Qs on Forests Essay Example for Free

Qs on Forests Essay He suggestedthat a proper system should be introducedto protect the forest. He helped in formulating the Indian Forest Act of 1865. (Q. )Who was Dietrich Brandis? (1 Mark) (Ans) Brandis was a German who gave advice to the British regarding thereckless cutting of trees by the local people and the traders. He feared that it would destroythe forest. Brandis was also madethe first Inspector General of Forests in  India. (Q. ) What was the idea of plantation in colonial period? (1 Mark) (Ans) The Colonial Government took over the forests and gave away those to European planters at cheap rates. They had cut down the forest for land to start the plantation. This was another way for deforestation. Large areas of forests were cleared to make way for the plantation of tea, coffee and rubber to meet the growing demands of these commodities in European countries (Q. )Can you relate the progress of railways with the idea of deforestation in colonial period? Explain. (1 Mark) (Ans) 1) Railways were essential forcolonial trade and for the movement of imperial troops. As the railway tracks expanded, a larger number of trees were felled to meet up the growing demand of timber and fuel wood. ) The government gave out contracts to individuals to supply the required quantity of timber. These contractors started random cutting of trees and this led to immediate disappearance of forests around the railway tracks. (Q. )What is meant by the term deforestation? (1 Mark) (Ans) Cutting down of trees in huge numberof forest area to fulfill the demand of developing civilizations is known as defor estation. In other words, cutting and destroying of forest resourcesis deforestation. During the period of colonialism,deforestation took a systematic approachfor the purpose ofindustrial development. Q. )  Mention the changes seen in the features of forest resources during  industrialisation. (1 Mark) (Ans) The period of industrialisation, i. e. , the years from 1700 to 1995, witnessed a drastic reduction in the earlier huge diversity of forest resources all over the world. Around 13. 9 sq. km of forest lands, i. e. 9. 3% of the world’s forest area, was cleared  for the needs of industrialisation, cultivation, pastures and fuelwoods. (Q. )How did the Forest Act affect the lives of the common Indians? (1 Mark) (Ans) The Forest Act brought severe hardships for villagers across the country. After the Act, their everyday practices – cutting wood, grazing of cattle, collection of fruits and roots, hunting and fishing were treated as illegal activities. People were forced to steal wood from the forests and when caught, were at the mercy of the forest guards. (Q. ) What are the recent developments in forestry? (3 Marks) (Ans) 1) The concept of forest  management has changed since 1980. It was observed by the government that implementation of strict forest laws was leading to stealing of timbers and illegal hunting. ) Forest dwellers were kept away from the implementation procedure of these laws andtherefore, it generated conflict between the two parties – the government and the villagers. 3) Indian adivasis preserve the forest land and resources and therefore, the government is involving local people in the matters like safetyand security of forest land, forest products and wild animals. (Q. ) Elaborate  some of the activities of the people of Bastar. (3 M arks) (Ans) 1) The people of Bastar believe deeply in the village and its offerings. Since the village peopleknow the boundaries of the village, they look after the natural resources. ) If people from a village want to take some wood from the forests of another village, they pay a small fee called  devsari,  dand  or  man  in exchange. Some villages also protect their forests by engaging watchmen and each household contributes some grain to pay them. 3) Every year, there is one big hunt where the headmen of villages in a  pargana  (cluster of villages) meet and discuss issues of concern, including forests. (Q. ) Who was Samin? What was his challenge to the Dutch? (3 Marks) (Ans) Surontiko Samin was a resident of Randublatung  village  of  Java. 1) In 1890, he  began questioning the state ownership of forest. He argued that the forest and its resources were the gifts of nature. Thus, the state could not have any right over it. 2) A widespread movement developed and by 1907, 3,000 families were following his ideas. They challenged the Dutch authority byrefusing to pay taxes and by lying down on their forest lands when the Dutch came to survey it. Others refused to pat taxes or fines or perform labour. (Q. ) What are the similarities between colonial management of forests in Bastar and in Java? (3 Marks) (Ans) 1) In both Bastar (India) andJava (Indonesia), the colonial management of forests led to rebellions. ) In Bastar, the forest management was in the hands of the British and in Java, it wasunder the Dutches. 3) Both the governments wanted timber for their needs and worked for their own monopoly. When the forest communities in both the regions had to leave their land, rebellions occurred, which were subsequentlycrushed. Q. ) How did the forest  rules affect cultivation? (3 Marks) (Ans) 1) European foresters regarded the practice of shifting cultivationharmful for the forests. They felt that theland which was used for cultivation every few years could not grow trees for railway timber. When a forest was burnt, there was the added danger offlames spreading and burning valuable timber. 2) Shifting cultivation also made it harder for the government to calculate taxes. Therefore, the government decided to ban shifting cultivation. 3) Many communities were forcibly displaced from their homes in the forests. Some had to change occupations, while some resisted through large and small rebellions. Q. )How can you say that the spread of railways brought deforestation during the Colonial Period? (3 Marks) (Ans) 1) In 1850s, the spread of railways created a new demand.

Tariffs Used At Chittagong Port Economics Essay

Tariffs Used At Chittagong Port Economics Essay Chittagong Port is a principal port of Bangladesh and one of the emerging container ports of South Asian regions. At present, about 92% of import and export in volume are handled through this port and the growth of handling is ranging from 12% to 14% (CPA Year Book, 2008). This port is selected to present the current pricing system and to assess the demand and competition level and cost structure of this port. Further, this paper will try to provide recommendations to increase the attractiveness and the profit of the port by changing the current pricing system. Current pricing system: The present pricing system of this port is cost based. The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) is a basic service provider and its objective focuses mainly on providing necessary services and facilities to the port users efficiently and effectively at competitive prices. The CPA has been following the cost based tariff system since 1987. To harmonize the objectives of CPA and port users the port introduced cost based tariff system in 1987 and had started collection of revenues on the basis of cost based tariff system since that year. Under cost based tariff, all variable, fixed, mixed, and step costs on a particular date were considered. There were also consideration of the growth rate of the cargo, container, and other activities for certain period. Total activities of CPA, to determine the tariff for a particular cargo or container or on any activity or movement, were divided into operational and non-operational (other service departments) departments. All variable and traceable costs relating to a particular department were directly assigned. Then all non-traceable cost and indirect costs were apportioned to all departments on some basis. After having a total costs for each department, all cost of non-operational departments re-apportioned to the operational departments on the basis of weights. Then total cost of a particular operational department was divided by certain number of activity or cargo or container to have a unit cost or tariff. Since the tariff is cost based and there is no provision for profit in the tariff, it was essential for the CPA to increase its efficiency in operation and effectiveness in use of assets so as to ensure early recovery of the fixed cost and reach the break-even- point. After break even point every amount of contribution margin has been considered as profit and considering that CPA redesigned its operational activity and flow of operation. CPA also made profit by handling more cargo, containers, and ships than the expected handling which meant CPAs operational growth rate was more than the required growth. As CPAs per unit operational cost was increased as per expectation, its contribution margin per unit was also remained in same level. Moreover, CPAs tariff is on foreign currency (US Dollar) basis which ha further increased CPAs income by devaluating of Bangladesh Taka. Cost Structure: The cost structure of the actual revenue and capital expenditure of CPA for the year 2007-2008 is presented in Table 1 and is shown in Annex-1. The Table 1 shows that actual operating and maintenance expense for the year 2007-08 was Taka 35,137.31 lac which includes a depreciation of Taka 8848.54 lac. Consequently, variable operating and maintenance cost was Taka 26,288.77 lac which is 29.53% of total cost. However, total fixed cost like depreciation and administrative staff salaries were Taka 10,773.64 lac which is 12.10% of the total cost. It is very alarming that financing cost and taxes were Taka 27,568.66 lac which was 30.97% of the total cost. CPA has to accept the proposal of the World Bank and ADB which have been offered through Bangladesh Government for various projects as CPA was not in a position to implement all of its development projects by using only its own fund. Therefore, CPA has to pay a huge amount of interest for those loans. Port competition level: The Chittagong Port is selected in this paper for assessing the intra port competition level and competition level within the region (inter port competition). Intra Port Competition level of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA): The Chittagong Port Authority is an autonomous and a service organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Shipping of Bangladesh Government. According to the World Bank (2007), the port of Chittagong is a tool port where port authority owns, develops, and maintains the port infrastructure as well as the superstructure, including cargo handling equipment. CPA still has some entry barriers such as not to allow the foreign terminal operators in a tender process for operating a terminal or any investment in developing and operating a terminal of CPA due to labour unions objection and in monopolistic situation without any competition. Assessment of Inter-port competition level of CPA in Bangladesh: Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and Mongla Port Authority (MPA) are two seaports of Bangladesh, which handled 32.72 million metric tons cargo (CPA Year Book, 2008 MPA website) during the fiscal year 2007-2008. Out of 32.72 million tons of total seaborne trade CPA handled 32.02 million tons and the rest is handled by MPA. The competition level of CPA with MPA can be assessed by analyzing location, yearly throughput and market share, market concentration, comparison of tariff including its hinterland facilities. To assess the market share only container traffic will be considered. Location: Chittagong Port is situated on the south eastern part of Bangladesh at a distance of about 9 nautical miles from the shore line of the Bay of Bengal. The maximum permissible LOA of vessel is 186 meters with the maximum permissible draught ranges from 8.50m to 9.20m (CPA Year Book, 2008). On the other hand, MPA is situated on the south western part of Bangladesh at a distance 71 nautical miles upstream from the Bay of Bengal and the permissible  maximum length of vessel is 225 m with the maximum 7m draught (MPA website). Throughput and Market share: The throughput, of the years 2004 to 2008, in TEUs and market share are presented in the Table 2 and is shown in Annex-2. From the Table 2, it is clear that the CPA is controlling the container market in Bangladesh without any competition. Market concentration: The Herfindhal index (H) is calculated to assess the container market concentration of two ports based on the years 2004 and 2008 in Table 3 and is shown in Annex-3. According to the Herfindhal index (H), if H = 1 or H = 0.5 or H = 1/n (n = number of firms), the concentration of market is monopoly or duopoly or equal in market shares respectively (Cariou, 2010). In the Table 3 the Herfindhal index (H), in both years, are almost close to 1 (one) which indicates that the container market is monopolistic. Comparison of tariff of both ports: The both ports, Chittagong and Mongla are autonomous and service organizations under the administrative control of the Ministry of Shipping. Both ports pricing system is cost based. The comparison of some costs related to container handling of both ports is presented in the Table 4 and is shown in annex-4. The Table 4 indicates that both the ports have same pricing structure for container handling and container vessels except the Lift on / Lift off charge on account of empty containers which is about 33.33% less in CPA compared to MPA. Hinterland market access: The Chittagong Port is connected with the hinterland by road, rail, air and river. The major containerized import and export commodity of Bangladesh is garments accessories and readymade garments respectively. The major factories of garments are located in Chittagong and Dhaka. The Export Processing Zones are located 3-4 kilometers away from Chittagong port. The most of the business activities including industrialization and foreign investment are oriented with the region of Dhaka and Chittagong of Bangladesh. The road distance from Chittagong port to Dhaka is around 245km. Mongla Port Authority (MPA) is situated on the south western part and serves the entire western part of Bangladesh. The road distance between MPA and Dhaka is can be around 185km, nearer to Dhaka compared to Chittagong Port. For many years, majority of all import and export cargo of MPA is moved by inland water way. Unavailability of railway connection and the road connection under present lay out remains unattractive for cargo transport from the port to Dhaka due to cost and time increases than going by road to Chittagong. The communication system of Chittagong Port through road, rail, and air is stronger than the Mongla port which indicates that Chittagong port is comparatively in competitive position than Mongla port in terms of hinterland access. Assessment of Inter-port competition level of CPA with Kolkata Port Trust (KOPT), India: Recent decision of the government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh to allow the transit of the cargo of northeastern states of India has increased the competition level of CPA with the KOPT. The competition level of CPA with KOPT is assessed by considering the geographical location, throughput, market share, market concentration, pricing structure, and hinterland market access. Geographical location: Chittagong port is strategically located in competitive location (Annex-5) for the seven northeastern states of India and these states currently depend on KOPT for export and import trade by passing comparatively long distance and incurring more cost. KOPT and CPA, both are regional sea ports of India and Bangladesh respectively. Due to geographical location and present decision of both countries for transit facilities CPA as regional hub will compete with KOPT. Throughput of CPA and KOPT: Average yearly growth and total throughput of the years 2004 to 2008 is presented in Table 5 for assessing the competition level of two ports and is shown in Annex-6. The Table 5 indicates that both ports between the years 2004 and 2008 had positive growth rate in container trade and the total average yearly growth is 22.27%. Market share of Chittagong port and Kolkata port: The market share of both ports are calculated and presented in the Table 6 and is shown in Annex-7. From the Table 6, it is clear that CPA has a lion share of container market. On the other hand, both ports have almost steady market share over the mentioned years. Market concentration: The level of container market concentration of both ports is calculated for the years 2004 and 2008 by using Herfindhal Index (H) and presented in Table 7 and is shown in Annex-8. The Table 7 shows that the Herfindhal Indices (H) is 0.58 and 0.59 for the years 2004 and 2008 respectively and close to 0.5. From this value it indicates that both the years the market was duopoly because of the different natural and political hinterland. Comparison of Tariff: The tariffs in some important particular fields related to container trade of both ports are presented in Table 8 and is shown in Annex-9. By comparing the tariff in some important particular fields of both Table 8 shows that except port dues and Lift on/Lift off charges for empty containers (20 and 40) other port charges are higher of CPA than KOPT. Hinterland connection: At present, the container trades of northeastern states of India depends on KOPT which is costly and time consuming as the port is situated far away from these states. Distance by road of northeastern states from Kolkata and Chittagong is presented in Table 9 and is shown in Annex-10. From the Table 9, it is evident that Chittagong port has competitive advantage in hinterland access over Kolkata port. Conclusion and recommendations: This paper aimed to present the current pricing system for Chittagong port and assesses the demand, competition level, and cost structure of the port. Firstly, it is observed that the pricing system of CPA is cost based and the port is mainly service oriented organization acting as a tool port. Secondly, it is observed that the container market is monopolistic in CPA due to absence of private operator. The inter port competition level of CPA with MPA also monopolistic and concentration of container market is in favour of CPA due to some bottlenecks of MPA. In addition, the competition level of CPA is assessed with nearby Indian port, KOPT. Here, duopolistic market concentration is observed as both ports, at present, are using different hinterland without international competition. However, the competition level of both ports will be increased in near future as Bangladesh and Indian governments have agreed for transit facilities for northeastern Indian states. In this case, it is furt her observed that due to strategic location of CPA the port has competitive advantage over KOPT. Furthermore, the comparison of tariff of both ports shows that in some particular important fields for container trade, the tariff of CPA is higher. From the above scenarios, it is evident that the degree of market concentration of CPA is monopolistic and current pricing system is controlled by regulations. However, according to UNCTAD (1995), in various parts of the world many ports are facing increased competition because of technological change in shipping, ports and land transport which may require a relaxation of government control on port charges. This report further mentioned that, competition has forced tariff levels to become more flexible. On the other hand, the CPA will not be able to hold its monopolistic situation as trade facilitation and competitive environment are increasing in the south-Asian region. Therefore, to increase the attractiveness and the profit of the port, it is recommended that the CPA has to revise its tariff by taking some infrastructural development for its natural hinterland access, competitive hinterland access as well as by increasing the efficiency of operational activities. In summary, cost based tariff can contribute to develop its attractiveness and its profit by the following ways: Rearranging operational activities to ensure efficient operation and economic use of operational assets. 2. Maintaining operational cost at a minimum level by reducing fixed cost and taking outsourcing benefit. 3. Achieving more growth in operation than required level of growth. For example: It was assumed that Total 3 million containers will be handled in 20 years with a growth rate 5% per year. On the other hand, CPA is now handling more than 1 million per year with 12% growth rate. So after 3 million, each amount of contribution margin (CM) is profit. Moreover, up to the recovery of 3 million, 7% of growth was also contribution margin, used to recover the fixed cost. 4. Devaluation of Bangladeshi taka against dollar will also help to increase profit in nominal term. Revising tariff time to time with present cost can be a more effective way to increase profit. Moreover, to increase the attractiveness and profit of the CPA, concession may be given on account of discharging or loading charges to importer/exporter who handles certain number of containers determined by port in single call of a vessel. Furthermore, it can provide rebates on vessels introducing green award discount like Port of Rotterdam Authority.

gene and our Destiny Essay --

It is pretty difficult for one to understand or realize what determine our destiny. Even though genes influence every aspect of human physiology, development, and adaptation there are many questions left unanswered. For instance, what influences or determines my sense of who I am? What makes me distinct from other people? To what extent do I determine my own destiny? Does gene make me addicted to crime, alcoholism or drug abuse? What is the relationship between one’s intelligent and gene? How does science inform human identity? In an attempt to answer this questions various researchers have come up with contradicting ideas in determining if our characteristics and behaviors are primarily due to genetics or the environment in which we live. There are many issues and aspects of lives that influence us daily. These aspects create different situations that lead us to determine our path and destiny. To begin with, our similarities to our parents in personality is entirely genetic, we are born with a set of genes that never change. For instance, during conception two set of genes joint together into one and from that moment D.N.A starts to determine certain characteristics that we possess. For example, we all accept that gene determines our eye color, height, blood type, gender, color of the hair and other biological factors. But scientists have begun exploring the role of gene in our behaviors, many believe that the power of gene determines all consequences in our lives and others believe that genes do not determine everything in a person life. Many studies have been done to find out whether our destiny is written in gene or determined by circumstances. All this studies reveals that gene may determine how we behave in a given situat... ...es that can influence us both positively and negatively. By doing something constantly make perfect exercise make us healthier and the more we learn, the more lifestyle or nurture seems to play in determining our characteristics as individuals. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise have a profound role in health and fitness and may offer even further benefits. Passion, drive, and hard work are perhaps just as important to success as a natural-born ability. Genes tell us a lot about who we are physically, socially and mentally but environment also play a key role. We as members of human species we are born to change. Our destiny we make ourselves despite the factors we have no control over them. So the answer to whether the genes determine our destiny is still out. It appears that both gene and environment may be equally important in determining who we are.

The Boondoggle of Vouchers and School Choice :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

The Boondoggle of School Choice The summer before my freshman year of high school, my suburban school district decided to implement a new school choice program developed for the state of Massachusetts. It is a program-limited choice similar to many others around the country. Schools offer a certain number of spaces in each class for "choice students," that is, students from other towns who wish to attend the school. Students apply and enter a random lottery system. If they are chosen, they become legally-enrolled students at the new school. The costs of the program are covered by the child's hometown or subsidized by the state. The logic of the program (and all other choice programs) is that it offers students the ability to attend better schools than those in their hometowns. School choice is lauded as the great white hope of American education. "Let's give those kids a chance!" "Let's take control of our children's education!" Supporters claim that school choice will not only save our students, but it will also save our schools. Schools will be forced to improve their programs to remain competitive. Soon, all students will be attending the schools they want to, and all schools will be worthy of their students. School choice is the panacea for the problems of American education. Or at least that's what the proponents of the program tell us. Unfortunately, they leave out a few crucial points. School choice will not be the saving of the American mind. It is a desperate attempt to patch up the problems of our system by offering a few students a new option and calling it salvation. One is reminded of a great juggling act, where if a few students are shuffled around, we may not notice the others falling to the ground. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain . . . Let me stress that I am not speaking as a bitter product of the system who feels that school choice has hurt her educational experience. When it was first installed in our school, a number of parents, students and community members were outraged. They took a "not in my backyard" approach to the situation, bemoaning the influx of students from "bad schools." They thought that the innocence of our town would be lost, as students who were different from our sheltered community were admitted.

Reality TV Essay -- Entertainment Television Papers

Reality TV Can you believe that reality television has actually been around since 1948? Most of us may have thought that this idea of real television just came about in the last decade but actually it’s been around for quite some time. In 1948 Candid Camera was the first reality show to be broadcasted on television. Many considered this to be the â€Å"granddaddy† of the reality TV genre (History of reality TV). This show actually began in radio broadcasting. Allen Funt was the man in charge of this whole new production. He started by simply taping complaints of men in service and broadcasting them over the Armed Forces Radio. This is what later became known as the television show, Candid Camera. Candid Camera was known for â€Å"catching people in the act of being themselves† (History of Reality TV). Funt passed away in 1999 and his son, Peter has now taken over for him to continue these series. So, now you might be asking yourself what show came twenty-five years after Candid Camera? The next broadcasted reality television show was An American Family. This show was written about a California family, the Louds. You would probably never believe it but this show captured it all! It showed many personal experiences in the loud family such as the parents divorce and lifestyle of their gay son, Lance. An American Family played an extremely vast role in exposing society to a more diverse and supposedly real representation of family life. This was just the beginning of unstable families shown on television. Later shows like The Simpson’s and Roseanne branched off from this family idea (The Original Reality). As you can see reality goes back way into history so it’s really no new thang. We must give all the credit ... ... online: http://www.dartmouth.edu (accessed September 25. 2002) Owen, R. (June 21, 2001). NBC crosses the line with 'Fear Factor' stunts. Toledo Blade RealLyrics.com Available online: http://www.reallyrics.com/lyrics/I002900010002.asp (accessed online October 1, 2002) Reiss, Steven & Wiltz, James. (2001). Why America Loves Reality TV. Psychology Today. Rolling Stone (March 29, 2001). Un-Reality TV: Surviving Survivor. Seneca Falls (2000). Reality Television. June 15. Available online: http://www.senecafallsonline.com/archives/Columns/Bergamo/reality_television.htm (accessed October 2, 2002) Shales, Tom. (2001). O ‘Brother’ Why Art Thou? Electronic Media. U.S. Reality Program/Public Service Available online: http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/A/htmlA/americasmos.htm (accessed October 1, 2002)

Critically evaluate the current status of the setting including policies and practices Essay

Self-reflection is a very important tool to be used in order to keep the nursery up to date with current legislation and to raise service standards. By regularly looking at where we are as a setting we can ensure that we continue to offer high quality education to our children. â€Å"Research has proven that self-reflection and evaluation both support good practice within a setting as a part of continual development. Importantly this self-reflection supports good outcomes for children.† (Barber and Paul-Smith 2009, pg.8) We have been using Ofsted SEF to evaluate where we are doing well and assess where we need to improve. â€Å"The self-evaluation form is designed to help early years providers to review and improve their practice, so that it is of the highest standard and offers the best experience for young children. Importantly it is a useful tool for you and any assistants or staff to evaluate the impact of what you do on children’s welfare, learning and development.† (Ofsted 2009, pg.13) PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL ï‚ · Politically unsettled ï‚ · Arab spring ï‚ · Benevolent dictatorship ï‚ · No pressure groups ï‚ · Frequent change of legislation but no clear guidelines ï‚ · No official body or organization to refer to ï‚ · Government policies are not consistent and not properly disseminated ECONOMICAL ï‚ · Unsecure financial world markets ï‚ · Fluctuating exchange rates ï‚ · Expensive living ï‚ · Uncertainties in the economy ï‚ · No direct income taxes or VAT ï‚ · Several indirect taxes ï‚ · Increasing running costs ï‚ · Rapid expansion of Early Years industry ï‚ · Increasing competition SOCIAL ï‚ · Increasing number of working mothers ï‚ · Wider range of people ï‚ · Image of good standard of living and overall safety ï‚ · People moving and settling in the area ï‚ · Increased focus on Early Years Education ï‚ · Attractive area for different nationalities ï‚ · Broad spectrum of curriculum covered in the country TECHNOLOGICAL ï‚ · Easier information access (internet) ï‚ · Wider audience ï‚ · Better ability to reach out to the Community ï‚ · Blogging (positive and/or negative) ï‚ · Personal Technology ï‚ · CCTV cameras (name of city) is a safe place, its economy is considered ever flourishing but due to the ongoing global economical crisis it has its financial restraints. This analysis has also outlined how a business can be easily set up but also how difficult it is for it to thrive due to frequent changes in the legislation and the lack of consistent guidelines. Nevertheless, the increased interest in Early Years Education will soon allow practitioners to offer to all children high standards of learning. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS ï‚ · Well trained, qualified and experienced staff ï‚ · Impressive facilities ï‚ · Outstanding outdoor area ï‚ · Central location ï‚ · Extra-curricular activities ï‚ · Early years themed workshops and professional advisors WEAKNESSES ï‚ · Turnover of staff due to economic situation ï‚ · Policies and Procedures (only few in place) ï‚ · Being tenant of the facilities ï‚ · Old building badly maintained ï‚ · Lack of training opportunities ï‚ · Limited parental involvement ï‚ · Managerial limited decision making ability OPPORTUNITIES ï‚ · Several marketing options ï‚ · Exponential growth of market ï‚ · Partnership with professionals in childcare ï‚ · Diversified skills of staff with different backgrounds ï‚ · Wide professional network THREATS ï‚ · Extremely high price of rent ï‚ · Frequent new regulations with high implement costs ï‚ · New nurseries poaching staff and rising salary expectations ï‚ · Loss of key staff ï‚ · Frequent families’ relocations (name of nursery) is a newly established nursery in (name of city) that was initially planned with a greater focus on business rather than learning. Policies and Procedures were compiled and printed out hastily, without team brainstorming or subsequent effective compliance. The absence of specific legal requirements in the country makes it possible for nursery and day cares to operate, though in the best interest of children, without proper policies and procedures in place. Going through the process of self-evaluation has been the most valuable eye opener possible for me. I now know where we are and where we want to be. PEST and SWOT analysis have  allowed me to celebrate our strengths and pinpoint our weaknesses. Generally all policies will need to be rewritten, implemented and properly disseminated, but priority will be given to Child Protection and Behaviour Management Policies. A Staff training plan also needs to be put in place in order to ensure high standards in care and education of all children. Last but not least, it will be paramount to monitor progress and ensure that our procedures reflect our policies and that good practice is consistent throughout the academic year by gathering evidence regularly.

Immanuel Kant and Thomas Aquinas Essay

Immanuel Kant and Thomas Aquinas were two great philosophers who developed arguments for the existence of God and taught ways of critically assessing the natural world. They both believed that we all are born the same and learn through experience. You must first experience something in order to gain knowledge by experiencing it first. This meant that people could not be certain about something until they â€Å"saw† it first. They both believed in â€Å"free will† and that everyone could make their own choices but god had a plan that was ultimately the best. Another similarity between Kant and Aquinas was their schooling and their profession after school. They both went through extensive schooling and ultimately became teachers. The biggest difference in the two was their belief in god. Kant believed in god but did not believe there was a way to prove his existence. Aquinas spent his life trying to prove there was a way to prove his existence.. Aquinas would make logical examples that make you understand where he was coming from. â€Å"One of Thomas Aquinas’ examples begins with the idea that someone decides to build a house with deep foundations and solid supports. Obviously, that person would begin by digging the foundation, but at some point, he or she would have to stop the digging process in order to actually erect the house. This implies that the hole for the supports would have to end somewhere in the earth. Likewise, creation must be traced back to a specific point that governs and explains existence. † The most simple principle of Mills idea on utilitarianism is the greatest happiness principle, an action is right as long as it is maximizing utility. Everybody’s happiness is equal in a sense and counts as much as anyone else’s. There are some things that we are forbidden to do to other people regardless of whether the loss of that individual’s utility would be made up by increases in other people’s utility. Utility is defines as happiness, but we all have our own perception on utility. For instance, I may find happiness in fishing, or sitting around and viewing nature, but someone else may find utility in doing sadistic acts like killing puppies. The Female genital mutilation video represents utilitarianism. It was not pleasurable or beneficial to the women getting â€Å"mutilated† but they were in a sense shunned if they were not mutilated. A modern-day Robin Hood might increase society’s total utility, but theft is both legally and morally wrong. From a nature standpoint humans are the deciding factor in what has value. Where I may gain pleasure in hunting ducks, I’m sure that they are not gaining any type of value from me. Mill believed that utility â€Å"gave unity to my conception of things. I now had opinions: a creed, a doctrine, a philosophy; in one among the best senses of the word, a religion; the inculcation and diffusion of what could be made the principle outward purpose of a life. â€Å"