 See discussion on Tax below. Constitution of South Africa Commercial and Company Laws (Starting a Business, Protecting Investors, Closing a Business) Companies Amendment Act, 2004; Companies Act, 1973; Competition Act, 1998 Civil Procedure Codes (Enforcing Contracts, Closing a Business, Protecting Investors) Magistrates Courts Rules of Court Banking and Credit Laws (Getting Credit, Protecting Investors) Banks Act, 1990; Insolvency Act Unfair Business Practices Act no 71 of 1988 EXCHANGE CONTROLS (SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK) Financial Regulations (Financial Services Board) Consumer Protection Act no 68 of 2008 (Data to follow) Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practises) Act 71 of 1988 The act deals with unfair business practise which is defined as any businesses practice which directly or indirectly has, or is likely to have, the effect of harming relations between business and consumers, unreasonably prejudicing any consumer, deceiving any consumer or unfairly affecting any consumer. Competition Amendment Bill, 2008[6] In 2006 DT reviewed the current competition regulatory framework. The review of the existing competition law regime was informed by a need to respond to the industrial policy objectives such as promotion of competitiveness; Observations on the challenges of the competition authorities in dealing with uncompetitive outcomes resulting in artificially high prices to the detriment of consumers; e.g. competition problems resulting from complex monopolies or multi-firm conduct; To strengthen efforts on cartel enforcement by introducing personal liability on directors who cause their firms to engage in cartel activities. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) To address these, the dti proposes to introduce Competition Amendment Bill, 2008 (Bill). The Bill is not intended to overhaul the current competition regime but is focused on key areas aimed at Strengthening the existing provisions of the Competition Act; Providing the competition authorities with extra powers to deal robustly with uncompetitive practices; and Enabling the Competition Commission to play a more proactive role in investigating markets and take measures to ensure market transparency. Competition Commission Act[7] 1998 (Werksmans Publications) The Competition Act affects every business operating in South Africa, and the serious consequences of contravention necessitate a sound understanding of its basic principles. An overarching law, the Competition Act, prohibits anti-competitive behavior such as price-fixing and collusion between competitors, and the abuse of dominance. The Act also provides for a merger control regime in terms of which the prior approval of the competition authorities must be obtained for certain mergers and acquisitions. South African competition law differs from foreign models in that the focus is not purely on competition issues, but also on certain public interest and social goals such as the promotion of small businesses, the interests of employees and black economic empowerment. South Africa has a well-developed and regulated competition regime based on best international practice. South Africas economic system is predominantly based on free market principles. However, as in most developed economies, competition is controlled. The Act fundamentally reformed the countrys competition legislation, substantially strengthening the powers of the competition authorities along the lines of the European Union, US and Canadian models. The Act provides for various prohibitions on anti-competitive conduct, restrictive practices (such as price fixing, predatory pricing and collusive tendering) and abuses by dominant firms (firms with a market share of 35% or more). South African authorities embarked on a major overhaul of competition policy, which led to the formulation of a new policy, the Competition Act, No. 89 of 1998, which seeks to achieve the following objectives: To promote the efficiency, adaptability and development of the economy; To provide consumers with competitive prices and product choices; To promote employment and advance the social and economic welfare of South Africans; To expand opportunities for South African participation in world markets and recognise the role of foreign competition in the Republic; To ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have an equitable opportunity to participate in the economy; and To promote a greater spread of ownership, in particular to increase the ownership stakes of historically disadvantaged persons (HDIs). Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act No 53 of 2003[8] Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a specific government policy to advance economic transformation and enhance the economic participation of black people in the South African economy. The Department of Trade and Industrys (the dtis) growth strategy includes a focus on broadening participation, equity and access to redress for all economic citizens, particularly those previously marginalised. The Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act, No. 53 of 2003, facilitates the dtis work in this area by establishing a legislative framework for the promotion of BEE; empowering the Minister to issue Codes of Good Practice and publishing Transformation Charters; establishing the BEE Advisory Council; and making provision for matters connected therewith. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002, The object of the Act is to foster economic growth and development in order to raise incomes and promote investment and employment in the Republic and within the Common Customs Area by establishing an efficient and effective system for the administration of international trade subject to this Act and the SACU agreement. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) Intellectual Property Rights[9] South Africa has a developed system of intellectual property law covering patents, industrial designs, copyright and trademarks. It is also a signatory to most of the international conventions in this field. Environmental Regulation In terms of Section 24 of the Constitution and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) is to take care that a sound balance is maintained between environmental and socio-economic aspects in all policies, plans, programmes and decisions, including the encouragement of investment, granting of incentives and all other interventions. the dti encourages existing industries to implement Cleaner Production (CP) as an internationally adopted tool that incurs savings, increases competitiveness and elevates companies to higher levels of resource and energy efficiency. the dti at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development established the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), which implements CP in priority sectors, focusing on textiles, agro-processing and chemicals. NCPC sector projects are conducted in terms of Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) Customised Sector Programmes (CSP). POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) The political environment has an impact on the attractiveness of economic prospects of a particular country or region, also a companys international activities. The decision on whether or on to transact will be influenced by various factors including financial penalties on a company or if unanticipated events in the political arena lead to the loss of income-generating assets. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) The greater the level of involvement in a foreign markets, the greater the need to monitor the political climate of the countries business is conducted. Changes in government often result in changes in policy and attitudes towards foreign business. Bearing in mind that a foreign company operates in a host country at the discretion of the government concerned, the government can either encourage foreign activities by offering attractive opportunities for investment and trade, or discourage its activities by imposing restrictions such as import quotas, etc. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za).Companies should therefore continually adjust their policies accordingly. Nearly all governments today play active roles in their countries economies. Although evident to a greater or lesser extent in most countries, government ownership of economic activities is still prevalent in the former centrally planned economies, as well as in certain developing countries which lack a sufficiently well developed private sector to support a free market system. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Reflected in a governments attitudes and policies towards business are its ideas about how best to promote national interest in the light of the countrys economic and political resources and objectives. Foreign products and investment seen to be vital to the growth and development of the economy often receive favourable treatment from the government in the form of reduced tax, exemption from quotas, etc. On the other hand, products considered by a government to be non-essential, undesirable, or a threat to local industry are frequently subjected to a variety of import restrictions such as quotas and tariffs. It is also important to be aware of the nature of the relationship between South Africa and the foreign target market. This was a major consideration during South Africas political isolation. Fortunately, South Africas international relations have normalised and today South Africa is viewed very favourably, from a political perspective, by the rest of the world. The political environment is connected to the international business environment through the concept of political risk. Political risk is determined differently for different companies, as not all of them will be equally affected by political changes. Political risk is of a macro nature when politically inspired environmental changes affect all foreign investment. It is of a micro nature when the environmental changes are intended to affect only selected fields of business activity or foreign firms with specific characteristics, (possibly by expropriation). When business is conducted in developing countries, the risks of greatest concern are civil disorder, war and expropriation. When business is conducted in industrialised countries, labour disruptions and price controls are generally seen to pose the greatest threats to a companys profitability. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Government Policies As in any other industry, the retail trader has to follow and honour laws and regulations of the host country and central regulations. At some level of the state, the retailer has to pay licence fees, and comply with community health and fire, safety standards, as well as zoning and building codes. At the point of the government and central controls can have a variety from pricing to employee hiring to the insurance of credit (Stewart Abbott. 1993, P. 115). South Africa operates an open market economy often retailers have challenges with compliance with the technical standards, regulatory and conformity assessment regimes are substantial, even when they are transparent. (Koch)(Technical Barriers to trade Barriers Faced by South African SMMES Michael A Peet Steven F Koch) Government regulation comes in many forms, such as tax regulation, labour regulation and regulations concerning the import and export of goods. These regulations have both costs and benefits, which government must balance. Regulation is a broad area that impacts on companies in many different ways. A study conducted and using data gathered from a number of South African Company surveys to investigate how government regulations impact on firms showed the following findings:- Funding, grants and initiatives Sources of funding for Companies or individuals doing business in South Africa are mainly from Commercial Banks. Funding from Bank Loans affords tax efficient benefits where the funds are used for the purpose of trade and in the production of income. The interest paid on the loan is tax deductible, subject to the transfer pricing and thin capitalization provisions. (DTI, 2009) Local borrowing virtually includes all forms of borrowing and financing facilities, e.g. bank loans, overdrafts, facilities and finance leases, credit extended to local suppliers of goods and services, borrowing limits are set on pre-set formula. Types of loans (DTI, 2009) include:- Mortgage Loans: each commercial bank applies its own policies; Unsecured loans: to finance working capital through overdrafts, depending on good standing of the company. Alternatively the banks can require security in the form of personal guarantees by the directors, physical security such as bond over unbounded property, or a cession of the book debts of the company. Discounting and factoring: discounting of e.g. foreign bills, trade bills, bankers acceptances or promissory notes. Corporate Finance: for medium sized companies, tailor made solutions for larger or more complex needs.; Export Finance and Guarantees State Assistance: The state owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) finances the private sector to facilitate commercially sustainable industrial development and innovation to the benefit of South Africa and Southern Africa. Finance is in the form of equity, quasi equity and medium tern loan finance. Interest rates are competitive and risk related and based on the prime bank overdraft rate. T

The Merchant Of Venice :: Free Merchant of Venice Essays

When William Shakespeare wrote, The Merchant of Venice, he included a female character that influences the play dramatically. In most of Shakespeare's plays, the women have little power and intelligence. In The Merchant of Venice, however, Portia is a woman that saves the life of a man with her wit and intelligence. Another woman created by Shakespeare that posses qualities similar to Portia is Beatrice, from Much Ado about Nothing. Both women add to the main themes of the play because of their ability to use their intelligence and witty remarks as well as having a loving heart. The women share many similarities as well as many differences which seem to be inevitable because Portia seems to be put on a pedestal that very few can reach. Portia is one of Shakespeare's great heroines, whose beauty, lively intelligence, quick wit, and high moral seriousness have blossomed in a society of wealth and freedom. She is known throughout the world for her beauty and virtue, and she is able to handle any situation with her sharp wit. In many of Shakespeare's plays, he creates female characters that are presented to be clearly inferior to men. The one female, Shakespearean character that is most like Portia would be Beatrice, from Much Ado about Nothing. Both of the women are known for their wit and intelligence. Beatrice is able to defend her views in any situation, as does Portia. Shakespeare gives each of them a sense of power by giving their minds the ability to change words around, use multiple meanings and answer wisely to the men surrounding them. By adding a loving heart to both of these women, Shakespeare makes their intelligence more appealing. Even though Beatrice hides the loving side of her character for most of th e play, she still expresses her kindness and love in other ways. Like Portia, she is a dear friend and an obedient daughter. In the fourth act, after Portia has saved the life of Antonio, she uses her wit, just as Beatrice does to test Benedict's love, to convince Bassanio to surrender the ring that he vowed he would never part with. After simply asking for it and being unsuccessful, she decides to use her intelligence and says, "I see sir, you are liberal in offers. / You taught me first to beg, and now methinks / You teach me how a beggar should be answer'd" (IV.

“Cut” – Creative Writing

â€Å"We're here,† Dad breathed a huge sigh of relief as our flashy, new Lotus rolled effortlessly along the neglected, overgrown gravel drive. The stress of travelling for five exhausting hours across the everlasting terrain of Switzerland had got to all of us. The trepidation engulfed me as we passed the colossal pines that stood at the side of the drive shivering in the unbearably cold temperature. Even at that moment in the depth of the Swiss winter the comforting, peach coloured rays of the rising morning sun peeked warily through the dominant clouds. I stared in awe as a low flying eagle flexed its wings majestically in a demonstration of unlimited power and agility. I watched in wonder, as it swooped through the dense woodland and off into the distance. The car suddenly swerved uncontrollably to the left bringing my wandering thoughts back to the present. Dad, by now a little fatigued nearly hit a baby rabbit, which obviously unaware of its actions darted off into the safety of a nearby gorse bush. The waiting was almost unbearable as we veered around the last corner and drove carefully up to our new house. The house was what I expected. The main building was huge, sixteenth century and made of stone. The outer buildings consisted of a spacious garage and a dilapidated stable block. As we neared it I could see the windows, thick with grime and dust that had gathered over the many years the house had been uninhabited. The crumbling stone walls were wrapped in a substantial blanket of spindly ivy. Much of it was dying, ripped from the now vulnerable walls by the raging gales that had hit Switzerland only months ago. Needless to say, the house looked stunning as the blazing sun beat down lighting it up in the most peculiar way. It had almost a frightening, mysterious feel to it. Even in its beauty it was slightly spooky but that didn't really bother me. It was the house of my dreams set in the vast, mountainous regions of Switzerland. The freedom of the open country appealed greatly to me and the clean, fresh air rushing vigorously through the open car window cleared my mind as I smiled and relaxed, slumping down into the soft, furry car seat. As the first few glistening snowdrops began to fall from the overcast sky I felt at ease with myself. This was my heaven. The gravel crunched as the car ground to a halt. My brother and I leapt out of the lifeless car. Dad enthusiastically wrenched open the awkward car boot and hauled out the most humungous suitcase I had ever seen. He then proceeded to dump it into my weak arms and with ever ounce of my diminishing strength I lugged it into the house. As I entered, the most horrendous musty smell hit my sensitive nose making me feel terribly nauseous. I walked slowly over to the kitchen table. The house was silent, not quiet, but silent. A cold silence. The type that makes you shudder. I looked around. The light flowing through the ancient glass windows cast shadows in the room. The table was coated with thick dust protecting the pinewood underneath. I drew a short, sharp breath and blew. Multitudinous clouds of swirling dust flew through the air covering everything in its path. I coughed violently, my lungs on fire, as they fought to keep the overpowering dust out. All around me spiders scowled, most irritated by my presence. I crept quietly over the old fashioned, tiled floor towards the living room. As I advanced through the broken doorframe I felt a sticky cobweb grab my unsuspecting face, trapping it in a veil of ragged threads. I let out a blood-curdling wail covering my face with my shaking hands. â€Å"Don't be such a baby,† my brother sneered, as, unfortunately for me he walked through the battered front door. I ignored his puerile remark and hurried into the living room. In the darkest corner of the dimly lit room stood a grandfather clock. Tick – tock, tick – tock, tick – tock. Its repetitive sound could be heard every second. Its aching muscles strained continuously to keep it alive. It looked bored and tired like a damp, filthy mine worker in the last hour of his never ending shift. As it hit the hour the shrill everlasting chime of its rusty pendulum rang out echoing in my ears. The dated, grubby wallpaper that appeared to have been once white was now a muddy coloured brown. The leaky roof caused scraggy strips to hang off the cream walls. The stripy light that broke through the dusty barrier on the window caused intricate patterns to cover the dirty floor. My arm, now numb with excruciating pain dropped the intolerable suitcase and with an almighty thud it hit the ground. I heard the front door slam shut sending noticeable vibrations through the floor like the starting tremor of an earthquake. Dad walked in with the last of our belongings. â€Å"Are you O.K,† he exclaimed seeming extremely anxious about my present state. † Yes I'm fine,† I muttered quietly. â€Å"Come and help us unpack,† Dad suggested The thought of unpacking piles of kitchen utensils, bedroom furniture and various miscellaneous objects made me quiver. My legs felt like pink blancmange as I struggled to find a plausible excuse. I could think of tonnes of better things to do in this serene countryside than unenthusiastically unpacking hoards of useless junk! † I think I might go and explore our new surroundings,† I stuttered, that being the only half – decent excuse my unproductive brain could generate. I staggered past my father, lengthening my hurried steps like a startled antelope fleeing for its life. As I reached for the door I glanced towards my unfortunate brother and mocked him as he started to unpack lackadaisically. I strode out into the freezing winters air and felt it bite my rosy cheeks. The blinding sun had risen and put a glorious smile on the faces of colourful flowers. I heard the distant crunch of the gravel drive and roaring around the corner came the yellow painted, battered removal van that made a deafening clanging noise every time it hit a pothole. I smiled, praising myself for the dextrous way in which I got out of unpacking. I wandered over to the broken, wooden gate that led out into the acres of harsh mountains that we now owned. I opened the fragile gate and stepped carefully through. As soon as I did I entered a new, magical world. The fiery sun made the sodden grass glisten like the expensive diamonds that stood in the busy New York streets that contained my old house. This was so wonderfully different to New York. As I took my first delicate steps into this radiant world I felt at ease with myself. My eyes rolled in there tightening sockets as I looked around. The emerald grass unfolded meticulously before me like a contemporary carpet that had been recently laid. I carefully picked out the biggest mountain and in my insane determination I decided to climb to the top. It wasn't too far ahead, just through some dense woodland and there it would be. As I traipsed through the meadow grass the fresh, overnight dew bleached my comfortable trainers making my feet squelch with every step. From the ground arose a hazy mass of steam through which I had to strain my weary eyes to see. Overhead I heard the distant rumbling of a helicopter shattering the glorious peacefulness of this incredible place. Stopping to inhale the invigorating mountain air I caught sight of a bunch of daffodils. Their petals shone like the 18-carat gold pendant that hung loosely around my neck. Bending down low I prudently picked them and placed them in my new satchel making sure they wouldn't get damaged. I quickened my pace slightly as I gaped at my watch. The time had flown by at amazing speed. I had been enjoying myself so much. Now as I neared the dense woodland that lay before me I started to feel more and more exhilarated. The entrance to the forest was extremely boggy. Clusters of trees spread their leaves out as far as possible as they fought to keep out the light. My watering eyes widened to let in every bit of available light. It was like entering a graveyard at midnight. Everything was silent. I shivered as small goose bumps protected my freezing body. It was much chillier in the forest. I scrabbled into my deep waterproof bag and retrieved my much-needed sweater. It took me an eternity to put it on as I struggled impatiently to get my massive head through the correct hole. I strolled on only to trip over a tree trunk. † Ouch,† I bellowed, more irritated than anything else. I heard a scuffle as an anxious vixen fled from my disturbance. I picked myself up and brushed the ingrained mud off of my combat, camouflaged trousers. The leaves swirled around my aching feet, irate from being uplifted from where they lay. I wandered on unaware of what was to follow. The twigs crackled from beneath my feet attacking me as I stomped along the disused path. I had no idea how far I was from the long awaited mountain but suddenly seeing a strip of light desperately reaching towards the forest floor gave me hope. Behind me a sleepy owl hooted ignorantly, making me jump. I was already on edge as it was quite terrifying walking in the pitch black. â€Å"Yes,† I shrieked, as walking around the last corner I saw light at the end of the forest. I stepped up my pace to a jog, panting with every step as my deprived lungs gasped for air. I leapt out of the forest and there sure enough towering above me was the gigantic mountain. In my enthusiasm I started to climb. The steep gradient didn't bother me. It was my goal to get to the top and I would get there at all costs. Various birds squawked noisily above my head and flew off into the distance swooping and diving at different intervals. The fiery dragon that had earlier heated the air with its scorching breath and lit the sky with an incredible red sunrise had slowly flown behind the clouds. It was now stone cold and the first heavy drops of salty tasting rain were falling at an increasingly hurried rate. The bright sky had turned a miserable grey. As I climbed, by now a little more slowly, I suddenly felt something hit my face. A sharp pang of pain rippled through my cheek and I clutched it tightly, cringing as it began to throb. I looked around and saw the culprit. The bat flew off innocently as if it had done nothing wrong. All around I could see animals running for cover. If only then I had realise the danger they were warning me of; things might have been a lot different. The atmosphere was creepy. The noticeable noise that had once surrounded the mountain had completely disappeared. It was eerie and as the first flash of disconcerting lightning appeared in the dismal sky I was rather wishing I was still at home. Thud! I heard the noise from behind me. I started to panic. It was probably a tree falling down or something of that kind I thought, desperately trying to reassure myself. Thud! I heard it again. I froze. Looking around I could see nothing but I felt so vulnerable, so alone. I bravely carried on. Thud! By now I was petrified. Tears ran down my fearful face. I screamed out. Battling against the driving rain I ran. Thud! Thud! Somebody was chasing me. I looked behind me. Nothing. â€Å"Help,† I whimpered, but I new there was no – one to save me. Thud! Thud! Thud! It continued. I was in hysteria, tearing up mountain. My legs could go no faster. Thud! Thud! I looked behind me again. Nothing. At every step I took†¦ †¦Thud! Thud! I was blinded by fear and as I glanced behind me once more through my tear-glazed eyes I could see a tall, dark figure. Although transparent in appearance to my horror I could see it was moving towards me. Thud! Thud! I felt the breath on my neck. Hot. Clammy. I was screaming with terror. I felt dangerously faint. The fine hairs on the back of my pale neck stuck up on end. Speechless from shock, still I screamed. But I could no longer go on. In my growing exhaustion, I stumbled. Then I felt him grab me†¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ Cut,† The director bellowed. We had been filming all day and I was just getting in the mood for the thriller that we were staging. Retreating hastily to join the rest of the cast I knew what the director was about to say. In the failing evening light he took the words right out of my mind. † The light is to dim. All return back here tomorrow!† he shouted as he stormed off.

Explore the ways Golding presents the relationship between Goody Pangall and Roger Mason

The opening of the extract reveals that the relationship between the pair may not be mutual, and may appear to Goody to be threatening. This becomes apparent through the way in which her movements are described as being â€Å"brisk† yet â€Å"without much will to go forward†. This provokes the reader to fathom that there is some sort of aggressive energy between the duo, particularly when coupled with the projected image of â€Å"open terror† in her face. This may seem to be Golding's method by which to foreshadow any abusive occurrences yet to come such as rape or violence. However, this whilst it may initially appear to be an abusive situation for Goody is infact quite the opposite as it is later revealed that her timid actions are not due to fear of an aggressor, but due to the â€Å"tent† which is said to be â€Å"feared† by them both. This â€Å"tent† as it is described is an invisible bond between the two, much like the â€Å"rope† which once tethered together Jocelin and Pangall. This bond however, unlike that between the two priests is almost self-enforcing as it confines them with each other and is described as having â€Å"shut them off† from the other characters. As this union between them is said to be â€Å"shut† it implies that the relationship is intended to remain private, which is unsurprising given the ideas and values of the time and their surroundings as it would be deemed strictly improper for this relationship to continue within the sanctity of the cathedral, and in particular is between two married people which even by modern standards is considered a taboo and so bears considerable stigma. The â€Å"tent† forms a palpable enclosure of secrecy in which the pair may act as they wish without being exposed, however the opaque exterior of the â€Å"tent† does not necessarily prevent their discovery as it has no barrier for sound, and under close and suspicious scrutiny becomes transparent, revealing their scandal. The â€Å"fear† expressed by Goody Pangall may also be a sign of guilt as it would be truly shameful for her affair to be unveiled, particularly by her husband. Also, the relationship between the pair is most likely based upon a physical attraction derived from the base instinct, lust. As such, the timing for the emergence of their relationship lends itself willingly to the overall plot as the stench of stagnant water and death emitted by the pit is symbolic of the Freudian id, as it is taken to be the more concealed and inviolable facet of the church due to its disruptive and disconcerting nature. As such, the surfacing of this illegitimate relationship has been timed well as it, like the stench is also likely to disrupt the already crumbling church community. Golding uses many alternative and diverse methods with which to present the affiliation between the couple. In this extract alone, he employs many techniques to present and investigate their association. The first apparent method is that of scrutinising observation from a distance, typically presented through the eyes of Jocelin, in a manner which literally means that the reader sees the world through his eyes. This is almost to be expected as Golding uses Jocelin as the focal point or foundation upon which the rest of the novel's extreme depth and vision is constructed throughout the book. In this manner, the reader is introduced to the affair through the reactions and indignation of Jocelin. Read also Intro to Public Relations Notes However, Jocelin's reactions must be taken with a hint of caution as it is obvious that he personally lusts after her and so is jealous of Pangall and now of Roger as his earlier comments such as â€Å"she is entirely woman† would indicate. However, it may be believed that the relationship is revealed or perhaps foreshadowed prior to the point of this extract as Jocelin forces the images to the back of his mind and so refuses to focus upon their implications, which allows him to evade any in depth thought or interpretation of previous situations which the reader may now link to the affair. Another method which Golding uses to present the relationship is simply that of narrative observation. This is employed towards the climax of the extract as the reader is no longer seeing the world from within Jocelin, but is being shown his reactions to it in order to interpret its meanings and implications. The relationship is clear and obvious in its existence and to Jocelin must have clear meanings as it is stated that â€Å"a strange certainty fell on Jocelin† as he spied upon the pair's private meeting. In a somewhat removed and malignant manner, the climax of the relationship between the pair may prophesise and so foreshadows the end for Jocelin. This is due to the manner in which the death or eventual murder of Goody coupled with the severing of Jocelin from all other members of the church body such as Pangall as the â€Å"rope† which once â€Å"bound† them together has since been â€Å"cut†, even prior to his disappearance. In this manner it seems that all of Jocelin's â€Å"old friends† now scorn or cease contact with him as a result of his blinding ambition. As such, once Goody is no longer alive for Jocelin to lust after and all others have deserted him, the eventual end of his life cannot be far off. Golding therefore uses an intense and diverse array of methods through which to display and enhance every facet of the relationship. As such allowing it to be interpreted and moulded by the reader so that it may be deemed to signify, any meanings ranging from the pedestrian to the fantastic.

Thomas Hardy Quotes From Tess of the dUrberville

Thomas Hardy Quotes From 'Tess of the d'Urberville' Tess of the dUrberville is a tragedy. The novel details the loss of innocence and the ultimate destruction of a young girl. The novel was one of the last novels by Thomas Hardy, who is also famous for Jude the Obscure. Here are a few quotes from Tess of the dUrberville. I dont know; but I think so. They sometimes seem to be like the apples on our stubbard-tree. Most of them splendid and sound - a few blighted.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 4 I wont sell his old body. When we dUrbervilles was knights in the land, we didnt sell our chargers for cats meat. Let em keep their shillings! Heve served me well in his lifetime, and I wont part from him now.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 4 Thus, the thing began. Had she perceived this meetings import she might have asked why she was doomed to be seen and coveted that day by the wrong man, and not by some other man, the right and desired one in all respects...- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 5 Out of the frying pan into the fire!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 10 But some might say, where was Tesss guardian Angel? Where was the providence of her simple faith? Perhaps... he was talking, or he was pursuing, or he was in a journey, or he was sleeping and not to be awaked... As Tesss own people down in those retreats are never tired of saying among each other in their fatalistic way: It was to be.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 11 My life looks as if it had been wasted for want of chances! When I see what you know, what you have read, and seen, and thought, I feel what a nothing I am!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 19 I cant bear to let anybody have him but me! Yet it is wrong Tess him, and may kill him when he knows!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 28 Yes; at that dance on the green; but you would not dance with me. O, I hope that is no ill-omen for us now!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 30 you always courting me, and always thinking as much of me as you have done through the past summertime!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 32 You are very good. But it strikes me that there is a want of harmony between your present mood of self-sacrifice and your past mood of self-preservation.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 35 I agree to the conditions, Angel; because you know best what my punishment ought to be; only - only - dont make it more than I can bear!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 37 She would have laid down her life for ee. I could do no more.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 40 You, and those like you, take your fill of pleasure on earth by making the life of such as me bitter and black with sorrow; and then it is a fine thing when you have had enough of that, to think of securing your pleasure in heaven by becoming converted!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 45 How can I pray for you, when I am forbidden to believe that the great Power who moves the world would alter his plans on my account?- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 46 You have been the cause of my backsliding, he continued, stretching his arm towards her waist; you should be willing to share it, and leave that mule you call husband forever.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 47 Remember, my lady, I was your master once! I will be your master again. If you are any mans wife you are mine!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 47 O why have you treated me so monstrously, Angel! I do not deserve it. I have thought it all over carefully, and I can never, never forgive you! You know that I did not intend to wrong you - why have you so wronged me? You are cruel, cruel indeed! I will try to forget you. It is all injustice I have received at your hands!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 51 his original Tess had spiritually ceased to recognize the body before him as hers - allowing it to drift, like a corpse upon the current, in a direction disassociated from its living will.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 55 O, you have torn my life all to pieces... made me be what I prayed you in pity not to make me be again!- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 56 And the dUrberville knights and dames slept on in their tombs unknowing.- Thomas Hardy, Tess of the dUrberville, Chapter 59

Guide to Using SAT Practice Tests 20 Hour Prep

Guide to Using SAT Practice Tests 20 Hour Prep SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips It's important to learn how to use official SAT practice tests as study resources because they will give you the most accurate reading of what to expect on the real SAT. If you only have twenty hours to prepare, this guide will teach you how to use practice tests to your best advantage within that limited time. I'll walk you through why SAT practice tests are important and how you can use a step by step twenty hour plan to get the most out of them. Why Are SAT Practice Tests a Good Tool for Short-Term Prep? Practice tests can be very helpful if you only have a short time to prepare for the SAT.You’ll experience larger point gains through enhancing yourunderstanding of the overall format of the test than you would through focusing solely on specific content issues.Practice tests will introduce you to the time constraints and question types you’ll see on the real test, so you’ll be prepared to deal with the time pressure and confusing wording that tends to stump students who have less experience with the SAT. The benefits of practice tests increase even further if you can evaluate your mistakes accurately and take steps to fix them.Although you don’t have much time, higher level weaknesses in test-taking strategy can be fixed relatively quickly.Practice tests give you the power to recognize these weaknesses and take simple steps to eliminate them. How to Prep for the SAT in 20 Hours Using Practice Tests Here's a step-by-step guide to using practice tests in a twenty hour study plan. You can adjust the times to your personal needs, but this plan provides a rough outline of how to go about the process of taking practice tests and evaluating your mistakes. Step 1: Take a Baseline Test (4 Hours) You will need to take an initial practice test to see where you stand score-wise and diagnose your weaknesses.Make sure that you use the appropriate time constraints and set yourself up in a quiet environment.You should also print out the test so that you can simulate realistic testing conditions. Print out this picture and give it to your family when you're taking an SAT practice test. Step 2: Analyze and Fix Your Mistakes (4 Hours) Now that you’ve taken a practice test, you can look at your incorrect answers to figure out your biggest problems.You won’t have time to fix all of your issues on the test in this short study period, but you can tackle some of the most common mistakes at a higher level. Take note of whether you messed up on certain sections in particular.If you find that you had a lot of difficulty on one part of the test, you should devote some time to figuring out what went wrong and how you can fix it.There may be a few different issues that need addressing if you hope to raise your scores significantly. Here are a couple of scenarios you might encounter and some short-term strategies for improving your performance. Running Out of Time If running out of time is an issue for you, you will be able to improve your performance through greater familiarity with the test material and smarter test-taking strategies.Do you tend to get stuck on difficult questions? On your next practice test, skip any question that you can’t figure out within 30 seconds on the Reading and Writing sections or within a minute on the Math section.You shouldn’t waste too much time struggling on hard questions. If you do, you run the risk of missing easier questions at the end of the section and losingmajor points! If you’re running into problems with time on the Reading section, you might try switching up your strategy.Most students instinctively read the passages on the SAT closely, but this can lead to time issues if you’re a slower reader.Try skimming the passages instead (read the introduction and conclusion paragraphs and the first and last sentences of each body paragraph).You should be able to answer most questions just by skimming, and it will save you a ton of time.If you find that you don't know the answer to a question, you can always go back and read specific parts of the passage more closely. Another method that might work for you is skipping the passage altogether and heading straight for the questions.On the SAT, you’re given line numbers for most of the passage-based reading questions, so you can just read the lines indicated in the questions rather than the entire passage. For more strategies to combat time management issues on the SAT, see these articles with tips for how to stop running out of time on Reading and Math. Ah, time, the forever-ticking demon that haunts us all. Careless Mistakes If you made a lot of careless mistakes, you might be rushing or not reading the questions closely enough. Acareless mistake is an incorrect answer to a question that should have been easy for you.It might be a result of misreading what the question was asking for or being overly confident and not thinking it through. Issues with careless mistakes can be fixed through more practice testing (yay!) and awareness of your time management.Careless mistakes are also easy to spot if you double check your answers for each section. You should make a point of doing this if you have any extra time at the end! Question Misunderstandings Did you find that you genuinely misunderstood some of the questions on the test? If you're running into these types of mistakes, you should continue to practice similar questions. Make sure you fully understand why the correct answer makes sense.Once you know the solution, try working through the question or problem on your own to see where you might have gone wrong.This strategy will help train your brain to handle similar questions in the future. Lack of Content Knowledge Since you don’t have very much time, gaps in your content knowledge aren’t going to be easy to fill.If there are minor things you don’t know (such as a mathematical formula or grammar rule that you need to memorize), you can review them before the next practice test.If you’re struggling with an entire content area, like functions or geometry, you might not have enough time to fix those problems.Focus on surface-level content issues to maximize your point gains in this short time window. Make sure you're content with your content knowledge. For more tips on how to review your mistakes, check out this article.You might not be able to comb meticulously through all the questions you got wrong, but there are some useful strategies that can still be implemented by students who are pressed for time. Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 (8 Hours) Now that you’ve reviewed your mistakes and tried to fix most of the issues you had on the last test, you can take another practice test to see whether you’ve improved.Go through the same process with this test as you did on the previous one.If you find that you’ve improved significantly, that’s a good sign! You may be making different types of mistakes now, so it’s worth it to do another analysis. If you didn’t improve, you should consider how you went through the process of fixing your mistakes on the first test and whether you need to implement different strategies. Step 4: Take a Final Practice Test (4 Hours) After reviewing and fixing your mistakes on the second practice test, you should take a final test to prepare for the real SAT.You can take this practice test a couple of days before your test date. Make sure you keep all the strategies in mind that you developed from reviewing your other practice tests, and don’t change your methods between now and the real SAT. Total Time: 20 Hours! Wahoo! You did it! Will 20 Hours Be Enough for Me? Depending on how much you need to improve, 20 hours might be more than enough time, but it's not an ideal amount of prep time for students who are looking for significant score improvements on the SAT.You should start preparing earlierif you hope to raise your scores by more than 200 points or are looking for a perfect score. If you're hoping to improve by 300 points or so, you may be looking at 80 hours of studying as a more realistic amount of time. Take a look at this article on how long you should study for the SAT for more information. You can also read some of these resources to learn more about why your studying for the SAT now will pay off in the future. That being said, anyone can make moderate improvements in twenty hours if she'shonest about hermistakes and takes practice tests under realistic testing conditions.If you’re new to the SAT, you will probably see some big changes in your scores from the first practice test to the third.As a general rule, however, starting your studying earlier will be better for your mental health and your performance on the test! What's Next? Worried about low SAT scores? Here are some prep and test-taking strategies specifically targeted towards low scorers that will help you improve! Do you have procrastination issues when it comes to SAT prep? Find out how to combat procrastination in preparing for standardized tests. If you have a bit more time on your hands and want to learn how to get the best scores possible, read PrepScholar's ultimate guide to SAT prep. Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points?We have the industry's leading SAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today: Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article! Tweet Samantha Lindsay About the Author Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. 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Phoneme vs Minimum Pair in English Phonetics

Phoneme vs Minimum Pair in English Phonetics In phonology and  phonetics, the term minimal pair refers to two words that differ in only one sound,  such as hit and hid. Minimal pairs serve as tools to establish that two (or more) sounds are contrastive. A difference in sound means a difference in meaning, notes  Harriet Joseph Ottenheimer, and thus a minimal pair is the clearest and easiest way to identify phonemes in a language (The Anthropology of Language, 2013). Examples and Observations A minimal pair is a pair of words that differ in a single phoneme. Minimal pairs are often used to show that two sounds contrast in a language. For example, we can demonstrate that [s] and [z] contrast in English by adducing minimal pairs such as sip and zip, or bus and buzz. Since the only difference in these words is the [s] vs. [z], we conclude that they belong to distinct phonemes. However, a similar test would show that [a:j] and [Aj] are distinct phonemes in English, since writer and rider appear to be minimal pairs distinguished in their second elements, not their fourth.We looked!Then we saw him step in onthe mat!We looked!And we saw him!The Cat in the Hat!Cheers and Jeers is an activity that provides an opportunity to use music and humor to relax and release tension.Lit Up/Let DownThe learner has to identify medial or final plosives in isolated words and in sentences where either member of a minimal pair would fit in naturally. For example: Do you repair clocks/clogs? Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. Its not.The US Coast Guard had 125-foot cutters and eight 765-foot long patrol boats. By the late 1920s, forty-five vessels operated out of this local base with some parking at the pier, as can be seen in a postcard.The role of the sympathetic nervous system is to prepare the body for emergencies, commonly known as  fright, flight and  fight  reactions. Word Position and Context [T]he only way we can create a minimal pair with reference to the two sounds involved is to put them in exactly the same environment in terms of word position and the surrounding context, To clarify further,  the pair: jail–Yale shows the contrast between  /dÊ’/ and /j/ in initial position, budge–buzz focuses on the contrast between /dÊ’/ and /z/ in final position, while witch–wish contrasts  /t∠«/ and /ÊÆ'/ in final position. It should be noted that minimal pairs include forms that have different spellings, as evidenced in  jail–Yale. Near Minimal Pairs [S]ometimes it is not possible to find perfect minimal pairs differentiated by only a single sound for every phoneme. Sometimes it is necessary to settle for near minimal pairs ...  [P]leasure and leather qualify as a near minimal pair, since the sounds immediately adjacent to the target sounds, [à °] and [Ê’], are the same in both words: [É›] before the target sound and [É ¹] after it. Like minimal pairs, near  minimal pairs are usually sufficient to demonstrate that two sounds are separate phonemes in a language. Sources: Matthew Gordon, Phonology: Organization of Speech Sounds.  How Languages Work: An Introduction to Language and Linguistics, ed. by  Carol Genetti. Cambridge University Press, 2014James Alasdair McGilvray, The Cambridge Companion to Chomsky. Cambridge University Press, 2005Dr. Seuss, The Cat in  the Hat, 1957Edie L. Holcomb, Getting Excited About Data. Corwin Press, 2004Album by the band Vains of Jenna, 2006Inge Livbjerg and Inger M. Mees, Segmental Errors in the Pronunciation of Danish Speakers of English, 1995Dr. Seuss, The Lorax, 1972A. Wynelle Deese, St. Petersburg, Florida. The History Press, 2006Neil Moonie, Advanced Health and Social Care, 3rd ed. Heinemann, 2000Mehmet Yavas, Applied English Phonology, 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011

Independent Review of the Housing Market in Sydney Essay

Independent Review of the Housing Market in Sydney - Essay Example i. In examining the overriding structure of the Sydney housing market a number of notable points were discovered. Recent shifts in the Sydney housing market have had substantial implications for the structure of real estate sales. In this context of understanding, there have been recent shifts in the type of economic structure exhibited in the Sydney housing market. Bell (2011) indicates that for many years the Sydney housing market wavered between perfection competition and monopolistic competition as middle class citizens participated in a market with larger corporate entities that operated in larger scale real estate. However, with the recent economic recession, coupled by social and economic shifts, increasing numbers of citizens have been restricted from entering the housing market. It’s been noted that, â€Å"Australia, once the exemplar of modestly priced, high-quality middle-class housing, to now the most unaffordable housing market in the English-speaking world† (Zappone 2011). Within this context of understanding, it’s noted that the Sydney housing market has increasingly shifted towards an oligopoly, as the only individuals able to gain market access are corporate entities with substantial sums of money, or upper class individuals. ii. There are a number of elements that characterize the real estate auctions in the Sydney housing market (Bidder’s Guide, 2011). In terms of common or private value auctions, the auctions are private in that the agent is not permitted to show the Bidders Record to anyone. In terms of sealed and open bidding, the bidding is open as the auctions are generally open, except that individuals must disclose their name, address and proof of identity to the selling agent. The bidding method is such that individuals need to raise their hand and let the auctioneer know they are going to make a bid. The winner is determined by who bid the highest, but the auctioneer has the ability to reject bids that mig ht not be in the seller’s interest. It terms of price the buyer pays the price for the auction, and is required to pay a 10% deposit immediately upon winning the auction. iii. There is a process where buyer’s can potentially purchase items prior to auction. This process occurs as individual buyers submit prices for bid before the auction goes up for sale. The auctioneer then has the ability to accept or decline these auction prices according to the seller’s interest. If several bidders submit an auction bid prior to auction, then the auctioneer has the option of choosing the bid in terms of the seller’s interest. There is also a reserve price that must be met in order for the auction to be sold (Bidder’s Guide, 2011). iv. There are a number of recommendations that have been made regarding potential changes in regulatory practices in auction that could be made to improve the NSW real estate market. The current system functions to withhold certain in formation after the auction. In these regards, the auction purchaser is not revealed to other participants. In this auction environment, the lack of transparency makes it possible for sellers to collude in an environment that promotes an oligopoly in the housing market through restricting sales to potential buyers. As Zappone (2011) notes, the Sydney housing market has become the third most expensive in the world. Through increasing

The economy of a specific developing country Essay

The economy of a specific developing country - Essay Example Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa that is strategic for water transport because of the availability of good harbors that are easily accessible to vessels from most parts of the world. This makes Kenya to be strategically advantaged considering the fact that sea transports constitutes significant percentage in promoting international business. In addition, the country has several natural resources including oil that was recently discovered and natural wildlife that contribute significantly to the national income. Further, Kenya has a good human resource base considering that 70% of the population age is below 35 years and most people are well educated (Embassy of United States 1). Of more significance, economic growth in Kenya has been positive in the recent past and is considered as the regional powerhouse. Most election years are characterized by decreased economic growth resulting from political uncertainties in the country. This is evidenced by decline in GDP growth from 7.1% in the year 2007 before elections to 1.6 % in the year 2008 after presidential elections characterized by ethnic violence (Embassy of United States 1). This was not the case in the recently concluded presidential election where the national GDP growth was maintained at around 5% (The World Bank Group 1). According to The Brookings Institution, Kenyan economy acts as an anchor to the regional development in east Africa (1). This is because the country operates on a mixed economy with advanced human capital base and also adoption of technological innovations in the communication sector. On the other hand, Kenya experiences several types of inequalities that affect economic development in one way or another. To start with, there is income inequality in Kenya where few rich citizens control much of the national income (Heifer International 1). This has consequently led to increased poverty levels in the country. In addition, there is unemployment in equity between

The Mandala in Tibetan Buddhism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

The Mandala in Tibetan Buddhism - Research Paper Example â€Å"The Sanskrit term ‘mandala’ (dkhyl khor in Tibetan language) literally means circle, both in the sense of a circular diagram and a surrounding retinue† (Powers, 2007, p. 262). In Buddhist vocabulary, the term encompasses both contexts because it refers to circular diagrams that often incorporate illustrations of deities and their environs. Mandalas are a type of tantrik symbol, conveying a domain of sacredness, frequently portraying the celestial palace of a Buddha. They represent underlying philosophies with profound significance in Tibetan Buddhism. The symbols and images in a mandala describe features of the awakened psychophysical personality of the Buddha, and Buddhist themes and concepts (Powers, 2007, p.262). Generally, there are four types of mandalas: two outer mandalas made from powdered colors and created on a flat surface or painted on textiles, those formed in meditation, and the inner mandala depicting the body of the guru/ teacher or that of t he self (Brauen, 1992). Mandala is a Sanskrit word in which ‘manda’ means essence and ‘la’ means container; thus the term translates into a container of essence (Fleming, 2006). The Tibetan term for mandala is ‘dkhyl ‘khor’, with ‘khor’ defined as ‘that which encircles’ and ‘dkhyl’ meaning ‘around a center’; they can be two or three dimensional and constructed of various materials. The sand mandala is believed to have been transmitted to Tibet from India in the eleventh century (Fleming, 2006). Some who have studied the historical nature of the mandala have conjectured that the mandala diagram arose in Tibet or China in ‘pre-lamist’ times (Brauen, 1992). ... Thus, â€Å"the mandala serves as a representation of an awakened mind that is free of all such obstacles† (Powers, 2007, p.263). In the sphere of tantrik practice, it is a powerful symbol of the state that meditators attempt to achieve. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concept of mandala and the different types of mandalas. Their religious and philosophical meaning in Tibetan Buddism will be discussed, with an emphasis on the sand mandala. The Mandala in Tibetan Buddhism The four types of mandalas consist of two outer mandalas which are made from powdered colors or painted on textiles. The third are the mandalas formed in meditation, and finally the body is the fourth form of mandala. A further form of mandala exists in the three-dimensional type, which are difficult to understand because spatiality is the most striking feature of the basic structure of mandalas. The Dharmamandala Sutra conveys the existince of â€Å"gold, silver, shell, ston e, horn, wood and clay, besides those painted on cloth or made of colored powder† (Buddhist Society, 1996, p.160). Three-dimensional mandalas have been discovered in numerous places where Tibetan Buddhism spread, including the Potala in Lhasa where there is a Kalacakra mandala; the Xuguang Ge of Pule Si in Chengde, China; and Zangdog Palri Monastery in Kalimpong, India. The intrinsic three-dimensionality of all mandalas is seen in the depiction of a three dimensional mandala. This is not a Kalacakra mandala, but a Zhi Khro mandala with one hundred and ten peaceful and wrathful deities of the intermediate state known as bar do. These are the deities that appear to the deceased immediately upon entering the sphere of death. Two-dimensional mandalas may either be painted

Discuss the way in which organisational structures impacts on the flow Essay

Discuss the way in which organisational structures impacts on the flow of work and overall purposes of the service are achieved - Essay Example that an organization can either be formally aligned in its ways and means of doing things and different processes or the same might just be in a way informal in quite a few of its activities and tasks. The manner in which it runs across this paradigm is something that needs to be studied in depth before we reach further consensus on their purposes and the kind of achievements that they have had. As we talk about an organization, we see that within it the communication can flow in one of three ways or in all the three directions. This means that these three directions pave the way for the ease of communication and there are as such no barriers to arise from the whole equation. The first communication flow is from top to bottom, which means that the communication starts from the top management and goes down towards the middle and lower management. It ensures that the instructions are easily made comprehensible for all and sundry who are within the middle and lower cadres and there are as such no discrepancies arising from this form of communication flow. The second form could be the one that starts from the lower or middle management and goes up towards the top management. A common example of this kind of communication flow is in the type of protests and rallies that arise at the lower level and the lower management wants to make sure that their voice gets heard courtesy the top cadre of the organization. The third communication flow could be in the kind of peer to peer communication and interaction. This means that the employees and the workers at the same level communicate within their own capacities and as such there are no hindrances arising from the whole communication matrix. Apart from this, within an organization the communication also flows in a formal as well as an informal manner. Where the communication is more formal and sophisticated, the interaction is usually done through paper and written requests whereas the informal talk is also called

Evaluating ICT Use in Teaching Dyslexic Students in the Mainstream Dissertation - 1

Evaluating ICT Use in Teaching Dyslexic Students in the Mainstream Primary Schools in Saudi Arabia - Dissertation Example 4Study Sample 40 3. 5Ethics 40 3. 6Administration of the Questionnaire 42 3. 7Conclusion 42 Chapter 4: Result and Analysis 43 4.1.Introduction 43 4.2.Response Rate 43 4.3.Characteristics of the Study Sample (Demographic Data) 44 4..2.1.1Academic Qualifications 44 4..2.2.1Major 45 4..2.3.1Minor Major 46 4..2.4.1Teaching Experience 47 4..2.5.1ICT Training 48 60 4.4.Discussion 83 Chapter 6 Conclusion 88 6.1Achievements of the Study 88 6.2Implications for practice 88 6.3Strengths and weaknesses in the study 91 6.4Implications for further research 92 References 94 Abstract Since the introduction of computers in schools in 1970s the role of computers has progressed form tutor to topic to tool. Today, information and computer technology (ICT) has far reaching implications in every sphere of life. Education and learning process have achieved new dimensions with the integration of ICT in the process. It is of special significance for teaching of children with special needs since these student s are characterized by deficits that have adverse impacts on their academic performance. Among the learning disabilities, one of the major causes of concern is dyslexia due to its high prevalence and multivariant manifestation and is characterized by marked reading disability. Use of ICT based intervention strategies have shown potential for overcoming these deficits. Integration of ICT to learning renders the teacher training for ICT imperative. The current study attempts to investigate the availability and integration of ICT resources for the education of regular and dyslexic students in Saudi Arabia and the perceptions of teachers regarding its efficacy for the purpose. The study involved participants from primary schools of Riyadh, KSA who were provided questionnaires comprising of close ended questions on their educational qualifications, experience and ICT training; use and availability of ICT related hardware and software; and their opinion regarding the efficacy and obstacle s in the use of ICT. Significant results from the quantitative research proved a positive correlation existed between ICT training and efficacy of ICT as an educational tool; thus indicating the importance of teacher training in influencing teachers’ perception and usage of ICT. ICT AND DYSLEXIA For people without disabilities, technology makes things convenient; for people with disabilities†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦it makes things POSSIBLE. (Treviranus, 2000) Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter introduces use of information and communication technology (ICT) for education of students with dyslexia and the importance of study of various aspects of dyslexia for an individual as well as a teacher. In order to achieve this aim, the chapter attempts to outline the rationale behind the study, followed by an update on special education status with special attention to Saudi Arabia as the researcher’s country of residence as well as United Kingdom (UK); researcher residing in UK for the major part of the research process. Finally the chapter outlines the aims of the research along with the various objectives followed to achieve the aims. 1.1 Introduction The last two decades have witnessed tremendous advances in information and c

Investment Enhancement Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Investment Enhancement - Research Paper Example This type of investment strategy might be attractive for a senior citizen investor who is looking to minimize or eliminate investment risks since he will be retiring within a few years and needs to lock in his retirement’s benefits. For the typical investor there is variety of benefits to utilizing international investments to improve financial portfolio performance On the other hand most investors are looking to maximize their return on investment therefore are willing to accept an increased level of risk in order to benefit from the possibility of much higher returns. Although studies have shown that the benefits of direct international investments to achieve adequate international portfolio diversification are limited for U.S. investors partly due to the fact that U.S. investors can invest in domestic multinational corporations, country funds. Another reason is possibly because the U.S. both the economy and its stock market are much more developed and diversified than other countries. The benefits of international investments are more easily realized in underdeveloped countries than in developed countries. Investing internationally makes sense to a lot of potential investors since for example foreign investment mutual funds provide the opportunity for individual investors which typically lack the necessary financial resources to buy a large number of stocks on their own to benefit from the expertise of a professionally administered international investment mutual fund. Recently national economies have become more closely linked due to globalization, growing international trade, and investment capital flows. This might lead to realize that the benefits of international portfolio diversification might be overstated. Despite significant interdependencies between markets, there is still room for international diversification. A recent tendency has been for investors to look into emerging economies as good candidates for international diversification. Sinc e ongoing research suggests that since emerging economies are not closely correlated to industrialized there are still considerable opportunities to benefit from international diversification. There are various investment vehicles investors can use to build up a portfolio in the equity and money markets. The most popular form of investment is common stock. The price ticker investors’ track on Wall Street represents common stock investments. Common stocks are equity investment that represents a right of ownership. People that invest in common stock have voting rights over certain corporation decisions. There are different types of common stocks. Two types of common stocks are blue chip and penny stocks. Blue chip stocks are stocks that are issued by a well-known company with an established record of making money and paying dividends (Teweles & Bradley & Teweles, 1992). An example of a blue chip stock company is Microsoft Corporation. Within the category of common stock blue ch ips are considered the safest type of investment. On the other side of the spectrum are penny stocks. Penny stocks are can be defined as stocks that trade at a relative low price and market capitalization typically outside the major marketplaces (Investopedia, 2011). Penny stocks are very risky and on many occasion the stocks go into default as these penny stock companies run out of business. Another popular type of investment that is often