The Testosterone And Suicide Health And Social Care Essay

Testosterone is produced from cholesterol in the Leydig electric cells in the testicle. Testosterone synthesis in the fetal human testicle begins during the sixth hebdomad of gestation. Leydig cell distinction and the initial previous(predicate) testosterone production in the foetal testicle argon independent of luteinizing internal secretion ( LH ) ( 5, 6, 7 ) . During testicle outgrowth production of testosterone occurs under the influence of LH which is produced by the pituitary secretory organ. deductive reasoning and release of LH is regu new-fashionedd by the hypothalamus through gonadotropin-releasing endocrine ( GnRH ) and inhibited by testosterone via a negative feedback cringle ( 8 ) . Testosterone is metabolized in round tissues to a to a greater extent active metabolite, 5I-dihydrotestosterone.Testosterone is present in the crease as free ( unbound ) testosterone, albumen edge and sexual urge hormone-binding globulin ( SHGB ) -bound testosterone ( 5-8 ) . Testost erone is a C19 steAroid with an unsaturated bond betwixt C-4 and C-5, a ketone chemical crowd in C-3 and a hydroxyl group in the B taper at C-17. It is largely produced in the tesAtes of priapics and the ovaries of womanlys, although little sums of testosterone atomic number 18 produced by the adrenal secretory organs. Testosterone is open up in mammals and early(a) craniates. Blood testosterone degrees atomic number 18 much greater in anthropoids than in females an grownup male organic structure produces near ten-times to a greater extent testosterone than an big female organic structure. Females are more(prenominal) in the altogether to testosterone than males. Testosterone regu late(a)s male sexual development and affects muscleman strength, degrees of red argumentation cells, bone denseness, sentiency of wellbeing and sexual and generative chromosome partping in twain males and females.SHBG concentrations whitethorn be decreased or change magnitude in m any often observed medical exam conditions. In clinical pattern, alterations in SBHG are critic tout ensembley of import to see in the diagnosing of male hypogonadism. Because plasm intact testosterone concentrations are touched by changes in SHBG degrees, precise measurings of free or bioavailable testosterone are necessary to measure the sufficiency of Leydig cell map, to clear up whether a unhurried is hypogonadal, and to supervise the testosterone replacing intervention in patients with alterations in go arounding SHBG concentrations.Testosterone and self-destruction quintuple surveies hint that testosterone plays a officiate in the ordinance of temper and conduct. The research surveies of the race betwixt testosterone and unsafe behavior produced variant resolutions ( 9-14 ) . Some ( 10-13 ) but non all ( 14,15 ) probes of the family relationship amid testosterone and suicidality plunge assoAciations amongst testosterone and suicidal demeanour.Tripodianakis et Al. compared plasma testosterone concentrations in lam forces aft(prenominal) a self-annihilation endeavor with testosterone degrees in level-headed march forces of the same climb on ( 10 ) . The writers give that the self-destruction triers had lower testosterone degrees compared with controls, and that the triers who used violent methods had lower plasma testosterone concentrations compared with the nonviolent triers. Markianos et Al. examined plasma testosterone degrees in a group of male psychiatrical patients who had essay to perpetrate self-destruction by leaping, in a group of male topics who were hospitalized later on accidentally falling from a eminent tallness and in healthy controls ( 11 ) . Both accident and self-destruction driving patients had lower testosterone degrees compared with the control group, and at that place was a tendency towards lower testosterone degrees in self-destruction triers compared with the accident group. We suffer late examined whether there is a relation between plasma testosterone degrees and clinical parametric quantities in bipolar self-destruction triers and found that testosterone degrees positively correlated with the externalise of frenzied episodes and the general anatomy of self-destruction efforts ( 12 ) . Some other observations read shown that testosterone/anabolic androgenic steroids may play a function in the pathophysiology of suicidality ( 13 ) .A recent vignette found no exit between male self-destruction triers and male controls with respect to plasma testosterone degrees ( 14 ) . A canvass of associations between neuroactive steroids and suicidality in military veterans with posttraumatic emphasis low be postures found no association between serum testosterone degrees and a storey of a suicide effort ( 15 ) .Disappointment over rejections at efforts for sexual interactions has been cited several decennaries ago as an of import trigger for self-destruction ( 16 ) . Impending di vorce, matrimonial troubles, menace of losing a love spouse and rejection by a loved one were in accompaniment regarded as motivations for self-destruction for many sr. ages ( 17 ) . It has been observed that rejection of sexual intercourse was oftentimes associated with male self-destructions and self-destructive ideation ( 18 ) .A nexus between testosterone and the neurobiology of self-destructive behaviour may be related to ( 9 ) a ) A direct yield of testosterone on suicidality via accredited encephalon mechanisms and/orB ) A testosterone outcome on assault and, accordingly, suicidality and/ordegree Celsius ) A testosterone wake on temper and, accordingly, suicidality and/orvitamin D ) A testosterone consequence on know conductge and, accordingly, suicidality.Testosterone and self-destructive behaviour in teens and unripened grownupsSuicide and testosterone/anabolic androgenic steroidsAt least one ken has demonstrated a relation between towering degrees of testos terone and self-destruction in childish people ( 19 ) . Twenty-nine topics ( 17 self-destructions, 12 sudden deceases ) in the ages 23 to 45 superannuated ages were acknowledged in the sentiment. Analysis indicated no important conflict in ages between the two groups of topics ( suicide M = 33.35 yr. , sudden decease M = 35.67 yr. ) . There was a important difference in the average testosterone degree ( P &038 lt 0.007 ) between victims of self-destruction ( M = 376.41?183.64 ng/ml ) and victims of sudden decease ( M= 241.83?117.3 ng/ml ) .Eight instances of self-destruction, in 21- to 33-year- old(a) males, with a history of current or recent use of right-hand(a)s and services of anabolic androgenic steroids ( AAS ) reserve been described in a instance series study ( 20 ) . Five self-destructions were committed during current drill of AAS, and two following 2 and 6 months after AAS back follow through. The writers provokeed that long-run usage of AAS may lend to complete d self-destruction in predisposed individuals.A possible function of attackA important figure of surveies suggest that steep testosterone degrees are associated with invasion ( 9 ) . It has been shown that violent individuals have high plasma, spit and CSF testosterone degrees compared to non-violent controls ( 21-23 ) . For illustration, in a survey of spontaneous wrongdoers with alcoholic drinkic beverage addiction and antisocial disposition upset, higher(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) CSF testosterone degrees were observed compared to healthy controls ( 24 ) . The writers proposed that high CSF testosterone degrees may be associated with bellicoseness or interpersonal force. In the same paper, the writers reviewed the scientific literature on the nexus of testosterone to aggression in worlds, and proposed that both a insistent approach pattern of aggressive behaviour get downing early in feeling, and a insistent form of aggressive behaviour under the consequence of intoxicant are associated with increased degrees of testosterone. query courseers have observed that persons having testosterone are more likely to hold an aggressive answer to comprehend menaces than topics having placebo ( 25-27 ) .Fluctuations of testosterone concentration may be associated with aggression and temper alterations in striplings ( 28-30 ) . salivary testosterone concentrations were evaluated in 40 kids, vulcanized 7-14 old ages ( 37 male childs and three misss ) , with a history of aggressive behaviours and an association between higher testosterone degrees and aggressive behaviours was observed ( 29 ) . In another survey of stripling males, higher testosterone degrees were associated with aggravated verbal and corporal aggression, a determination proposing that reactive unprompted aggression is correlated with higher testosterone degrees ( 30 ) . Fifty-eight healthy 15-17 year old male childs, public school pupils participated in this survey. A high degree of testosterone led to an amplified preparedness to react energetically and forcefully to aggravations and menaces. Testosterone overly had an indirect and less starchy consequence on another aggression dimension high plasma concentrations of testosterone make the male childs less patient and more cranky, which in bend intensified their esthesia to prosecute in aggressive-destructive behaviour. The fact that higher testosterone degrees were associated with aggravated verbal and physical aggression suggests that reactive unprompted aggression correlatives with higher testosterone degrees. Therefore, aggression may medicate the consequence of high testosterone degrees on self-destructive behaviour in striplings and untried grownups. Not all surveies have observed differences in testosterone degrees between aggressive and unaggressive male childs ( 31 ) . A survey of 4-10 twelvemonth olds found no grounds of a relationship between testosterone degrees and aggressive behaviours. T his indicated that such a relationship may be nonextant in prepubescent kids.Animal supposititious accounts have contributed of import informations sing the make of anabolic androgenic steroid ( AAS ) usage on aggression ( 32,33 ) . For illustration, surveies in gnawers affirm that exposure to the AASs testosterone and Durabolin additions aggression. A side consequence of AAS usage reported in worlds is roid fury, a province of unselective and easy aggression. It has besides been observed that pubertal rats having AASs serve suitably to societal cues and they are more aggressive toward integral males than are eunuchs. Testosterone-treated male rats are most aggressive in their place coop. Probably, adolescent AAS exposure may increase aggressive behaviours.Some writers have postulated that there are significant similarities between aggression against the ego and aggression against others, found on the clinical and epidemiological observations that some suicide triers may po rtion personality traits with violent felons ( 34 ) . We have besides observed an association between aggression and self-destructive behaviour in our surveies ( 35,36 ) . For illustration, we have observed that a history of suicide effort in bipolar upset is associated with lifetime aggressive traits ( 35 ) . We have besides shown that the higher preponderance of suicide triers among down patients with a history of alcohol addiction compared to down patients without a history of alcohol addiction was related to higher aggression tonss in the group with alcohol addiction ( 36 ) .In drumhead, high testosterone degrees may be associated with self-destructive behaviour in striplings and immature grownups. This consequence of testosterone on suicidality in striplings and immature grownups may be mediated by testosterone-related elevated aggression. It is besides possible that in immature people, high testosterone degrees are straight linked to suicidality via accredited encephalon mech anisms.Testosterone and self-destructive behaviour in senior(a) work forcesTestosterone lack or hypotestosteronemia is a normally known hormonal alteration associated with male ripening ( 37-39 ) . The prevalence of testosterone lack may be both bit high as 30 % in work forces remote 40-79 old ages ( 40,41 ) . In up to 12 % of affected work forces, hypotestosteronemia can be associated with clinical symptoms ( 40,41 ) . Age-related plasma testosterone change magnitude is a consequence of different biological changes such as primary structural gonadal harm, age-related chronic alterations of the pituitary secretory organ, inadequacies of the neurohypothalamic system, and primary off-base metabolic abnormalcies such as the age-associated addition in the concentration of serum sex endocrine adhering globulin ( SHBG ) , with a ensuant change magnitude in free testosterone ( 39 ) . In the maturement adult male, there is about a 1-2 % lessening of entire testosterone degrees per twelvemonth with a more rapid drop curtain in free testosterone degrees because of a attendant addition in SHBG with aging. Because of this gradual lessening in testosterone degrees the androgen lack of the aged adult male is defined as partial androgen lack of the aging male ( PADAM ) or late oncoming hypogonadism ( LOH ) .Symptoms of testosterone lack in work forces include sexual symptoms ( such as bring down erectile map and lessened libido ) , reduce musculus and increased fat mass, and cut bone denseness among others. It is ill-defined whether aging is to be considered as the lone variable linked to age-related testosterone lessening. Assorted facets such as familial factors, chronic diseases, medicines, fleshiness, and the life hyphen may impact the testosterone metamorphosis ( 37,42-44 ) . lessen testosterone degrees are associated with depressive symptoms, hapless cognitive map and Alzheimer s disease ( 9,45-48 ) . In fact, increased incidence of hypogonadism is obse rved in work forces with major slump ( 9,47 ) . Depressed work forces often have low plasma or serum testosterone ( 9,48 ) . Testosterone has mood-enhancing belongingss and antidepressant drug effect in work forces ( 9,49-51 ) . Testosterone replacing effectively improves temper. Testosterone users sometimes develop frenzied or hypomanic symptoms during testosterone usage and depressive symptoms during testosterone backdown ( 52-55 ) . In gnawers, testosterone has antidepressant effect in elderly male mice and protective effect against the development of first gear-like behaviours in rats ( 56,57 ) . A recent survey found a testosterone-dependent ordinance of hippocampal ERK2 look which suggests that ERK2 signal within the dentate gyrus demesne of the hippocampus is a critical mediator of the antidepressant belongingss of testosterone ( 58 ) .Experimental surveies suggest that testosterone has neuroprotective effects ( 59 ) . However, in interposition clinical research on aged work forces, testosterone replacing had a good influence on temper barely if work forces had clearly subnormal testosterone degrees ( 60 ) . It is of import note that sexual disfunction can hold a major consequence on the quality of life and emotional wellbeing ( 61,62 ) . The consequences of placebo-controlled randomised surveies of the effects of testosterone on the quality of life and down temper have been inconsistent and oftentimes the quality of life as assessed by different questionnaires did non best(p) significantly ( 63 ) .Higher blood degrees of testosterone are associated with break away cognitive operation, particularly in onetime(a) work forces ( 45,46 ) . For illustration, greater serum degrees of testosterone late in life predict a lower hazard of future Alzheimer s disease development in older work forces ( 45 ) . Higher blood testosterone degrees are associated with better visuospatial abilities, semantic fund and episodic memory in work forces, with la rger positive consequence with change magnitude age ( 46 ) .Both depression and cognitive damage are associated with self-destructive behaviour ( 64-67 ) . At least 60 % of persons who commit suicide suffer from depression. Hence, depression and cognitive damage may medicate the consequence of testosterone lack on suicidality in older work forces. This suggests that the intervention of hypogonadism in older work forces may better temper and knowledge, and accordingly, cut down self-destructive behaviour.DecisionIn drumhead, it is sensible to suggest that self-destructive behaviour in immature work forces is associated with high testosterone degrees while suicidality in older work forces is associated with reduced testosterone secernment. This indicates that the effects of testosterone on suicidality in work forces should be studied individually in immature and old persons. It is likely that plasma and salivary testosterone checks can assist in placing paediatric and grownup patient s that would react best to certain interventions. Further surveies of the function of testosterone in the pathophysiology of psychiatric upsets and self-destructive behaviour are merited.

'BreadTalk Group Limited Essay\r'

'The BreadTalk base expressage has quickly globalized into 16 countries such as Singapore, China, Hong Kong, southern Korea and the Middle East(http://www. breadtalk. com/ourbrand-bt. html Our Presence,2012). It is fountainhead k nowadays for its bakeshop, restaurant and intellectual nourishment atrium, and this compromises of BreadTalk, Toast Box, The sparkler Room, nail Tai Fung, RamenPlay, Carl’s Jr China, and victuals Republic. organism founded in 2000, the young telephoner has achieved numerous awards which includes the Singapore Prestige s plaza Award in 2011(http://www. breadtalk. com/brand-accolades. tml Brand Accolades, 2012).\r\nThe convention has a global net income of oer 400 bakery outlets, with a forte of much than than 6000 employees, as well as operating 11 Michelin friend Din Tai Fung restaurants in Singapore and Thailand, and e realplace 30 award winning solid nutriment Republic nutriment atriums in Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong an d Malaysia. The class brand is founded by the Chairman George Quek Meng Tong, who was ordained to the board in 2003, and re-elected in 2010. Being real get down in food and beverage fabrication since 1982(http://www. breadtalk. com/board-of-directors. tml, Chairman,2012), he started the bakery business with BreadTalk Private Limited and bought it to key on the Singapore Exchange Limited in 2003.\r\nThe sort made an number receipts of $333, 000, 000 and a profit of $11, 450, 000 amid 2010 and 2011. With an avail commensurate financial asset of $911, 000 at the end of 2011, the BreadTalk grouping has a brilliant future, with the addition of rapid growth of franchising network in Asia Pacific surface area (http://www. breadtalk. com/franchising. html, our presence, 2012). Today, organizations and firms pull in to keep changing and adapting to the global happy chance (R . Gomez-Mejia, 2012, page 56) to stay competitive in the industry. And this is because the general envi ronment is unendingly moving, and these dimensions †Demographic, frugal, policy-making or legal, sociocultural, technological and global †always influences the industry and firms.\r\nThese atoms be uncontrollable and thus, in order to stay competitive, the BreadTalk assembly gathers prepare required to understand individually segments and conception a outline that potbelly be implemented to tackle environmental changes corresponding demographics in China, global consumer preference, threat of pertly entrant, nd management across cultures. In recent years, firms are venturing into China’s market place due to its huge creation of least 6. 8 billion (Worldbank, 2012) , and is seen as a driver of growth for BreadTalk Group.\r\nIn Boston Consulting Group’s Growth-Share intercellular substance (R. Gomez-Mejia,2012 page 235), BreadTalk Group is a â€Å"Star” that earnings is growingly stable and exalted, with cash merge that is not negative . And thus, is to invest and grow. By buying an animate presence in China, nourishment Republic, BreadTalk was able to reap benefits from low setup approach, as well as to rule the consumers’ behaviors in China.\r\nUp to date, BreadTalk has already circulate into 32 cities of China, and outnumbers Singapore with 20 food courts, 3 Carl’s Jr fast food restaurants, 3 Ramen Play restaurants, and 184 Bakery outlets. The BreadTalk Group plans to grow aggressively in the market as â€Å"China currently accounts for active a third of BreadTalk’s revenue enhancement” (Themalaysian insider, 2010), and by establishing most of its presence in Beijing and Shanghai, BreadTalk has took advantage of the rising income which take to higher expenditure in consumers.\r\nThus, the demographic environment of China, has boost BreadTalk Group’s revenue, as well as being a large market for it to expand, hostile in Singapore where brands are really saturated . Th e BreadTalk Group tackles global consumer tastes and preferences very well even though it changes as time goes by. It has a very heavy branding and has a very exchangeable layout.\r\nFor example, each BreadTalk is knowing with the same clearly glass concept, and â€Å"see through” kitchens which conveys their bakery as fresh and artistic epoch Food Republic holds a more than nostalgic style of a Chinese village and Toast Box is designed with a more warm airwave of topical anaesthetic Nanyang coffee shops in the 60s and 70s(http://www. breadtalk. com/ourbrand-tb. html, our brands 2012). Thus, by standardizing the layouts of the brands in BreadTalk Group, the Group has saved live on the tedious process of customizing to local conditions as well as creating a upstanding brand through its crotchety layouts.\r\nAlthough the BreadTalk Group holds a very strong branding, the barriers to entry to food and beverage industry is very low. And thus, the threat of new entrants is very high as they female genitalia be the market share. Likewise in BreadTalk, existing competitors such as Bengawan Solo, Crystal gross scold My Bread, Imperial Kitchen, as well as umpteen neighborhood bakery stores that are located all all over the countries, shows a threat to BreadTalk as they are overlap the same market of consumers.\r\nBeing a big familiarity, BreadTalk faces risk of new entrants as new comer can take care from existing companies and create a similar or even a violate concept. With an extra competitor, unless the demand for BreadTalk bakery increases, the revenue will fall. Thus, it is very important for BreadTalk Group to keep innovating and moving to survive against many competitors. Lastly, the management across cultures is similarly an environmental factor that affects BreadTalk Group as it shapes the consumers’ preferences and tastes.\r\nFor example, the highest merchandising gyre in BreadTalk is the â€Å"Pork clean Bun”( ht tp://www. breadtalk. com/franchising. html,more bread business, 2012), however in Malaysia, the Muslim law does not result Malays to consume pork, and thus, it is taken out of the choices. BreadTalk too follow themes and trends in countries, like creating the Obunma bun during Obama’s elections, and the â€Å"Peace Panda lowlife” after the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, to launch social awareness to donate and friend the affected people in the earthquake.\r\n done connecting to cultures of different country, the BreadTalk Group not all holds a social responsible frontier, it as well caters to the taste and preferences of different cultures and thus, able to run many consumers. Besides the above factors, economic and cultural environment affects the business in BreadTalk Group as well. BreadTalk Group is now facing the rising of labor price and pretentiousness in China, and these are aleatory to how much it will affect the profits.\r\nWith the price of goods so ld attributing to nearly 30% of sales(http://breadtalk. istedcompany. com/financials. html, financials 2012), an inflation will cause an increase in the cost of goods sold nearer to its vernacular margins. Likewise in China, the government has gradually increased wages and might march on to do so. And this will increase the expenses of BreadTalk Group, pencil lead to a decrease in the profits. Although virtually companies could retrench, but BreadTalk Group needs the gay capital and thus, could only adjust its raw materials cost by buying forward, and negotiating contracts in bulk and then purchase at the best price available.\r\nBy doing so, the cost of sales would be reduced and the Group will be more efficient. The BreadTalk Group holds a low power distance, goals achieving culture, and uses a justice approach. For example, BreadTalk strives to have high and self-consistent standards of products to their customers. Employees will under-go hands on training on various outl ets to make sure enough that they have a formal trance to the organization and thus, would not face a cultural shock(R. Gomez-Mejia, 2012 page 66). BreadTalk to a fault emphasizes on team- structure by organizing team building trips and activities for its employees.\r\nBy doing so, employees will interact and understand each other, as well as building bonds that enhances teamwork, boosting effectiveness of the team. In BreadTalk, employees are similarly encourages to think erraticly and are tempered fairly, and thus, managers are required to develop a service culture and all these are to achieve an increase customer’s loyalty. Planning is essential for a company and this is one of the four management functions. through with(predicate) provision, BreadTalk is able to make action plans on how to expand boost into China, as well as allocating its resources to different regions.\r\nThrough the experience of Food Republic in PRC, BreadTalk was able to capture consumer trend s and thus, making use of the core competencies of knowing how to make bakery that attracts PRC nations. Planning is beneficial to BreadTalk as it can excess the external forces as mentioned above, as well as develop a sense of direction and purpose of â€Å" aim” in both managers and employees. One manner of planning is the â€Å"SWOT” analysis, which allows BreadTalk to see its strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats. However, planning has to be continuous and capable of adapting to change.\r\nAnd this can be seen in BreadTalk taking a major internal review of pavage a future growth, by dividing into 3 divisions †Bakery, Food Atrium, and Restaurants, and inviting 3 new CEOs(http://www. breadtalk. com/message-shareholder. html, consolidating presbyopic term growth, 2012) to handle each division. With such willingness to change, the aged management would function more effectively. Forward planning can also be seen in the upcoming supply of BreadTalk Gr oup in Paya Lebar Singapore, which will consider all its brands, logistics, training center, departments, and a common ground for staff all over the world to gather at.\r\nBreadTalk Group holds a geographical organization which allows the Group to concentrate on on customer needs that may vary by geographic region of Asean region and China region. And then its further diversify into Bakery, Food Atrium and Restaurants. Through this method, the senior management bench will be deepened, and thus, it can strengthen the strategic focalize of BreadTalk Group and allow it to execute plans more effectively. All brands under each segment will be managed in totality.\r\nThis also provides the platform for each brand to be specially positioned based on its unique brand strategy and especially in view of expansion into the region. One of the strategy that BreadTalk Group holds is sharing the set up cost. This can be seen in NEX Serangoon Singapore, whereby a few brands are set up together in a high human traffic area. Thus, competitors can be minimized, as well as legal transfer cost by renting locations in â€Å"bulk”.\r\n'

'Development of syllabuses in schools Essay\r'

'How did the changing role of women and our wad of electric shaverren affect the development of political programes in schools? As history progressed peoples attitude to wards women and children changed for the better. As a result of the two world wars, women and children were open-bodied to prove their importance, enabling them to increase their value within the community. As these changes in our knowledge of women and children occurred, curriculumes in schools were altered. The 1902 model course was highly-developed, as people believed that it was up to children to do visible study at school to build them for war.\r\nAlthough it was grown men that had previously been disappointed in the Boer war, the loss was blamed on the lack of physical training provided in schools. This is an example of children macrocosm considered important for the rising of Britain. The model course, however, soon came under aggress as it had children doing exercises designed for adults. As a result of this a advanced syllabus was introduced in 1904 and was to a greater extent child-friendly. The 1909 syllabus was developed as to a greater extent(prenominal) concern was being taken over the welfare of children of lying-in families and this syllabus ensured a slightly more therapeutic angle.\r\nOrganised games were introduced in this syllabus; this shows the first tentative move apart from military-style Physical Training teaching. The years 1914-1918 maxim the tragedy of the scratch line World War. A generation of young men was or so totally wiped out. Consequently this had an effect on the education system, as it was recognised that a more child centred commence was needed. The First World War also meliorate the social status of women. This was because they had worked in munitions factories and on the land whilst the men were busy fighting.\r\nWomen turn out that they could cope with demanding physical work and this afforded them more equality. Despite this de velopment in the mood in which they were viewed, women generally continued to devote only limited access to sport. In 1919, after the war a new syllabus was introduced. This syllabus was more child orientated than the previous one(a)s It allowed more freedom and individual interpretation. For the older pupils therapeutic exercises were good-tempered the main emphasis. The 1933 syllabus is perhaps one of the most significant syllabuses developed as a result of the way in which children were viewed.\r\nIt was developed after the economic depression, which started in the late 1920s. During this time there were precise poor living conditions for the less fountainhead off as they suffered even more than they had done previously. In this syllabus we chequer a move from a teacher-centred approach to one where more choice is obtainable and decisions can be made by pupils. This is signif8icant as it shows that adults were beginning to view children as being independent and therefore able to make there own decisions.\r\nEveryone was touched(p) by the Second World War. ascribable to the development of aircraft bombers and long-range missiles, the lives of everyone in Britain, including children were affected. mickle now looked to their children for hope and we now detect a further step towards child-centred learning. The training that had been used to create ‘thinking’ soldiers during the war was now adapted to suit schools. enthrall course type equipment was put up in schools. Pupils were required to use their curtain raising and take responsibility for each other.\r\n'

'Indians and Europeans shape the different colonies\r'

'It has been more than than basketball team centuries since Christopher capital of Ohio reached the the Statess. We bed a great strike about Columbus, of course, and about the atomic number 63ans and Africans who crossed the Atlantic subsequently him. We have much less(prenominal) about the â€Å"Indians. ” as Columbus mis rentnly c whole(a)ed them?the mass al take aimy keep in America. precisely we be learning more all the time, so I exigency to talk about primeval contacts surrounded by innate Americans and newcomers.We now estimate that as many as s tear down billion people were living in marriage America 500 age ago, and that their ancestors had been on this continent for at l vitamin E bakers dozen thousand historic period. For all this time?hundreds of generations?they had remained detached from Asia and Africa and atomic number 63, building their own separate world. everyplace many centuries, these premier(prenominal) unification Americans highly- developed versatile cultures that were as varied as the bringscapes they lived in. And they developed hundreds of different dictions.Looking back, what can we set up about first skirmishs in the midst of these divers(prenominal) aborigine Americans and the strange newcomers who arrived from across the oceanic? Let me give you a a few(prenominal)er things to think about. Remember, first of all, that these Minimal contacts stretched everywhere the stallion continent and occurred over several(prenominal) centuries. The encounters were nearly as varied as the people involved. But key issues much(prenominal) as language, belief, technology, and dioceanse arose regularly in different times and places. We may never write out exactly about the first contacts from overseas.Long before Columbus, occasional boats may interposetain arrived across the mating Pacific from Asia, or across the Atlantic from Africa or Europe. They may engender sailed intentionally or drifted by mistake. But such(prenominal) encounters were brief. So was the encounter with Norse Vikings. They visited brand-new anchor get down in Canada about 1,000 years ago?nearly 500 years before Columbus. Their little colony of clx people was short-lived. We know from sagas (family stories passed down by word of mouth across generations) that local Inhabitants attacked the Norse settlers, forcing them to hideout to Green inflict after contendds several years.In contrast, the newcomers who followed Columbus after 1492 proved far more legion(predicate) and more willing to stay. Though few In numbers at first, these European strangers brought supplies and then enforcements from across the sea. Now, imagine that you be bingle of those newcomers, approaching my small parting of North America for the first time. As native-born American, I have diverse friends and enemies living all around me, and because I engage in flip-flop I am employ to encounters with strangers who do not speak m y language.But you are different in various ways, and I have probably already heard rumors about you? several(prenominal) true and some false? from neighbors who have retrieven your ships. And believe me, your ships are a large-mouthed surprise. My people live near the ocean, and we sympathise boats. But when we addle out to trace you, we are Impressed by the surface of your ship, with Its tall masts. On the East seashore, I greet you from a birch-bark canoe or a dugout canoe. Indians are small. If you enter Upset Sound, the cypress canoes of the Northwest Coast Indians are much larger.Maybe you are Russian fur- drawers reaching Alaska. If so, you are amazed at my light, quick kayak. If you are the English venturer James Cook approaching how-do-you-do for the first time, you are struck to see our outrigger canoes and surf boards. One way or another, we can push moody from the margin or the river mouth and visit your ocean-going vessel. But it is strange for us; you needed urge tools to create this ship, huge sheets of fabric to contact it sail, and navigational charts to find your way. We have n whizz of these.On the other turn, you are totally animal of our home waters. It is no secret that on Florists coast and North Carolinas Outer Banks, Native Americans practically found European shipwrecks. We Indians know ?and we may be willing to recite you?which anchoring s trades give protection from storms. We know the local streams and which house sites might gush in springtime. We know where on that point is hot water?which you probably need after weeks at sea? ND we know sources of food for every time of year.The Indians in New England, watching the Pilgrims starve at Plymouth, showed them how to locate clams in the mudflats at low tide, how to trap fish, how to plant corn, and how to hunt strange, tasty birds called turkeys. But not all first encounters occurred near the coast. Before the center of the sixteenth century, Spanish explorers w ere marching upcountry so far and so closely that rumors of their reach hardly had time to extend them. In the 1 sass, Native peoples living in the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas ere impress by the fierce invasion of autocrat and his army.At the same time, Indians further west on the Great Plains experienced the sudden arrival of Coronals force, traveling from New Mexico on a horse cavalry in search of sudden wealth. In these two instances, and in many subsequently confrontations, Europeans reacted at first with disappointment, frustration, and violence. The new milieu seemed strange and dangerous; local people did not fit European trusts and expectations. For Native Americans, the most serious outcome of sign encounters, whether near he ocean or far inland, was the arrival of contagious diseases? foreign sicknesses that they had never experienced.A secure and again, foreign newcomers brought deadly illnesses with them. tether hundred years would elapse am id the early Spanish explorations and the forced removal of Native Americans from much of the expanding United States in the asses. That is a huge stretch of time, and the encounters between Indians and non-landing varied widely across those common chord centuries. Gradually, especially in the East, Non-landing gained the upper hand in terms of sheer numbers. any(prenominal) general estimates regarding the southeast, from Virginia to East Texas, illustrate this point.In 1700, iv out of five per watchwords in the entire region were Indians. But by 1800, Indian numbers had declined and the European and African race had risen so fast that scarcely one person in thirty was a Native American. If sickness and dying travel unevenly in one direction, from non-landing to Indian, Christianity move in the same direction. umteen of the earliest encounters involved missionaries, both Catholic and Protestant, who worked energetically to convert Native Americans to their Christian faith.In New England, the Reverend John Eliot pass years translating the Bible into the Massachusetts language, and in 1663 he printed 1000 copies to be used by converts known as efforts very much met with fierce resistance. In the Southwest, Catholic priests and missionaries come with the earliest Spanish settlers in New Mexico, and efforts began around 1600 to suppress the Pueblo religion with crude punishments. But Pueblo leaders fought back. In the successful â€Å"Pueblo Revolt” of 1680, Indian rebels expelled the Spanish colonizers.The Pueblos attacked missionaries, burned-over churches, and punished Christian converts. While the Christian religion and the strange new diseases go in one direction, education and trade moved in two directions. Lets take education first. Europeans were a literate conjunction; many could write letters and read books. In America they began to share this regent(postnominal) tool by means of schools. In the 17th century, Harvard build a se parate Indian college on its campus. In the eighteenth century, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire emphasized Native American education, at least for a few.But at the same time, Indians who understood the American land and the natural world offered education to the newcomers. They were eternally explaining matters of geography, climate, and food. They knew when to plant and harvest crops, when fish were overflowing in certain streams, when the abundant oak tree trees dropped their acorns. Then knew which plants were edible, and how to track game. Gradually they divided up their knowledge with newcomers. In Louisiana, white settlers a good deal sent a young son to live among the local Indians to learn their language and pave the way for future trade.Trading, wish well education, was a two-way street. From the start, Europeans were scouring the land for items they could ship home and sell at a profit. Precious metals or spices would be best, but they saw few signs of these items. What they found instead was fur. In the Southeast, the soft hides of whitetail deer could be scraped and packed and shipped to Europe to make aprons and gloves. In New England and Canada, the pelts of work away could be sent across the Atlantic to hat makers for the creation of fashionable beaver hats.Along the Northwest Coast, Russian traders obtained the valuable pelts of sea otters, which they could trade to the Chinese for spices and tea. More often than not, it was the Native Americans who hunted the animals and processed the pelts for lading abroad. But if people in Europe and Asia were eager for North American furs of all sorts, Native Americans were equally eager for unfamiliar trade items from Europe. Indians exchanged hides and pelts for woolen blankets and coats, yards of cloth and ribbons, supplies of buttons, beads, and thread.Metal items of all kinds represented new and spectacular improvements in a world where utensils were do slowly from wood and rocks and clay . Metal knives and needles had open-and-shut appeal. Metal pots, though heavy, were more unchanging and more versatile than clay pots. Besides, if they were mischievously made and sprung leaks, they could be broken into pieces to be shaped into sharp arrowheads. When Dutch traders moved up the Hudson River to barter with the Indians for furs, the Mohawk called them â€Å"Kristin,” heart and soul â€Å"metal makers. Iron axes and hatchets were especially desirable. Native Americans knew how to kill trees by peeling off layers of bark. They could fell them by slowly burn mark away the base. But a perpetual metal axe made it come-at-able to shape wood rapidly, whether building a house, carving a totem pole, or hollowing a dugout canoe. Various kinds of rum and hard liquor as well figured early and often in the trade. Hard liquor gave European traders an person consuming alcohol also became less alert?more win to an unfair trade or a robbery.Two other unfamiliar items?t he gun and the horse?swept across North America during the seventeenth and eighteenth century as a result of trade between Indians and non-landing. Laws passed in Spain prohibited Spanish colonists in the Southwest from trading guns to Indians. So guns moved steadily westward instead, purchased from the French and Dutch and English in the East. Once a tribe acquired guns through the fur trade, neighbor tribes worked desperately to acquire similar weapons, or else they risked being defeated in war or outdone as hunters and fur traders.The horse, reintroduced into North America by the Spanish in the Southwest, moved in the opposite direction, later on the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, horses spread north and east across the Great Plains?traded from one democracy to another, or stolen in order to gain new mobility and power. A map shows clearly how the horse verge and the gun frontier pushed in opposite directions. During the 18th century, tribes such as the Sioux on the Northern Plains and the Comanche on the Southern Plains gained access to both guns and horses, grown their cultures great power.For a long time, these Gordian exchanges proved in return beneficial. Both Indians and non- Indians tangle they were gaining valuable benefits from trade. But eventually, major changes cutting off and ended this beneficial and agreeable trade. For one thing, the non-landing population continued to grow, while the Indian numbers declined sharply as a result of warfare and disease. But even more importantly, European newcomers sired Indian land even more than they wanted pacifist(prenominal) trade.Soon, land itself became an item of trade, and land that could not be bought was taken by force. Gradually, we are learning more about early contacts between Indians and non- Indians, and the way these relationships changed over time. The contacts were numerous and varied. They took a different shape in every part of the continent, depending upon which Indian cultures lived t here and which foreigners first invaded their land. At first, these contacts were often mutually beneficial, as strangers learned from, and traded with, one another.But later, sickness, warfare, and quelling demands for land changed these connections. Contacts became more lopsided and destructive, through long chapters of our history. So, from now on, I hope that any time you see a horse or a disrobe or a metal pot or a colorful ribbon you will think about these early contacts between Native Americans who had lived here for untold generations and newcomers who have been here scarcely five centuries. After all, these varied connections are a rich and forgotten part of our shared heritage here in North America. Thanks for Joining me.\r\n'

'Discussing Foot Reflexology Among Elderly Health And Social Care Essay\r'

'This chapter deals with the treatment of the informations analyzed base on the lead and opening of the spate. The line of credit say is â€Å" An observational survey to legal community the effectivity of foot reflexology among antiquated pile ” . The treatment was based on the drifts of the survey and the hypothesis specified in the survey.\r\nWith tenderness of demographic features of the sample in of observational chemical class, the hoi polloi 10 ( 33.33 % ) of aged quite a little belong to the age hosting of 66-70yrs and 17 ( 56.67 % ) of the aged plenty were male,8 ( 26.67 % ) of them were illiterate, 11 ( 36.67 % ) of them were from Christians faith, 9 ( 30 % ) of them were divorced,12 ( 40 % ) of them were sedentary workers, 9 ( 30 % ) of them are gaining slight than super acid rupees and 3000-5000 rupees per month. There by 12 ( 40 % ) were populating in the urban country.\r\nWith respect of demographic features of the sample in encounter ro ot word, the bug out 9 ( 30 % ) of the aged stack were from the age of 71-75yrs, 16 ( 53.33 % ) of the aged tribe were male 11 ( 36.66 % ) of them were completed their, unproblematic instruction. 11 ( 36.67 % ) of them were from Hindu religion,12 ( 40 % ) of them were married,13 ( 43.33 % ) of them were heartrending workers, 9 ( 30 % ) of them are gaining less than 1000 rupees per month and 14 ( 46.67 % ) were populating in the semi urban country.The first aim was to measure and comparability the pre and direct discharge layer of mental come up creationness among data-based separate.The analysis of pre interference dot of mental advantageously cosmos of observational base revealed that the bulk 15 ( 50 % ) were non good.\r\nThe analysis of invest intercession distri unlessor point of mental substantially creation of observational convocation revealed that the bulk 20 ( 66.66 % ) of them blab out moderate compass point of mental salutary creation.\r\ nThe experimental throng showed a honest out look upon of 3.4 with timeworn divergency of 0.66 in pre discernment degree and a think of 1.83 with standard dissimilarity of 0.67 in station idea degree. The deliberate ‘t ‘ think of was 13.7 which showed a great difference in the midst of the pre and station rivulet degree of mental soundly macrocosm among experimental group of aged at P & lt ; 0.05 degree.\r\n accordingly the seek hypothesis stated H1 denotes that ” in that location is a classic difference in pre and station struggle degree of psychological comfortably world among aged mess of experimental group ” was hold at P & lt ; 0.05 degree.\r\nKim, Hyang & A ; Hye Gyung ( 2002 ) assessed the effects of ft Reflex Therapy on Health side of institutionalized seniors utilizing a quasi-experimental design. Pre and post-experiment steps were compared. Institutional seniors were selected as the experimental group and 15 as the mold group. Foot self-moving therapy was performed to the invertebrate foots of seniors in the experimental group for 30 proceedingss twice a hebdomad for a month a sum of 8 times. The effects of pes reflexology on strong-arm health such as systolic/diastolic force per unit area, heartbeat rate, respiration rate, musculus endurance, legerity, and psychological wellness such as perceptual acquaintance of wellness smudge, perceptual experience of hurting, rest period form and religious wellness such as quality of life of send seniors were evaluated. The informations were analyzed utilizing SPSS + Personal computer 10.1for windowpane with frequences, agencies and standard unlikenesss, Chi-square endeavor and t-test. The survey provided subscribe that pes automatic therapy for seniors promotes positive physiological responses, psychological wellness and quality of life. From this mo it can be reason that pes automatic therapy is effectual as a intercession for wel lness publicity in seniors.The 2nd aim was to measure and compare the pre and station effort degree of psychological well existence of the aged wad among chasteness group.The analysis of pre intercession degree of psychological well being revealed that the bulk of aged people in harbor group holding 15 ( 50 % ) were lightly good.\r\nThe analysis of station intercession degree of psychological well being revealed that the bulk of 16 ( 53.33 % ) of the aged people in catch group were mildly good.\r\nThe wangle group showed a number care for 3.23 with a standard contrast of 0.67 in pre assessment degree and a average measure of 3.46 with a standard divergence of 0.66 in station appraisal degree. The calculatedt ‘ value was 0.92 which showed that thither is no consequential difference in the pre and station assessment degree of psychological well being in figure group.\r\nHence the inquiry hypothesis stated H2 denotes that there is a pregnant difference in the mid st of the pre foot race and station essay degree of psychological eudaimonia among aged in control group was rejected at P & lt ; 0.05 degree.The 3rd aim was to compare the pre outpouring degree of psychological well being between experimental and control group of aged people.The experimental group showed a average value of 3.4 with standard divergence of 0.66 in pre assessment degree and the control group showed a average value 3.23 with a standard divergence of 0.67 in pre assessment degree. The deliberate ‘t ‘ value was 0.67 which showed that there was a no important difference between the pre and station trial degree of psychological well being of the experimental and control group at P & lt ; 0.05 degree.\r\nHence the research hypothesis stated earlier that H3 denotes â€Å" there is a important difference between pre trial degree of psychological well being among experimental and control group of aged people was rejected at P & lt ; 0.05 † degree.The 4th aim was to compare the station trial degree of psychological well being between experimental and control group of aged people.The experimental group showed a mean of 1.83 with standard divergence of 0.67 in station appraisal degree and the control group showed a average value of 3.46 with a standard divergence of 0.66 in station appraisal degree. The calculatedt ‘ value was 7.98 which showed a important difference on the station trial degree of psychological well being between experimental and control group.\r\nThis revealed that the degree of psychological well being in station trial degree in experimental group is enhanced than the control group.\r\nHence the research hypothesis stated earlier that H4 denotes â€Å" there is a important difference between station trial degrees of psychological well being among experimental and control group of aged people was retained at P & lt ; 0.05 degree.\r\nWilliamson, White, Hart & A ; Ernst ( 2004 ) did a randomize controlled test of reflexology for menopausal symptoms for seventy-six adult females, aged between 45 and 60 old ages by utilizing the Women ‘s Health Questionnaire ( WHQ ) , the primary steps being the bomber advance for anxiousness and economic crisis. clumsiness ( ocular parallel graduated table, vessel ) and frequence of flowers and dark workout suits Women were randomized to have nine Sessionss of either reflexology or nonspecific pes massage ( control ) by four qualified reflexologists. blotto ( SD ) scores for anxiousness fell from 0.43 ( 0.29 ) to 0.22 ( 0.25 ) in the reflexology group and from 0.37 ( 0.27 ) to 0.27 ( 0.29 ) in the control group over the class of intervention. Mean ( SD ) scores for depression fell from 0.37 ( 0.25 ) to 0.20 ( 0.24 ) in the reflexology group and from 0.36 ( 0.23 ) to 0.20 ( 0.21 ) in the control ( foot massage ) group over the same period. For both(prenominal) tonss there was strong grounds of a clip consequence ( P &# 038; lt ; 0.001 ) but no grounds of a time-group fundamental interaction ( P & gt ; 0.2 ) .The research worker concluded that pes reflexology was effectual in rap downing the menopausal symptoms like depression and anxiousness.The 5th aim was to tie in the pre trial degree of psychological well being among experimental group and control group of aged people with selected demographic variables: crosstie of pre assessment degree of psychological well being with demographic variables do utilizing chi-square trial.\r\nData findings revealed that there was statistically important standoff in the pre trial degrees of psychological well being in experimental group tho with their age, educational position and faith.\r\nAnd besides the informations findings revealed that there was important connectedness in the pre trial degrees of psychological well being of the control group merely with their age.\r\nHence the research hypothesis H5 stated denotes that â€Å" there is a importan t joining of pre trial degree of psychological wellbeing among experimental group and control group of remote selected demographic variables was partly retained at P & lt ; 0.05 degree.The 6th aim was to tie in the station trial degree of psychological well being among experimental group and control group of aged people with selected demographic variables:Association of station assessment degree of psychological well being with demographic variables through utilizing chi-square trial.\r\nData findings revealed that there was a important association in the station trial degrees of psychological well being of the experimental group with their matrimonial position.\r\nAnd besides the informations findings revealed that there was no statistically important association of station assessment degree of psychological well being in control group with their selected demographic variables.\r\nHence the research hypothesis H6 stated denotes â€Å" there is a important association of sta tion trial degree of psychological wellbeing among experimental group and control group of elderly selected demographic variables at was denied P & lt ; 0.05 degree.\r\n'

'Community Development Practical Approach\r'

'GROUP PRESENTATION ESSAY As pop out of ‘ corporation Development in Practice, we went on a field trip to two federation presidential terms, Tallaght fraternity Arts and St. Kevin’s Family vision Centre. The purpose of which was to count on at how each project invests the principles of conjunction reading as described by the Ad Hoc citizens committee (2008). We had to compute as a convention of 3 students which accommodated Samantha Hogan, Anthony Kelly and Elaine Vince-O’Hara, to put together a assort presentation on the project of our choice.We chose St. Kevin’s Family resort Centre as it is a basic partnership festering brass instrument which we believe eery residential district needs. St. Kevin’s Family option Centre St. Kevin’s Family preference Centre is a lodge musical arrangement and is ground in a local primary enlighten in Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, and whose remit covers the atomic numeral 18as of Kilnamanag h, Tymon North and Kingswood. Established in 1994, they were one of only three ‘pilot’ Family Resource Centres (FRC) funded with and with the Family Support Agency.The centre is managed by a self-imposed board of management of which 70% ar slew from the local fellowship and run by Grainne Begley, the Co-ordinator, Cynthia Moore, the Administrator and a large group of 25 volunteers for additional documentation. St. Kevin’s thrust a number of training rooms, counselling/ holistic therapy rooms, a young cafe and a union childcare centre. They reach an open door policy, where community members are at all times welcome to drop in and see whats happening in their community.They have quintet key areas of work; biotic community Education, Supporting Community and Voluntary Groups, Counselling ; adenine; Holistic therapy, child care and Youth pass water. St. Kevin’s Mission Statement: ‘St. Kevin’s Family Resource Centre is a community org anisation whose mission is to turn about change finished the process of potency and support at family, various(prenominal) and community level. ’ St Kevin’s describe themselves as: ‘a thriving and integral part of the community increase structures in the area…. social inclusion organisation… concerned about the state in the community who…. are not participating in inn to their fullest potential’ (St. Kevin’s FRC nominate Plan 2010-2012). They work out of the places and principles of community study as described by the Ad Hoc charge (2008) as they strive towards social justice, equality and anti-discrimination through participation, empowerment and collective action to support individuals, families and their wider communities and this is evident end-to-end their work.They practice the principle of participation by aiming to figure the needs of the local community, enabling them to gain the skills necessary for full par ticipation: They do this through a community consultation process for their work plans and the prep of; community raising programmes, a counselling proceeds to help overcome many a(prenominal) issues including oppression, holistic therapies to supercharge individual puff up being and community childcare which provides people with the opportunity to enter and become empowered.St. Kevin’s practice the principles of empowerment as they: acknowledge value and material body on people’s lives and real experiences which is the basis of the community genteelness which they provide. They work with people to; embodiment an understanding of their reality and identify shipway to overcome them and build confidence and self-esteem through the provision of their counselling service and holistic therapies offered. St.Kevin’s practice the principles of collective action as they get together and build alliances with other groups, organisations and agencies in order t o wage hike key community objectives, they do this through their support of diverse user groups and networking with various agencies including; southeast capital of Ireland Community Platform (SDCP), Active Citizenship Together (ACT), South Dublin County Council (SDCC), the County Development board (CDB) This ‘process empowers the community to develop spick-and-span skills and be more pro-active in their own learning’. Impacts include empowerment of groups, sustaining their culture and development of partnership relationships between the Centre and new groups’. ‘There is a large increase in community activity’. Motherway, B (2006) St. Kevin’s practice the principles of social justice by building strategic alliances and encouraging active participation to create awareness of the work of the family resource centre, in order to bring about social change. They work with the community in developing appropriate responses to identified needs th rough consultation with the community and they provide pportunities to access community education for the purpose of achieving personal and community development. They build the capacity of the management committee and continue to build a strong community development organisation to ensure that resources are utilised to their maximum inwardness ‘provide a safe, inclusive, happy childcare adeptness where children can grow and develop in confidence, at that placeof support the family’ (St. Kevin’s Family Resource Centre Work Plan 2010-2012) St.Kevin’s practice Equality ;amp; Anti Discrimination in acknowledging the diverse temperament of their local community, where 20% are lone arouses, 25% having no formal education, 10% have a disability, 8% are from an ethnic minority family and there is a high rate of un trade. They promote divagation and diversity, evidenced by their active role in developing a strategy to promote the consolidation of traveller s and ethnic minorities, which was put forward to the County Development Board for consideration.They also promote understanding and analysis of equality issues, and strategies to address them within communities through their community education programmes. Challenges Some of the current challenges faced by St. Kevin’s include: adapting to the impact of the recession including: trying to toy the needs of unemployed people accessing the service who are looking to up skill and or retrain, having to void the number of community education programmes due to cuts and people not engaging due to the social and scotch difficulties which are hindering their ability to participate.Successes As well as challenges they have had many successes, primarily the development and progression of a hugely successful and affordable community childcare centre, which started over twenty age ago as a two parent, parent and toddler group and grew through true grassroots community development †˜by the people, for the people’. To this mean solar day a weekly parent and toddler group are still going strong with up to 40 families taking part. Cynthia Moore, another success for the first time became involved in St. Kevin’s FRC as a participant.She went on to complete a community employment scheme in the centre after which she secured parttime paid employment as the administrator. She continued to participate on many community education courses and through empowerment she eventually gained the confidence to undertake a Leadership ;amp; Community Development microscope stage course which she successfully completed in 2011. Cynthia continues in her role of Administrator and she also volunteers as a ‘Rainbows’ facilitator, a peer mentoring programme aimed at supporting young people suffering varying degrees of ill fortune and loss.Cynthia has come full circle and is a big example of what community development and community education are about and of the outcomes it has the potential to achieve. Other successes include; many previous centre users coming choke off to help out in a voluntary capacity, their ability to provide support to and facilitate many diverse groups, continued provision of community education, which empowers members of the community to take charge of their lives and participate in their community and their ability to network with various agencies and take take up roles in devising strategies.Conclusion Over the last 18 years the centre has grown and adapted to the ever changing needs of the community and is now a thriving and integral part of the community development structures in the area. As we see it, by proceed to work out of the principles and practices of community development as described by the Ad Hoc Committee, St.Kevin’s Family Resource Centre will continue to achieve hard-hitting community development, overcome challenges faced and continue to have many more successes in the future. Bibliography: Ad Hoc Committee (2008) Towards Standards for Quality Community Work, Dublin Motherway, Brian (2006) the Role of Community Development in Tackling Poverty in Ireland, Dublin, fighting Poverty Agency St. Kevin’s Family Resource Centre, Work Plan 2010-2012 Samantha Hogan Anthony Kelly Elaine Vince O’Hara 10th October 2012\r\n'

'Area of Study – The Outsider Essay\r'

'How have the texts encountered in your studies enriched your collar of The noncitizen? â€Å"You weary’t get to 500 million friends without qualification a few enemies. ” An foreigner is interpreted as someone who separates themselves from the rest of the night club, intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes, it is this outlander’s insecurities or physical appearance that contributes to this operator of their ‘isolation’.\r\nThe play Othello by William Shakespeare and the 2010 film The amicable Network directed by David Fincher are determinate in portraying and analysing a signifi backsidet outsider or group of outsiders by dint of literary and cinematic devices, which enrich my understanding of this belief, later used to my benefit, exhibit through my visual representation.\r\nWritten by the celebrated English playwright William Shakespeare circa 1603, Othello explores the idea of ‘The Outsider’ through the two significa nt notions that enriched my understanding †insecurities and physical appearances, twain of which are used to advantage and disadvantage the reference points in the play. Othello is immediately introduced as the titular melanise full general and the Moor of Venice, who has overcome racial prejudice to sacrifice a renowned position in society and a marriage to a beautiful novel woman, Desdemona, the senator’s daughter.\r\nThe metaphor in the line, â€Å"… an old black ram is tupping at your white ewe… ” indicates a wiz of hostility that the other members of society have against Othello, victimisation physical appearance and racist slurs to eatplay the general, the mass of these comments universe made by Iago, Othello’s advisor. Iago could be seen as an outsider in the play, but uses this sign to his advantage, being desperate for power and authority; he raises Othello’s suspicions about his wife’s fidelity.\r\nIago is in care manner known for foreshadowing events, as seen in the prosopopoeia used in the line, â€Å"O beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the overjealous monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on… ” apocalyptical of Othello’s future actions in the play. Othello, oblivious to Iago’s exploitations, undermines himself- an insecurity- seen in the pitiful tone, â€Å"Haply for I am black, and have not those soft parts of parley that chamberers have… ” evident of his lack of self worth(predicate) and vulnerability to issues relevant to his blazon or race, enhancing my lore of The Outsider.\r\nThe 2010 American film The Social Network- written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, strongly delves into the concept and deepens my understanding of the Outsider from the beginning. The protagonist, ascertain Zuckerberg, like Othello, is instantly presented as a character who does not wish to move with society directly and uses social ne tworking to express his opinions, thereby the invention of Facebook. The rubor throughout the movie is an voice of the many cinematic devices that are effective in demonstrating the different societal groups.\r\nAs an individual, the dim discharge on Mark, in contrast to the bright lighting on the others in his group is indicative of Mark being an outsider, even within his own group. Also, the repeating of the word ‘asshole’ in several situations in the film is suggestive of how similar Mark’s character is to Othello’s †he allows himself to be looked down on. Erica Albright, Mark’s ex- girlfriend says at the start of the film, â€Å"…It’ll be because you’re an asshole,” and this is contrasted when Marilyn Derpy, the psychiatric oblige has her final statement at the end of the film, â€Å"You’re not an asshole, Mark.\r\nYou’re just trying so hard to be. ” Albright’s vindictive tone is phonation of how an outsider can be portrayed when he or she is put down by others, go on supported by Derpy’s somewhat openhearted yet wary tone. Mark’s allowance account of being exploited further enhances my knowledge of the concept of the Outsider, especially through the characters that manipulate him the most †the biggest of these being Sean Parker, the founder of Napster and the first president of Facebook.\r\nSean’s character is much similar to Iago’s, as he is as much as an outsider as he is an at heartr. The repetition of ‘ peaceful’ as Sean defiantly says to Mark, â€Å"A million dollars isn’t cool. You know what’s cool? A billion dollars,” shows how using such simplistic socially acceptable terms can trance a person’s decisions, especially characters like Mark, whose insecurities play a massive role in creating the atmosphere of ‘The Outsider’.\r\nMy visual representation is an f usion of the perceptions of the Outsider that I derived from analysis of Othello and The Social Network. use the same template as the given image, I drew the figure and his surroundings on the at bottom of the room in black and white, also gravid prominence to the central figure, outlining ‘him’ in a darker glossiness in contrast to the chair he is sitting on. The eccentricge is looking outside, into a colourful universe, of which I have used many different colour to show the difference between the in spite of appearance world and the outside world.\r\nAs in Othello, colour plays a major role in distinguishing between outsiders and insiders. using colour, I represented the character to be the prominent black and white figure in a black and white environment, but this is merely the ‘inside world’. I have chosen the persona’s gaze to lead the viewer to focus on the colourful outside world, demonstrating the differences between the inside wo rld and the outside world. The individual is recognised as an outsider, not only in his own little world, but in his larger macro world.\r\nTherefore, the conceptualization of ‘The Outsider’ has been enforced through cinematic and literary devices used in the texts Othello by William Shakespeare, through the notions of colour and physical appearances and The Social Network directed by David Fincher, which reiterates how manipulation and downplay of colour and physical appearances can lead to being in a solitary(a) state as an individual. My visual representation incorporates these ideas into a single ideology, evidence of how these texts have enriched my understanding of ‘The Outsider’.\r\n'

'Chinese Traditions Essay\r'

'Values for one society whitethorn seem strange to an opposite society, only nonetheless, they atomic number 18 important to that society. For instance, the painful and debilitating Chinese usance of foot binding, as bizarre as it may seem to our finis, to the Chinese people, it was the esoteric essence of perfect(a) beauty and signified status within the family structure, allowing teenage women with lotus feet intermit opportunities for marriage with well-to-do families.\r\n conventional Chinese courtyard life †in human race until the early 1900’s, was a unique life mode where Chinese families and neighbours stand upd in in truth close qu deviceers †communion a joint courtyard and everyone knowing everyone else’s business. Special rules applied for who occupied which space in certain directions Chinese Courtyards Chinese courtyards ar the traditional folk ho pulmonary tuberculosis of china. Courtyards reportedly date thorn to the Han Dynasty, however none re principal(prenominal) from that clock time period. The oldest among the survive courtyards are from the Ming Dynasty, while the studyity still prove to solar daytime are from the Qing Dynasty.\r\nChinese Chopsticks †born of destiny in the earliest times, mellowly influenced the feeding and cooking traditions still followed today in China. Chinese Knots †nonpareil of the several(prenominal) customary knots is double hap true piness, which in Chinese tradition is given to revolutionarylyweds, signifying a wish for their component and happiness to double. Chinese family diagnoses †Xing, Shi and Ming are the nearly roughhewn. there are still 22 antediluvian patriarch Chinese sur observes still in use today. The family name indicated a blood tie within the Chinese social structure and was a symbol of class.\r\nIn ancient China, 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, women were the clan leaders and marriages were only allowed among certain classes. Chinese Festivals Chinese late family/Spring Festival Gong Xi Fa Cai! Is the salutation that wishes you large(p) prosperity. You’ll hear it constantly during Spring Festival, better kn sustain as the Lunar New family. This is a time when everyone tries to get bet on to their ancestral class to hold back with their families, perhaps visit the local temple, throw mop up debts, buy bare-assed clothes, drive off evil spirits with firecrackers and start off the new year with a great feast. Qing Ming Festival\r\nQing Ming is the time when the Chinese honour their ancestors. They visit the family graves to great them and share a picnic with the spirits of the dead. (12th day of the 3rd dream) Dragon Boat Festival everyplace 2000 years ago, Qu Yuan, a righteous mandarin, threw himself into a river to baulk against the corruption and mismanagement of the g everywherenment. His friends took to the water in boats, flogging at the fish that would devour his body. Toda y he is remembered with the Dragon Boat Festival, which features races by long skiffs commission dragon heads and tails. (5th day of the fifth moon) Qi Xi Festival.\r\nA special Chinese Valentine’s Day. Qixi is the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day. It’s celebrated on the seventh night of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Usually that happens or sotime in supercilious on our calendar. And that’s why it’s in increment called the Double Seven festival. Mid-Autumn Moon Festival The Mid-Autumn moon is the biggest and best of the year, so the Chinese probe to grab it from the vantage point of hills or open fields. At the same time they eat moon streaks in memory of an uprising against the Mongols, which was secretly coordinated by messages hidden in the cakes.\r\n(15th day of the eighth moon) October inaugural †Founding of the People’s Republic October initiatory is the day when China celebrates the shewing of the P eople’s Republic. It has been a week of holiday time when many an(prenominal) travel as tourists to other parts of China or Asia †or make their way back to their hometowns for a family holiday. Other Ethnic Minority Chinese Festivals Through break through China, minority peoples substantiate their own ancestral festivals when they dress in traditional costumes and celebrate. In Xishuangbanna in southern Yunnan, the Dai minority (cousins to the Thai) welcome the Lunar New Year with the Water Splashing Festival.\r\nFor 3 days in mid-April, everyone smoke expect to fork over water thrown over them. in that respect are as well as parades, fireworks and dragon boat races. The Tibetan New Year is celebrated with a week of horse races, archery contests, carnivals and temple rituals, in all the major towns. In the nuts west of Xinjiang, the Kazhakh communities convey their own Chinese festivals that celebrate the life of the grasslands. There are breathtaking displays of horsemanship, including blastoff contests on horseback and buzgashi, a striving of polo, improver huge feats that include whole roast sheep and fermented female horse’s milk. capital of Red China Opera.\r\nBeijing Opera is the most widely know Chinese theatrical style with over 200 years of register. Although the art work out started in China’s Yangtze River Yan’an region, it only became to the full developed in Beijing, and that is how it’s name came to be. The form employs song and trip the light fantastic with exaggerated movements that leave a strong impression on viewers. While this Chinese style opera is a comprehensive art form utilizing diverse elements such as drama, acting, music, song, props, constitution and costume, it is distinguished from western performance art by its use of such elements for symbolic and suggestive purposes, kinda than realism.\r\nPerformers must bring together to a variety of stylistic conventions and rules . They must master songs, acting and their lines, in addition to dance. The art form uniquely combines traditional song, music, narration, dance, genus Circus and hawkish arts, contrary to the western tradition that separates song, dance and theatre. Chinese Shadow Puppetry Is an ancient form of storytelling which was popular during the Song Dynasty during the holiday season. The stories of the shadow puppets told of events that had happened elsewhere in the country and stories with a Buddhist background.\r\nChinese kitchen-gardening Chinese polish †Special 10th natal day On the day a barbarian turns 10, most families leave hold a caller for the tyke. It is common to control this party in a hotel and soak up everyone you know †which could be to a greater extent than 100 people. There is a western style birthday cake served †and all the lymph nodes are invited to a meal. Each node is subtly expected to make a benefaction of about $20 and before leaving, a ll(prenominal) guest receives a small gift. The one birthday party I attended in 2000, I measurement a box of facial tissue.\r\nOthers in attendance acquire rolls of toilet paper †and the gifts were happily received and highly appreciated. Chinese Culture †Common Greetings Ni hao †is the common greeting for â€Å"hello” (sounds same KNEE-HOW) There are some terms for good morning(zao- sounds like ZOW), good afternoon (xia wu hao), good evening (wan shang hao), but most often you depart hear mediocre ni hao. Goodâ€bye is zaijian. Mintian jia †is also very common †â€Å"see you tomorrow”. Chinese Culture †children are Pension Plan With the one nestling policy enforced in China, most families will rely on that one tiddler to accept them in their old age.\r\nAll the money the family batch afford is spent on the best reading that they can buy for their child †in hopes that their child will make it into a good university and exact a good paying cheat in the future †thereby, being able to support his own family and his parents. This puts an extreme amount of pressure on the child to perform well amidst tremendous competition for a place in a prestigious university. If a child does not do well in school, he is scorned by his parents and family and loses face. Those parents lucky lavish to obligate a government party job will enjoy a small allowance when they retire.\r\nBut most Chinese have no social support to look forward to as they age †so they must rely on their family. It is common for families to live together. The older parents will recognise care of the house, the cooking and any grandchildren, while their child and his spouse go out to work each day. Chinese Culture †Chinese Men Carrying Handbags You will see Chinese men adding two distinct types of handbags. They might carry a small person-to-person bag †like the French men do †or you may see them carrying their girlfriends handbag †as they walk or shop together.\r\nI found this quite amusing †and even more so after I married my Chinese save . . . as before we would go out †he would choose for me which handbag I should carry â€so that his things could fit inside too †and of course, he would carry it for me! It is almost like a sign of ticker †like a boy carrying a girls schoolbooks for her. Chinese Culture †Best Chinese Hangover repossess If you’ve had too much to drink with your friends †don’t be surprised if you end up in a restaurant and are served pig catgut soup †sworn to be the best bring round for a hangover.\r\nChinese Culture †One Child Policy Most families in China have adhered to the one child policy. In the autonomous provinces, where Beijing does not have absolute control over the ethnic groups, they don’t have to adhere to the one child policy. However, if you have the money, or if your family is attach ed to the right people †for a price †you can pay a fee to have a indorsement child. The one child policy has caused a lot of female babies to be abandoned †so that the mother could have another chance to try to have a boy baby.\r\nA bigger part of the Chinese population still conceptualise it is better to have a boy than a girl †because a boy is more possible able to support his family in later life, than a girl. There are a lot of Chinese baby girls up for adoption †and North American families are scooping them up. This one child policy, however, is creating a new problem. There is becoming a shortage of Chinese females in the population. Already, there have been kidnappings of women †to make them into wives in mountain villages. The situation is predicted to grow worse in the future †with many young men ineffective to find a woman to marry.\r\nChinese overdress: Qipao * The one-piece dress featured a high neck and straight skirt. It covered all of a woman’s body except for her head, hands, and toes. The qipao was traditionally do of silk and featured intricate embroidery. * The qipao worn today are modeled after ones made in Shanghai in the 1920s. The in advance(p) qipao is a one-piece, formfitting, story length dress that has a high wampum on one or both(prenominal) sides. raw variations may have bell sleeves or be sleeveless and are made out of a variety of fabrics. Sports Martial arts.\r\n* China is one of the main birth places of Eastern martial arts. Chinese martial arts are collectively given the name Kung Fu ((gong) â€Å"achievement” or â€Å"merit”, and (fu) â€Å"man”, therefrom â€Å"human achievement”) or (previously and in some modern contexts) Wushu (â€Å"martial arts” or â€Å" multitude arts”). China also includes the home to the well-respected Shaolin Monastery and Wudang Mountains. The introductory generation of art started more for the purpos e of excerption and warfare than art. everywhere time, some art forms have branched off, while others have retained a distinct Chinese flavor.\r\nRegardless, China has produced some of the most renowned martial artists including Wong Fei Hung and many others. The arts have also co-existed with a variety of weapons including the more standard 18 arms. Legendary and controversial moves like slow Mak are also praised and talked about within the culture. siamese connection Ji Quan Tai Ji Quan, which is also know as Chinese shadow boxing, is a major division of Chinese martial art. Tai Ji Quan means â€Å"supreme ultimate fist”, and is a kind of Chinese boxing, combining control of breath, soul and body.\r\nIt emphasises body movement, following mind movements, tempering hoarseness with gentleness and graceful carriage. The traditional legend goes that the keen man, Zhang Sanfeng of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), created Tai Ji Quan after he witnessed a fight between a hedge sparrow and a snake. Most people agreed that the modern Tai Ji Quan originated from Chen style Tai Ji Quan, which first appeared during the 19th vitamin C in the Daoguang Reign of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Chinese Wedding Traditions Welcoming the Bride: * The Chinese wedding ritual begins with the coach going to the bride’s home.\r\nYounger brides often have a fewer girlfriends at the home who will teatimese the civilize before handing over the bride. The girls will barter with the make who must beg and bribe the girls with small gifts or red envelopes stuffed with money are handed over in exchange for the bride. * Before leaving her home, the bride and bride ostler bow before the bride’s parents. Then, they head to the groom’s home. In the past, the bride was picked up from her home and interpreted to the groom’s home in a sedan chair with trumpets blaring to tell her arrival. Today, most brides arrive in a car.\r\n arced to Heaven and Earth: * Once at the groom’s home, the bride and groom bow to heaven and humanity in front of the groom’s family’s home altar or at a local temple. Then, the touch bows before the groom’s parents before bowing to each other. Traditional tea Ceremony: * At the groom’s home, the couple offers tea to their elders including the groom’s parents. Acceptance of the tea is confirmation that the family has welcomed the bride into the groom’s family. Auspicious old age The Chinese still rely on destiny tellers to predict the most auspicious days (and years) to marry.\r\n many an(prenominal) couples will postpone their wedding plans until the right day or right year that promises success. In some provinces, you will find very large groups of couples getting married the same day †because they believe in the luck of that day †for most success in their marriage. In China, it is common for many young couples live together the year before th ey are genuinely married and start on the paperwork process. The most common time to celebrate a marriage is at Chinese New Year or on auspicious days. Chinese Cuisine.\r\nThe history of Chinese culinary art can be traced back to primitive societies and their use of fire. Cuisine was invented some 400,000 years ago. Some other accounts of the history of Chinese cuisine takes the beginning to the Chinese stone age, when the cultivation of rice and the production of noodles, both typical representations of Chinese cuisine as we have know today, are understood from archaeological findings. Over the centuries, as new food sources and techniques were invented, the Chinese cuisine as we know it gradually evolved.\r\nChopsticks, which are made from all sorts of materials and which are one of the hallmarks of Chinese cuisine, have been used as eating utensils at least(prenominal) as far back as the grub Dynasty. Stir-fried dishes became popular during the tanginess Dynasty. The stir-fr y method of cooking was invented out of necessity, in order to conserve expensive and peculiar fuel. As early as the 7th century B. C. Chinese cuisine began to be separated as Southern and Northern cuisines. In general, the southern dishes emphasize freshness and tenderness.\r\nNorthern dishes, due to its colder climate, have more fat and garlic which is offset with vinegar. During the period of the Tang (618-907 A. D. ) and the Song (960-1279 A. D. ) dynasties, people went in a great deal for nutritional medical value of assorted plants: fungus (mushrooms), herbs, vegetables. At this time â€Å"medicinal food” for stripe and cure of diseases, for overall health became important. Cantonese/Guangdong Cuisine Guangdong cuisine is characterized by their cooking methods of mostly steaming, boiling, saute and stir-frying with midst gravy.\r\nDishes are lightly cooked and not as blistering and hot as the other 3 groups. callable to the long duration of summer, they prefer lig ht and lively foods and seafood. Only in the winter do they eat fatty foods and strongly flavoured foods. Shandong Cuisine The third major Chinese cuisine is Shandong cuisine †also known as Lu cuisine. It has a long history and wide popularity and was developed from the Qi and Lu culture of ancient China. It is said to have traces of palatial cuisine. Dishes are strongly flavoured and made of costly ingredients such as shark fin, abalone, sea cucumber, deer meat, white fungus and others.\r\n collectable to the long duration of the cold winter in north China and a shortage of vegetables, Shandong cooks are skilled at making high-calorie and high-protein dishes. Sichuan Cuisine The second major Chinese cuisine is Sichuan. World illustrious Chan cuisine traces back to the ancient Ba commonwealth (modern day Chongqing) and Shu Kingdom (modern day Chengdu) and is known for it’s oily, hot and spicy taste. The uniquely hot, pungent flavour is created with a mixture of red pep per, garlic and ginger. Su Cuisine.\r\nThe aside major Chinese cuisine originated from Shuzhou, Yangzhou and Hangzhou area and is known as Su cuisine. It is an exchange of northern and southern cuisines, dating back to the time the region was the home of Emperors during the sixer Dynasties and the Southern Song Dynasty. It is a combination of high-heat and high-protein dishes, potbelly of lake fish and seafood, and exquisite refreshments and snacks such as pine nut crystalline meat sweet cake, pubic louse yellow soup bun, crab yellow riled dumpling and Ningbo dumpling, all of which are famous passim China.\r\n'

'Singapore International Airlines\r'

'Contents COVER LETTER4 1PROSPECTS OF parsimony5 1. 1Global fiscal Crisis5 1. 2Oil hurts5 2PROSPECT OF skyway INDUSTRY5 2. 1General style of the public life path business intentness5 2. 2Analysis of warringness of industry6 3VALUE CHAIN7 3. 1Training of Pilots/ Cabin work go bady/ Ground dis race supply7 3. 2 branding and publicity7 3. 3Reservations and Ticketing7 3. 4Ground opeproportionns7 3. 5In-f ignition Services8 3. 6 jobcraft Ope balancens8 3. 7 give-up the ghost Management and keep8 3. 8Customers8 4SINGAPORE AIRLINE’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE8 4. 1The 4 comp nonp arilnts of SIA’s war-ridden schema8 5FINANCIAL bid ANALYSIS9 5. direct Performance Analysis9 5. 2Liquidity Analysis10 5. 3Solvency Analysis10 5. 4Profitability Analysis10 5. 5Stock expenditures Analysis11 5. 6Comparison with Industry second-rate11 6SINGAPORE AIRLINES’ NON-FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE11 6. 1L causeing and Growth11 6. 3 essential solvees12 7RECOMMENDATIONS12 8APPENDI X13 9REFERENCES32 C everywhere Letter To: Ms Leo, CEO From: enthronement Team Subject: Investment plow †capital of Sin disturbanceore air ducts Ltd This report contains an summary of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of Singapore airline businesss Ltd (SIA) with response to your interrogatory on desirability of making a clean wide-ranging medium-to- macroscopical term coronation in the sh atomic number 18s of SIA.\r\nFirstly, an analysis of the prospects of the air passage business line industry which SIA operate in would be stipulation to begin a better understanding of the air environment. The menstruum country of miserliness leave alone excessively be one of the soaringlights as it is perhaps one of the biggest concerns amongst investors. Next, the order’s value chain and competitive strategies would alike be presented and study to justify if SIA pee the ability to sustain its growth despite many reality-wide ch all in all enges such as the pecuniary crisis and superior c over colour damages.\r\nOn cap of that, an analysis of the company’s past financial averments and especially for the division 2007/08 would be presented to analyze the profitability and quality of earnings. For a much than holistic approach, analysis of the company and industry employ non-financial performance measures would also be expendd to treat numbers where financial measures be insufficiently informative. Comparisons with the industry and main competitors will also be made along the way to show how they fargon and if the production line scathe has the potential to grow amongst unswerving competition in the airway industry.\r\nLastly, recommendations on the desirability of the investment would be given on our stand based on our analysis. 1Prospects of providence 1. 1Global financial Crisis The origination’s p reticence is presently facing one of the worst financial little terrors ever s ince the Great Depression in 1929. dying of US strands such as Lehman Br opposites were due to coarse corporate debt default which caused them to incur a large disadvantage loss. This tight quotation crunch caused the dusk of the worldwide transport merchandise with fearful investors withdrawing their investments.\r\nIn response to the gloomy give awaylook of the worldwide economy, assumption was given by the G7 as they announce to let on a 5- localize intention to counter the crisis and to stabilize the financial market place. 1. 2Oil Prices The air lane industry was drastically hit by the rocketing of aviation provide impairments for the past one year , forcing many companies to amplify air ticket prices to blot out the change magnitude expenditure. Expenditure is accelerating at a meteoric rate than revenue; hence this has caused many airline companies to suffer a loss in operating(a) profit. However, basket average out crude oil prices has been on a decli ning grade. â€Å"Prices fell $18. 1/b or more than 14% in August, declining sharply from the rule book levels r severallyed in July,” according to OPEC Monthly Oil marketplace business relationship kinfolk 2008. 2Prospect of air hose Industry 2. 1General Trend of the Airline Industry The current situation in the airline industry remains bleak. It is caused by a mix of weakening rider demand, particularly in the First and communication channel castees, and the live uncertain global economic do-nothingdidate. Cargo demand has also plummeted, with a 6. 5% lose in demand for Asia-Pacific carriers in July 2008. However, SIA has been able to anticipate changes and continue to break invigorated grounds.\r\nThe procurement of A380 Airbus has attend toed SIA achieve substantial embody savings. In addition, conversion of five Airbus A340-500 aircraft into an wholly- short letter Class set-up, and constantly ensuring that force trounce matches SIA’s demand , w aste be to be profi board for SIA alone despite the general weakening passenger demand. 2. 2Analysis of competitiveness of industry Since SIA’s everyplaceall profitability is mostly influenced by the battlefront of competition, we feed used Porter’s vex of Five Forces to analyze the competitiveness of the industry. Threats of substitutes\r\nOver the age, the airline industry has be cum change magnitudely competitive with entering of sore competitors such as budget airlines. As such, some passengers be choosing to fly budget airlines for curt travelling distances. Hence, demand from guests are becoming comparatively price e getic, forcing some firms to lower their prices in hunting lodge to stay competitive. buyer Bargaining Power Buyer bargaining originator is increasing due to the price transparency concerns of customers, as they can admit which airline to take. However, on the industry level, bargaining power is low. provider Bargaining Power\r\nS upplier bargaining power in the airline industry is superior as the in instal required (aircraft, aviation give the sack) is unique and thither are no similar substitutes available. Rivalry among existing players The intensity of competition among airlines has change magnitude substantially over the age as firms are narrowing the gap of the renovation quality and on board amenities. This has light-emitting diode to increasing ferocity in rough-and-ready cost management for firms. Threat of Entry at that place are substantial barriers to ingress for the industry due to the gamy initial fixed outlay and proprietary know-how.\r\nHowever, the entry of budget airlines poses potential threats to the existing players. Many firms suck responded by buying bundles in firms of budget airlines. 3 nurse chain of mountains 3. 1Training of Pilots/ Cabin crew/ Ground handling staff SIA’s places great emphasis in educational activity by continuously sending its employees for comp rehensive and pixilated provision. To present only the best service, SIA also imposes taut selection shields of employees at the recruitment stage. 3. 2Branding and publicity SIA’s spending on advertising has been static over the recent years.\r\nRecently, TBWA replaced Batey self-assurance which popularised the simulacrumic Singapore fille . SIA adopts a global approach to advertising in the external media, keeping the Singapore Girl icon as its archetype of high quality service. 3. 3Reservations and Ticketing SIA’s website allows race cartridge clip carry over downloads for gadgets such as pocket PCs and medal tops and synchronizes the data when it is amended. SIA’s ticketing accessible occasions are set in over 70 countries and it operates 24 moment telephone reservations and service call centres to encourage its customers.\r\nThe use of interline e-ticketing allows ticket information to be stored in SIA’s secured database and appointd among airlines on the customer’s itinerary. 3. 4Ground Operations SATS handles all ground operations which includes baggage/ airfreight handling and apron serve. Technology such as profits check-in, biometric checks and downtown check-in services are deep-rooted to speed up processing time. The application of neary automate Seamless Travel (FAST) integrates three processes comprising airline check-in, pre-in-migration security system measure checks and immigration croakance.\r\nSIA’s loyalty customers also have the privilege of priority check-in and enjoying scoop shovel facilities at its lounges. 3. 5In- escapism Services Its in- career on-demand cheer system has over a thousand demand options and office software system for passengers. Also, SIA also integrated the full size ‘space- bash’, on-board kalemail and internet services in its First and cable cliquees. 3. 6Aircraft Operations SIA flies directly to 66 destinations and has deep o utgrowthd outflows to more popular destinations. SIA has transformed its cabins to full business variety lavatorying for its SG-NY flights and will be doing the analogous for its SG-LA Flights. . 7Fleet Management and maintenance SIA maintains young make passs of passenger and cargo planes. These render efficient planes are on the average age of 6-7yrs. It leases 34 out of its 126 aircraft on an agreement of range 4. 7-10. 5 years with options to sub-lease. SIAEC has also joined Airbus’ Maintenance Training Ne twork, bountiful it retrieve to Airbus’ latest training methodologies. 3. 8Customers SIA’s KrisFlyer customer retentivity scheme has been utile to date and it now focuses on services for wealthy and business travellers, in alliance with the PPS club . Singapore Airline’s free-enterprise(a) Advantage Through the value chain comparability with competitors, SIA has achieved two differentiation and low cost strategies in its operations and stands out as a attractor in the industry. 4. 1The 4 components of SIA’s competitive strategy 4. 1. 1Rigorous service founding, development and continuous innovation SIA’s service development department constantly researches for and tests out tender innovations. It uses the centralized innovation approach which involves three-step processes. The resultantive feedback channel helps to find out that any useful suggestions are adopted.\r\nEmployees are also sent on ‘ blemish flights’ on competitor’s planes to report their findings . SIA’s continuous innovation supports cost effectiveness and it transfers this borderline to its customers. Some examples are processions in seat and riddle size, as well as in-flight services, which compares favourably to its competitors . 4. 1. 2Profit and cost- acidulous brainpower of employees SIA’s employees are well aware of the implications of high costs and they always strive to achieve custome r satisfaction in a cost effective manner. Compared to the industry, SIA maintains a comparatively young yet evoke efficient fleet. 4. 1. 3Holistic Staff Development\r\n every(prenominal) employees have a training and development plan which includes both serviceable and interpersonal skills. SIA’s aircrew is unionised in team up up ups of 13 and flies together for at to the lowest degree 2 years . Hence, these have helped to develop team bonding for delivering beautiful service. 4. 1. 4Strategic synergies through variegation and world-class infrastructure SIA has reaped strategic synergies through diversification of its subsidiaries: SIA Engineering Company, SATS, SATS In-flight catering and tiger airways. Diversifying has helped to avoid subtle competition and to capture a larger market partake in by disco biscuiting more types of services.\r\nHence, SIA comfort gains the general market share through its 49% stake in the low-cost carrier tiger Airways slice foc using on wealthy and business travellers, 5Financial Statement Analysis 5. 1 direct Performance Analysis tax income from the company’s operating activities increased by 12. 5% and expenditure increased by 7. 7%, causing the operating profit to increase by 60. 1% from 2007. Also, net cash provided by operation activities was has been positive and on an increasing trend. This tremendous advancement in operating profit is due the increased demand for SIA’s flights. 5. 2Liquidity Analysis 5. 2. 1immediate ratio The ratio slobberped from 1. 4 in 2007 to 1. 29 in 2008. This is largely due to the company recognizing more gross sales in advance of carriage under current liabilities. However, the boilersuit quick ratio trend has been greater than 1. This indicates the relatively stronger liquidity position to outfit current debts, especially compared with its competitors . 5. 3Solvency Analysis 5. 3. 1Debt-to-Equity Ratio The ratio dropped from 0. 12 in 2007 to 0. 11 i n 2008. The result projects an optimistic outlook because the company was able to complete their leveraging of unseasoned A380 planes without relying on outside bullion and the value of the ratio is lower than its competitors.\r\nThis indicates SIA’s strong ability to fall cash from operating activities for future growth. 5. 4Profitability Analysis 5. 4. 1 birth on comely Equity Holders’ breeds The rejoinder on average candour holders’ funds dropped from 14. 9% in 2007 to 13. 56% in 2008. The study reason bum the decrease was due to sale of SIA building and investment in Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise Pte Ltd in 2007. The preposterous events led to a satisfyingly large tote up of profit in 2007. Hence, the drop in return on average legality holders’ funds is not a big concern.\r\nCompared to the 2006 rule of 9. 61% and 2005 figure of 11. 01%, the company has been more successful in generating returns for its paleness holders. 5. 4. 2Earnings by and by Tax per Share ( weaken) This is a cautious measure that takes into account of the employees exercising their share options. The diluted earnings after tax per share dropped from $1. 71 in 2007 to $1. 66 in 2008, largely due to the one time sale of assets in 2007 mentioned supra. The drop is not a concern because it still shows an increasing trend. 5. 4. 3Dividends per Share\r\nThe overall trend of the dividend payout is positive and investors are expected to receive a fair share of dividends one-yearly . 5. 5Stock Prices Analysis The general price trend of SIA line of businesss shows an upwards inclination. It r separatelyed a peak at slightly November 07 and prices have been decreasing since. wizard of the reasons why stock prices started to decrease is due to rising fuel prices. In aspect of the recent financial turmoil, the unstable economy is expected to have a significant shock on stock price. As compared to its major competitors, the stock price decr ease was fortunately not as drastic.\r\nAlso, we should note that this is a temporary mark to market loss suffered and not a permanent impairment loss incurred by SIA. 5. 6Comparison with Industry Average Overall, SIA’s financial performance is above industry average in parity. 6Singapore Airlines’ Non-Financial Performance Non-financial performances are an integral part of a company which is bound to affect a company’s financial position in the long run and will determine its sustainability amidst stiff competition. A comparison with their closer competitors is also world considered . 6. 1 knowledge and Growth\r\nSIA places large emphasis on its employees. One of its strategies to train its employees includes company-wide Core Developmental Competency Framework, which seeks to help staff identify their strengths and opportunities for improvements. SIA base also has sevener training schools to deliver training in severally aggregate functional areas. This includes the Transforming Customer Service (TCS) first step and general management training. Furthermore, SIA has in place share-based profits course of studymes which aim to more directly align the interests of elderberry bush management with the interests of shareholders. . 2Customer perspective One of SIA’s strengths lies in its superior customer service and excellent facilities on board. On top of that, SIA also places large emphasis on the prophylactic of its customers on air and have introduced confused brisk methods and equipment on board with the customers’ offbeat and convenience in mind. SIA’s efforts in providing excellent customer service are evident by the many awards and accolades they garnered over the past years. These awards have compound their reputation and enabled them to dominate in the Airline industry. 6. 3 Internal Processes\r\nSIA’s Value Chain was analyzed to gain better understanding of its internal process. 7Recommendat ions From the above analysis, we understand that the airline industry that SIA operates in is exceedingly volatile and competitive. Coupled with the problem of rising fuel prices, the future do poses many challenges for SIA. However, having analyzed SIA’s strategies and operation style, we can see that SIA has been effective in managing the challenges faced to date, despite it being a relatively small and young airline compared to the other players in the industry.\r\nThis is evident from the good financial performance of SIA. Thus, our team is optimistic round SIA’s growth prospects for the coterminous 5 to 10 years and we predict that an winsome return can be guaranteed if the shares were bought. However, in view of the financial turmoil, we suggest putting the investment plan on hold first and wait for share prices to plummet to a sufficiently low point before buying the shares. Ultimately, this will help our company to take advantage of the low share price and maximize returns in the future. 8 addition addendum 1 term 1 From The Times\r\nOctober 9, 2008 Interest rate cuts overshadowed by spectre of recession IMF says world is heading for major downturn Patrick Hosking, Banking and Finance Editor Interest rates crosswise the world were slashed yesterday as central banks took unprecedented emergency action in an effort to contain the worst economic threat since the Great Depression. Hours after the Government unveiled a ? 500 billion rescue package for the British banking system, the Bank of England joined forces with its counterparts across the Western world to cut rates by half a percentage point.\r\nThe unneeded mediocre level of coordination was designed to license resolve in the face of financial panic attack save failed to vivify confidence in the stock market. Share prices rallied briefly in London scarce the FTSE vitamin C index closed down 239 points at 4,367, its lowest point for quaternity years. In its bleakest indica te for years, the International Monetary Fund said that the world was entering a major downturn in the face of â€Å"the most dangerous shock . . . since the thirties”.\r\nThe US and Europe were either on the doorsill of or already in recession. supplement 2 Article 2 Home > breakage intelligence activity > Money > Story Oct 11, 2008 G7 vows to fight crisis WASHINGTON †convention of Seven finance chiefs on Friday unveiled a five-point plan to fight the global economic firestorm and restore confidence in the financial system by shoring up struggling banks. ‘The G7 agrees today that the current situation calls for urgent and exceptional action, the US treasury said in a statement on behalf of the G7 nations. We commit to continue working together to perk up financial markets and restore the flow of recognise, to support global economic growth, it added after the finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the G7 nations †the United States, Ge rmany, Japan, France, Britain, Italy and Canada †met in Washington. Appendix 3 graph 1 Appendix 4 publisher pull up 1 The Straits Times, October 19 2008 Money role Appendix 5 Exhibit 1 Airline Industry’s Value Chain and competitive advantage The diagram below describes the Primary activities that is include in SIA’s Value Chain Appendix 6 Article 3\r\nSIA stays the course with its branding strategy American advertising office staff TBWA took over the coveted account from Singapore- based agency Batey †the name behind SIAs ad campaigns for the past 35 years.. … Many marketing experts, who were looking for a significant change in SIAs branding strategy, were surprised by the lack of it, while others felt the ads werent much of a head turner… SIA spokesman Stephen Forshaw says critics have got it all wrong. Branding is not only well-nigh advertising. More importantly, it is about the substance behind the brand. ‘It perplexes me that people think the winder to branding is advertising.\r\nIts not, he says. ‘The key to branding is get the fundamentals of the business right first. ‘Advertising is tho a way of communicating amid the face and its customer base. ‘ … … But there remains a key constant †the Singapore Girl icon. ‘The representation of the Singapore Girl is what the brand delivers to customers †that is very high quality service, Mr Forshaw says…. … A significant application of biometric technologies presently being developed at SIA’s hub at Changi Airport in Singapore is the FAST (Fully Automated Seamless Travel) process.\r\nIn November 2004, a six-month pilot test of FAST has been initiated based on a biometry technology that integrates three processes: airline check-in, pre-immigration security checks, and immigration clearance… … This initiative at Changi Airport is a world’s first of integrating these processes with th e clear objective of driving service righteousness at airport operations and SIA’s ground services, while at the analogous time driving efficiency and improving security.. Appendix 7 get across 1 Kris Flyer Programs The table below describes the KrisFlyer courses of SIA. aim Benefits\r\nYoung Explorer Club•Earn and pitch miles for free travel just like other KrisFlyer members •Miles earned go towards qualification for higher tiers of rank and file Kris Flyer elect(ip) Silver•25% grant on actual miles flown whenever you fly Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or Virgin Atlantic. • antecedency Reservation Waitlist and Priority Airport Standby Kris Flyer Elite Gold•25% tier bonus on actual miles flown each time you credit the miles you earn on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Virgin Atlantic. •Increased report Baggage Allowance (20kg, or one extra piece of baggage). Priority Airport Check-in and embarkation and baggage handling • Acc ess to Star coalition Gold Lounges. PPS Club•Exclusive Gift Vouchers to purchase items from our inflight shopping service, KrisShop. •Enjoy reduced or waived fees for various KrisFlyer services. •Travel Assistance and Insurance. •25% tier bonus on actual miles flown each time you credit the miles you earn on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Virgin Atlantic. •If your reservation for a seat in First or Raffles/ business sector Class cannot be corroborate immediately, you will be avered the option of a guaranteed seat in Economy Class on the same flight. 100% increased check-in baggage hire on all Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights • Extended employ of Silver Kris Lounges. •Access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses. Solitaire PPS Club •25% tier bonus on actual miles flown each time you credit the miles you earn on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Virgin Atlantic to your KrisFlyer account. •Supplementary Card for your spouse, who w ill be accorded the same level of service as you whenever they travel. Appendix 9 Article 5 greet-effective service morality: lessons from Singapore Airlines An additional source of intelligence is SIA’s â€Å"spy flights”, where advisors travel with competitors and report on their offerings… … SIA builds team spirit within its 6,600 crew members through its â€Å"team concept”, where small teams of 13 crew members are formed and then fly together as far as possible for at to the lowest degree two years. This leads to the development of team spirit and brotherly bonds within the team that reinforces the culture of cost-effective service excellence and the peer pressure to deliver SIA’s promise to customers…. Appendix 10 instrument panel 2\r\nThe tables below show the comparison between the in-flight facilities provided by SIA and their competitors. Airline comparison in terms of screen door size AirlineEconomy ClassBusiness ClassFi rst Class another(prenominal)s Singapore Airlines10. 6’15. 4’ liquid crystal display23’ LCD (1280×768 Pixels)100 movies, 180 TV shows, 20 receiving set stations, 65games, 700 practice of medicine CDs, office software, noise cancelling headsets Cathay9’ widescreen15’ widescreen17’ widescreen100 movies, 350 TV shows, 22 radio stations, 888 CDs, 70 synergetic games, noise cancelling headsets Qantas6. 3’10. 2’8. 3’60 movies, 200 TV shows, 20 radio stations, 10 games, 150 music CDs, noise cancelling headsets\r\nAirlines comparison in terms of in-flight services AirlineSingapore AirlinesQantasCathay 1st Class- 88. 9cm wide, ok grain leather seats †Flat fundament †Adjustable table height †Dressing table with mirror †Plush duvet, fluffy pillows †Ferragamo Toiletries †Givenchy Sleeper cortege and suede slippers †Power outlet †noise cancelling headsets- 198cm long flat rump †Light meals/ snacks available anytime †build in massage capability in each president †Payot paris toiletries †Akira Isogawa pyjamas, eyeshades †Power outlet †encumbrance cancelling headsets- 205. 7cm long, 63. 5cm wide flat bed †Personal military press for clothes, hoes, mattress, pillows †Extra large tray table †Mood fire †Adjustable culture light †construct in massage capability in each chair †Acca Kappa creature comforts set †Power outlet †reverberate cancelling headsets Business Class- 1-2-1 layout with 76cm width seats †Flat bed †Light duvet, large pillows †Computer usage with USB ports and keyboard †Business lounge †Snack corner †Eau de toiletries †Power dismission †Noise cancelling headsets- 2-2-2 layout †Shoe compartment †Coat Hook †Built in massage capability in each chair †Meal and cocktail table †Adjustable reading light †Inflig ht bar †Marc Newson amenities kit with\r\nKorner skincare product †Power Outlet †Noise cancelling headsets- 2-3-2 layout with 198cm long, 52 cm wide seats †Flat bed †Built in massage capability in each chair †Extra large tray table †Mood Lighting †Adjustable reading light †Extra large tray table †Agnes B Amenities kit with Murad/Dermalogica skincare products †Power Outlet †Noise cancelling headsets Appendix 11 Table 3 Average Age of Aircraft Average Age of Aircraft, 31March 20082007-20082006-20072005 †20062004 †2005 SIA passenger Fleet (Months)77757664 SIA Freighters (Months)88766865 Industry Wide (Months)162160159157 Appendix 12 Table 4\r\nOperating Performance of Company The CompanyCathay Qantas in S$ one million million million 200820072006200520082008 Revenue12,759. 6011,343. 9010,302. 809,260. 109753. 27715051. 7 Expenditure-11,115. 60-10,316. 90-9,651. 80-8,562. 20-8751. 65-13774. 2 Operating Profit1,644. 001,027. 00651697. 91001. 6271277. 527 Percentage Change60. 10%57. 80%-6. 70% 33. 40% (compared to previous year) Cash Flow from Operating Activities4269. 43163. 52309. 62786. 62,540. 032,101. 91 Appendix 13 Table 5 brisk Ratio Calculation rapidly Ratio = nimble Assets/ Current Liabilities (Quick Assets exclude inventories & prepaid assets) The GroupCathayQantas n S$ million 200820072006200820082008 Current Assets8,313. 308,248. 805,938. 304,943. 90339075616. 2 Inventories507. 7534. 1517. 5442. 5882215. 7 partition 44 tax prepayments-46. 7166. 2221. 4†Prepayments104. 986. 1—- Quick Assets7,700. 707,581. 905,254. 604,280. 00330255400. 5 Current Liabilities5,957. 705,258. 404,842. 503,901. 60273947603. 9 Quick Ratio1. 291. 441. 091. 101. 210. 71 Appendix 14 Table 6 Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculation Debt-to-Equity ratio shows the composition of debt and equity in the capital structure and measures the degree to which the company relies on outsider for funds.\r\nDebt -to-Equity Ratio = integral long-term liabilities/ Total stockholders equity The GroupCathayQantas in S$ million 200820072006200520082008 long Liabilities1,599. 201,805. 801,824. 402,333. 304860. 20913. 5022 StockholderEquity15,125. 2015,100. 0013,470. 6012,342. 3016759. 325753. 29 Debt-to-Equity Ratio0. 110. 120. 140. 190. 290. 16 Appendix 15 Table 7 Return on Equity Holders Fund Calculation Return on equity holders’ funds = Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company / Average equity holders’ funds (Percentage) The GroupCathayQantas 200820072006200520082008 in S$ million Profit attributable to equity holders2049. 2128. 81,240. 701,309. 507023969 Equity Holders funds15,125. 2015,100. 0013,470. 6012,342. 30505495731. 2 Average equity holders funds15112. 614285. 312906. 4511898. 747967. 55683. 05 Return on equity holders funds13. 56%14. 90%9. 61%11. 01%14. 64%17. 05% Appendix 16 Table 8 Earnings after Tax per Share (diluted) Calculations Earnings after tax pe r share (diluted) is computed by dividing profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average of ordinary shares in bring out excluding treasury shares, adjusted for the dilutive effect on the exercise of all outstanding share options.\r\nThe Group 2008200720062005 Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company(S$ millions)2,049. 402,128. 801,240. 701,352. 40 Adjustment for dilutive potential ordinary shares (S$ millions) (5. 10) (4. 80) (3. 60)- set net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (S$ millions)2,044. 302,124. 001,237. 10- plodding average number of ordinary shares in issue (million)1,216. 001,233. 601,219. 501,218. 20 Adjustment for dilutive potential ordinary shares (million)14. 910. 02. 1- Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares (million)1,230. 901,243. 601,221. 601,218. 0 Diluted earnings per share (cents)166. 1170. 8101. 3111. 0 Appendix 17 Table 9 Dividend Schedule The Group 2008200720062005 Interim dividen d (cents per share)20. 015. 010. 010. 0 Proposed final dividend (cents per share)80. 035. 035. 030. 0 Dividend pay off (times)1. 71. 72. 32. 8 Appendix 18 Exhibit 3 SIACathay PacificQantas Airways SIACathay PacificQantas Airways 52 Weeks Range Volatility47%63%59% Highest Price in 52 Weeks$19. 90$24. 00$6. 06 Lowest Price in 52 Weeks$10. 52$8. 77$2. 50 Appendix 19 Table 10 Figures for Industry Averages are taken from Reuters (www. reuters. com) Industry AverageGroups Average\r\nQuick Ratio0. 921. 29 Interest Coverage0. 0426. 42 Return on Assets0. 19%8. 10% Return on Equity-0. 04%13. 60% Appendix 20 Table 11 Non Financial Evaluation in the form of a BSC Learning and Growth Aspects of MeasurementMeasuresEvaluation Employee DevelopmentEmployee training programmes implemented •Implementation of a company-wide Core Developmental Competency Framework. Consisting of eight core competencies, it allows staff to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. •Three areas ha ve been prioritised for followup action: Pay and Benefits, Career Development, and Working Relationships.\r\nThis shows that they are concerned about its employees’ welfare, not just giving them financial satisfaction. •Introduced a web-based self- learn security program for cabin and technical aircrew. •Seven training schools Employee satisfactionEmployee benefits schemes •Short-Term Incentives short incentives generally take the form of an annual profit-sharing bonus. requital of the variable bonus is based on employees achieving the order levels in the following: (i) SIA Group’s Return on Shareholders’ Fund; (ii) SIA Company’s Operating Profit Margin; and iii) SIA Company’s Passenger Load Factor •Long-Term Incentives The Company has put in place share-based remuneration programmes allowing employees to share in its growth and success. These plans comprise the Performance Share designing (PSP), Restricted Share Plan ( RSP) and Employee Share alternative Plan (ESOP). InnovationNew technology and innovations•KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines award-winning and ever-expanding inflight entertainment system, offers customers a wide range of entertainment options. Customers can choose from a variety of movies, TV programmes, music CDs and channels.\r\nThere is also an extensive selection of picture games and interactive applications including Berlitz Word Traveler, a fully interactive learning programme. These techonology implemented allowed them to be one of the best airlines in the industry to offer such entertainment system. •Uses Three-step centralized innovation process. Examples are the recently launched design of the Airbus A380 cabin. Customer Overseas presenceNetwork Development•As of 31 March 2008, Singapore Airlines operated 726 weekly flights to 66 destinations in 36 countries.\r\nIncluding codeshare services with Star Alliance and spouse airlines, the Airline’s globa l route communicate grew to 149 destinations in 46 countries. •In August 2007, SIAEC acquired 100% of Aircraft Maintenance Services Australia to offer line maintenance services at international airports in Australia. The learning is part of the Companys continuing effort to capture a larger slice of the global maintenance, repair and overwhelm (MRO) market by extending its reach o new growth markets and to broaden the span of its services to offer total maintenance solutions to airlines.\r\n safeSafety measures introduced•Introduced a web-based self-learning security program for cabin and technical aircrew. It also successfully established its second renewal of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. The visit covered key operational areas across the Airline, including flight rubber eraser, emergency management, engineering maintenance and ground handling. The Airline is also working closely with other sanctuary organisations, such as IATA and AAPA, to promote and enha nce flight safety. Service rangeNew services improvements to current flights•KrisShop launches new online sales portal krisshop. om, featuring an online catalogue and selections exclusive to Singapore •ECONOMY CLASS Improved design and use of light, bladed materials which provide more personal space and legroom. Other features include a non-intrusive reading light installed underneath the seatback screen, personal storage space for spectacles and smaller items, and adjustable footrest. •BUSINESS CLASS The A380 is configured with 60 Business Class seats. All seats offer direct access to the aisle, with a 1-2-1 forward-facing configuration. The new Business Class seats onboard the A380 are the widest in its class for any airline.\r\nAt 85-cm wide, the seat is similar but slightly bigger, than the Business Class seats fitted on the Airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet. Business Class on the A380 also features a Passenger Corner, specially created for these custom ers to natural selection up snacks and socialise during long flights. •AIRLINES KRISWORLD Customers can choose from more than 1000 entertainment options featured on the new KrisWorld, including movies, television programmes, music, learning applications and 3D games. Screens across all classes are bigger: 58cm in Suites, 39cm in Business and 30cm in Economy.\r\nSingapore Airlines customers flight of steps on the A380 and B777-300ER, are also able to work. Inflight through a comprehensive suite of office applications which can be accessed via the handset and without a laptop. All seats come with their very own USB port and in-seat power supply. •INTERLINE E-TICKETING Singapore Airlines ranks as the first non-US carrier, and third in the airline industry, in implementing interline e-ticketing. As of March 2008, 97% of all tickets issued from the Airline’s sales channels were e-tickets. All Singapore Airlines’ stations in the network are e-ticket enabled.\r\n According to IATA ranking in March 2008, Singapore Airlines has 120 Interline e-ticketing partners, among the highest in the industry. Corporate Social ResponsibilityRaising funds for charities •Over $1. 9 million was raised and distributed to charities in Sydney, Singapore and the global humanitarian organisation, Medecins Sans Frontieres. Singapore Airlines announces it will auction seats in the world’s first A380 flight on the global online marketplace, eBay. All money raised from the auction is to be donated to four charities. The auction starts on 27 August 2007 and runs for two weeks.\r\nEnvironment•The A380 is a cleaner, greener, new generation aircraft †fuel slew, compared to a Boeing 747, on a per-seat basis is 20% less, and its noise footprint at take-off and landing is about 95% lower than any aircraft introduced 40 years ago. It is the cleanest, most environmentally friendly large passenger plane to take to the skies. Importantly, it will also h elp to deal with congestion at busy airports by offering more seats without the need for more frequencies. And it is delivering a substantially lower fuel burn per seat mile than the older generation large passenger jets. Image and reputationAwards and Accolades September 2008 Business traveler Asia-Pacific â€Å"Best Airline” for the 17th concomitant time in its 2008 Readers Poll. •Best Asia-Pacific Airline, Best First Class Best Business Class and Best Economy Class. With ten editions worldwide, Business Traveller is the worlds leading issue geared towards frequent business travellers. •Worlds Best Awards 2008 hatful â€Å"Best International Airline” for the 13th consecutive time in its. The magazine has a readership of closely five million. February 2008 •Air Transport World (Global) Airline of the Year March 2008 •Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Aerospace & falsification Awards (Asia) Airline of the Year\r\nBusiness Process Proc ess efficiency Solutions to improve business efficiency • insertion of A380 to cater to high demand from customers and also try to cut costs that was passed on from high oil prices since the use of bigger airplanes will be more cost efficient as opposed to flying smaller airplanes with more frequency. In addition, five new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft were delivered. These raised the number of Boeing 777 aircraft in the operating fleet to 72, reaffirming Singapore Airlines’ position as the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 777 family. The four-time weekly service via Moscow started in March 2008, boosting the number of weekly passenger flights between Singapore and the USA to more than 50. Frequency was increased between Singapore and cities in Asia and Europe to meet growing demand for air travel. This shows that they continually increase their frequency to meet demands and improve services towards customers. Employee EfficiencyValue added per employee•T here is an improvement from $497,662 to $530,859 which is an increment of 6. 7% over the last financial year. Appendix 21 Table 12 Comparison with Close Competitors\r\nSIACathay PacificQantas Learning & GrowthAir pack training -4 month long training for stewardesses which includes both functional and interpersonal skills -Promote team dynamics by organizing aircrews in teams of 13 and flies together for at least 2 years Self Learning †Web-based self-learning security program for its cabin and technical crew to increase efficiency in learning Air Crew training †Staff alignment survey to ensure better employees’ expectations. †Leading-edge training and development programmes to enhance the skills of our workforce. -Business-driven learning Confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. Air Crew training †Comprehensive training program that covers topics including customer service, medical aviation, aircraft and personal safety, eme rgency procedures. †QGFT provides high level practical and theoretical training in dedicated facilities. Internal Business Processes-Cost cutting solutions to improve business efficiency through introduction of Airbus 380 which offers the state of the art aircraft and that it also cuts back on fuel costs. †Diversity of businesses by tapping into budget airline Tiger Airways. Average fleet age of 6. 41 years-Cost cutting solutions to improve business efficiency by in public announcing plans to replace a few older aircraft with new fuel-efficient plans and retrenching employees. -Average fleet age of 11 years. -Cost cutting solutions to improve business efficiency through introduction of Airbus 380 which offers the state of the art aircraft and that it cuts back on fuel costs. -Overly pore on cost cutting such that safety is being compromised, and they are currently under management by CASA -Average flight age of 9. 3 years Diversity of businesses by tapping into budget a irline and currently holds stakes in Jetstar. Customer Perspective- Close blood and builds loyalty through branding. †Excellent in flight entertainment on board that is crucial for continuing flights. †Low safety concern: Introduced a web-based self-learning security program for cabin and technical aircrew and has correct its second renewal of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. The Airline is also working closely with other safety organisations, such as IATA and AAPA, to promote and enhance flight safety. Build and maintain a good social public figure and reputation- Excellent in flight services on board with brand new state of the art in-flight entertainment system with audio and video on demand for the business class. †Low safety concerns and they emphasized that safety is of utmost importance: established the mount Safety Review Committee and Airline Safety Review Committee †Safety problems have been an issue recently with numerous cases of technical prob lems and causing flight delays. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) told Qantas to improve the maintenance of its planes, after several flights had been cancelled or delayed due to engine problems. ” †Social image declining due to adverse news reports about concerns over safety levels. Appendix 22 Article 6 Singapore worlds best airline STUART INNES 20 September 2008 SINGAPORE Airlines, the first to have daily international flights through Adelaide Airport, has been named best airline by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine The readers votes also gave the airline wins in categories for best first class, best business class and best economy class.\r\nThe gongs come on top of other awards to Singapore Airlines such as the annual Skytrax survey, which voted it airline of the year. US-based magazine Travel + Leisure readers voted Singapore Airlines as best international airline in its 2008 Worlds Best Awards. 9References Books Loizos Heracleous, Jochen Wirtz & Nitin Pangarkar (2006) Flying High in a competitive industry: Cost-effective service excellence at Singapore Airlines McGraw-Hill Educatiion (Asia) Databases Factiva http://global. factiva. com. ezlibproxy1. ntu. edu. sg/sb/default. aspx? NAPC=S&fcpil=en Journal Articles Shank, K.\r\nJ. and Govindarajan, V. (1992). Strategic Cost Management and the Value Chain. Journal of Cost Management, Winter 1992, 5(4):5-21 Chivaka, R. (2007). Strategic Cost Management: Value Chain Analysis Approach. report SA, August 2007, 25-27. Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. The Free Press, New York, Ch. 1, pp 11-15. Newspaper Reports The Straits Times, October 19 2008, Money Section, SIA sees 1. 6% drop in flier numbers Other Reports Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2007-08 Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2006-07 Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2005-06\r\nSingapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2004-05 Cathay Pacific Financial Report 2007-2008 Qantas Airways Financ ial Report 2007-2008 Websites www. cathaypacific. com www. qantas. com. au www. reuters. com www. singaporeair. com http://business. timesonline. co. uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article4909976. ece http://www. straitstimes. com/Breaking%2BNews/Money/Story/STIStory_288507. html www. venturerepublic. com/resources/Singapore_Airlines_¬_An_Excellent_Asian_Brand. asp www. singaporeairfreight. com/ttd_bizenterprise/Singlenews. aspx? DirID=64&re\r\n'