Prosodic Features for Sentence Segmentation Dissertation

Prosodic Features for Sentence Segmentation - Dissertation Example The most emphasis in this approach is put on the duration of pauses between words. Longer pauses are assumed to be sentence boundaries. The word boundary method presupposes that such pauses logically occur only at the end of sentences. This is true on many occasions since the place to pause is really at the end of sentences. The word boundary method is therefore quite useful especially when analyzing short sentences (Stolcke, & Shriberg, 1996, 139). The detection of sentence boundaries is one of the initial steps that lead to the understanding of speech. The fact that speech recognizer output lacks the normal textual cues such as headers, paragraphs, sentence punctuation and capitalization was also mentioned. However, speech provides prosodic information through its durational, intonational and energy characteristics. In addition to its relevance to discourse structure in spontaneous speech and its ability to contribute to various tasks involving the extraction of information; prosod ic cues are naturally unaffected by word identity. It should therefore be possible to improve the robustness of lexical information extraction methods which are based on ASR (Hakkani-Tur et al 1999). Sentence segmentation is required for topic segmentation and is also needed to separate long stretches of audio data before parsing (Shriberg et al 2000). Sentence segmentation is critical for applications that are used for obtaining information from speech because information retrieval techniques such as machine translation, question answering and information extraction were basically developed for text based applications (Shriberg et al 2000; Cuendet et al 2007). Kolar et al (2006, p. 629) indicates that standard automatic speech recognition systems only output a raw stream of words. It therefore means that important structural information such as punctuation is missing. Punctuation defines sentence boundaries and is fundamental to the ability of humans to understand information. Natu ral language processing techniques such as machine translation, information extraction and retrieval text summarization all benefit from sentence boundaries. According to Mrozinski et al (2006) spontaneous speech is generally affected negatively by ungrammatical constructions and consists of false starts, word fragments and repetitions which are representative of useless information. Output from automatic Speech-To-Text (STT) system is affected by additional problems as the word recognition error rates in spontaneous speech is still high. Sentence segmentation can lead to an improvement in the readability and usability of such data; after which automatic speech summarization can be used to extract important data. Magimai-Doss et al (2007) indicates that the aim of sentence segmentation is the enrich the improve the unstructured word sequence output for automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems with sentence boundaries in order to make further processing by humans and machines easie r. Improvements in performance were shown in speech processing tasks such as: speech summarization, named entity extraction and part-of-speech tagging in speech, machine translation, and for aiding human readability of the output of automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems when sentence boundary information was provided. Annotation relating to sentence boundary was found to be useful in the determination of â€Å"semantically and prosodically coherent boundaries for

Fishbone Diagram Essay Example for Free

Fishbone Diagram Essay Fishbone diagram allows Hotel Escargo to turn the problem upside down working through the roots so that the issue is fixed. It is also easier to fix the smaller problems that lead to the main problem. Looking at the check-in delays, there are a lot of small issues that have led to this occurrence. The first issue is computer malfunctions. Often times, computers tend to freeze due to glitches in the used software causing them to lose customers entering information. This issue causes customers not to get their room which is a check-in delay. Another issue is not having valid and filed credit cards. When checking in, some customers enter the hotel with credit cards that are either expired, maxed out, or not in service. This leads to customers not being able to check-in their room which is another check-in delay. Not having rooms prepared for guests because of a slow cleaning crew leads to check-in delays. Having no available bellmen due to them assisting other customers also leads to check-in time delays. This results from having a shortage of bellmen. Bad front desk service due to them being slow, unorganized, and having a shortage of workers leads to check-in delays. Last but not least, not having a pre-reserved room also leads to check-in delays because individuals have to go through the reservation process the day they try to get a room. If all of these issues are taken care of, check-in delays will be eliminated.

MCB Bank Pakistan: SWOT and PEST Analysis

MCB Bank Pakistan: SWOT and PEST Analysis Jump to: SWOT Analysis of MCB | PEST Analysis of MCB | Porters Five Analysis of MCB | Ecological Factors Affecting MCB This report analyses the largest bank of Pakistan, MCB. MCB was founded over 50 years ago in Pakistan, it has got a network of over 1026 branches, 750 are automated branches and 300 MCB ATMS in 41 cities of Pakistan. MCB has a network of over 12 banks on the MNET ATM switch. The aim of MCB is to rationalize expenses, realignment of back and processing to increase productivity, enhancement of customer services, increase efficiency and control. MCB is the only bank of Pakistan which introduced the innovative concept of centralizing Trade Services in Pakistan by providing centralized foreign trade services to its branches with view to improve efficiency, expertise and reduce delivery cost. MCB is the only bank who has been able to receive The Euro Money Award for the fourth time in the last 5 years. Since 2001 to 2005 MCB has won the best bank in Pakistan and in 2000 the best domestic bank in Pakistan awards. All though MCB also has distinction in winning The Asia money award in 2004 an d 2005. It has been 10 years that MCB has been privatized. MCB core businesses are corporate, commercial and consumer banking. In year 2005 MCB was the only bank of Pakistan to become the preferred provider of quality financial services. Financial services in the country with profitability and responsibility. In the year 2005 MCB was the best employers in Pakistan to employee graduates. According to the results, MCB witnessed resilient operating performance in the first quarter of 2009 with healthy growth in balance sheet and key profitability indicators. Total assets of the bank swelled to Rs 456b with an increase of 3pc over Rs 444b as at December 2008 and increased by 15pc over Rs. 397b in March 2008. Deposits showed an increase of Rs. 8b over December 2008 and closed at Rs 338b i.e. a growth of 2pc over Dec 2008. In 2007, MCB reported a profit after tax of PKR16.4 billion (US$270 million) and generated a return on average equity of 38% and a net interest margin of 8.08%. The Banks asset quality is strong with a gross NPL ratio of 4.7% and provision coverage of 100%. At the end of year 2006 MCB Bank announced it Net Income Rs. 12,541M (US$ 206M) which was an increase of 36.1% over 2005. Net Interest Income was Rs. 21276M(US$ 349M) for the year 2006, which was a healthy increase of 42% over the same period last year, with the pre provision operating profit at Rs.20, 113M( US$ 330M), a 39% increase over last year. However, the year 2007-08 has been very tough years for Pakistans economy. It is due to different factors such as political and economic events took place within Pakistan. The above explained events such as disturbed political conditions, an unstable law and order situation; supply shocks; soaring oil, food and other commodity; prices; softening of external demand; and turmoil in the international financial market. SWOT Analysis of MCB Strengths MCB Bank has earned a reputation in the market for extending quality services to the market vis-Ã  -vis its competitors. It has earned a strong Brand name in banking in a very short span of time. As customer confidence in MCB escort it towards achieving their goals and objectives. It has the premier number of linked branches in the country. The bank operates through a network of 1026 BRANCHES and over 300 ATMs across Pakistan, hence enabling them to serve customer in superior way. MCB Bank has all the products under its belt, which help it to extend the relationship with existing customer. MCB Bank has umbrella of products to offer their customers, if once customer has relationship with the bank. Some Products, which MCB Banks offering are Retail Banking, Business Banking, Merchant Establishment Services (EDC Machine), Personal loans Car loans, Demit Services with E-Broking, Mutual Fund (MCB Banks the Distributor of all Mutual Fund), Insurance and Housing Loans. MCB is having an ed ge over other banks in case of Salary Accounts. Most of the companies are having their Salary Account with MCB even if their Current Account is with any other Bank. This is mainly because of the huge network of ATMs and branches of MCB. MCB is only Bank which is having its working hours from 8 to 8 for some branches which is one of the major strength of MCB Bank with respect to nationwide business Industry. MCB Banks known for its aggressive marketing of its products. Recent Endorsement of its product by famous celebrities and superior advertisement to attract more customers. From its inception, MCB Bank has adopted a policy of selecting internationally proven and specialized Packaged Systems for its technology. MCB banks technology platform has been acknowledged globally as one of the best in terms of robustness, flexibility and cost efficiency. MCB Banks in a position to leverage this platform to further build cost and service advantage. MCB has a strong management team and have a very impressive cash flow with an excellent financial performance. As MCB was awarded 1st Asian bank providing good return on saving and current account to its customers. Weaknesses The bank targets only the top grade of clients and does not cater to the needs of small customers. Due to this reason the bank may sometimes loose good clients. As well they have to concentrate on their online banking to attract more customers as their online banking service has a weak image in front of customers. MCB Bank has a defensive approach in lending. Mainly to IT ITES companies Bank do not provide loan as these companies are not having collaterals so bank hesitate in giving loans to them. Because of this policy companies prefer nationalized banks and MCB Banking turn sometimes loose potential customers. MCB Banks having little presence Outside Pakistan, because of which companies prefer MNC Bank, mainly united bank limited (UBL). So if MCB Bank tries to emerge outside Pakistan then it has a huge potential of customers. MCB aggressive marketing has rapidly increasing its customer base. They are not however, increasing the number of employees accordingly. This is leading to c orrosion of the standard of customer service. Opportunities MCB can improve insurance services to compete in market. MCB insurance premium is high and return on claim is less in percentage. As other insurance companies are convincing their customers to buy insurance policies. It has been noticed that MCB has not been recruiting properly and their business need experts in various tax policies and service of bank. MCB has associated itself with various social causes such as helping poor people for food and medical treatment on low charges. MCB can improve their customer service as there is always a room to add innovative techniques and polices which could lead to additional proficiency of the institution. MCB recently introduces Mobile banking service, but most of the customers are unaware of the service and MCB could work on adverting it to give benefits of it to their clients. Threats MCB is having sturdy competition in market with its competitors as some of them having their branches nationwide and internationally as well. MCB is ready to provide all kind of services to their clients online but they have to make it confidential that the data is being protected and secure and cannot be leaked to third party. Branch managers are allowed to take decisions on their own in regard to their branch but decisions made by individuals will be different and a single wrong decision could escort towards intense losses to the institution. MCB has been facing trouble in providing good service to uneducated customers to use electronic and computerized machines. PEST Analysis of MCB The analysis of MCB will take in to account the general environment analysis, the competitors analysis by comparing the products offered by the competitive banks and the departmental analysis. The general environment of takes in to account the external factors like politics, economy of Pakistan, socio-cultural factors and technology. Now we will analyze these factors one by one and check how these affect the working of MCB: Political The current situation of the government in Pakistan is directly affecting the policies of banks. However, MCB tries hard to keep its business away from the politics but it is not an easy task. MCB has no accounts of political leaders or parties. However, its Customer Service Department faces peer pressure from such political parties. As MCB is trapped in dual sanctions from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and from the European Union so the changing political environment is not so beneficial for the bank to operate freely. The changing policies of the government, affects SBP which in return affects the MCB rules and policies. The government of Pakistan has privatized most of the banks. The number of government owned banks have declined constantly, so these changes directly affect MCB. Economical The economy of any country has deep impact on any financial organization. Economic indicators include Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, balance of payment, debt of the government. These below graphs will explain how economic conditions of Pakistan are adversely affecting the banking system of Pakistan. The pitiable economy of Pakistan and instable government is adversely affecting MCB and its different departments; recently MCB has redundant many of its employees. The economy of our Pakistan is very poor. Due to poor economy businesses are showing low profits and Pakistan stock market is in great danger. Pakistans foreign debts are rising day by day, so such a situation is a huge challenge for MCB to survive. Due to financial crisis in Pakistan the management of MCB has to face stressful situations and also working environment. At present the MCB is not extending loans but recovering the existing ones. Social MCB has been influenced by the socio-cultural factors. At present most of the European countries are keeping their eyes on Pakistan as being the terrorist country, so people of Pakistan are emotionally getting affected by it. Most of the foreign investments have been stopped in Pakistan. Pakistani people are traditionalists who do not like the modern banking environment of MCB. Some of the customers do not use ATMs they still prefer cash counters, so these kinds of socio-cultural factors affect the banking environment and its operations. Technological Technology has a deep influence on different kinds of organizations whether banks or any kind social welfare organizations. In MCB technology has great effect on the working environment. Mostly all banks use computers none of the banks keep data manually so the bank has to be continuously in touch with the modern ways of task performance. MCB is always ahead to introduce new computer systems for keeping its staff up to date. The intranet facility is playing an important role in enhancing the knowledge of staff. Due to technology that bank staff keeps in touch with the customers through e mail; ATMs and online banking is only possible due to technology. In this way technology is playing its key role in and is helping management to further improve its functions. Conclusion: Overall we can say that MCB is influenced by the economic position of Pakistan, which has stopped it from extending loans to the customers. After that the policies of MCB are also affecting its performance and free functioning. Social and technological issues are of secondary importance but they also cannot be neglected. MCB is focusing positively regarding technological issues but it should also keep its eye on the social cultural factors also. Porters Five Forces Analysis of MCB For further analysis of MCB environment, Porters Five Forces Analysis is also applied on the bank. This analysis takes in to consideration the following factors: Substitutes Substitution of one product with another one increases the competition within an industry. However, the perfect substitutes of banks are not available in the market at present, but people still have choices of saving or investing their money. The people can save their money in their own houses or they can deposit their money in the National Saving Centers (Banking Intermediaries) which give protection to their assets. Aside from saving one can invest money in stock market in form of shares / bonds or in real estate. These kinds of substitutes increase the competition in the banking sector. Competition There is tough competition between different banks. There is a huge variety of public and private banks already exist in the market, offering products on competitive prices. If we look at banking products (loans, savings and current accounts) then Alfalah Bank, Meezan Bank, Habib Bank and many others are offering wide range of products in this sector. The tough competition between these banks increases the challenge which the MCB have to face. The competition among various banks increases the switching of the customers form one banks product to the other bank. Threat of new entrants The banking sector of any country has always potential of growth and competition. Mostly foreign banks step in the developing countries for expanding their branches, not only this mergers between foreign and local banks take place at large scale but Pakistans present economic condition and government instability has arose the feelings of awe and terror among most of the foreign banks to enter in the market. In future due to uncertainty and security problems in Pakistan investors will not be willing to invest here. Due to overall financial problems in the whole world new banks will not be entering in to the banking industry. Power of buyer Bargaining power of buyer is low where the products substitutes are not available and customers are large in number. In case of banks there are lots of other banks and banking intermediaries, having wide range of products, so power of buyer in banking sector is high. The bank cannot force any customer to buy the desired product because this directly affects its reputation. However, the bank can convince its customers by giving them special discount or rewards. If we look at MCB we will find that the competitors are also offering products due to which customer feel in power by saying that they can go to some other bank in case of dissatisfaction. Bargaining power of suppliers The lending power of bank is enhanced by its depositors as they are suppliers of the bank. It allows bank to involve in other business activities to invest such as personal and business loans. The suppliers then get interest on their amount as profit earned by the bank. Banks need to concentrate on their policies as bargaining power of suppliers is very high and they move towards highest interest rates. Conclusion According to Porters Five Forces analysis we can say that MCB has no fear of new entrants due to the poor economic position of Pakistan. However, it should keep its eyes open regarding mergers of various banks. There are two big threats; firstly from the buyers who can go to the other banks and secondly form the substitutes like investment in stock market, so MCB should carefully examine its task environment. The Ecological Responsibilities of Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) 3 different parts are mentioned in this section: How ecological factors affecting decision making and policy at MCB How effective the action taken towards ecological environment been so far (reducing waste, reducing carbon emission, reducing energy bills, reducing airtravel, investing in sustainable project) how these have gone up and have benefited the company. What other areas of improvement that you think they should be doing to improve response of ecological factorsthink about what other banks internationally have done and suggest something to MCB. The public responsibilities of corporations, according to Harvard management ( year ), are to grow and prosper thereby providing customer satisfaction, employment, taxes, and contributions to the economyand to control their hazards. According to Milton Friedman, the only social responsibility of a corporation is to make money, by striving after profit as an efficient agent of production, although he admits that the corporation should conform to the rules and norms of society. Corporate responsibility is more composite than a simple, linear cost/benefit analysis. Using the metaphor of corporation as organism, it is possible to outline a new set of responsibilities for corporations and a series of behaviors that human individuals and communities can practice to integrate corporate behavior into the communities. With an ecological model, the ecological responsibilities of corporations, to themselves, to nature, and to human communities, are described. At MCB profit making is an obligatory part of business, but not the sole reason for business. There for MCB ensures that it serves public goods as well as private interests. This is analogous to Ruth Benedicts original anthropological meaning of synergy as applied to individuals. In secure, nonaggressive societies, an individual serves his own advantage as well as that of the group with the same act. Institution ensures mutual advantage; the acts are mutually reinforcing. Economic recession may bring a re-examination of values, not only by individuals who have less material wealth, but by corporations that have emphasized growth. The public may insist that corporations consider social performance as well as strictly economic performance. The single economic purpose may only be the focus in a social environment.MCB is highly concerned about economic actions, such as where to build, who to relocate, hire, or dismiss, may be subjected to greater public scrutiny. Business cannot assert a primary self-interest at a cost to the public or environment. Corporations need to keep track of their environmental impacts. Many of the problems that corporations face are connected to the problems of the environment and society. Corporations need to work cooperatively to make sure the costs and benefits are extended equally throughout the system. They could start by sponsoring the rational use of rare resources through taxation, and by influencing the government to determine priorities for wilderness areas or special landscapes; beautiful, fragile, unique, or endangered ecosystems and species must be protected at the expense of commercial activity. With regards to ecological factors Muslim Commercial Bank have had considerable focus on the ecological diversities in the market some of the existing factors in addition to the future polices and practice have been discussed as under; The bank created a department with ecological authority to envision long-range plans and impacts. They have realized that they need to react more quickly to monitor their ecological and social environments for the emerging patterns that determine their future. They need to anticipate and participate in the social and natural framework. A new department, with global, anticipatory functions could provide direction and continuity. Such a department could be justified in the same manner as military forces. Military expenditure is a non-productive cost; its benefits are general and long-range, that is, it must discourage war in the next decade as well as in this one. Its scope of advice would include educational services as well as advertising, capital acquisitions as well as new products, and plant engineering as well as security. Plan all foreseeable consequences of a product. Advanced technology permits the power to change to overwhelm the ability to foresee the consequences of change. Avoiding the opposite actions of intentions (recognized by the Greeks as the operation of tragedy) is extremely difficult. Good intentions are not enough: Labor-saving devices may contribute to unemployment and social problems; foreign aid may result in starvation for more millions as local agriculture cannot compete; and the environmental management of some species for sustainable yield causes the population to collapse. The bank is determined to optimum corporate size and maintains it. As they perceive that after a point, growth results in inefficiency and non adaptability. Development, on the other hand, can continue for hundreds or thousands of years. A smaller size could mean more flexibility and faster response to local conditions. Recognize material limits. The global economy is probably too large already to be supported by the natural systems of the planet. Find an upper limit to the economy of scale. Accept limits to growth based on materials and on non-renewable or dangerous sources of energy. This should not limit development based on advancing technology and knowledge. Another factor which the bank could focus on is to adjust corporate strategies to changing values. Smaller social and cultural groups have different and diverging values, so corporations are going to have to adjust to a diversity of values instead of to a monolithic standard. The structure of power is disintegrating, with information replacing things as wealth. The knowledge-driven economy is more decentralized and customized. This moves us towards customization of production and away from mass production. Change the shape of the corporation to a framework coordinating separate divisions sharing information. Each division could react much more quickly to market conditions. MCB works to delineate a new information model of production in which the stages of a process (capital, materials, workers, design, advertising, selling) are simultaneous and synthesized. The conception of the product is extended from design (even customer contributions and design of working conditions) to aftercare, including ecologically safe retirement and disposal. The notions of efficiency and productivity are changing. Innovation and computer technology shortens product life cycles. Production diversity is increasing. Convert the information model to an understanding model. Information is just data without appropriate structure. Provide a structure and material base for understanding through communication, education, and training. Furthermore MCB promotes the principle of least effort, allowing the company to consume less, recycle, use longer, and avoid waste. Corporations could develop renewable energy sources. Conduct a complete series of audits, including an energy audit for every building. Reduce office costs through energy conservation planning. Use renewable energy sources. Energy and materials can be used and reused, flowing through the system. Cars are ecologically unacceptable forms of transport, yet companies intrinsically recognize them with large, free parking lots. Discourage commuting; encourage telecommuting or even alternate forms of transportation (bicycling, buses, and trains). Minimize wastes, for instance, by using permanent packaging (milk bottles and cola bottles can be reused forty or more times). Conduct a complete series of audits, including an environmental audit to determine negative impacts, from acid wastes or product disposal, and a problem audit, to include inherited problems. Produce a comprehensive annual impact statement. MCB ensures to maintain the health of natural communities, because environmental health is the basis for community health, and community health is the basis for economic health and worker health. The quality of life depends on the quality of the environment. If the environment is degraded to raise the quality of life, the effect is very limited and can never be self-sustaining. Fitting economic costs and needs to the limits of ecosystems and monitoring the economic process would reduce wastes and pressures on natural processes. The coupling of agricultural productivity to a solar budget, and the conscious restoration of degraded systems, would contribute to the health of ecosystems. The financial institution believes that sufficient wilderness would allow the self-maintenance of global cycles. With the increase in security, wealth, and self-esteem, human populations could be dependent on ecosystem productivities and still be diverse and unique. What made us human was that, in additio n to human social groups, we lived in communities with other species. We learned spontaneously from other animals and enjoyed their company. We are poor and malcontent without them. The management of the bank tends to be accountable for ecological impacts. They believe that the bank should be held more accountable for their technological impact. New technology is more closely regulated. They comprehend this by favoring open appraisal of new technologies. By studying the potential consequences, physical, social, and ecological, as far as possible into the future, of its innovations in information technology, they can gain credibility. Otherwise, it can wait and be forced by public and governmental pressure. Integrate loops and material flows; internalize cycles. The bank tends to avoid interference with natural processes. Technological processes have been brought into balance with the cycles of the earth. They must not damage or degrade natural cycles. Avoid unnecessary harm. It may be appropriate to use trees or to compete with black bears for tree use, but it is never wise to destroy the ecosystem of trees and bears. Laws on pollution and noxious wastes have been notoriously lax and sometimes wrong-headed. Minimal acceptable tolerances are legal, yet people often prefer zero amounts of many substances. Minimal compliance with them is virtuous for many companies, but it would be better to lead to higher standards. Work toward setting zero-level goals. Do not dump exotic or dangerous wastes. Do not discharge quantities of safe wastes. The Corporation maintains building and plants in thousands of locations, each requiring support. Convert to ecological grounds practices. Forgo economic development of key ecosystems, which should not be available for human use. Consider adjusting the economic pace to natural rates; do not cut trees, for instance, faster than they grow. Consider minimizing use of ecosystem productivity to the net ecosystem productivity, rather than the gross productivity, especially as regards fisheries. Another influential feature of MCB is to promote ecological design; the institution is becoming a more responsible member of the community. Thus it would encourage an ecological approach to systems and processes in the whole environment, where the product, with its plant, engineers, and advertisers, is a link in a long biomorphic chain stretching from knives to surgical microchip memory implants. Ecological design has important characteristics for responsible technology: The products are designed by interdisciplinary teams considering all parameters and consequences; ecological sciences offer creative insights into design through a search for underlying organic principles; the product must be related to the particular environment, the tool is a link between human and environment. It is hard to protect communities when the way most business is done tends to disrupt community life. Because of its size, power, and intention (often just for profit), the corporation should take higher risks not lower than the surrounding communities. This will ensure the safety of products and wastes. The work place is not just collection of individuals. It is a number of groups. Group interaction can change attitudes. A working community can build mutual responsibility. Show proper behavior; learn community etiquette. The bank can design the corporate structure and size for the community. Limit unnecessary movement or disruption. Plan the shape, size, and products of the corporation to fit the local community. Encourage self-reliance in communities. Communities can be self-reliant: By producing enough food and shelter; by limiting their population to what can be produced; by using local products and raw materials (soil, minerals, plants); by using general and not specialized machines; by having multipurpose factories; by networking with other communities, and; by doing without things that are not needed, e.g., bombs, food additives, or plastic bottles. Muslim commercial bank is an ecological corporation and could use corporate buying power to promote acceptable technologies and discourage unacceptable practices. Deal less with nuclear weapons contractors and more with solar energy companies. Deal less with one-shot paper companies and more with recycling paper companies. Boycott paper companies involved in Rainforest destruction or old-growth forest destruction. Avoid banks that invest in anything that brings a high return, from third-world debt to Amazonian destruction and South African discrimination. Favor peace-oriented companies as business partners. And, refuse to participate in work that is socially destructive. Economic development and social progress are necessary for the welfare of humanity, but must be conducted with environmental knowledge. The goal of economics and politics is to provide suitable and comfortable human habitations and meaningful activities. Human settlements must be planned and constructed within environmental constraints and according to ecological priorities. Work to preserve the structure of the natural and social communities. Corporations can encourage decentralization and restore schools, clinics, and shops to local communities. Offer cooperative control with the community. Change the pattern of ownership to reflect employee and community participation. The bank is promoting ecological education. Encouraging cultural traditions; refusing to let social and spiritual needs be subverted by economic ends. Helping to lead the young into their adult responsibilities through training and participation, such as with apprenticeship programs. They could also educate people in appropriate ways to achieve wealth and well-being. Teach appreciation of the services rendered by nature through flows and cycling. Point out the unexpectedness of the consequences of even simple corporate interventions and innovations, e.g., positive feedback, biological concentration of poisons, and synergetic effects of simple new chemicals like CFCs. Trace the complex and reciprocal relations of soil, climate, vegetation, and human activity. Emphasize that a fixed set of ecological parameters in an ecosystem cannot be maintained in a sustainable way, because the system is dynamic and changing. Put computers in proper perspective. Children do not need computers to dev elop the powers of thought, but they do need an ecological curriculum where animals display greater powers of mind than computers or machines. The important technological advantages of a computer, word-processing, database searches, complex connections, and rapid computation, are not really needed before high school, unlike myths, languages, and physical activities. Encourage people to take responsibility for all of their actions, from reproduction to consumption and politics. The responsibility for the welfare of the citizens belongs in the community, as does education, safety, and the whole infrastructure. Corporate management is responsible for developing programs to set goals, modify structures, and introduce criteria to measure progress. The Board of Directors is responsible, as the architects of responsibility and stewards of the human and material resources; the government is responsible, in its legislative, judicial, and regulatory functions.

Literature Review of Caregivers Stress and Coping

Literature Review of Caregivers Stress and Coping A Literature review is a critical summary of research on a topic of interest often prepared to put a research problem in context .A literature review helps to lay the foundation for a study and can also inspire new research ideas. A systematic review of literature and appraisal of all the relevant scholarly literature on the specific topic involves an in depth study. An extensive review of literature was done on the related research and non research literature. The literature was reviewed under the following areas and analyzed: Literature related to Caregivers stress The role of the primary caregivers is stressful. They are unable to balance between providing care for a loved one and maintaining their own health status. It has been shown to be influenced by number of factors like duration of care given, functional impairment, dealing with crisis, loss of friends, social isolation, loss of intimacy, anxiety and depression of the caregiver.(Susan Mockos Parks, 2000) A comparative study was conducted among Euro- Americans and Latinos to study the relationship between family burden of schizophrenia and socio cultural context. Findings suggest differences in levels of family distress in relation to socio-cultural factors like gender, ethnicity, diagnosis, and living situation, across cultural and diagnostic groups. ( Jenkins,J.H. and Schumacher ,J.G.1999). Two Indian comparative studies were conducted in different states of India on the caregivers burden of schizophrenia and OCD patients. Ninety two First degree relatives/ spouses were compared. One study showed higher burden in OCD group that was high among spouses than relatives of schizophrenia group . The same author done another study showed higher burden in schizophrenia than OCD. (Guru raj, 2008). The study was conducted to measure the perception of burden by caregivers of patients with schizophrenia at Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra. the Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) was correlated to spouse, physical and mental health, external support, caregivers routines, support to patient, responsibility-taking, other relatives, patients behavior and caregivers strategy. A number of sample is thirty four caregivers of patient with schizophrenia. A low positive correlation was found between urban domiciles and support of the patient and the caregivers routine. There was a low positive correlation between age less than 30 years and the physical and mental health of the caregiver, and with taking responsibility. (Sunil Srivastava ,2005) This comparative cross-sectional study assessed family burden among caregivers of patients with OCD and schizophrenia in an Indian setting. Findings shows Indian families experience significant degrees of burden in the care of their relatives with OCD and schizophrenia. Relatives demographic characteristics did not influence burden severity. Illness severity and patients disability had a direct positive relationship with perceived family burden. This study suggests to develop local needs based support programme for families of patients with psychiatric disorders in India. (Rammohan, A., 2002) A case study was investigated the incidence of chronic sorrow in parents of chronically mentally ill children like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Convenience samples of 10 parents (four couples and two mothers) of adult children were interviewed using the Burke/NCRCS Chronic Sorrow questionnaire (Caregiver Version). Results showed that 8 out of 10 parents experienced chronic sorrow and suggested that healthcare professionals could assist them by providing information about their childs illness and by involving them in the treatment process. (Georgene G. Eakes., 2004). A study was examined on psychological distress among Latino family caregivers of adult with schizophrenia. The interview was done by using Zarit Burden Scale. The results shows that younger caregiver age, lower levels of caregivers education, and higher levels of the patients mental illness symptoms were predictive of higher levels of caregivers depressive symptoms. Caregivers perceived burden mediated the relation between patients psychiatric symptoms and caregivers depression. (Sandy. M. Magana., 1997). According to Ascher-Svanum and Sobel the comparative study was conducted to study the caregivers of mentally ill relatives to explore the relationship between gender and perceived levels of burden. Ninety-seven caregivers (76 women, 21 men) were interviewed. Women were found to experience a greater sense of burden and frustration than men in caring for their mentally ill relatives. The authors concluded that women encountered a wide range of difficulties centered on family and child rearing. (Gloria Denise Mays.,1989). A study explores the influences of selected social and psychological factors that are associated with perceived caregiver stress among 263 primary caregivers of the elderly in Allahabad City in northern India. The results indicate that although male caregivers perceived stress depends only on the size of the role overload, female caregivers perceived stress depends on the interrelationship between the size of the role overload and adherence to Asian cultural norms. (Rashmi Gupta.,2010). Literature Related to Coping measures to Reduce caregivers stress A study revealed primary caregivers with more active coping strategies perceive low level burden. This findings suggest the nurses to derive problem focused coping strategies for the caregivers. (Schultz, R.Beach., 1999) A analytical study conducted at Iran to identify caregivers at risk for adverse health effects associated with care giving, the stress, coping, and health. The sample size used was 500 primary caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. The results shows burdened caregivers had less coping levels, lower mastery and social support. Effective and stigmatized groups had better health outcomes and less service use than the burdened group over time; stigmatized caregivers had poorer self-care than effective caregivers. (Perlick, D.A.., 2008). A descriptive study was examined the effectiveness of a stress relief initiative for primary caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) at Taiwan. Seventy-seven primary caregivers of people with ID were selected the study, which involved participation in one stress management workshop (intervention group only) and both groups reading an education booklet on stress management. They found that 22.1% of caregivers in the study were at high risk of depressive stress and in need of mental health consultation; this prevalence was nearly six times that of the general population. The study results show that a face-to-face workshop is an effective way to decrease levels of depressive stress. (Hu, J., 2010). The pilot study was conducted to assess the level of stress experienced by caregivers of brain tumor patients and to examine both their interest in and preferences for stress reduction programs at North Carolina in USA. Convenience sampling technique was used. The sample size is 60 adult caregivers. The study examined the caregivers level of stress, beliefs, past experiences, and preferences in regard to stress reduction programs. A seventy two percent of the caregivers reported elevated stress levels , eighty seven percent caregiver believed that stress reduction techniques can help reduce stress ,eighty one percent caregiver were interested in learning about programs to reduce stress . Overall, sixty five caregivers wanted to receive information about stress reduction programs and seventy three percent caregivers were interested in programs such as exercise to reduce stress. Overall, fourty four percentages of caregivers were interested in participating in the various stress reduct ion programs presented to them in this study. These data provide further evidence that caregivers experience elevated levels of stress and are willing to learn more about and participate in programs to reduce stress .(Keir,S.T.,2007). The descriptive study was to examine the effects of music, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and music combined with progressive muscle relaxation on the reduction of anxiety, fatigue, and improvement of quality of life in family hospice caregivers at university of Kansas in USA. Sample size is 32 .The duration of study was 2 weeks. Paired t test indicated that the control and PMR group exhibited a significant difference in pre and posttest quality of life scores. Results shows that a significant correlation between anxiety and quality of life, anxiety and fatigue, fatigue and quality of life. (Choi,Y.K.,2010). A mail survey was conducted using a representative sample of 998 employed Chicago residents who provided informal care for at least one person. Ordinary least squares regression models were computed to examine the relationship between caregiver burden and drinking outcomes. Results suggest that caregivers who experience social and emotional burdens related to care giving are at risk for problematic alcohol use and warrant attention from health care and mental health service professionals. (Rosependa, K.M., 2010). A comparative study conducted in Australia to investigate the relationship between depression, nutritional risk and dietary intake in a population of older caregivers. Mailed questionnaire with sub group participating in a home based interview was used. Seventy-six community dwelling caregivers aged 50 years or over from Victoria, Australia. The data collected related to weight, height, hours of care, depressive symptoms, nutritional risk and appetite, dietary intake and shopping, cooking and meal consumption habits. Results shows thirty two percent of caregivers had depressive symptoms, twenty one percent were at risk of malnutrition, and twenty one percent reported their appetite was bad. Caregivers with depressive symptoms (32%) compared to those with no depressive symptoms (53%) had a poorer appetite (p < 0.05). Of the 20 caregivers who participated in the home interview, 25% reported they ate their meals alone. A result suggests older caregivers had depressive symptoms, were at risk of malnutrition and had poor appetites, although the majorities were overweight or obese. (Torres.S.J.,2010). A randomized comparative trial was undertaken comparing yoga with relaxation in South Australia. One hundred and thirty-one subjects with mild to moderate levels of stress. One hour sessions of relaxation or hatha yoga for 10 weeks .Following the 10 week intervention stress, anxiety and quality of life scores improved over time. Yoga was found to be as effective as relaxation in reducing stress, anxiety and improving health status. Yoga was more effective than relaxation in improving mental health. Vitality, social function and mental health. Yoga appears to provide a comparable improvement in stress, anxiety and health status compared to relaxation.(Smith, C., 2007). A pilot study of a yoga and meditation intervention for dementia caregiver stress. Twelve older female dementia patient family caregivers were participated. This study planned to help caregivers cope with stress. Pre test and post test revealed statistically significant reductions in depression and anxiety and improvements in perceived self-efficacy. These findings suggest that yoga and meditation may be a feasible and effective intervention for family caregivers and may improve affect, coping, physical well-being, and stress management.(Waelde, L. C.,2004).

The Fight Against Child Abuse :: Violence Against Children

Could you imagine how children must feel when they are abused by someone that is supposed to love and protect them, and nothing is done to help them? For this reason, it is important to realize there are legislative laws protecting child abusers from hate crimes, and excuses certain people from mandated reporting abuse. In fact, almost 5 children die every day as a result of abuse (Child Help, 2011). Also, money is spent to convict and imprison child abusers which could be put towards programs that help people to recognize and prevent abuse. Children are the future; therefore, it is important for them to grow up in an environment they can thrive, feel safe and free from harm. After all, as the old saying â€Å"It takes a village to raise a child† stands true to this day. Now is the time for everyone to put forth the extra effort to create ways to bring child abuse, a growing epidemic to an end. As responsible citizens it is the duty to report when child abuse is suspect ed, create laws that implement stiffer penalties, and teach people how to recognize the signs and how to prevent abuse. Anyone that suspects a child is neglected or abused should be mandated to report the abuse to an official, no exemptions, and no exclusions. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline if available at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). This number is used to report abuse, or get help from abuse (Help Guide, 2011). A suspected child abuse case is reported every 10 seconds this totals to more than 3 million cases yearly involving more than 6 million children (Child Help, 2011). Imagine how many child abuse cases go unreported! If children are not protected from abuses this may make the victims lash out later in life and be abusers themselves. Bill SB1313 will excuse people that volunteer their time from mandated reporting. An example of a volunteer that would not be required to report abuse under this law would be a Sunday school teacher. If the Sunday school teacher is aware of child abuse within the church, then the teacher would be exempt from mandated reporting (World Net Daily, 2 004). If most child abuse cases go un-reported imagine if this law passed! The number of child abuse cases and deaths resulting from abuse would drastically increase.

if bud abbot was alive today :: essays research papers

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on first?" might have turned out something like this: COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou. ABBOTT: Your computer? COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou. ABBOTT: What about Windows? COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows? COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows? ABBOTT: Wallpaper. COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software. ABBOTT: Software for Windows? COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything? ABBOTT: I just did. COSTELLO: You just did what? ABBOTT: Recommend something. COSTELLO: You recommended something? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: For my office? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yes, for my office! ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows. COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need? ABBOTT: Word. COSTELLO: What word? ABBOTT: Word in Office. COSTELLO: The only word in office is office. ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows. COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows? ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W". COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. OK, forget that. Can I watch movies on the Internet? ABBOTT: Yes, you want Real One. COSTELLO: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I watch is none of your business. Just tell me what I need! ABBOTT: Real One. COSTELLO: If it's a long movie, I also want to watch reels 2, 3 and 4. Can I watch them? ABBOTT: Of course. COSTELLO: Great! With what? ABBOTT: Real One. COSTELLO: OK, I'm at my computer and I want to watch a movie. What do I do? ABBOTT: You click the blue "1". COSTELLO: I click the blue one what? ABBOTT: The blue "1". COSTELLO: Is that different from the blue w? ABBOTT: The blue "1" is Real One and the blue "W" is Word. COSTELLO: What word? ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows. COSTELLO: But there are three words in "office for windows"! ABBOTT: No, just one. But it's the most popular Word in the world.

Hybrid electric vehicle Essay

What microenvironmental factors affected both the first generation and second generation models of the Toyota Prius? How well has Toyota dealt with these factors? When the Prius was introduced in the US, it was quite shocking that it became such a big hit. The US auto market had been dominated by SUV’s for quite some time, and it seemed that a car that was small, slow and lacked power wouldn’t be attractive to American consumers. The advanced technology was very attractive to the â€Å"early adopters† and the consumers were willing to pay over the asking price to get a Prius. When gas prices soared so did the demand for the Prius. Toyota has dealt with these factors well. Successfully introducing a small hybrid into a market dominated by SUV’s is no small feat. Toyota’s success with the Prius is mainly due to their targeting strategy. By targeting the perfect group of consumers, sales and demand grew exponentially, and pricing has and continues to be at a premium. 2.Outline the major macroenvironmental factors – demographic, economic, natural, technological, political, and cultural – that have affected Prius sales. How well has Toyota dealt with each of these factors? Prius sales benefited from a number of macroenvironmental factors. When the Prius was first introduced, Toyota targeted the â€Å"early adopters,† a group of consumers that were interested in the advanced technology of the vehicle. Many of these owners found creative ways to modify and hack the computer system and chatted about it online. Another group of consumers that Toyota targeted were the environmentally conscious and/or consumers that desired more fuel efficiency. Both groups showed high demand for the Prius and were willing to pay premium pricing for the vehicle. Prius sales also benefited from factors such as monetary incentives offered by the federal and/or state governments in the form of tax breaks. Some states started issuing permits to hybrid owners to drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (even if there was only one person in the car), or even free parking. Furthermore, some environmentally friendly companies offered employees money towards the purchase of hybrid vehicles. In 2007-2008 gas prices skyrocketed to 3 dollars per gallon and in some states above 4 dollars per gallon which only made the demand for the Prius greater. Studies about the various hybrid vehicles on the market were published and the Prius was at the top of the list for value. Studies indicated the Prius along with the Civic were the only hybrid vehicles that allowed consumers to recover the initial investment and actually save money after five years and 75,000 miles. Overall, Toyota has dealt with these macroenvironmetal factors very well. It is evident that targeting the right demographics has really paid off. All of these macroenvironmental factors were to Toyota’s benefit. All increased the sales and demand for the Prius. The only problem Toyota was facing was keeping up with the demand. 3.Evaluate Toyota’s marketing strategy so far. What has Toyota done well? How might it improve its strategy? Toyota’s marketing strategy has been focused on forward thinking and targeting the right consumer groups. The first consumer group targeted was â€Å"early adopters† or techies that found interest in the advanced technology of the car. This was a good strategy for the introduction of the vehicle. This group showed high demand for the Prius and spread the word through online sources. The second consumer group was the environmentally conscious, and those who wanted better fuel efficiency. Toyota predicted that gas prices would increase, and when they went through the roof, sales and demand increased. I believe that Toyota has done very well with this strategy. The truth is in their sales and demand for the Prius. An improvement that Toyota could make is better production planning. It seems that so far, this has been the biggest challenge. Though Prius sales are very strong, sales would only increase with more production as long as the demand stays consistently high. 4.GM’s marketing director for new ventures, Ken Stewart, says â€Å"If you want to get a lot of hybrids on the road, you put them in vehicles that people are buying now.† This seems to summarize the U.S. automaker’s approach to hybrids. Would you agree with Mr. Stewart? Why or why not? I agree somewhat with Mr. Stewart. I think that putting hybrids into popular cars and small SUV’s would work, but it would not work with sports cars and trucks. Sports cars and trucks are generally purchased for their power, speed, and towing ability, not their fuel efficiency. The current hybrid technology would diminish the performance of sports cars and trucks, and would eliminate most of the benefits of owning either type of vehicle. On the other hand, introducing the hybrid technology in popular cars and small SUV’s would work well if the option was available at an attractive price. Improved fuel efficiency is desirable when purchasing a car as the average price per gallon of gasoline is only rising. In my opinion, they hybrid technology would be an attractive offer. Not only would it be practical, but it would save the consumer a lot of money in the long run, assuming that they keep the car for five or more years