The Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship: The American Dream

I have always been fascinated by the concept of the â€Å"American Dream†. Even if, nowadays, this concept is more and more criticize because some people believe that the structure of American society doesn’t follow anymore the idealistic goal of the â€Å"American Dream†, providing example such as inequality in class or race which suggest that the â€Å"American Dream† is not attainable for all. But to me the term â€Å"American Dream† stays unchanged: all people can succeed through hard work, and all people have the potential to live happy and successful lives. And in my mind, the entrepreneurship is one of the most famous way to achieve this â€Å"American Dream†. Steven BUYERS who is the founder and owner of EnergyLogic –a fast-growing company in Northern Colorado, appears to me as a very good example of this â€Å"American Dream† which is about hope and the potential for change. In fact, I feel this at the same time through the very innovative and sustainable development oriented concept of his company, and the take of initiative he seems able to show without having a precise idea of where it will lead him. In this paper, I’m going to discuss two major topics which seems relevant to me given Steven BUYERS’ experience, they are: the self-made man and the capacity to see opportunity. Self-made man The first thing I would like to precise is about the vision I have of a self-made man. Obviously when I use this term I’m not saying that Steven BUYERS is the only one responsible of the success of his company, because it would mean that nobody have accompanied him in this project and it wouldn’t be fair not to think about his employees or his wife who has apparently plays a huge role in his success. But I rather mean that he had managed to create and manage a success business starting from like nothing. The concept of the self-made man is necessarily connected with the â€Å"American dream† that I have mentioned before. The self-made man comes from unpromising circumstances, is not born into privilege and wealth, and manages to become a great success in life by his own efforts. The story of the self-made man embodies the goal of every man: â€Å"to become the captain of his own destiny. Actually this is really close to the reasons that people become entrepreneurs and starts their own firms, that is to say: â€Å"be their own boss, pursue their own ideas and pursue financial rewards. † A self-made man is anyone who attains far greater success which was not predictable. The background that Steven BUYERS told us about isn’t exactly what we can call a â€Å"predestinated background†. Indeed, he went through many different jobs and life’s experiences (from the army to a bookstore) before he found his way which tends to prove us that he is one of whose are able to create their own greatness. Finally I would say that being a self-made man, as being an entrepreneurship, is the result of a difference in your character and a willingness to do whatever it takes to be the best and achieve your dreams, just as the concessions made by Steven BUYERS at the beginning of his project. Capacity to see opportunity â€Å"An opportunity is a favorable set of circumstances that creates a need for a new product, service or business. † When we know that homes represent 20% of the energy use in USA –whereas transport â€Å"only† represents 27%, it appears logical to focus on this problem. But at the time that Steven BUYERS started his business, that is to say in 1998, nobody cared about saving energy. He came with this really simple question: â€Å"How to be more efficient with houses’ energy? †, and his project was to provide people with a solution. As far as the opportunity recognition is concerned, Steven BUYERS has done a really good job. Indeed, he identified a product/service that people need and are willing to buy. Everybody isn’t able to see opportunity, because opportunity isn’t just an idea you come with thinking it could work. And this is a crucial point which will determine if the business is going to work, or not. An opportunity has to perform four essential qualities: attractive, durable, timely and anchored to a product. That was the case for Steven’s idea. It was attractive because it allows people to save money; it was durable because it lasts a life-time; it was timely because sustainable development was beginning to develop; and finally it was anchored to a product because it deals with houses and isolation. What is even more impressive in this recognition of opportunity is that Steven BUYERS hasn’t done any real market study or business plan before launching his company. To me the way to identify an opportunity which fit the best to Steven BUYERS is the personal characteristics of entrepreneur. This capacity to see opportunity is an essential trait in my mind which is related to creativity. To conclude I would cite the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: â€Å"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. † Being an entrepreneur means being able to go where nobody else went before you, being able to take risks, being able to see opportunities where nobody has looked before you†¦ In my mind there is different ways to succeed in your job. Steven BUYERS succeed by seeing opportunities and managing his own success story as many self-made men have done before him. But no matter what is your background as far as you take your chance to develop successfully your business idea. Unfortunately, nowadays, entrepreneurs are more and more assimilated to capitalism and all the unfairness it can raise. As a result, famous self-made men such as Rockefeller are not as well-recognized as they were in the past –and sometimes even criticized. So we can wonder if the â€Å"American Dream† is still an example to follow or a goal to reach for the majority of American people.

Aztec and Inca Dbq

Aztec & Inca DBQ The Aztec and Inca were two very advanced cultural societies for being on of the early civilizations of Central America. These Empires maintained a high level of cultural development due to their social, architectural, and religious aspects. Additional documents that would have aided the explanation of these cultures would be from a priest and his role was a significant part in the community as well as from an architect or constructor, to describe some of the obstacles they needed to surpass in order to erect the magnificent buildings and temples.The social effects of the Aztec & Incan Empires clearly emphasized the superb cultural development that occurred there (documents 1,6,7,8,10,11). The Mendoza Codex exhibits the daily activities and customs of the Aztec realm (doc. 1). It depicts the type of work depending on gender roles, in which men performed more of the hunting activities and the women were taught how to work with crafts. The picture also shows how the ol der generations taught their young the new techniques and traditions. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). The page from the Codex Mendoza shows the advanced marketplaces they had because of the great variety of goods (doc. ). The numerous manufactured wares also show the type of work and materials that were needed to be done in order to produce the items. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). In the memoirs of the conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, he describes the quality and vast amounts of goods sold at the Aztec marketplace (doc. 7). He takes not of how the items were displayed and the policies that enforced order throughout the market. However, he does show bias because he compared the Aztec marketplace to that of Portugal, and is truly only interested in gold, silver and slaves.He was also surprised by the way the slaves were able to walk around the city without being restrained. The photograph of the Chinampa system shows the importance of the agricultural method as well as how the geography of the area promoted its use (doc. 8). From the lake dredged islands, much force needed to be exerted by the workers in order to harvest the crops. Although a laboring job, the fields reaped great benefits since they produced seven crops per year. This amount contributed to a mixed diet, which led to better health and a greater population. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here).The picture of the Incan bridge shows the intercommunication between people from different parts of the area to do so with ease (doc. 10). The bridges not only encouraged communication between peoples, but also to aid them form gathering crops from one side of the area to the other, and to increase trade between the two parts of the Incan Empire. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). The picture from the First New Chronicle and Good Government, illustrated by Felipe Guanan Poma de Ayala, depicts the wide use and dependence on quipu to govern the Incan Empire (doc. 1). This mneumon ic device allowed for rulers and imperial officials to keep track of various statistics including agricultural products, and debts owed by the people. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). Architecture also contributed to the stimulation of culture in the central American societies (documents 2,9,10,13). The photograph of the carved glyph on the Tenayuca Pyramid in Mexico City exhibits the skill and precision that architects had in constructing a building (doc. 2).Although all these sculptors had were rocks to carve into the rock, they did so in a way that was very proficient and showed their expertise in architecture. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). The twelve cornered stone, shows the great amount of skill and effort the Incan architects had and needed in order to make such reliable and dependable walls (doc. 9) . The walls are of quality strength because they have lasted from the day they were built up until now without the use of any mortar, just the precise aligning o f carved rocks. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here).Apart from architecture, the Incan engineers built reliable bridges, just like the one that still stands today (doc. 10). This shows the expertise in bridge – making as well as how the bridge could have helped architects build their structures, by using the bridge to cross over the chasm and retrieve rocks that could be used as carving rocks or as building materials. The photograph of Machu Picchu shows the great amount of effort and skill required to create a society that could be depended on and maintained in the mountains (doc. 13). (Insert authors’ pov/bias here).The Incan architects truly show their might with this one, all buildings and structures were put together from hand carved rocks without the use of mortar. The builders also had to create a way for the city to not fall down, which also took much thought and skill. Lastly, religion was a great supporter for the cultural development in the Aztec and Inca n Empires (documents 3,4,5, 12). The civil calendar used by the Aztecs shows the sophistication and complexity of activities throughout the course of the year, and how they paid close attention to religious ceremonies and the agricultural cycle (doc. 3).In this society the gods needed to be worshipped in order to produce great and bountiful harvests, so the veneration of goods was a necessity. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). The chart describes the rituals that were associated for each month of the year and how it coincided with the Aztec calendar (doc. 4). The chart shows the intense religious devotion of many gods through ways of sacrificing people of certain age groups for each month. (Insert authors’ pov/bias here). The photograph from the Florentine Codex by Friar Bernadino, exhibits the great sacrificial society of the Mexica people (doc 5).This document shows bias because to the people of Central America, human sacrifice is part of their religion and way of wor shiping their gods and giving their offerings, while to a Franciscan monk who is a Christian begger, these ways are seen as heretic and the citizens are considered savages. The first new chronicle and good government by Felipe Guaman Panade Ayala exhibits the great devotion of Incas and their leaders to their sun god (doc. 12). They were strictly believers of the sun god and many other gods and since the document was written by someone who is of Incan descent, it shows bias.He sees the kings rejection to the Christian missionary Fray Vincente, as an act of great courage, loyalty, and devotion to his god, and is seen as a religious figure to other followers of the sun god. All in all, despite some of the Aztec's and Inca's outdated technology methods, and tools, they were at quite an advanced level of cultural development. Together the social, architectural, and religious aspects contributed to these successful societies. This essay receives a score of 9! It covers all requirements.

Mr Abhi Essay

Haagen-Dazs target consumers are the younger generation which are fashionable and in the â€Å"income pyramid peak† which looking for the â€Å"excellent ice cream†. . In positioning the target market, for example, Haagen-Dazs’s China Road continued its inception marketing strategies. In the time when many competitors considered that China’s domestic market is caught in a price war, Haagen-Dazs entrust on its excellent sensitivity and marketing tools, opened up a high-end market. Thereafter, a precise understanding of consumer’s psychology is indispensable. Before Haagen-Dazs entering into new market areas, Haagen-Dazs does careful analysis of the domestic consumers; this eventually provides better assistance for marketing and branding. Haagen-Dazs apportion to retain key customers. Protects is customers and win the consumers equally important, Haagen-Dazs leave its high-end customers to a smaller target consumer crowd. Therefore, most of their marketing and advertising is print ads, and published within certain media. It do not only save costs, or enhance advertising effects. Simultaneously, Haagen-Dazs also selectively cut the other retail channels to expand their retail side and reach the home ice cream market. Haagen-Dazs advertise the lifestyle of â€Å"enjoy the perfect†, to inspire people to buy high quality of life. While in arrangement of ice cream, Haagen-Dazs join importance to make an environment in which the taste of Haagen-Dazs ice cream has become a memorable experience: this is the so called â€Å"Haagen-Daz moment†. Haagen-Dazs propose various flavors of ice cream, which is designed to approach the need of dissimilar tastes and every with a intention to give to costumer to enjoy the amazing taste. International Environment Internal Environment This refers to factors existing within a marketing firm. They are also called as controllable factors, because the company has control over these factors : a) it can alter or modify factors as its personnel, physical facilities, organization and function means, such as marketing mix, to suit the environment. The factors the affect Haagen-Dazs are: Top Management : The organizational structure, Board of Director, professionalization of management.. etc.. Factors like the amount of support the top management enjoys from different levels of employees, shareholders and Board of Directors have important influence on the marketing decisions and their implementation. Finance and Accounting: Accounting  refers to measure of  revenue and costs to help the marketing and to know how well it is achieving its objectives. Finance refers to funding and using funds to carry out the marketing plan. Financial factors are financial polices, financial position and capital structure. Research and Development : Research and Development refers to designing the product safe and attractive. They are technological capabilities, determine a company ability to innovate and compete. Manufacturing : It is responsible for producing the desired quality and quantity of products. Factors which influence the competitiveness of a firm are production capacity technology and efficiency of the productive apparatus, distribution logistics etc. , Purchasing : Purchasing refers to procurement of goods and services from some external agencies. It is the strategic activity of the business. Company Image and Brand Equity : The image of the company refers in raising finance, forming joint ventures or other alliances soliciting marketing intermediaries, entering purchase or sales contract, launching new products etc. External Environment External factors are beyond the control of a firm, its success depends to a large extent on its adaptability to the environment. The environmental factors that are in its proximity. The factors influence the company’s non-capacity to produce and serve the market. The factors are : 1) Suppliers: The suppliers to a firm can also alter its competitive position and arketing capabilities. These are raw material suppliers, energy suppliers, suppliers of labor and capital. According to michael Porter, the relationship between suppliers and the firm epitomizes a power equation between them. This equation is based on the industry condition and the extent to which each of them is dependent on the other. The bargaining power of the supplier g ets maximized in the following situations: a) The seller firm is a monopoly or an oligopoly firm. b) The supplier is not obliged to contend with other substitute products for sale to the buyer group. c) The buyer is not an important customer. ) The suppliers’ product is an important input to the buyer’s business and finished product. e) The supplier poses a real threat of forward integration. 2) Market Intermediaries : Every producer has to have a number of intermediaries for promoting, selling and distributing the goods and service to ultimate consumers. These intermediaries may be individual or business firms. These intermediaries are middleman (wholesalers, retailers, agent’s etc. ), distributing agency market service agencies and financial institutions. 3) Customers : The customers may be classified as : ) Ultimate customers: These customers may be individual and householders. b) Industrial customers: These customers are organization which buy goods and serv ices for producing other goods and services for the purpose of other earning profits or fulfilling other objectives. c) Resellers:  They are the intermediaries who purchase goods with a view to resell them at a profit. They can be wholesalers, retailers, distributors, etc. d) Government and other non-profit customers: These customers purchase goods and services to those for whom they are produced, for their consumption in most of the cases. ) International customers: These customers are individual and organizations of other countries who buy goods and services either for consumption or for industrial use. Such buyers may be consumers, producers, resellers, and governments. f )Competitors: Competitors are those who sell the goods and services of the same and similar description, in the same market. Apart from competition on price, there are like product differentiation. Therefore, it is necessary to build an efficient system of marketing. This will bring confidence and better resul ts. g) Public:  It is uty of the company to satisfy the people at large along with its competitors and the consumers. It is necessary for future growth. The action of the company do influence the other groups forming the general public for the company. A public is defined as ‘any group that has an actual or potential interest in or impact on a company’s ability to achieve its objective. ’ Public relations are certainly a broad marketing operation which must be fully taken care of. International Market Entry Mode Haagen Dazs has franchises throughout US and many other countries around the world. Haagen Dazs is using Franchise mode to enter the market across oversea by set up Haagen Dazs shop in many countries. Franchising mode is form of licensing whereby the franchisor ( the seller ) gives the franchisee ( the overseas buyer ) the legal right to undertake business in a specified manner under the franchisor’s name as Haagen Dazs brand in return for royalty payment usually in the form of percentage of sales ( IM study guide, 2011 ). Haagen Dazs franchising spread to North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East . It also provides franchising in many local locations in each country. Likewise, Haagen Dazs franchisee is also distribute Haagen Dazs ice cream product in the retail store, convenience store and supermarket. In my opinion, Haagen Dazs is choosing the correct entry mode to expose Haagen Dazs ice cream over many countries around the world. Franchise is the best way for Haagen Dazs to enter the international market because ice cream is like food or beverage product that it taste need to be standard as it original company like it own Haagen Dazs. By using Franchise, Franchisor teaches Franchisee on how to make Haagen Dazs ice cream, serving service and run the business to be the same as its original Haagen Dazs in the US. Additionally, ice cream product has short shelf life, not even in 1 day which needs to keep the product only in the cold place otherwise it is melting very easily. To compare with other product that has long shelf life upon 6 months – 1 year or above 1 year such as beer product, this kind of product is appropriate to use direct exporting. International Competitive Strategy And finally the stratergy of Haagen Dazs marketing: Positioning and Target Haagen-Dazs tagets a niche market segment with high income. Haagen-Dazs is positionned with a strong differentiation regarding its competitors, and this was strengthened by the identification of the product in the category of luxury items. The brand is classified in the premium quality ice cream without coloring agents nor additives, with ingredients flavored naturally (Vanilla of Madagascar, Belgian chocolate, strawberries), selected inclusions (pecan nut, fresh grilled almonds, cookies of California), specific know-how and obsession of the quality. Product policy * brand name and product name are the same * packaging easily recognizable * Haagen Dazs acts on three segments: the jars of 500ml, the mini-jars of 100ml and the huge sticks. * Haagen Dazs has introduced innovation into its products policy: flavors that differentiate the brand from its competitors. Price policy * Coherent with its positioning as a luxury ice cream * Price 2 – 3 times more expensive than competitors * Price in France twice the one of the USA Distribution policy * Exclusive shops: Stores, tea lounge * Hypermarkets Partnerships: Restaurants, coffee shops, airlines, entertainment companies (Disneyland) Communication policy * Sponsorship in big events: Roland Garros, Cannes festival, Trophy Lancome * Use of fashion principles in advertisements (collection spring and summer): coherence with luxury brand positioning The International Marketing Mix Haagen Danz launched with the aim of creating a ‘super -premium’ ice cream so they achieved it by using marketing with the 4P’s : Product, Price, Promotion, Place. Marketing mix of Haagen Danz: Product: High quality: Most people see the product with good package and good quality. There are many kinds of flavor and customer can choose what they like with different taste and different package. There are types of product like classic flavors, limited editions, gelato,sorbet,frozen yogurt,cups,bars. -Finest Ingredients: The ingredients was fine that lot of people can taste the different flavor on what they choose. They also include special ingredients in the menu like banana split ice cream. so they put extra banana with ice cream and other toppings. It will good to let the customer try the new ingredients. Price: -Set high to give exlusive image: It includes with goods image with high quality of product. They also pay for the package which has been offered in good shape when customer want to take away. So the seller must set a high price and also match with the other competitors. Promotion: -Glossy magazines: Usually most teenagers buy magazines. So the seller of haagen danz can promote it by putting some small brochure so everyone know more about haagen Danz and new type of flavour. Word of mouth: After customer eat haagen danz and they like it, he/she will tell to his/her friend that the ice cream is nice. So it spreads to other people and to the other country. It will help to make haagen danz more popular. -Free Samples: When customer do not know what flavour they want to choose, the seller can give free samples so that the customer know which taste is good and they will buy it. It the best way for them to try and it will sat isfy them. -Adverts next to exclusive brands: They can promote or advertise in the TV to show large audiences about haagen danz. So many people can see why they like it and it will be useful to let them know. Place: -Only in exclusive locations: They put in a place where lot of people are around. For example, inside the mall or popular place. Because when customer pass by the store of haagen danz, they can buy it. It also can put in the store so that customer can easily buy what they like. The distribution of haagen danz: First, they need to make an arragement to come up with an agreement with other countres for their product to be distributed internationally. They need to discuss about the marketing mix( product, price, promotion,place). Second, they produce the ice cream from the factory. They will divide different flavor in different factories. The workers need to design the package of the product. There are different types of shape for the package( small size, large size). Then, they put the ice cream inside the package. Third, they need to distribute specific packages to specific destination. Then the retailer(distributor) of the country in which the product is being exported to, must pay for the shipment and supply into which the entire hipment of the product will be stored or delivered into a storage house, where it will be distributed again to other retailers in different locations in that specific country Fourth, the retailer can start to sale the product to the customer. They retailer can be place in popular place where lot of people are around. They can promote to the customer so that it will help to attract other people. Last, the customer can choose whether they buy the product or not. It according to the customer mood,taste and loyalty. They can try the flavor before they buy the products like free samples. So if they like it, they will buy the ice-cream. Customers are interested to the product of design and images. References Justhaagendasz (2012) â€Å" market strategies† available from: http://justhaagendazs. wordpress. com/market-strategies/ Justhaagendasz (2012) â€Å"Products† by Kapferer (1997) available from: http://justhaagendazs. wordpress. com/products/ HAAGEN-DASZ. COM (2011) â€Å"SHOPS† AVAILABLE FROM http://shops. haagen-dazs. com/ http://brand-audit. blogspot. sg Wikipedia of Haagen Dazs

Trends in Selection Methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trends in Selection Methods - Assignment Example Also, the process of selection creates a base for practicing adequate employee motivational strategies. When the abilities and personal traits of the candidates for a job are assessed, the goal is not just to identify the individuals that can rightly do the job, but it is actually about choosing candidates that would actually accept to work when offered to and would tend to develop a long term relationship with the company, beneficial both for the employee and the organization. Thus, selection should ensure retention which means â€Å"the existence of an ongoing employee relationship† (Huang, Lin and Chuang, 2005). There is a certain cost associated with the process of selection, which goes into the training of the very personnel that are given the responsibility if recruiting employees for an organization, so that they may perform their duty adequately. However, the added cost is balanced by the increased retention that surfaces as a result of right selection of employees. â €Å"It is widely acknowledged that traditional selection interviews are unreliable predictors of which candidates are likely to be successful performers.† Rational practices: â€Å"Best practice† and â€Å"best fit† are two of the most fundamental and rational employee selection practices. The â€Å"best practice† is a perspective that emphasizes that many HR policies that also include the system of reward motivate the employees to work hard, while the â€Å"best fit† requires the managers to align the rewards with the strategic goals of the organization so that it may gain competitive advantage in the market (Morris and Maloney, n.d., p. 2). Many organizations do not make use of these practices and hence the performance of employees declines. There is dire need to take care of these matters along with making the selection procedure more reliable so that the difference between the expected and observed performance of the employees can be minimized. Analysis of interview as a selection tool: Although use of interview as a selection tool has been subjected to a lot of controversies in conventional recruitment practices, yet its efficiency as an assessment tool can not be denied. Particularly for the jobs in which assessment of an individual’s verbal and social skills are a critical factor, interview does the job efficiently. It helps the interviewer to make a sharp judgment not only of the candidate’s quickness of response, but also his/her fluency in the language demanded. In addition to estimating the candidate’s job related knowledge, the interviewer may also retrieve any supplementary information he/she may deem important in the context of a particular job. Likewise, the candidate may also ask the interviewing staff any questions that are influential upon his/her decision to join the organization. Hence, an interview is quite flexible in its structure and can be modified as required in an attempt to dra w the best conclusions both for the interviewers and the candidate. Sometimes, the interviewer is able to improve the process of interview for the rest after having conducted it with the first candidate. Because of its open nature, existing staff interviewing a candidate face-to-face may well assess if he/she can adjust in the very culture of an organization. This reduces the verisimilitude of interpersonal conflicts in the organization after the candidate is hired. In addition to that, selection through interview is a cost effective process. However,

Personal Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Personal Statement - Essay Example I play a number of sports, including uni-hockey, tennis, karting, skiing and golf. Sports enable a person to discover things about themselves that might elude them in normal life. They have taught me perseverance, courage and the ability to accept both victory and defeat with grace. As part of my extra-curricula activities I have taken part in yearbook activities and, as stated earlier took a trip to Mali in 2005 in order to teach children English. I learned what it is to be a stranger in a foreign land, and will empathize more with those I find in a similar position in my home country of Switzerland. I also learned the great benefits that accrue from helping others, both for society in general and the individual involved. The children I taught had little contact with the outside world before they met me, and expressed a fascination with this stranger in their midst that made me realize how privileged my life had been. Things I had taken for granted, such as always having enough to eat, living in a secure home and having a complete family cannot be relied upon by many of the children that I taught. Many had known times when they went hungry, when they feared for their lives because of civil strife, and when they did not know where they would be living from one day to the next. But none of them seemed to feel bitter or depressed about these facts. These experiences made them more eager to learn, especially the English language that they saw as a way to education and the way out of poverty. Their hope and enthusiasm taught me a lot about the most positive sides of human nature, especially those that can shine even when the physical circumstances of the person do not seem very promising. To conclude, I have led a full life up until now and am looking forward to the next stage of my education. My experiences in Mali showed me that hope, enthusiasm and optimism are the best manner to move forward in life. I learned as much from the children I taught

The Operating Principles for a Community to which I Belong to Essay

The Operating Principles for a Community to which I Belong to - Essay Example In a detailed analysis of these activities and interactions, I can definitely prove that our communities provide us with a sense of stability, serve our needs and, more importantly, accept us for who we are. In my community setting, I have often realized that my family accepts me for what and who I am. Thus, I share my activities and interactions with my daughter and we protect each other, which has always helped me in my family life as a single mother. One of the important operating principles of my community has been to be faithful and frank to the members of the community and we share our activities and interactions. Thus, my daughter and I enjoy great fun in our system of instant messaging or texting family and friends. Many often, I introduce my daughter to my chat friends and she has no online friends whom I don't know. Most of the friends of my daughter in her Facebook account came through my contacts and she never retreats an illegitimate relationship through her online activities. Another significant operating principle of my community life is not to blame or to indict others with or without strong reasons for their actions. Instead, every member of my community strongly supports each other and understands each other completely.

White Noise (by Don DeLillo) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

White Noise (by Don DeLillo) - Essay Example I can remember the traffic, Babette humming, the never-ending sounds from the supermarket and TV fragments and commercials, which interfere constantly with the storyline. Jack and his wife ponder that may be death is nothing more than just a continuous stream of white noise. These noises are the very ingredient of life, which fills our mundane existence. One of the themes the novel gravitates around is the existential question - â€Å"who will die first?† Jack and Babette debate this with zest. They depict their endless fear of death, compare their eventual grief, and how each of them would prefer to die first, because they would not bear live without the other. The theme of death sheds lights into Jack and Babettes relationship. Both of them are actually terrified of death to such a degree that they can hardly lead any kind of life, right here, right now. The novel is abundant in various symbols - such as objects, figures, or colour. All these I noticed are used in order to convey or strengthen certain concept or idea. One of the symbols is Hitler - a figure of imminent terror and hatred. The other overwhelming symbol is the sunsets. They dominate the landscape of the novel, as a sublime

Is Workplace Drug Testing a Wise Corporate Policy Research Paper

Is Workplace Drug Testing a Wise Corporate Policy - Research Paper Example Why companies enforce drug testing It can not be denied that drug use has substantially changed the norms of behavior among all sectors of society, particularly in the workplace (Carpenter 795; Godfrey and Parrott 30; Walsh 120; Harris 357). Latest available government data showed that 73.8% of full-time workers who use illicit drugs came from only seven industries, namely: accommodation and food services (16.9%); construction (13.7%); arts, entertainment, and recreation (11.6%); information (11.3%); management of companies and enterprises, administrative support, waste management, and remediation services (10.9%); retail trade (9.4%); and other services, except public administration (8.8%) (SAMSHA n. pag.). Violence in the workplace is a serious concern for both workers and employers (Chappell, and Di Martino 15). Interestingly, studies revealed that drug use is a common catalyst of workplace violence (Hanson, Venturelli and Fleckenstein 41). The following reasons summarize employer s’ reasons for implementing drug testing policies: to discourage drug use among employees; negate chances of hiring drug users; identify employees with drug problems and provide assistance for medical intervention; keep the workplace safe; protect the public interest and gain consumer confidence pertaining to workplace safety of their employers; abide by drug testing regulations both on the state and federal levels; and benefit from such programs as the Workers’ Compensation Premium Discount (US Department of Labor par 3). These are the circumstances surrounding the decision of many companies to enforce mandatory drug testing to new recruits and random drug testing to tenured employees. While it is apparent that drug testing is management’s way of adjusting to the changing norms precipitated by drug use among employees, the practice is not readily acceptable for most employees. Management believes that imposing such policy is a necessary evil. Godfrey and Parrot t explained the necessity of curbing drug use among employees on the basis of drug use in the workplace resulting to incurred costs for both management and the employees. This cost is measured according to the impact of drug use on the company productivity. Cost is further broken down into the effect of an employee’s availability to contribute to productivity and the actual productivity of labor while the employee is at work (21). Prevalence of drug testing in the industry Van Fleet and Van Fleet considered safety as the primordial concern of practically all companies especially those working in the assembly line and in medical jobs (74). The trucking industry also conforms to mandated drug testing to ensure the safety of the highways from drug use-related accidents (Jacobson 131). Likewise, transportations companies also police their ranks by complying with the Department of Transportation policy on drug testing (Draper 308). To date, some 40 per cent of companies included i n the Fortune 500 are already enforcing drug screening. These companies, however, revealed that their drug testing policy is more of requirement compliance than admittance that drug use

Car Commercials Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Car Commercials - Essay Example Mercedes-Benz is a high-class automobile company which products are always made for luxury, dependability, and reliability (Biebrach 3). Mercedes-Benz, for instance, is currently the most advertised model of cars in the continent with the best and largest customer test fleet. The main objective of the company is to reduce fuel consumption and to minimize emissions, as well as eliminating them in the process (Ferreira para.3). The whole point behind creating extravagant, informative, and creative commercials is to get people to buy, use, or sell the product. In his statement, Dr Martin Zimmermann, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, said that Mercedes-Benz customers want comfortable, safe, and very powerful vehicles that are efficient and environmentally compatible. Of course, there is the bragging aspect where people air all of their achievements in the hopes of allowing customers to realize just how fantastic their company is. He added that the main challenge is to make motor vehicles more efficient and clean without interfering with safety or comfort (Ferreira, para.7). This emphasis is included in commercials in order to lure customers. It is obvious that high-class cars or vehicles are very expensive to be afforded by poor people and, of course, cheaper for the rich citizens. This is the reason why Mercedes-Benz decided to invent a new model â€Å"A-Class† that will be affordable by all the people in various social strata (Biebrach, 3). Its is believed that the first campaign for Mercedes-Benz advertisement happened in 20th May 1996, however, their first class car â€Å"A-Class† was officially launched on October, 18th 1997. The strategy of the campaign had four phases: â€Å"Big Bang,† New Perspectives,† New choices† and â€Å"New Experiences† (Biebrach, 3). The key goal and objective of the campaign was to sell 80,000 cars in a year and make

Data Validation and Verification Essay Example for Free

Data Validation and Verification Essay Computers can produce inaccurate results only if the data inputted is incorrect. If an input is scanned in by a computer this reduces the risk of errors. In my system it is important that all the data is accurate as well as correct. There are two main ways of achieving this. These are Verification and Validation. Verification allows me to ensure that the data entered into my system is correct. This is important since when a new patient comes to join I will need to collect the correct information. As for validation, this will be useful so you can set various checks and limit the mistakes in the data. Verification By verifying what the computer comes up with you can reduce errors, like if you are at a catalogue shop and you tell the person behind the till a number and it comes up with an item. This item is then checked with the customer to check that it is the right item. The item is then sent down from their storage floor and is again verified that it is indeed the correct item. This constant verification greatly reduces errors I will need to use verification in two scenarios. These are booking an appointment in either person or on phone and when a new patient joins. I will deal with these two situations separately, firstly with booking appointments. In booking an appointment either on the phone or in person I will need to collect the following information. * Patient Number * Patient Name and Surname * D.O.B * Time and date of appointment I asking for the patients number will verify the above. When I have collected this I would have to ask a number of questions, such as the patients address or D.O.B to verify that this is the right person and no one is trying to make a hoax. Once I have got all his or hers details and allocated them a GP, I will check the data over again to confirm that its all correct. This will all be inserted directly into the system. When a patient calls over the phone I will use the same method of asking their Patient Number than asking a question such as their D.O.B to see if its the right person. Again once I have enough information to confirm that this isnt a hoax I will allocate them a GP, and check the data over again to confirm that it is correct. In this case the data would also be input directly into the system. When a new patient comes depending on how busy the surgery will depend what data entry method I would use. If it were busy then I would issue the person a paper-based copy of the Patients form for them to fill out. Once they had finished it I would ask them to check over it to confirm that all the information is correct. If the surgery wasnt busy then I would instead ask them the question in the intend that they can answer the questions for me to put the answers directly in the online system. Once all the questions had been asked I would then go over the answers once more to confirm everything is correct. This is how verification will be used in my system. Validation Validation is the process of detecting any data that is inaccurate, incomplete or unreasonable. A computer programme performs validation. Validation programmes will perform some or all of the following checks Character type checks Character checks to make sure that the right type of characters have been entered such as characters where there should be characters and numbers where there should be numbers Range checks That a value entered is in the right range e.g. 18 is not a valid age for a pension Hash Totals This will check that the values on something like an invoice have been keyed in correctly the hash total has no real meaning as a number Control total A control total is like a hash total except the total has a meaning like the cost of something Check digits When a number is directly inputted to a computer there will be errors and check digits are a way around this we call barcodes International Standard Book Number or ISBN Spelling checkers Any software with words in it should have a spell checking function Length checks Sometimes a certain item of information should always be a certain number of characters, then the length checker will alert you that the values are incorrect Types of Errors There are two main types of errors these are: Transcription errors Misreading or misunderstanding data causes these, this could be caused by bad handwriting or confusing handwriting for example where the letter s looks like the number 5. Transposition errors These errors occur where two digits or letters are swapped around as if you are working at high speed you dont always look at the screen so it is common to type ot instead of to or 5124 instead of 5214 about 70% of all errors are transposition errors. Within my system I have used Validation to hopefully enhance it and limit mistakes. 1. Here you can see that I have used validation to limit the number of characters that can be inputted into the surname. 2. Here I have used a data type filter so no numbers can be inserted in to the patients surname. This doesnt stop mistakes but will limit the mistakes within my system. 3. Here I have used an input mask this is so you automatically put a capital in the beginning of a surname. This rectifies the mistake of forgetting to put a capital at the start of a surname. Another, and more accurate method of validation within my system is the use of an input mask. I used a simple type of input mask in 3 above and here is another part in which I have used an input mask. Here you can see another example of an input mask in my system. This one is used for the Postcode. As you can see this input mask reduces mistakes by allowing the first two figures of the Postcode to be capital letters only and the next two numbers only. Then it has an automatic space. The next figure is a number with the remaining two being capital letters. This input mask is a good method of validation since it doesnt allow you to insert letters where numbers are required and vice-versa. It also automatically makes a space within your Postcode. The final method of Validation used in my system is the combo box. With this it only allows for a set number of answers. Of course this can only be used on a field that only has set answers such as sex or title. I have in fact used this on both of the prior mentioned. 1. Firstly I have set the type of control to Combo box. 2. In row source I have then chosen the values that you can select from. As you can see the only values selectable for the title table is Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms and Doctor. This has set up my combo box for use in both my patients form and table as you can see below. The above examples both show the combo box working successfully in my database. This actually limits the mistakes made since it is impossible to but Mr as MMR and Dr as SDFS. It allows is time saving and makes sure that the data isnt unreasonable and incomplete. As you can see the verification and validation methods used in my system enable me to have more accurate data, which is essential within a database of this importance. As the aim of this part of my system was, it allows me to ensure that the data input into my system is correct.

Person centred reviews in adult services

Person centred reviews in adult services The underlying principles for this assignment are to critically evaluate my professional development in a practice placement setting and record reflections for future learning. Within this essay, I will include my reflections on the social work process of assessment, planning, intervention and review, and will critically analyse what I feel was successful and unsuccessful in each process, with efforts to identify what could be changed to enhance future practice. I will also include my knowledge, skills and values incorporated into my practice with two service users and my group work, while explaining my efforts to promote anti-oppressive practice. Throughout my assignment I will endeavour to portray my learning journey from the beginning to the end of my placement and conclude with future learning needs, to enhance my practice as a social worker. Introduction: The practice placement I acquired was a Court Childrens Officer (CCO), based at the Belfast Family Proceedings Court. It forms part of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. My role as a CCO, formerly known as a Child Welfare Officer, was to use my training and experience to ascertain the wishes and feelings of children and their families in private law matters. The role falls within family and child care services and determines that the childs interests remain paramount in court proceedings. As a CCO my role was to deal with cases where assistance was needed to help parties focus on the needs of their children, as opposed to continuing the incriminations as to who was responsible for the breakdown of their relationship. As a CCO I was then asked to present the information to court in oral or written report format. The CCO is used if other efforts to get the parties to reach a decision in the interests of their children have failed. This is to prevent the court process itself cont ributing to a lengthy breach in contact before it reaches a decision. As a CCO I was also responsible to act as liaison officer between the court and HSS Trusts, or other agencies (e.g. NSPCC etc) in respect of the courts decisions. Although employed by the Trust, I was responsible to the court. Before commencement of this placement I had limited understanding of the court process, and the legislation involved in private law cases. I was excited about the prospect of the experience I would gain having undertaken law and court modules, and attended court for certain flexible learning days, but I was also anxious about identifying the social work role within such a specific placement. I feel nervous and uncomfortable. Im finding the role intimidating being surrounded by legal professionals and legislation (being just a student). Im worried about having to provide oral and written evidence to the court, and perhaps having to disagree with the legal representatives views in court. I feel deskilled and anxious (PPDW: 21/01/10). After this initial anxious stage I began researching private law and knowledge, and used my practice teacher and on site supervisor to ask questions. Having completed a practice placement last year I already knew of the benefits of using reflection as a crucial aspect of my practice and learning. Thompson (2005) explains that it is important that practitioners use not only established theories, but use their own knowledge and experience to meet the needs of service users. He claims that reflective practice should help us to acknowledge the important links between theory and practice and to appreciate the dangers of treating the two elements as if they were separate domains (Thompson, 2005: 147). I was anxious to identify the social work process within my placement, as it was not evident on commencement. I was already familiar with the process of assessing, planning, intervention and review having had a previous placement with adults with learning disabilities. Within a court, however, this was very different, as a direction of the court determined my involvement with service users. Schà ¶n (1987) identifies that more than a process is needed with service users practitioners need to incorporate experience, skills and intuition for outcomes to be successful. The knowledge and skills that I identified, within my Individual learning plan, were skills in working with children, assertiveness skills, report writing and presenting skills, organisational skills, and group facilitation skills. I also wanted to enhance my value base as my previous placement helped me challenge issues around learning disabilities and the current placement is a very different setting. I wanted to devel op my values around childrens feelings about parental separation, and also working in partnership with children to ascertain their wishes and feelings about contact issues. I have outlined below the three cases I intend to use that will help identify my professional development within my placement setting. I will use these to provide an analysis of how my knowledge, skills and values have been developed through the social work process. Family C: Polish origin Child C (Age 7) currently resides with her father. The parental relationship lasted for seven years. Mother (Ms C) moved out of the family home to gain alternative accommodation when the relationship broke down. Ms C and the childs contact have been very sporadic since. Contact has not taken place since December 2009. Mr C is concerned with Ms Cs new accommodation being unsuitable for the childs safety staying overnight claiming alcohol misuse and the child coming home smelling of smoke. Ms C requires an interpreter and is seeking a Contact Order. As directed by the court I carried out an assessment of Ms Cs home, and also used mediation and counselling when meeting with the parties to focus on the childs best interests. The childs wishes and feelings were also ascertained. Family E: Child E (14) currently resides with his father (Mr E). Mother (Ms E) is seeking a Residence Order. Father currently resides with the child in a family hostel provided by the Belfast Housing Executive, which Ms E is concerned about. Court direction stipulated me to ascertain the childs wishes and feelings about residence with his father and contact with his mother. In addition to this I used mediation as an intervention to try to help the parties reach agreement about the child. I concluded my work with the family using a Person Centred Review with Child E to determine if the plans implemented earlier in my practice were working, and what he would like to change when his case was due for review in court. Group Work: My group work consisted of working with teenage girls at a high school in North Belfast; they were aged 14/15. I worked alongside the Health for Youth through Peer Education (HYPE) team who regularly visit schools to promote sexual health awareness. I co-facilitated this group and worked to educate the group about sexual health and relationships. This was to promote the need for the provision of accurate information to prevent teenage pregnancies and STIs, which have been highlighted as statistically higher in this area of Northern Ireland. Preparation of placement As indicated above, to prepare for this placement, I began by developing my knowledge base around the court setting and private law, so that I could be accountable to the court and the Trust for my actions. Trevithick (2000:162) claims to be accountable denotes professionalism by using knowledge, skills and qualifications, and adhering to values and ethics when serving a client. I began to tune in to the placement setting using knowledge, skills and values, with legislation such as The Children (NI) Order 1995, The Family Law Act (NI) 2001 and The Human Rights Act 1998. I tuned into the court setting and the rights of the service users who used it. Article 3 of the Children (NI) Order 1995 claims that the court should act in the best interests of the child, and I was interested in seeing if this occurred or if parental interests were considered higher. I tuned into the effects that divorce and separation have on children, and focused on gaining knowledge on how to minimize the negative impact this may have on children. The issue of contact in private law proceedings is a complex subject which raises questions of rights, responsibilities and ownership of children (Kroll, 2000: 217). I was initially interested in researching if children knowing both parents were in their best interests, and why. Having had a placement with adults and learning disabilities last year I had reflected on the medical model versus the social model of disability, this placement was very different in that it would be the a legal context versus the social work role. I found this initially difficult as the legal obligations of the court over-shadowed the social work process. Court directions dictated the aspects of work to be done, which I found difficult as service user needs were not necessarily established and met. Assessment: Ms Cs assessment required me to meet with her, discuss issues regarding contact with her child, and investigate her living environment to determine if it was suitable for the child to have contact in. Prior to Ms Cs assessment it was necessary for me to tune in to contact disputes between parents. I recognised that there is significant animosity with both parties, but that having contact with both parents is in the childs best interests to promote for attachment, identity and positive relationships. To initiate Ms Cs assessment I had received court directions, a referral and met with her legal advisor. I was at this time I was informed that Ms C was Polish and required an interpreter. The Human Rights Act 1998 and the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 both stipulate that an interpreter should be provided for health services to promote anti-discriminative practice and equal opportunities. I was then required to make a referral to the Trust interpreting service, and they informed me that they would make initial contact with Ms C. I found this unnerving, as the interpreter would be making first contact with the service user, and I would have liked the opportunity to explain my role. Having carried out previous assessments, I knew that communication was essential for the assessment and central to the process of gathering information and empowering service users (Watson and West, 2006), therefore to not be able to make initial contact with a service user I found to be restrictive and stressful. On initial contact with Ms C (and the interpreter) communication was difficult to establish. I found that by communicating through an interpreter I was limited in gathering information. I found it difficult to concentrate on Ms C, especially observing body language and tone of voice; instead I focused on the interpreter and actively listening to her. Ms C came across as frustrated and disengaged, showing signs of closed body language. I felt empathetic to Ms C because of the court process she was involved in, and the fact that she had to go to court to gain contact with her child. I felt the initial meeting with Ms C was not as successful as I had hoped, I was not able to discuss the issues affecting her, and unable to establish an effective working relationship due to the barrier on an interpreter. I left the meeting feeling deskilled and questioning my practice. On reflection, I should have provided more time to Ms C due to the language obstacle and gathered more information on her issues. I should have focused on Ms C and not the interpreter, and used the interpreter more effectively to establish a relationship. For future learning I will endeavour to use these reflections. The next part of Ms Cs assessment was her home assessment. I was initially reluctant to carry out a home assessment, as I had no previous experience, and did not know what was classed as an unsafe environment for children. I began tuning in and identified that a home assessment required strong observational skills for child protection concerns. I also discussed the home assessment with my practice teacher and on site supervisor for aspects I should be concerned about within the home. It was indicated that a safe environment for a child did not have to be overly clean, just safe considering where the child sleeps, fire hazards, is there evidence of drug or alcohol use, or smelling of smoke (as Mr C alleges). On entering Ms Cs home, as the interpreter had not arrived yet, I was reluctant to try and converse with Ms C. Ms C spoke limited English, and I did not want to confuse or alarm her by trying to discuss the case issues. However, I did try to use body language and facial expressions to reach for feelings and try to build a rapport by asking general questions about weather and work etc. I feel this helped our relationship, and helped me empathise about how difficult it must be to not be able to communicate effectively. By the time the interpreter had arrived I felt more at ease with Ms C, and addressed her (as opposed to the interpreter) with non-verbal cues such as nodding and body language. I felt more comfortable talking with Ms C, I felt more able to understand her frustrations at the court process, her ex-partner and his allegations. Prior to the assessment of the home I had gained stereotypical perceptions about Ms Cs home. I thought that the house, as it was in a working class area, would be unclean and neglected. However, the assessment of the home, using observational skills, indicated no child protection concerns, a clean environment for a child, and Mr Cs allegations unfounded. On reflection of my perceptions I feel I was oppressive to Ms C having been so judgemental, and I felt guilty about my opinions having been class discriminatory. Throughout the assessment with Ms C I found that by using an interpreter Ms C was able to stay informed and in control over her situation (Watson and West, 2006). I feel that by working with Ms C has helped my challenge my future practice with individuals who are non-English speakers. It will help me consider the needs of the service user, before judging them solely on language or their country of origin to provide equal opportunities. I now feel interpreters are required for a balance of power between the worker and service user, and promote anti-discriminatory practice. Planning: According to Parker and Bradley (2008: 72) Planning as part of the social work process is a method of continually reviewing and assessing the needs of all individual service users. It is based upon the assessment and identifies what needs to be done and what the outcome may be if it is completed. Prior to the beginning of placement I had limited experience of planning, or group work. It was important for me understand the facilitation and communication skills needed for successful group work, and help to develop my understanding of group dynamics, group control, and peer pressure for this age group. The key purpose of planning the group was to enable the young people to develop their knowledge and skills to be able to make informed decisions and choices about personal relationships and sexual health. I began preparing for the planning stage of the social work process by meeting with the HYPE team and researching their work. I was interested in the sexual health training for young people at school, as my own experience at school showed that the information was often limited, and I was interesting in finding out if it had been challenged. I then began by tuning in to how I wanted to proceed through the planning process, and researching the topics of the different sessions as I considered I had limited knowledge on sexual health awareness. As I had to plan every week separately it was important to tune in to each and use knowledge, such as group work skills to inform my practice. During initial sessions I noted how group members were quiet and withdrawn, this was important to note as the subject of sexual relationships may have been embarrassing for them to discuss. I too felt uncomfortable discussing the material, as I had limited understanding of sexual health, but it was important for the group to overcome these anxieties and work through them together. I identified that ice breaking techniques were required to facilitate trust and partnership. As the sessions progressed, one of the main challenges found was that peer influence was a major issue, with some of the participants controlling other quieter members. I felt it was necessary to include all members and encouraged participation using games. However, it was important not to push individuals when they became uncomfortable, as this could cause them to withdraw and disengage, disempowering them. Another challenge was that despite time management of the sessions, inevitably there had to be flexibility. Some of the group monopolised more time than others and it was necessary to be able to alter the plans according to time restraints. I also needed to be aware of my own values when planning sexual health awareness training, as it is still regarded as a controversial issue, especially in Catholic schools with teenagers (www.famyouth.org.uk). I considered sexual health awareness to be a great benefit in schools, but obviously due to religious considerations many Catholic schools continue simply to teach abstinence as the only form of contraception. This was important to consider as the group was facilitated in a Catholic school and many of the members or their teachers could have had religious views and opinions on the sessions, creating tension or animosity. Reflecting on this parental consent had been provided for the group, but the group itself were required to take part during a free period. I consider this to be an ethical dilemma as the childrens views werent regarded as highly as their parents. If undertaking this group in future, I feel it would be necessary to ask the group if they wish to take part, and gi ve the opportunity to withdraw promoting anti-oppressive practice. Intervention: Prior to this practice placement I had limited experience using intervention methods. My previous placement focused on task centred work with service users, but in the court childrens service this could not be facilitated due to the time restrictions of the court. I had also previously used Rogerian person centred counselling which I found I could use some of the theory and apply it to this setting. After gathering a range of information from the court referral, C1 and other professionals, I began to tune in to Es case. I had been directed by the court to ascertain his wishes and feelings in regards to residence and contact arrangements, and mediate between his parents to find agreement about the childs residence. As Child E is fourteen, I felt it was necessary to research levels of development for this age group and understand, according to psychologists, what level Child E would be at emotionally, physically and psychologically. I found that Child E should be at a level of becoming more independent, having his own values, and being able to make informed choices. One of the most important issues, through mediation, was challenging my own values and becoming aware of my own stereotypical views on adults who have separated, and the effects on their children. I had to challenge the idea that Child E just wanted to reside with his father as he was the less disciplined parent, or that Child E would most likely be playing his parents off against each other to get his own way. However, by challenging these views, and working with the parties through mediation, I came to realise that E had strong views about living with his father and had a stronger attachment to him. By reflecting on my values I realised that it was oppressive to consider the child as manipulating and could have affected my work with him. I found that having to be a neutral third party in mediation was difficult, I found myself having a role as a witness, a referee and a peacekeeper trying to find common ground. Despite this I feel a third side was necessary to help the parties work through issues. I found the most difficult aspect of this role to be impartiality as I found myself empathizing more with the mother (as the child refused to live with her). However, I also understood the childs reasons behind his decision. During mediation, and in court, I also challenged my judgements on gender and the notion that the mother is the nurturer or primary care giver in the home (Posada and Jacobs, 2001). The child clearly stated that he wanted to reside with his father, and when using questioning skills to probe about this, he claimed he had a stronger bond with his father, and that his mother was continually ridiculing him. I found myself having to alter my views about attachment and mother being the primary care giver and focus on what the child wants. As the intervention progressed I used family mediation session to work through issues. I found that effective communication was principal in ascertaining Child Es wishes and feelings, and helping the parties consider his views, as opposed to their own relationship incriminations. This not only empowered E by promoting partnership, but also gave him the knowledge that the court would be considering the information he provided. Within the meeting I felt I could have paced the meeting better and made better use of silences with E, as I dominated the conversation. I consider mediation to be successful as it helped the parties focus on the needs of the child, and helped them realise that they had a childs feelings to consider instead of the adversarial relationship built from court. Review: Prior to the review process I had experience of carrying out person centred reviews (PCR) through my previous practice placement. I had previous training on PCRs and found them to be more effective than traditional reviews, due to the service user involvement. A PCR is an example of a person centred approach and the information from a review can be the foundation of a person centred plan (Bailey et al., 2009). Within the family proceedings court the purpose of reviews are to reassess interim plans, and either change them, or confirm they are working for the child(ren). In Child Es case a review was necessary to indicate if living with his father was working, and to discuss if he wanted to change anything about his interim plans, which were introduced three months earlier. Within the court childrens team a review is fundamental to consider what is in the childs best interests, assess what is working and what is not working, and how to progress (considering the childs wishes and feelings). Child centred preparatory work with Child E was fundamental to the review success as it established what was important to him (Smull and Sanderson, 2005). Reflecting on my person centred work last year; I recognised that it was important to have preparatory work with Child E as it promoted choice and options to explore. I had also recognised that the information gathered from the preparatory work could be the foundations of the review itself, especially if Child E felt embarrassed or shy speaking out in front of his family on the day of the review (Smull and Sanderson, 2005) I conducted the review with Child E and his parents present, but reflecting on this it could also have been useful including his school teacher or other friends to have a holistic approach. Throughout the review I feel I was able to engage the participants successfully using goals to focus on, and we were able to create a person centred plan for Child E. During the preparation for the review Child E had expressed that he felt he was having too much contact with his mother, and would like to limit this, he also expressed that this was an awkward subject to discuss with his mother present. I identified this in the review as child E did not wish to. I used skills such as facilitation and communication to show that Child E felt strongly about this issue, and both parents claimed they understood his view point. The review was also useful in presenting the information in court, as the child could not be present and I could advocate on his behalf. On reflection of Child Es review I feel it was a successful measure to determine what was working and not working since plans were implemented from the last court date. I had confidence in facilitating the review, but I did feel I perhaps dominated the conversation as both parents were hostile towards each other, and Child E was shy and unassertive about expressing his feelings. During future reviews I will endeavour to promote communication between parties, while empowering of the child. I will use better use of silences and encourage active involvement. Conclusion: No matter how skilled, experienced or effective we are, there are, of course, always lessons to be learned, improvements to be made and benefits to be gained from reflecting on our practice (Thompson, 2005: 146) I feel this PLO has provided me with learning opportunities and identified my learning needs. It has encouraged me to reflect on my knowledge, skills and values and ensured that I used my reflections to learn from my practice. At the beginning of placement I was concerned I would oppress the service users by having limited understanding of the court process, and unable to work effectively as a result. However, through training, help from my practice teacher and knowledge, I soon realised that the placement was about providing support, not being an expert. I feel I was able to establish a balance of the legal requirements of court and social work role, which has contributed to my learning experience and future knowledge. As my placement progressed I used tuning in and evaluations to analyse my practice, and use them to learn from. My placement has enabled me to improve my court report writing skills, presentations skills and legislation knowledge, which I consider to be invaluable for the future. In terms of future professional development, I will endeavour to challenge my stereotypical assumptions about service users, I will seek advice and guidance from more experienced members of staff, and I will use knowledge and theory to inform my practice prior to meeting service users. Future learning requires me to continue to develop skills in working with children, to use silence as a skill, as listen actively to what the service user wants. Having an opportunity to work within the court system has been invaluable, but I would also like the opportunity to have more experience working with children to enhance my knowledge, skills and values further. References: Bailey, G., Sanderson, H., Sweeney, C. and Heaney, B. (2008) Person Centred Reviews in Adult Services. Valuing People Support Team. Kroll, B. (2000) Milk Bottle, Messenger, Monitor, Spy: Childrens Experiences of Contact. Child Care in Practice: 6: 3 Parker, J., and Bradley, G. (2003) Social Work Practice: Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Review. Learning Matters Ltd. Posada, G and Jacobs, A. (2001) Child-mother attachment relationships and culture. American Psychologist. 56(10), 821-822. Schà ¶n, D. (1987) Educating the Reflective Practitioner. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Smull, M and Sanderson, H. (2005) Essential Lifestyle Planning for Everyone. The USA: Learning Community Thompson, N. (2005) Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Trevithick, P. (2005) Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook (2nd Ed). Buckingham: Open University Press. Watson, D and West, J (2006) Social Work Process and Practice: Approaches, Knowledge and Skills. Basingstoke; Palgrave Macmillan Williams, P (2006) Social Work with People with Learning Disabilities. Learning Matters Ltd Webpages: http://www.famyouth.org.uk/pdfs/CondomControversy.pdf accessed 24/4/10

Imaging Techniques for Intestinal Obstruction

Imaging Techniques for Intestinal Obstruction The small intestine is the only part of the gastrointestinal tract that is essential for life. It serves a neuroendocrine function, a digestive function (propulsion, mixing and absorption of food), and a secretory function. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas are accessory organs of the digestive system that is closely associated with the small intestine. The villous surface improves absorption by increasing the overall surface area. In addition to absorption nutrients, it is responsible for most water reabsorption in the GI tract (Edward, 1998). The small intestine is made up of three segments, which form a passage from stomach (the opening between stomach and small intestine is called the pylorus) to large intestine. It is duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The duodenum is this short section is the part of the small intestine that takes in semi digested from stomach through the pylorus and continues the digestion process. The duodenum also uses bile from the gallbladder, liver and pancreas to help digest food. The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine carries food through rapidly, with wave-like muscle contractions, towards the ileum. The last segment is ileum. The ileum is the longest part of small intestine. It is where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed before emptying into the large intestine (UPMC, 2010). By the time food reaches small intestine, it has already been broken up and mashed into liquid by stomach. Each day, small intestine receives between one and three gallons (or six to twelve liters) of this liquid. The small intestine carries out most of the digestive process, absorbing almost all of the nutrients get from foods into bloodstream. The walls of the small intestine make digestive juices or enzymes that work together with enzymes from the liver and pancreas to do this. Although the small intestine is narrower than the large intestine, it is actually the longest section of the digestive tube, measuring about 22 feet (or seven meters) on average, or three-and-a-half times the length of body (UPMC, 2010). 1.2 Large Intestine The large intestine is larger in diameter than the small intestine. It begins at the ileocecal junction, where the ileum enters the large intestine and ends at the anus. The large intestine consists of the colon, rectum and anal canal. Its primary function is to secrete mucin and form stool for excretion. It reabsorbs water and electrolytes but to a much lesser extent than the small intestine. It does not have sodium cotransport system (Edward, 1998). Unlike small intestine, the large intestine produces no digestive enzymes. The wall of the large intestine has the same types of tissue that are found in other parts of the digestive tract but there are some distinguishing characteristics. The mucosa has a large number of goblet cells but does not have any villi. The longitudinal muscle layer, although present, is incomplete. The longitudinal muscle is limited to three district bands, called teniae coli that run the entire length of the colon (National Cancer Institute, 2012). The rectum continues from the sigmoid colon to the anal canal and has a thick muscular layer. It follows the curvature of the sacrum and is firmly attached to it by connective tissue. The rectum and ends about 5 cm below the tip of the coccyx at the beginning of the anal canal. The last 2 to 3 cm of the digestive tract is the anal canal, which continues from the rectum and opens to the outside at the anus. The mucosa of the rectum is folded to form longitudinal anal columns. The smooth muscle layer is thick and forms the internal anal sphincter at the superior end of the anal canal (National Cancer Institute, 2012). 1.3 Intestinal Obstruction Intestinal obstruction, also called ileus (from the Greek eilo, meaning to roll up) (Ivan, 1996). Intestinal obstruction is refers to a lack of movement of the intestinal contents through the intestine. Because of its smaller lumen, obstructions are more common and occur more rapidly in small intestine, but they can occur in large intestine as well. Depending on the cause and location, obstruction may manifest as an acute problem or a gradually developing situation. For example, twisting of the intestine could cause sudden total obstruction, whereas a tumor leads to progressive obstruction (Barbara, 2002). Obstruction of the intestine causes the bowel to become vulnerable to ischemia. The intestinal mucosal barrier can be damaged, allowing intestinal bacteria to invade the intestinal wall and causing fluid exudation, which leads to hypovolemic and dehydration. About 7L of fluid per day is secreted into the small intestine and stomach and usually reabsorbed. During obstruction, fluid accumulates, causing abdominal distention and pressure on the mucosal wall, which can lead to peritonitis and perforation (Unbound Medicine, 2011). Intestinal obstruction is most common on elderly individuals, due to the higher incidence of neoplasm and other causative diseases in this population. In neonates, intestinal obstruction may be caused by imperforate anus or other anatomic abnormalities. Obstruction may also be secondary to meconium ileus. In paediatric population, Hirschsprung disease can resemble intestinal obstruction (Christy, 2011). Intestinal obstruction occurs in two forms. Mechanical obstructions are those resulting from tumor, adhesions, hernias or other tangible obstructions. Functional, or adynamic, obstructions result from neurologic impairment, such as spinal cord injury or lack of propulsion in the intestine and are often referred to as paralytic ileus. Adynamic or paralytic ileus usually related to inflammation or the disruption of innervation (Barbara, 2002). 2 CAUSES OF DISEASE Intestinal obstruction can be caused by many different things. It occurs in two basic types which is mechanical obstruction and paralytic ileus. Functional obstruction or paralytic ileus is one of the major causes of the intestinal obstruction in infants and children. It is common in the following situations: after abdominal surgery, in which the effects of the anesthetic combined with inflammation or ischemia in the operative area interfere with conduction of nerve impulses in the initial stage of spinal cord injuries (spinal shock) with inflammation related to severe ischemia in pancreatitis, peritonitis, or infection in the abdominal cavity with hypokalemia, mesenteric thrombosis or toxaemia kidney or lung disease Mechanical obstruction may result from the following: Scar tissue in the belly, often called adhesions. This tissue can wrap around a piece of bowel. The contents of the bowel are prevented from moving normally through the intestine Bowel that twits on itself or develops a bad kink. This is called volvulus Fecal impaction or hard stool that cannot pass through the bowel Cancer such as colon cancer or cancer of the pancreas Hernias is protrusion of the abdominal contents through the abdominal wall (Barbara, 2002) 3 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY When mechanical obstruction of the flow of intestinal contents occurs, a sequence of events develops as follows. First, intestinal obstruction occurs when gases and fluids accumulate in the area proximal to the blockage, distending the intestine. Gases arise primarily from swallowed air but also from bacterial activity in the intestine. Second, increasingly strong contractions of the proximal intestine occur in an effort to move the contents onward. The increasing pressure in the lumen leads to more secretions entering the intestine and also compresses the veins in the wall, preventing absorption, as the intestinal wall becomes edematous. The intestinal distention leads to persistent vomiting with additional loss of fluid and electrolytes. With small intestinal obstruction, there is no opportunity to reabsorb fluid and electrolytes, and hypovolemia quickly results (Barbara, 2002). If the obstruction is not removed, the intestinal wall becomes ischemic and necrotic as the arterial blood supply to the tissue is reduced by the pressure. If twisting of the intestine (e.g.: volvulus) has occurred or if immediate compression of arteries (e.g.: intussusception or strangulated hernia) results from the primary cause of obstruction, the intestinal wall becomes rapidly necrotic and gangrenous. Ischemia and necrosis of the intestinal wall eventually lead to decreased innervation and cessation of peristalsis. A decrease in bowel sounds indicates this change. Usually, the obstruction promotes rapid reproduction of intestinal bacteria, some of which produce endotoxins. As the affected intestinal wall becomes necrotic and more permeable, intestinal bacteria or toxins can leak into peritoneal cavity (peritonitis) or into the blood supply (bacteremia and septicemia). In time, perforation of the necrotic segment may occur, leading to generalized peritonitis (Barbara, 2002). For functional obstruction or paralytic ileus usually results from neurologic impairment. Peristalsis ceases and distention of the intestine occurs as fluids and electrolytes accumulate in the intestine. In this type of obstruction, reflex spasms of the intestinal muscle do not occur, but the remainder of the process is similar to that of mechanical obstruction (Barbara, 2002). 4  SIGN AND SYMPTOMS With mechanical obstruction of the small intestine, severe colicky abdominal pain develops as peristalsis increase initially, nausea and constipation characterizing small bowel obstruction. It may also cause drowsiness intense thirst, malaise and aching may dry up oral mucous membranes and the tongue. Borborygmi are audible rumbling sounds caused by movement of gas in the intestine and intestinal rushes can be heard as the intestinal muscle forcefully contracts in an attempt to propel the contents forward. These are loud enough to be heard without stethoscope. Palpation elicits abdominal tenderness with moderate distention; rebound tenderness occurs when obstruction has caused strangulation with ischemia. The signs of paralytic ileus differ significantly in that bowel sounds decrease or are absent and pain is steady. Vomiting and abdominal distension occur quickly with obstruction of the small intestine. Vomiting is recurrent and consists first gastric contents and then bile-stained duodenal contents. No stool or gas is passed. Restlessness and diaphoresis with tachycardia is present initial. As hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalance progress, signs of dehydration, weakness, confusion and shock are apparent (Barbara, 2002). Signs and symptoms of large bowel obstruction develop more slowly because the colon can absorb fluid from its contents and distend well beyond its normal size. Constipation may be only clinical effect for days. Colicky abdominal pain may then appear suddenly, producing spasms that last less than 1 minute each and recur every few minutes. Continuous hypogastric pain and nausea may develop, but vomiting is usually absent at first. Large bowel obstruction can cause dramatic abdominal distention; loops of the large bowel may become visible on the abdomen. Eventually, complete large bowel obstruction may cause fecal vomiting, continuous pain or localized peritonitis. Patients with partial obstruction may display any of the above signs and symptoms in a milder form. However, leakage of liquid stool around the obstruction is common in partial obstruction (Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2007). 5  IMAGING MODALITIES 5.1 Laboratory Test Laboratory evaluation of patients with suspected obstruction should include a complete blood count and metabolic panel. Hypokalemic, hypochlomeric metabolic alkalosis may be noted in patients with severe emesis. Elevated blood urea nitrogen levels are consistent with dehydration, and haemoglobin and hemotocrit levels may be increased. The white blood cell count may be elevated if intestinal bacteria translocate into the bloodstream. It can cause the systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis. The development of metabolic acidosis especially in a patient with an increasing serum lactate level, may signal bowel ischemia (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011). 5.2 Plain Radiography The initial imaging study of choice for confirming bowel obstruction with clinical signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction should include pain upright abdominal radiography. This radiography can quickly determine if intestinal perforation has occurred. The free air can be seen above the liver in upright films or left lateral decubitus films. Radiography is 60-70% sensitivity for detection of small bowel obstruction and it performs better in high-grade obstruction. Radiography can be find the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction include distended loops of small bowel, collapsed colon, the à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"string of pearls sign resulting from small amount of residual air compared with the large amount of retained fluid and pseudotumour related to distended fluid filled loops. In large bowel obstruction, it is important to note the degree of caecal distension on the plain abdominal films, since marked distension will point to the need for urgent decompression to prevent caecal perforation. In patients with small bowel obstruction, supine views show dilation of multiple loops of small bowel with a paucity of air in the large bowel (Figure 4). Those with large bowel obstruction may have dilation of the colon with decompressed small bowel in the setting of the competent ileocecal valve. Upright or lateral decubitus films may show laddering air fluid level (Figure 5). These findings show in conjunction with a lack of air and stool in the distal colon and rectum are highly suggestive of mechanical intestinal obstruction (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011). Limitations: Fails to diagnose the cause of obstruction in most cases In obstruction of ileocaecal region, it may be difficult to determine whether the level in the proximal large bowel or distal ileum Cannot reliably detect the presence of ischaemic complication 5.3 Computed Tomography 5.3.1 Small bowel obstruction Generally, it is considered the imaging modality of choice when plain abdominal radiography and the clinical features suggest an acute small bowel obstruction. CT is sensitive for detection of high-grade obstruction (90-96%). Although CT is highly sensitive and specific for high-grade obstruction, its value diminishes in patients with partial obstruction. In these patients, oral contrast material may be seen traversing the length of the intestine to the rectum with no discrete area of transition. It useful in: Confirming or excluding small bowel obstruction (versus pseudo-obstruction) Defining the degree and site of obstruction Identifying the cause of small bowel obstruction (73-95% sensitivity) Confirming or excluding the diagnosis of ischaemia (>90% sensitivity and specificity) The advantages are: Superior to enteroclysis in showing extraluminal masses, revealing abscesses, malignancy, anterior adhesions as well as features of strangulation. It is ability to depict other causes of an acute abdomen The limitations: Lower sensitivity (approximately 50%) for the detection and location of low-grade small bowel obstruction (Diagnostic Imaging Pathways, 2009) 5.3.2 Large Bowel Obstruction It indicated as an alternative to contrast enema in evaluation of large bowel obstruction, particularly with elderly and immobile patients. CT findings in patients with intestinal obstruction include dilated loops of bowel proximal to the site of obstruction with distally decompressed bowel. The presence of discrete transition point helps guide operative planning (Figure 6). Absence of contrast material in the rectum is also an important sign of complete obstruction. For this reason, rectal administration of contrast material should be avoided (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011). The advantages are: Does not require insertion of rectal tube and contrast and is therefore better tolerated than a contrast enema In one study, successfully diagnosed colonic obstruction in 96% of patients and pseudo-obstruction in 93% of patients The limitations for this are false negative and false positive results and limited diagnostic with partly obstructing lesions (Diagnostic Imaging Pathways, 2009). Figure 6: Axial computed tomography scan showing dilated, contrast- filled loops of bowel on the patientà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s left (yellow arrows), with decompressed distal small bowel on the patientà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s right (red arrows). The cause of obstruction, an increased umbilical hernia, can also be seen (green arrows), with proximally dilated bowel entering the hernia and decompressed bowel exiting the hernia (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011). 5.4 Contrast Fluoroscopy Contrast studies, such as small bowel follow-through, can be helpful in the diagnosis of a partial intestinal obstruction in patients with high clinical suspicion and in clinically stable patients in whom initial conservative management was not effective. The use of water-soluble contrast material is not only diagnostic, but may be can use for therapeutic in patients with partial small-bowel obstruction. Contrast fluoroscopy may also be useful in determining the area of intestine that need for surgery (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011). There are several variations of contrast fluoroscopy. In the small bowel follow-through study, the patient drinks contrast material, then serial abdominal radiographs are taken to visualize the passage of contrast through the intestinal tract. The advantage of small bowel follow-through is does not require nasointestinal intubation, and compared to enteroclysis, it is easier to perform and does not require additional expertise. The limitations for this procedure are they take time for contrast to reach the obstruction and barium is diluted because of excess residual intraluminal fluid resulting in non-uniform small bowel filling (Diagnostic Imaging Pathways, 2009). Enteroclysis involves naso- or aro-duodenal intubation, followed by the instillation of contrast material directly into the small bowel. Although this study has superior sensitivity compared with small bowel follow through, it is more labor-intensive and is rarely performed. The advantage enteroclysis are it has ability to gauge the severity of obstruction objectively. The limitations are it need for nasoenteric intubation and demonstration of extrinsic causes is sometimes difficult. Rectal fluoroscopy can be helpful in determining the site of a suspected large bowel obstruction (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011) 5.5 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be more sensitive than CT in the evaluation of intestinal obstruction. MRI enteroclysis, which involves intubation of the duodenum and infusion of contrast material directly into small bowel. It can more reliably determine the location and cause of obstruction. However, MRI is not universally available and very expensive (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011). 5.6 Ultrasonography In patients with high-grade obstruction, ultrasound evaluation of the abdomen has high sensitivity for intestinal obstruction, approaching 85 percent. However, because of the wide availability of CT, it has largely replaced ultrasonography as the first-line investigation in stable patients with suspected intestinal obstruction. Ultrasonography remains a valuable investigation for unstable patients with an ambiguous diagnosis and in patients that contraindication with radiation exposure, such as pregnant women (Patrick G. Jackson Manish Raiji, 2011).

Grendel and the Importance of Human Values :: Grendel Essays

Grendel and the Importance of Human Values In Grendel, by John Gardner, there is considerable disquietude, but there are also moments of pleasure as well. The cause of these contrasting feelings is most often Grendel himself. As he changes from a purposeful and almost kind creature to a very cruel monster that scorns hope, we find ourselves feeling both pleased and upset at different times. In this element, though, lies a much greater purpose than simply good literature - it helps the reader understand the importance of human values. Pleasure in the book comes mainly in realizing how much Grendel acts like a human, and how much more rational he is than one would expect for a cruel monster. After seeing the deer in the beginning of the novel, Grendel points out why he kills cows instead of deer: they have more meat and are easier to catch. Although it's not necessarily a pleasant thought, it's somewhat comforting to know that Grendel appears to kill for the practical benefits (food) and not simply for the sake of killing. This is no worse than we might do. He seems especially human-like when he listens to the Shaper's song. Crying, he says that he was "filled with sorrow and tenderness" (44) and that he was "torn apart by poetry" (44). Another moment of pleasure comes as he is talking to the dragon and expresses a sort of hope and purpose. In defending his resolve not to scare humans so much just for fun, Grendel says, "Why shouldn't one change one's ways, improve one's character?" (72). In all the dragon's insist ence that everything is worth nothing, Grendel refuses to believe him. He even says, "Nevertheless, something will come of all this" (74). His hope makes the readers think all the better of him. Even if, at first, Grendel seems almost kind, and the reader is pleased with his character, he soon becomes more and more evil, and his actions bring about a feeling of uneasiness, to say the least. Before, the killing of people for no apparent reason disgusted Grendel. However, when he brings Unferth home, he kills the two guards "so I wouldn't be misunderstood" (90). Later, in probably the most disturbing scene of the book, we see how meaningless killing has become to Grendel. He brutally attacks the queen and is determined to kill her.

The Perspective of a Child in William Faulkner’s The Unvanquished :: Faulkner’s The Unvanquished

The Perspective of a Child in William Faulkner’s The Unvanquished In the novel The Unvanquished, by William Faulkner, the story of a child’s journey from boyhood to manhood is told through the perspective of an adult reflecting upon the past. Faulkner uses the narrator of the novel, Bayard Sartoris, to recall numerous experiences and portray intricate details that involve time, place, and setting through several techniques of writing. Language, empirical knowledge, and tone play a major role in the readers understanding of the perspective of which the story is told. Faulkner is a master of using language as a means of giving the reader clues to what is going on in the story: subliminally and in the perspective of a child. Many times throughout the novel, he uses a tone of voice in which the reader understands that the narrator is a naive boy who is oblivious to his surroundings and what is going on in â€Å"reality.† At an early age Bayard and his playmate, a black lad named Ringo, see the world as an adventure and often bring these characteristics of imagination into real life situations. For example, the boys shoot a â€Å"Yank† (literally) in an almost playful way, which is quite similar to the way in which they play in their living quarters daily. The way in which Faulkner describes these events through the narrator tells the reader that Bayard is unaware of the consequences of his action and that he is being compelled to do things such as shooting a â€Å"Yank† based on the influence of his Father and Grandmother rather than on his own accord. The manner in which Bayard goes about his actions is very childlike and Faulkner uses naivety and the ability for the child not to think for himself to portray age. On the other hand, the reader is also aware that someone with a great deal of empirical knowledge narrates the story. Many times Faulkner uses subtle asides that give the reader more clues of the narrator’s demeanor and understanding of his surroundings. Faulkner uses phrases like, â€Å"to a twelve years old,† that tell the reader that someone with understanding and experience is speaking to directly to the reader. Within the same breath the reader is reminded that a child is actually telling the story. Faulkner chooses to make these two voices coalesce in a way to show more than one perspective and not be limited in the mind of a child.