Internal Fraud Investigation at Lakes Inc Assignment

Internal Fraud Investigation at Lakes Inc - Assignment Example Next were co-conspirators then the main suspect. Professionalism was maintained as was respect for the suspects rights. All interviews and proceedings were recorded. A confession was obtained from the key suspect after a leniency deal with the co-conspirator. The investigation recommended an out of court settlement. Introduction Internal fraud is increasingly becoming a major concern for organizations either with staff abusing their positions, making false claims or outrightly obtaining company assets by unauthorized means. While staff should be the first line of defense against fraud attacks, some staff members take advantage of this and become the fraudsters. The UK leading anti-fraud agency, CIFAS reported a 70 percent increase in internal fraud by employees in the half year of 2009 (Jones, 2011). The rise in staff fraud necessitates investigations in the most professional and effective manner to root out the offenders, recover stolen property and mitigate such future occurrences. This paper will give a narrative of Lake Inc. case where the Associate purchasing director was reported to be abusing his position to obtain goods fraudulently. The essay will report on how the investigation was done, the findings and conclusions made. On receiving the tip, the Lakes Inc. management contacted the writer to get to the bottom of the issue by conducting a thorough and professional investigation. The basic steps for investigating internal fraud were conducted to solve the case. The fact that the investigations started almost two months after the staff tip-off could potentially have jeopardized the case. This is because frauds should be reported, verified and investigated as soon as possible. This way tracking evidence is faster and the evidence is still fresh. Sufficient grounds to believe fraud had taken place were established by myself before getting on with the investigation. I used interviewing, document scrutiny and making personal observations to get to the root of the case, and secured control and ownership of the relevant purchase and payment documents. This was essential in ensuring they are not tampered with and that they could be availed and used as evidence. The documents helped form the basis for conducting the investigation at Lakes Inc. I reviewed the obvious information first; that false invoices had been used to obtain refunds by the purchases department amounting to $ 8 795.60, before getting into the details. Getting detailed information involved interviewing neutral third party witnesses to the case after scrutinizing the invoicing documents and authenticating them. The neutral third party witnesses interviewed were dispatch and collection personnel, the stores and inventory clerks, and the IT support department (Coenen, 2009). These were interviewed to verify no computer servers were bought as stated in the invoice and claim documents were actually delivered, entered into the inventory records, and/ or installed. The intervie w took place on the 6th August. From here, witnesses who could corroborate the evidence adduced so far were interviewed on the same day (Coenen, 2009). An evaluation of the requisition system for new equipment or office equipment was done to establish the procedures and who were involved in the process.  

Business environment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Business environment - Assignment Example The purpose of these different types of organizations are: Non-profit Organization: Such organization operate to provide services to the community without working on making any profits. Their aim is to improve the community. Such organizations includes universities and charitable organizations. Governmental Organization: These organizations are owned by the government to provide benefit to the citizens in the country. Another purpose is to utilize the resources in the country for the benefit of the community. IKEA is a for-profit organization just like Tesco. IKEAs vision is to create a better everyday life for many people (IKEA, 2014). They do this by introducing a wide product range which includes all kinds of home and even office products at low affordable prices. The vision of Tesco is ‘to be the most highly valued business by: the customers we serve, the communities in which we operate, our loyal and committed colleagues and of course, our shareholders.’ (McKeown, n.d). Tesco does not specifically deal in one kind of product. Rather Tesco is more of a retail store. IKEA deals with one niche of the retail sector which is home furniture, appliances and accessories. Tesco aims to provide maximum value to its stakeholders which include customers, employees and stakeholders. This vision clearly shows Tesco as a for-profit organization. Even IKEA is a for-profit organization but it has cleverly worded its vision statement to show respect to its customer. This also shows that IKEA is highly customer centric. Organizations today have also begun to include their corporate social responsibility in their vision and mission statement. While the vision statement of IKEA is too broad, Tesco has accepted its corporate social responsibility by including the community in its vision statement. For the customers, IKEA has the objective of increasing their customer base and retaining its

UK Mixed Economy: Advantages and Disadvantages

UK Mixed Economy: Advantages and Disadvantages OBJECTIVES England is a country of 63.7 million people. Her economy is the largest economy of the four countries of the UK. UK has importance in textiles and chemical products, beside these the automobiles, locomotives and aircrafts are also the important industrial products. UNITED KINGDOM has the the 3rd in the Europe and 6th largest national economy in the world by the nominal GDP. ENGLAND is a mixed economy’s country, beside other country such as ICELAND, SWEDEN, FRANCE UNITED STATES, RUSSIA, CHINA and HONG KONG. These are the countries’ economy is mixed, in those economy society some of the part is manged by the government and the rest it controlled by the private firms and the individuals. Being the mixed economy the ENGLAND has to face some advantage and the some disadvantage. In below we will find its total idea. Definition of pure command, free market and the mixed economy Pure command economy: When any economy is fully controlled by the government, the government decide the allocation of the resourses and they answer the three questions of allocation. This type of economy is theoretical extreme example of economy, it the real world it does not exits, we just use this type of theoretical example for the comparison of the real world economy. Through laws, restrictions, regulations and the involuntary taxes the government force all allocation. In this type of economy the Government set the rules for the people, and if they do not follow the rules they will be punished. The communistic CHAINA and the former SOVIET UNION are the good example for the pure command economy. Five characteristics of the pure command economy According to the need of the nations the government provides the goods The government regulated the all price and moreover the public good will be the available for the public needs The salaries, wealth will be the same for every body There will be common goals, the technology will be seen the greater advantage because of the resources are being allocated correctly to achieve the goal No unfinished project, no inflation and the low unemployment. Free market: This type of economy is based on with the little or without any government control on the supply and the demand. In this type of economy market, the buyers and the sellers are allowed to business freely, where the mutual understanding on price is found and we will not find any form of taxes, subsides or regulations. In the simple way a full free market is summary term for an array of exchanges that take place in society, here the agreement is free and mutual understanding for service or good between two parties . Mixed economy: In the mixed economy system we will see variety of the government and the private control, its looks like the combination of the socialism and the capitalism. We can’t find a single mixed economy’s definition, where we will find a degree of the government regulation of the markets and the a degree of the economy freedom. We can describe the mixed economy as the market economies with the strong administrative overlooking. England as a mixed economy England has the one of the biggest economics of the world, in this economy the Private and the Public contribution is same. Here the public ownership has been reducing since last two decades. While England was first industrialization in the 1800, the economy of England has shifted towards the service sectors over the years.While the industrialization was growing up rapidly, the service sectors were also developing significantly. Under the government of Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, the most of the state owned enterprises in the service and the industrial sectors were privatised since it was nationalised at 1940s. Now UK government owns very few of the industries such as the Royal mail. Advantages of Mixed Economy There are many reasons why many country choose the mixed economy for the economic development. In below we can see some discussion about that. (1) Job security To maximise the profits is the aim of the private firms, they are sensitive to the market.During the boom time, when the demand of service and the goods are going up, the employment of the job market rise quickly, but when the market is down like the recession period the private company will not keep the excess labour as it will increase the production cost, for this reason the private workers works in a higher risk of unemployment. On the other hand the government sector, they have to follow the labour and the laws, in the government sector they have to appointment new employees every year, and the certain number of workers will get the promotion every year. As in the government invested company the chance of unemployment is very slim, people are not in risk in the retrenched. Therefore in the mixed economy, it is very important to have the part of government involvement for the security of the people’s life style. (2) Avoid exploitation As we know that, the private enterprise is always oriented for the profit, so they never give the priority about the basic rights of human being, such as education, health care, may be they give very few concentrations about those matters. If this problems and negligence always continuing, it will widen the gap of literacy rate and income inequality between the two society of lower and the upper social class. For this reason in the mixed economy society, the government setup the many facilities such as NHS and the various higher institution to narrow the gap. (3) Regulation of monopoly firms When there is a single seller for the service or the goods in the market we called it monopolist, if a company has the control on the market over than 25% we can consider it as a monopoly, it is the example of the classic market failure, by the business sense. The cost efficient has less of incentive as in the monopoly market the monopolist don’t have that much competition or no competitions, to over come this problems the government can make the product market bigger. To do this, the government can breaking down the barriers to entry and to make the other firms encourage the government can make contest in the market, this type of tape can boost the market supply and in this way the consumers can get the service or the goods in the cheaper price, the competitions, productivity and the investment can be increase by this type of actions. In UK there are some regulators such as Ofwat.ORR, Ofcom who are doing the privatising . (4) Economic policy In many responsibilities of government the economic policy is the one of the biggest. As  the Government and the state economic advisers are overlooking the economic conditions of the country, they can propose or invest more money for the public sectors, such as they can invest money for the road constrictions, repairing or making building or the bridge, in these ways they can make more job opportunities for the betterment of the public economy or we can say to make more jobs. On the other hand the government can lower the tax for the increase the buying power of the people. We can give here a good example, THE BANK OF ENGLAND has reduced the interest rate for the people as they can borrow more money and can setup more business, that will be increase the job sector. On the other side we can see that the private sectors are only invest for make the money, they are not involving their money for the economy development of the society, in the other way they are not capable to over come the government’s financial capability. (5) Regulation of water and air pollution In aspect environmental matter, the private companies are acting as â€Å" Environmental Villain†, for their own profit the private enterprise always using the dear natural resources, continuously. They are consuming the natural resource and then eject the smoke, dumping the polluted solid wastes insensibly and also pouring out the nature destroying liquid . This type of private enterprise producers are said to be only concern about the MPB (Marginal Private Benefits) and the MPC (Marginal Private costs) in their decision making. This way the government should be mediate, could be set some type of the agreements with the private companies. For paradigm, the UK government is in a agreement to the Global and the European for the reducing target of the emergence of carbon dioxide by 80% in the time of 2050. In the year 2002 the European government introduced a scheme named ETS (Emission carbon trading), in the aim of limiting the outflow of the carbon from the big industries such as the energy, glass, brick making, steel and others. As this emission carbon trading has the positive effect on the nature, many other countries are introducing this type of the program in there country. (6) Narrowing income inequality If we see the in the pure capitalist economy society, we will see that the rich people are getting more richer and the poor are getting more poor. As less or no intervention in this type of economy after a certain time we will see the pyramid of the income distribution, in this pyramid, a large proportion of the people’s wealth and the GDP is control by the very few of the rich people. The income can be distributed by the involving of the state, first is the introduction of the dynamic tax system, where the rich people have to pay greater amount of the tax, beside this the national minimum wage also have the great effects on the economic development. In UK the minimum wage is increasing every year, on the other hand the unemployment, sickness benefits also help to reduce the distance and the bad effects of the economic deference between the poor and the rich people. More over this type of the government involvement can balance the national economy in the mixed economic states. (7) Provision of public goods dynamic there are two features of the public goods, the 1st one is the non rivalry, it means that the amount of the goods for the other users will not decrease even though whatever the consumption of the public goods. Beside this non-excludability is the another one. If one time this type of facility provided, no one will be slipped from the benefit. The private company will not be interested fro this type of the benefits of the free riders or the publics. For the definition of the free rider we know that he who get the benefits from a area but not doing any contribution to it, actually if we count the end result of having the benefited, no one will pay for the facilities. Here the government has to pay it from the money of the taxpayers’, for the example of this type of the benefits is the public road, bridge, lighting on the streets and also we can mention here national defense. Disadvantages of Mixed Economy Even though there are many economic facilities in the mixed economy policy but besides this we can see some of the economic crisis what England have to face for being mixed economy country. In below there is some discussion about the coming disadvantage What collisions could be happen In the mixed economy we can see the balance between the capitalism and the socialism, the mixed economy tries to help for the advantage of the capitalism and the socialism, this aim can be understood if there is good combination and the understanding but the real situation is, there is continuous encounters going on between the two sectors. This can make the situation more bitter and the noncompliance. Some time the private sectors can think that the public sectors are having more priority than them. It could be happen some time that the public sectors tries to avoid their worthleness and the wastefulness to the private sectors. In a one word the faithfulness and the mutual understanding none can really works perfectly in this situation, Insubstantial The mixed economy is base on the two inimical ideologies, those are absolutely opposite to each other. Though the mixed economy tries to combine the two different ideology together but mixed economy can be find doing less to both of them. For the conflict in terms, the mixed economy has been criticized. For detail, there can’t be the middle way in between the central direction and the atomistic competition. For the mixed economy there will be the mixed of the central direction and the competition but the mixed economy can not works good. If they are incomplete, the competition and the central direction become poor, and than they used the inefficient tools. After this, they used the alternative principles to minimized the problems, and the mixer of the two meaning that none of them will work properly. If the two systems relays on each other the result will be worse. Nature of short live From the above discussions we can see that the mixed economy always runs on the risk of the nature of the short lived. As the time passes by, a violent struggle chases between the two sectors for the name of the supremacy. The state may be fall into fail to regulate the private sector properly when this sector is flourishing. On the other hand if the public sector loses the power, the mixed economy can turn in to a capitalist economy, and it can be a socialist economy if the public sectors become more powerful. The symbol of the weakness Some people says that the mixed economy has a disease as the capitalist, and the â€Å"Socialisation of investment† is one of the attempts to restore it. In this way of view the mixed economy is the diseased phase of the capitalist economy, for this reason it called as â€Å" Capitalism in the oxygen tent. By this sense the mixed economy is the spurious capitalism. Endangers freedom Capitalism. It could be happen that a mixed economy can go into or lead to abridgement of freedom of the individual. It also feared that the control of the economic life and the problems into the planning can lead the mixed economy in such a position where the individual could lose the identity. Inefficiency of the public sector There is a record of the poor performance in the mixed economy. Redtapism, waste, corruption and the inefficiency is the main point ; by those, the mixed economy suffers with. Therefore the public sectors suffer from two reason, To increase production volume or Reducing the cost. Failure for pluck up the economic inconstancy The theory of mixed economy has become popular in many countries, spatially in the capitalist; as this economic policy is believe to be the good solution for pluck up the economic inconstancy, but somehow the economic problem still goes all the way. The economic inconstancy can be cut out only when the central plan can cover the entire economy, but in the mixed economy, the kind of regimentations those are assigned on the private sector leaves much to be intention.

Who Is Free To Choose :: essays research papers

Who Is Free To Choose?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Internet started out as a tool for transmitting information to learn and study. Free expression on the Internet is one of the things that makes the Internet so great. People can get information on a subject from many different areas. This gives the chance for people to see an issue form other points of view. The Internet has developed into a vast medium of knowledge with many users contributing to its growth. With the growth of the Internet, many people have seen it as a source to express their ideas to the public. Some would even view the Internet as a virtual community, and say it is a democracy. People argue that with such freedom, the Internet should be censored to protect children form pornography, and others from sites that may concern 'objectionable'; material. There are people who live under the 1st Amendment and they use the Internet as an outlet to express their ideas and to incorporate ideas from others. Censorship of the Internet is wrong because it obstructs other pe ople from accessing what they want to see and it inhabits people's free speech. Censorship on the Internet has been a growing concern for the past three years. The wide range of information available has made it a tempting target for those who want to control what a person can see and read. The Random House Webster's School and Office Dictionary defines censorship as, 'An official who examines books, films etc., to suppress anything objectionable';. (CD ROM) The next question is who is going to decide for the millions of users on the Internet what is objectionable for them to see and read. The Internet has developed into a vast medium of knowledge with many users contributing to its growth. In this country, many activists for censorship on the Internet mainly have one thing on their minds. They want to protect children from pornography. Although I view this as big concern, there is a grater issue at hand. Since censorship involves all forms of expression, censoring the Internet woul d hurt many people. The Internet is an international community; we must view it as pertaining to other countries, not just the United States. Not all countries have the privilege of living in a democracy and under the Bill of Rights. As a result, the Internet has brought a new sense of freedom to most people who oppressed by tyrannical governments, or those that disagree with a government but are not allowed to express it.

Brand Naming: Kraft Foods’ ‘Isnack 2.O’ Controversy in Australia

Australia; Consumer packaged goods Abstract: This case is about Kraft Foods Inc's decision to launch a breakfast spread with the name ‘iSnack 2. 0' in Australia, and the controversy that followed which forced the company to withdraw the brand name. The company had decided to give the name ‘iSnack 2. 0' to a new version of the Australian food icon – Vegemite – in September 2009. While the company felt that the name it had arrived at after conducting an on-line brand naming contest would appeal to the generation Y segment who were using popular products such as the iPod and the iPhone, the target segment rejected the name outright and there was a huge backlash against the company. Marketing and branding experts were divided in their reactions to Kraft's branding exercise. While some experts felt that this was a genuine misjudgment on the part of the company, others felt that it was a clever marketing ploy to raise awareness about its new product. While the debate on this issue raged on, experts were almost unanimous in their view that this episode would not only be remembered as a horrible example in the history of branding, but would also serve as a valuable lesson in branding strategy for all marketers. The case will help students to: (1) understand the issues and challenges in naming a brand (new brand, brand extension, rebranding); (2) analyze the effectiveness of crowd sourcing in branding decisions; (3) appreciate the importance of marketing research in branding decisions; (4) analyze the pros and cons of using social media as a marketing tool to generate publicity for a product; (5) understand why the target segment rejected the brand name ‘iSnack 2. ‘ for the brand extension of the iconic Vegemite brand; (6) discuss and debate whether Kraft's decision was a deliberate attempt to create controversy to create awareness for its new product and the related ethical issues; and (7) explore ways in which Kraft could have made the branding campaign more effective and also explore branding strategies that Kraft's marketing team can adopt in the future. This case is meant for MBA / MS students as part of the brand management / consumer behavior/ marketing communications curriculum. The teaching note includes the abstract, teaching objectives and methodology, assignment questions, feedback of the case discussion, and additional readings and references. It does not contain an analysis of the case.

Terrorism And Human Rights Abuses

Terrorism and Human Rights Abuses in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Persian Gulf The Balkans, despite being a relatively small area, is home to an expansive assortment of nationalities, cultures and religions (Popescu, 2008). Hence, it is inevitable that any changes in the balance between them will have important political, social and economic consequences that will affect the entire region (Popescu, 2008). Terrorist groups took advantage of the instability brought about by the distrust of Balkan societies in their respective governments (Popescu, 2008).As a result, they easily turned the region into a breeding ground for extremist and fundamentalist groups, as well as a â€Å"transit corridor† for missions in third countries (Popescu, 2008). The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s, for instance, originated from the desire of the Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) to establish an Islamic state (Popescu, 2008). They used Islam as a â€Å"nationalistic rhetoric,† equating the survival of their country with the restoration of Muslim national identity (Popescu, 2008).The Bosniaks were supported by Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Libya and Iran, providing them with weapons and soldiers (Popescu, 2008). From 1992 to 1995, 6,000 â€Å"Arab-Afghan† rebels came to the country to fight in the hostility (Popescu, 2008). After 9/11, majority of the charitable institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina were investigated and closed down due to their alleged ties with terrorist organizations like the Al-Qaeda (Popescu, 2008). In March 2002, police raided the BosanskaIdealna Futura-BIF, a Sarajevo-based humanitarian organization (Popescu, 2008). They found military manuals, forged passports, weapons and personal correspondence between Osama bin Laden and BIF founder Enaam Mahmud Arnaout (Popescu, 2008). Human rights abuses by Persian Gulf nations (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, etc. ) and terrorist attacks against US interests were b oth intended to supress political opposition. Despite publicly denouncing â€Å"American imperialism,† the aforementioned countries are notorious for grossly violating the human rights of their citizens (Simbulan, 2002).Majority of political prisoners in the Persian gulf nations were detained for speaking out against corruption and totalitarianism in their respective countries (Simbulan, 2002). Prominent Omani playwright and human rights activist Abdullah Ryami was imprisoned on July 2005 for vocally criticizing the Omani government's arrest and trial of 31 Omanis belonging to the Ibadi sect for allegedly plotting a coup (Human Rights Watch, 2005). At the time of his incarceration, he had no contact with his family or a legal counsel (Human Rights Watch, 2005).He was also banned from writing in newspapers and producing plays for television (Human Rights Watch, 2005). On December 2007, activists in Bahrain staged a series of demonstrations to â€Å"mark abuses by security for ces during political unrest in the 1990s† (Human Rights Watch, 2008). Dozens of people were arrested in the violent dispersals that ensued, including opposition political activists who protested the Bahraini government's repression of civil liberties (Human Rights Watch, 2008). In January 2008, detainees complained of being subjected to physical and sexual abuse by interrogators and jailers (Human Rights Watch, 2008).The prisoners' request for independent physicians to examine the extent of their injuries was also denied (Human Rights Watch, 2008). The collapse of the Soviet Union contributed to terrorist activities in Eastern Europe by making its newly-formed republics more vulnerable to American military intervention (Howstuffworks, 2008). After the Soviet bloc fell, the US emerged as the world's remaining superpower (Howstuffworks, 2008). The breakup of the Soviet Union granted the US easy access to its natural resources, particularly oil (Howstuffworks, 2008). The paragrap h below summarized the region's potential:Afghanistan occupies the central position in the U. S. strategy for the economic control of the oil and gas resources in the entire Middle East. The U. S. currently imports 51 per cent of its crude oil – 19. 5 million barrels daily. The Energy Information Administration estimates that by 2020, the U. S. will import 64 per cent of its crude – 25. 8 million barrels a day. Caspian region oil reserves might be the third largest in the world (after Western Siberia and the Persian Gulf) and, within the next 15 to 20 years, may be large enough to offset Persian Gulf oil.Caspian Sea oil and gas are not the only hydrocarbon deposits in the region. Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert holds the world's third largest gas reserves – three trillion cubic meters – and has six billion barrels of estimated oil reserves. Current estimates indicate that, in addition to huge gas deposits, the Caspian basin may hold as much as 200 billion b arrels of oil – 33 times the estimated holdings of Alaska's North Slope and a current value of $4 trillion. It is enough to meet the U. S. ‘ energy needs for 30 years or more (Yechury, 2001).Hence, it was no longer surprising if the US declared war against the Taliban regime of Afghanistan. But majority of the extremist and terrorist groups in the former Soviet Bloc and in Eastern Europe are allied with the Taliban, as the Taliban provided them with weapons, training and manpower (Godoy, 2001). Therefore, the US will have to face a bigger threat of terrorism in Eastern Europe. References __________. (2002, October). The Oil Equation in the US Bid against Iraq. Education for Development, 1, 15-16. Capdevila, G. (2002, October).Outgoing UN Human Rights Chief Repeats Criticisms against US. Education for Development, 1, 30-31. Deen, T. (2002, October). UN Credibility at Stake over Iraq, Warn Diplomats. Education for Development, 1, 10-11. Godoy, J. (2001, November 15). US P olicy Towards Taliban Influenced by Oil – Authors. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://www. commondreams. org/headlines01/1115-06. htm. Howstuffworks. (2008). The Fall of the Soviet Union and the Rise of Terrorism. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://history. howstuffworks. com/cold-war/the-cold-war-timeline4.htm. Human Rights Watch. (2005, July 18). Oman: Critics Subjected to Injustices They Had Exposed. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://hrw. org/english/docs/2005/07/18/oman11343. htm. Human Rights Watch. (2008, January 21). Bahrain: Investigate Alleged Torture of Activists. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://hrw. org/english/docs/2008/01/21/bahrai17838. htm. Human Rights Watch. (2008, February 16). Bahrain: New Allegations of Detainee Abuse. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://hrw. org/english/docs/2008/02/16/bahrai18083.htm. Lobe, J. (2002, October). US Vision of Might and Right. Education for Development, 1, 3-5. Popescu, Teodora. (2008). Tackling T errorism in the Balkans. PDF File. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from sparky. harvard. edu/kokkalis/GSW9/Popescu_paper. pdf. Simbulan, R. (2002, October). Why the UN Must Defend Iraq against the US War of Aggression. Education for Development, 1, 48-50. Yechury, Sitram. (2001). America, Oil and Afghanistan. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://www. hinduonnet. com/2001/10/13/stories/05132524. htm.

Poe Essays - Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask Of Amontillado, Poe

Poe Essays - Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask Of Amontillado, Poe Poe This essay is about how Poe uses the description of environments in his narratives. I shall explain this usage with close reference to several short stories by Poe. A full listing of the stories used appears in the List of Works Consulted at the end of this essay. It is important to note that in all of the stories, the narration is in the first-person. This has deep-reaching effects on how particular environments are described. This will also be commented upon. The first excerpt comes from a story entitled ?MS Found In a Bottle?: Our vessel was a beautiful ship of about four hundred tons, copper-fastened, and built at Bombay of Malabar teak. She was freighted with cotton-wool and oil, from the Lachadive islands. We had also on board coir, jaggeree, ghee, cocoa-nuts, and a few cases of opium. The stowage was clumsily done, and the vessel consequently crank. Poe describes his environments in great detail ? thus giving the reader a clear representation of where the scene is taking place. The above description is short and concise compared to a usual Poe description. Here he has described the ship as beautiful ? this is an opinion and not a description, and Poe often gives opinions in his descriptions. His description consists of the weight of the ship, what it is made of, where it was built, of what it was built, and the cargo it was carrying. A further minute detail is that the ship was lopsided because the cargo wasn?t stowed properly. This is the sort of meticulous detail that Poe generally uses. It is unusual in his works to find a detailed description this short however. This next excerpt is from the same story, and is more typical of Poe?s descriptive style ? particularly the length of the description: I have made many observations lately upon the structure of the vessel. Although well armed, she is not, I think, a ship of war. Her rigging, build, and general equipment, all negative a supposition of this kind. What she is not, I can easily perceive what she is I fear it is impossible to say. I know not how it is, but in scrutinizing her strange model and singular cast of spars, her huge size and overgrown suits of canvas, her severely simple bow and antiquated stern, there will occasionally flash across my mind a sensation of familiar things, and there is always mixed up with such indistinct shadows of recollection, an unaccountable memory of old foreign chronicles and ages long ago. I have been looking at the timbers of the ship. She is built of a material to which I am a stranger. There is a peculiar character about the wood which strikes me as rendering it unfit for the purpose to which it has been applied. I mean its extreme porousness, considered independently by the ! worm-eaten condition which is a consequence of navigation in these seas, and apart from the rottenness attendant upon age. It will appear perhaps an observation somewhat over-curious, but this wood would have every, characteristic of Spanish oak, if Spanish oak were distended by any unnatural means. The introductory sentence to this paragraph forewarns the reader that Poe is about to make a lengthy description, as he proceeds to do. He offers more speculation than actual description here, but he does to eliminate what is unlikely about the true features of the ship and his rambling resembles the thought processes of the ?average? person. Poe meanders a lot. By this I mean that there is no clear logical progression to his description. In his meandering, there is a sense that the reader is not actually meant to follow the meaning, and that it is only for the narrator?s benefit that it has been written at all. This is consistent with the story, as the narrator commented earlier in the story that he was going to record his observations in case he did not survive. He mentioned specifically that it would be a journal, but this paragraph does not read as a journal. I reads more as notes taken down with the intent to organise and elaborate later. This could quite possibly be the effect Poe was looking for when he

Proctors Problem essays

Proctor's Problem essays Throughout the history and evolution of man, the human mind has progressed in ways that no other species has ever experienced. Beginning with the development of fire, to the feudal age, through the enlightenment and the revolutions, and coming now into the era of technology, humans have developed into the dominant species on this earth. However, people have been forever plagued by human nature and human flaws. There are certain emotions that human brains feel that are natural, and are therefore unexplainable. Although humans are the only species of animal to civilize and to have a recorded history, they are also the only species to wage war and kill unjustifiably. Men experience things such as hate, revenge and lust, things that drive us to do things that hurt us as a civilization. No one can escape these things though, no matter how hard they try. In some way everyone is affected by their flaws. In the book and play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, human flaws are brought out into t he light in this true account of a sad time when people let their fear and emotions take control, and ended up killing nineteen innocent individuals. John Proctor, a local farmer has, with his actions, become one of the most important individuals in the tragedy that occurred in Salem. Because he did not control his natural urge of lust, he provoked vengeance and hate, ruining his life and everyone else's who was close to him. Although he started out as a sinner by taking Abigail to bed, he redeemed himself by becoming a saint, and dying for the cause of proving the town accusers wrong. In his transformation, from sinner to saint, Proctor reveals his strengths and weaknesses as he faces his moral dilemmas. Before the book even begins, John Proctors weakness takes control of his morals. He, in blind lust, sleeps with his housekeeper, Abigail. When Elizabeth, finds out, she kicks Abigail out of the house, but not before Abigail is so obsessed with Jo...

That Annoying New Verb disrespect

That Annoying New Verb disrespect That Annoying New Verb â€Å"disrespect† That Annoying New Verb â€Å"disrespect† By Maeve Maddox Reader Erica Richards, commenting on the post about the abomination â€Å"a few stuff,† was not so sanguine as I about teenagers outgrowing appalling usage: The trend Im seeing is that poor grammar habits are not only perpetuated into adulthood, but can be treated as an accepted form of speech used on TV or the radio. I suspect that eventually it is accepted as proper grammar . . . The most notable example is the current vernacular use of â€Å"disrespect† as a verb, as in he disrespected me.   Sounds like nails on a blackboard to me, however, its all over the media. Well, I feel the same way about disrespect used as a verb. It flies all over me when I hear it and I was about to write a post about how ridiculous, unidiomatic and unnecessary the usage is. Before I did, however, I looked it up in the OED. I didn’t expect to find it or, if it was there, I expected it to be labeled an Americanism. This is what I found. disrespect: v. trans. The reverse of to respect; to have or show no respect, regard, or reverence for; to treat with irreverence. Hence disreï ¿ ¼spected ppl. a., -ing vbl. n. Not only is disrespect in the OED as a verb, its use as a verb goes back to the seventeenth century. 1614 WITHER Sat. to King, Juvenilia (1633) 346 Here can I smile to see..how the mean mans suit is dis-respected. 1633 BP. HALL Hard Texts N.T. 11 If he love the one he must disrespect the other. 1683 CAVE Ecclesiastici 231 (Basil) To honor him, and dis-respect his Friend, was to stroke a mans head with one hand, and strike him with the other. 1706 HEARNE Collect. 26 Apr., He was disrespected in Oxford by several men who now speak well of him. 1852 L. HUNT Poems Pref. 27 As if..sorrow disrespected things homely. 1885 G. MEREDITH Diana I. 257 You will judge whether he disrespects me. Some of us may feel that â€Å"disrespect† as a verb is a despicable neologism, but it isn’t. Erica, your observations about the way incorrect usage filters into the media are valid, but it looks as if we’ll have to bite the bullet on disrespect as a verb. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:20 Great Similes from Literature to Inspire You"Owing to" vs "Due to"15 Names and Descriptions of Effects

Ethical issues in urban planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethical issues in urban planning - Essay Example The code of ethics and the ethical principles in planning, present a comprehensive insight to the planners regarding their professional duties and responsibilities. The key ideas and principles that are highlighted in the code of ethics and ethical principles are given below. Aspirational values are discussed in much more detail that provide the planners a sense of commitment and belonging to different stakeholder especially pertaining to institute, profession, colleagues, clients, employers and the general public. However, the responsibilities of the planners in this respect are not binding to them. Code of ethics also provides specific procedures to deal with misconduct charges. Detailed discussions are highlighted in respect of proceeding of a misconduct case, rulings and the alleged violations in the code of ethics. Another quite important aspect that is highlighted in the code is the matters relating to serious crime commitments. Very stringent and rigorous procedures are detailed in the code of ethics with serious consequences in case if a crime is proved in respect of a planner. The ethical principles emphasize the planners on achieving high degree of standards while serving to the public interest as part of their utmost professional liability. This principle requires planner to provide accurate information to the public, plan for the needs of public, clarify the true goals and objectives, safe guard of environmental heritage and concentrate on decision making process along with the consequences of them Another promising feature of the ethical principle states that planners should ensure the integrity and proficiency so that the image of profession should not be hampered. For this objective, the planners are restricted in their dealings such that maintaining integrity and faithfulness, prohibiting the acceptance of the gifts,

Discuss the effects that the institution of slavery had on Atlantic Essay

Discuss the effects that the institution of slavery had on Atlantic Civilization - Essay Example The Europeans and American colonies were interested in Atlantic slavery because the location was easily accessible and secondly it was cheaper to get slaves. In order to prove the thesis of this paper that slave trade had great impacts on Atlantic, let’s zoom into what happened. The ancient Egyptian society is well much known for its unique pyramids. The construction of pyramids was done by slaves who worked for long hours under inhumane conditions. Young people especially from the Hebrew community were the ones who were building the pyramids. With the capital punishment of death, they would opt to endure the hardship as the best options. This can be attributed to the reign and era of Pharaoh. These slaves had no right to anything as they were constantly subjected to servitude. Therefore, the results of slavery led to construction of pyramids (Carney, Judith, and Richard, 21). There was also acquisitions, by African, of European good and commodities, in exchange of human cargo. This is to say that European slave trade terms and conditions demanded that, in exchange for their goods, like guns, cooking utensils, attire and alcoholic drinks, they required slaves rather that gold. As a result of this, merchants, who traded for Europeans, were encouraged to get slaves so that they can exchange with European commodities. Consequently, this desire to acquire European commodities led to slow economic growth in internal trade. This is because, demand for internal commodities went down. On the other hand, the acquisition of guns in both the Central and West Africa enabled establishment of military and political tribes in Africa (Green, 3). Besides trading human for European commodities, some European slave traders exchanged slaves for gold. As a result, there was accumulation of wealth within the European slave trade chatter. With availability of wealth, slave merc hants were not only able to facilitate industrial revolutions and capitalist production, but they

Wedding Planning Budget Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Wedding Planning Budget - Essay Example While each of us wanted to ensure that our guests would have the best time possible, it was important to me to also make sure that we could get the most out of this as it is officially marking the beginning of our life together as a married couple. The key way in which we determined we could meet both of these objectives is to plan a personal, heartwarming wedding with the understanding that there would have to be a degree of modesty or simple nature to our planning. This will not be a celebrity-style wedding with all of the pomp and circumstance that comes with a grand or royal wedding but, a more organic and realistic representation of who we are as a couple while adhering to our specific budget parameters. With this in mind, we both agreed that the $5,000 from our parents would be kept separate from the wedding budget and placed into its own fund for a honeymoon as it is very important to each of us to be able to enjoy a week together to start our married life. Although it seems backwards to discuss this part of our wedding budget first, I am going to address how this $5,000 will be used right now so that I can keep this a part from the rest of the details regarding the wedding ceremony and reception. With a designated sum of $5,000 for our budget, we chose a destination that would be easy for us to travel to and still have a considerable amount of this budget left over for lodging, food and entertainment on our trip. Due to my fiancà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s love of the ocean and the fact that I am familiar with Anne of Green Gables from Halifax, Nova Scotia, we decided to vacation there for our weeklong honeymoon. After an intense internet search of travel sites for the best deal, we were able to secure airfare and 7 days in a hotel for $1177.53 a person. Here is a quick breakdown of our budget: With the details of the honeymoon secured, I can now move forward to the more in-depth breakdown of the

Misuse or new use of radiation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Misuse or new use of radiation - Essay Example Earlier, good results were obtained with radiation therapy using grenz rays or superficial x-rays but since such machines are not commonly available now, this modality of treatment is no longer used. This study describes the use of megavoltage radiation with good results. The study involved treatment of nine patients with chronic vesicular dermatitis on their hands, feet, or both, with megavoltage radiation. All patients were refractory to conventional treatments. Six of the nine patients had both their hands and feet treated, while two patients had their hands treated, and one patient had the feet treated. For treatment of the hands, the patients stood at the side of a linear accelerator couch and placed their prone palms on a one centimeter of bolus on the couch. Another one centimeter of bolus was placed on top of the hands. An isocentric anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior technique with 6 MV photons, with field size ranging from 19 Ãâ€" 23 cm to 38 Ãâ€" 24.5 cm was used. The center of midplane between the two pieces of bolus received the radiation dose, with radiation dose prescription depths ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 cm from the patients skin surface (2.0 to 3.5 cm from the bolus). For treatment of feet, the patients lay supine on a linear accelerator couch and reverse on the table. With the knees bent, the feet were placed in a water bath having a one-centimeter bolus. An isocentric right and left lateral technique with 6 MV photons, with field size ranging from 14 Ãâ€" 28 cm to 24 Ãâ€" 34 cm was used. The radiation dose was prescribed to the isocenter with the radiation dose prescription depths ranging from 10.5 to 12.5 cm. The radiation dose given was 1,200 cGy in 8 fractions for 8 patients and 900 cGy in 6 fractions for one patient. Treatments were given twice per week, either on Monday and Thursday or on Tuesday and Friday. An improvement was seen in all patients during

Family Strengths, Functions and Structure Coursework

Family Strengths, Functions and Structure - Coursework Example Family accord contributes to the strength of family since it allows for competency when dealing with conflicts within the family. Factors such as open communication, commitment, spirituality, and appreciation also contribute to the strength of a family. Cultural beliefs have resulted in the change in the functions of various families. For example, in my culture the role of the family is viewed as that of ensuring the family name grows hence decisions are made in terms of how they will impact on the family name and not how they will impact on family members such as children. Another example of how culture has influenced families changing their view on the functions of a family is where in some cultures children are groomed to take care of their parents. Family structure is what makes up the family in terms of membership. There are various types of family structures. A nuclear family structure is one that is traditional where it is comprised of a father, a mother and their children. A single parent family structure is where a family is composed of children with one parent either a father or a mother. Finally, an extended family structures is one where a family is composed of various relatives. For example, living with ones grandparents and parents contributes to an extended family. Early childhood programs play an important role in families in that they introduce the children to the external world enabling them to venture outside the comfort of their

The role of self-service technology within service retailing Essay

The role of self-service technology within service retailing - Essay Example Marketers should advance SSTs more aggressively by defining SST interfaces and their goals through a concrete SST strategy. Airliners should develop marketing strategies for their SSTs that revolve around delivering higher customer value, by boosting awareness for SST in diverse means and locations, where they can educate consumers about their uses and benefits. Airliners should also regularly assess internal and external customer satisfaction with SST through a mixed survey and in-depth interview approach, where antecedents and consequences of SST are examined and tested. These studies should help further align SSTs with the firm's strategic goals and objectives, where both internal and external customer satisfaction are met. Advancements in technology and the increasing demand to cut costs have been some of the several factors that have driven the development of self-service technologies (SSTs) in service industries. SSTs refer to â€Å"technological interfaces that enable customers to produce a service independent of direct service employee involvement† . Some examples of SSTs are interactive voice response systems, online shopping, and kiosks that help consumers gather information and make buying decisions. Studies have shown that SSTs has its promises, as well as its weaknesses, which marketers should be aware of and respond to. (Karp 2008; Meuter et al. 2000). SSTs have a large role to play in the airline sector, because they can improve operational efficiency, competitiveness, and customer service and satisfaction (Karp 2008; Meuter et al. 2000). This paper aims to explore the definitions, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and current trends of SST for airliners. Definitions SST is â€Å"defined as a technological interface that allows customers to produce and consume services without direct assistance from employees† (Meuter et al., 2000 cited in Curran and Meuter 2007, 283). This definition demonstrates that SST is primarily a service interaction that precludes human interaction. Cunningham, Young, and Gerlach (2008), nevertheless, included technologies that significantly decrease the â€Å"involvement† of service representatives (p.719). They believe that SSTs should also include technologies that have some form of human interface. The key terms used in

Family Strengths, Functions and Structure Coursework

Family Strengths, Functions and Structure - Coursework Example Family accord contributes to the strength of family since it allows for competency when dealing with conflicts within the family. Factors such as open communication, commitment, spirituality, and appreciation also contribute to the strength of a family. Cultural beliefs have resulted in the change in the functions of various families. For example, in my culture the role of the family is viewed as that of ensuring the family name grows hence decisions are made in terms of how they will impact on the family name and not how they will impact on family members such as children. Another example of how culture has influenced families changing their view on the functions of a family is where in some cultures children are groomed to take care of their parents. Family structure is what makes up the family in terms of membership. There are various types of family structures. A nuclear family structure is one that is traditional where it is comprised of a father, a mother and their children. A single parent family structure is where a family is composed of children with one parent either a father or a mother. Finally, an extended family structures is one where a family is composed of various relatives. For example, living with ones grandparents and parents contributes to an extended family. Early childhood programs play an important role in families in that they introduce the children to the external world enabling them to venture outside the comfort of their

Minors Rights Supreme Court Essay Example for Free

Minors Rights Supreme Court Essay Throughout the United States’ history, the Supreme Court has decided many cases. Their job is to decide whether or not laws, or punishments given by lower courts, abide by the rules written in the United States Constitution. Their decisions are based upon precedents set by other court cases, or their opinions of what the Constitution means, if there is no precedent. On the topic of the rights of minors, the Supreme Court has justly protected these rights as shown in the cases of In Re Gault, Tinker v. Des Moines, and New Jersey v. T.L.O. In Re Gault was the Supreme Court’s â€Å"first foray† (Dorsen) into the rights of minors as decided by the Constitution. Fifteen year old Gerald Gault was taken into custody for making lewd comments to a neighbor, over the phone. His parents were not notified and he was not given access to an attorney. He was not notified of his right not to self-incriminate and was eventually convicted as an adult and sentenced to jail until age 21. If he had been tried as an adult, it would have been a misdemeanor. Before this case it was considered that minors had no rights until they turned 18 and were legally considered an Adult. Under our Constitution the condition of being a boy does not justify a kangaroo court. †¦Due process is the primary and indispensable foundation of individual freedom. It is the basic and essential term in the social compact which defines the rights of the individual and delimits the powers which the state may exercise†¦. (Fortas). The supreme court definitely interpreted the constitution correctly because the constitution states, â€Å"No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This is saying that juveniles accused of a crime must have the same rights as adults. Tinker v. Des Moines covers the controversial topic of minors’ rights in school. Students, including John Tinker, decided to wear black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam war, violating a school policy. â€Å"The school officials banned and sought to punish petitioners for a silent, passive expression of opinion, unaccompanied by any disorder or disturbance on the part of petitioners. There is here no evidence whatever of petitioners interference, actual or nascent, with the schools work or of collision with the rights of other students to be secure and to be let alone. Accordingly, this case does not concern speech or action that intrudes upon the work of the schools or the rights of other students† (Fortas). The final decision of the Supreme Court was that minors do not lose their rights once they walk in the school doors. As long as they are not disrupting the learning process, they are fully protected under the first amendment. New Jersey v. T.L.O. is also very controversial as it deals with minors’ fourth amendment rights of search and seizure. Two freshmen students were caught smoking in the bathrooms of the Piscataway school system. One student denied smoking and was asked to empty the contents of her purse. The principal found cigarettes, rolling papers, marijuana, a pipe, baggies, money and a card indicating people who owed her money for drugs. She was charged as a juvenile for the drugs and paraphernalia found in the search. She fought the search, claiming it violated her Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, held that the search was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. A school does have the right to search the students on probable cause. In this particular case the school acted on a â€Å"plain view† search once the rolling papers were found in plain view after the cigarettes were lifted out of the bag. . . . The warrant requirement, in particular, is unsuited to the school environment . . . [T]he legality of a search of a student should depend simply on the reasonableness, under all the circumstances, of the search . . . Such a search will be permissible in its scope when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction. (White). There was no need for a warrant because the police were not searching her and they were not searching her house or car, only her person. These three cases show that the Supreme Court has been just in ruling on the rights of minors. Juveniles are afforded the same rights to due process as adults when they have criminal charges presented against them. They also have the right to a peaceful demonstration even in a school. In a school setting, it is acceptable that the Court ruled against the rights of minors, in order to provide a safe environment. On the topic of the rights of minors, the Supreme Court has justly protected these rights as shown in the cases of In Re Gault, Tinker v. Des Moines, and New Jersey v. T.L.O.

The enhancing effects of music on happiness

The enhancing effects of music on happiness This thesis examines the enhancing effects of music on happiness.Music is the purest form of art. It can be said that it has an impact on almost everyone. Certain pieces of music have a relaxing effect, while others stimulate us to act, and some cause change in or emphasize our mood. This work specifically concentrates on how listening to different kinds of music can increase the level of happiness and the factors associated with it. Defining Music The word music basically comes from the Greek word mousike meaning art of the muses.As generally percieved, music is one of the fine arts which is concerned with the combinition of sounds with beauty of form and the expression of thought or feeling.It can be defined as vocal or instrumental sounds having some degree of rhythm, melody and harmony. According to the Australian Oxford dictionary (2004), music is the art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form,harmony and expression of emotion. The Collins dictionary (2000) relates music as an art form consisting of sequences of sounds in time, especially tones of definite pitch organized melodically, harmonically,rhythmically and according to color. Music is also known as, the art of combining sounds so as to please the ear (Chambers dictionary,1987) . Music is also viewed as an art that is difficult to tie down . According to Wikipedia , the definition of music varies according to culture and social context. The artists may view music as a performing art, a fine art, and an auditory art .William Sheakspeare has defined it as as the food of soul.Humanistic psychologists view music as a means of self fulfillment,integration and self actualiztion.For existentialists it is another department of choice and freedom. Music in any form has a universal appeal, like an international language,it is understood and spoken everywhere,and its charm and penetrating power cannot be denied.(Malik, M.S., 1983). Components of Music According to a physicists point of view, music consists of a set of a set of sounds with particular frequencies, amplitudes, and timbres which are organized into highly predictable patterns. The social and cultural meanings by people turn these sounds into music (Hargreaves, D. J and North, A. C., 2000).The components of music are, Musical note is a single sound of definite pitch and duration which can be identified in writing. Rhythm, is the arrangement of sounds in time, this arrangement is a complex arrangement of notes into a mixture of short and long durations within a single bar or a series of bars. Regular pulse groupings are called bars or measures. Rhythm is one of the most central features of many styles of music, especially jazz and hip-hop (Lerdahl Jackendoff, 1983). Scale, is a progression of notes in an ascending or descending order. Melody or tune assembles a series of notes into recognizable musical shapes. The notes of a melody are created with respect to pitch systems such as scales. A melody usually though not necessarily possesses rhythm. The rhythm of a melody is often based on the tones of language, the physical rhythms of dance or just periodic beatings. (Narveson, 1984). The beat of a piece of music is its regular pulse, determined by the bar lines by which music are metrically determined. Pitch, is the height or depth of a note in relation to other notes or in relation to an absolute pitch. The absolute pitch has internationally been set at A=400 Hz that is, the A above the middle c has a frequency of 440 cycles or vibrations per second. Pitch is determined by the sounds frequency of vibration. The process of assigning note names to pitches is called tuning. The difference in frequency between two pitches is called an interval. The interval indicates either the doubling or halving of the base frequency. (Machlis Kristine, 2007) Harmony is the study of vertical sonorities in music. A vertical sonority refers to considering the relationship between pitches that are together. Harmony can also be implied by melodies that outline a harmonic structure. A larger structure involving multiple pitches is called a chord (Darmschroder Williams, 1990).Harmony in music can be analyzed through Roman numeral system. A system of chord symbols is used in popular and jazz music. (Friberg, 1991). Musical texture is the overall sound of a piece of music .It is described as the number of parts or lines and their relationship. The perceived texture of a musical piece can be affected by the interval between each musical line, the timbre of instruments or the number of instruments used. Monophony, homophony and polyphone include musical textures. Monophony is the texture of a melody. The texture of homophony is achieved when a melody is accompanied by chords. The melody in homophony is usually voiced in high notes. Polyphony consists of several simultaneous melodies of equal importance (Temperly, 2001). Form, is a feature of musical theory that explores the concept of musical syntax, on a local and global level. The syntax is often explained in terms of phrases and periods or sections or genre respectively. (Juslin, 2003). 1.1.2 Musical Instruments The earliest and largest collection of prehistoric musical instruments was found in China and dates back to between 7000 and 6600 BC. (Wikipedia).People of different cultures have developed musical instruments of their own distictive fashion,the sounds of these instruments thus,affect different prople differently.Some distict musical instruments are, Sitar, it has been the king of indian court music since 14th century. It is the modification of an earlier instrument,the Keena.The sitar is made of teak,jackwood and a seasoned gourd.Its neck towers above the players head while it is played.It mainly has six or seven playing strings running above the feet and below them, a dozen or so sympathetic strings,that set up a steady running echo.The sitar is played with a wireplectrum worn on the right finger of the sitarist.The sitar music is a world in itself.Learning to play the instrument with proficiency needs ten or twelve years of intensive study(Bhattacharya, McDonald Carter,2008). Rebab, is the name for various Arabic bow string instruments found in Islamic countries. They occur usually with three strings in various shapes like elongated boats, trapezoid rectangles etc. The Rebab was both carried eastwards and westwards with the spread of Islam (Kartomi, 1990). Guitar is a string instrument, originally brought to Spain by the moors in the middle ages. It has a flat back. The modern instrument has six strings. The guitar is a popular instrument used to provide a simple choral accomplishment to a dance or a song. Flute, is a cylindrical tube closed at the upper end where these is a side hole, though which the player bows air and makes the internal air column vibrate. The modern flute was largely developed by T.Bohm, he made it possible to pierce finger-holes in correct positions. The flute did not come into general use in chamber and orchestral music until 18th century (Taylor, 1992). Saxophones are classified as members of the single reed family. Saxophone was invented in about 1840 by Adolph Sax, a Belgian instrument maker. Saxophones are regular members of dance bands military bands and are also used to play distinctive solo in orchestral work. The sound of the saxophone is extremely variable. Its timbre being intermediate between wood and brass, it passes from the softness of flute over the broad, mellow tone of cells to the metallic strength of the coronet (Ingham, 1998). Drum, is the generic name for instruments consisting of skin stretched over a frame or vessel and struck with the hands or a sticks. The drum was introduced in the western world through Greece (Kinnear, 1985). Tabla, is a type of an oriental drum. It exists in different forms. The Indian table is a single headed drum resembling a small tympano, having a similar sound. The Arabic tabla is beaten by the hands and the tone is much drier than that of the Indian instrument (Holroyde, 1972). Xylophone is a set of tuned wooden bars beaten with sticks. The bars usually rest in a frame and are arranged in order of pitch. Most xylophones are provided with resonators, either in the form of a cradle shaped box under the bars, or in the form of a separate gourd for each bar gourd for each bar. When playing the xylophone, the player uses mallets of various weights and hardness according to the quality of tone required.( Nettl Bruno ,1956). Piano, Classicism is the greatest and the best known period of piano music. The pianist uses a flexible system of levers connected by four joints, knuckles, wrist, elbow and shoulders. It can also be played by placing the finger on the key and raising the arm slightly in a relaxed action. Piano is a mechanical instrument through which the notes are produced by the strike of keys (Krumhansl, 1997). Violin is the most important of the stringed instruments in the orchestra as well as in chamber and solo music. Its main parts are the, body consisting of label sound board, back and ribs (sidewalks), the finger board, string holder, the bridge. The violin provides expressiveness ranging from soft lyricism to extreme dramatic excitement and a sensitive timbre (Cremer, 1984). Harmonium is a keyboard instrument that sounds by means of thin metal tongues being set in vibration by a steady current of air which is provided by a pair of pedal operated bellows. The metal tongues act as free reeds. Modern harmonium can produce expressive graduations of sounds by means of the expression stop. The harmonium was developed in the 19th century from a number of experimental instruments (Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica (11th Ed.), 1911). Types of Music The aim of all music is to touch the core of the heart and thus music can be called an expression of our hearts sayings. Different types of music help in soothing ones disturbed soul, in the growth of concentration and also cheer us up to live life to the fullest. There are various types of music as people have different tastes i.e., classical music, rock, hip-hop, folk, opera, mystical etc. The objective behind listening to music remains the same. Classical music is a complex form of music as it requires high musical skills like learning the ragas and ability to coordinate with other musicians .The one who wants to learn, he/she has to go through proper training in this field of music (Bhattacharyya, 2008). Rock music, originated in the rock n roll era of 1950s. The singers are accompanied by a guitar, bass and drum. Certain rock groups use pianos, saxophones, flute, mandolin and sitar for a deeper effect. This type of music has several subtypes such as hard rock, progressive rock and metal rock. All these types of rock music are popular to date.(Warren , Romanowski Parles ,2001). Hip-hop (Pop-Music) music always includes the use of instruments such as guitar, violin, fiddle, piano, bass and drums. In these types of music, the bass is the main instrument. This can be used in different intensities to emote feelings of anger, pride and others. This type of music is the result of hip-hop culture and is known as hip-hop music. This music shows a heavy influence of Jamaican music. The roots of the music are found in African American and West African music. (Light, 1999). Folk music is a kind of traditional music that is handed down from generations in every culture. Folk music shows the social upheaval that lies among various classes of people. This also portrays their struggle for survival and their culture (Bhattacharyya, 2008).The term can be applied to music that has been evolved from rudimentary beginnings by a community uninfluenced by popular and art music and it can likewise be applied to music which has originated with an individual composer and has subsequently been absorbed into the unwritten living tradition of a community. It is the re-fashioning and re-creation of the music by the community that gives it a folk character (Lloyd, 1975). Opera music first emerged in Italy in the 17th century. This genre of music a remarkable combination of theatrical art and musical inventions and is specifically played in theatres. This has greater demand for its amusing orchestral supplements. The introduction and interval of this music set the tone for the action on stage. (Grout Williams, 2003). Mystical music Music is an outburst of the soul  .Mystic music includes spacious, contemplative, heartfelt, trance inducing and psychedelic sounds in such genres as space music, electronic, ambient, visionary, acoustic, world fusion, classical, neo-classical, and even some progressive rock; a mix of entrancing drones, structures, and rhythms. Mystic music extends from Bach to rock. Mystic music is that kind of sonorous sound experience that lifts and awakens you above normal consciousness, even if only for a few moments. If you listen sensitively, it puts you in touch with your most special memories and forgotten dreams. It is relaxing and good for your plants (and your body too; not to mention your mind, heart and soul). Mystic music remains true to the original purpose of music: to help us contact the spiritual dimensions of life and reveal the secret to us; and to, keep the spirit alive (Nasr, 1997) 1.1.4 Effects of Music Music holds a very significant position in our lives since the beginning.From the early beginning to the present day,interest in music with reference to healing and therapeautic experiece has sustained (Bartlett ,1996) The qualities of music were known even in earliest times. Evidence suggests that dance and song preceded speech. Researchers have found that about two-thirds of the inner ears cilia resonate only at the higher frequencies that are commonly found in music (3,000 20,000 Hz). This seems to indicate that primitive humans communicated primarily through song or tone.India has one of the oldest musical traditions in the world, references to Indian classical music (marga) can be found in the ancient scriptures of the Hindu tradition, the Vedas (Wikipedia). There are references to the divine alliance of music and medicine in classical antiquity and the healing function of much among primitive people (Schullian and Schoen,1948). Recent work on music has confirmed the effectiveness of music too. This is of the fact that music can trigger Endorphins in human body that help the mind in creating sound images,allowing people to escape into a painless worlds sheltered by their imaginations. Music can speed up or slow,regularize or disturb our heart beat,relax or tense the nerves,can affect digestion,respiration and blood pressure(Tame,1984) Ansdell(1995) says that we make and experience music because or body is made up of cells,organs,and muscles that have pulses and tones,tensions and resolutions of the tensions.Emotions share with music the qualities of speed force attack and intensity.It has also been suggested that music could be a powerful tool to use within neuro-disability and the structure of music can help organize and retrieve information. (Taylor, 1992). In many instances it has been found that people with brain related problems were able to function in better ways while being exposed to music. (Erdonmez, 1993; Nordoff Robbins, 1997). Mc Carty (1999) described how music could reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions in healthy as well as clinically ill people. In the words of Janet Towell(2000), Music can soothe the soul, excite the emotions and provide a sense of cultural identity. Music can decrease pain and depression while increasing mood and self esteem. A study showed that tempo affected arousal while mode of the music affected the mood (Husain, Thompson Schelenburg, 2002). Well ness is a product of healthy body, mind, spirit interactions, and, as a result music can an important asset in creating the appropriate environment for persons healing (Stewart, 1990).Musics appeal to us is primarily emotional and psychological. Music has been noted for its ability to enhance peoples moods, move them to tears, make them want to rejoice or just move them emotionally in both negative and positive ways (Goldstein, A, 1980). Radocy and Boyle(1979) suggest that there are eight types of affective responses to music.Some of these relate to an innate sensory perception of the sound while others are associted with images,experiences and emotional context of these experiences.These responses may include simple feelings;negative and positive organic feelins;moral religious feelings and emotions and tempraments.Because of this entity,music often can help people in confronting issues which they have not dealt earlier in their lives.This is because of the association between the events of our past with the particular piece of music (Bright ,1993;Levine , 1999;Ortiz ,1997). Stewart(1990) believes that music is an affective therapeutic agent under the right circumstances as it can allign patterns of emotion,structures of conciousness and /or psychic energy (P.62).It does not appeal to logic and rarely meets with intellectual resistence to iniciate its actions(Guzzetta , 1995).Music can help us to initiate psychological movement by modifying our mental states and cuing us towards more positive affirmations such as sad to cheerfull,discouraged to hopefull,or plain to peaceful.Music has an essential ability to create another world of virtual time(Blaking,1990).Menuhin(1972) reveals furthur that Music creates order out of chaos, for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent ,melody imposes continuity among the disjointed,and harmony imposes compatibility among the incongruous.Listening to music can create and expand out internal space where we can retreat from the norms and the reality of the world.This is achieved by creating an internal imaginative world of sound which is rich in symbolism and personal meaning,and allowing us to revisit the emotional context of particular memories(Bunt,1996). According to Sloboda(1989) ,the reason most of us take part in musical activities is that music is capable of arousing in us deep and significant emotions.These emotions range from the aeshetic delight in sound construction,through emtions such as joy or sorrow which music sometimes enhances to simple relief from boredom of depression.The music itself cannot have extra musical meaning unless the experience to which it refers already exists in the mind of the listener.When music has similar connections with human life,then it can make people more aware of feelings they experienced by intensifying the emotions.Particular music can help in moving painful memories or the unresolved issues in life .Stor(1992) also refers this arousal as being a condition of heightned alertness,awareness,interest and excitement.He also believes that apart from the relations between seeing an emotional arousal,the relation between hearing and emotional arousal is stronger. Campball(1992), observed that when we communcate with the emotional centres of our being such as through the use of music,we can better reduce stress and achieve a sense of welbeing.Music can also help in achieving peace and relaxation (Ortiz ,1997). Diamond (1979) suggests that music can be an important part of primary preventative health care at a psychosocial level. Bunt(1996) shows that how music can be used to assist people in realizing their feelings, going beyond their everyday experiences, resolving hurts and pain and appraising significant live events. Music can also evoke memories of the emotional context of past events and times and aid people to explore issues for a different angle and retrieving events and emotions. Music evokes not only the memories of past time but also the emotional context of those times(Bunt,1997).It has been reported that music is an activity that the healthy impaired talented and interested enjoy, because it provides them with a relief from their stress ,anxiety, depression and mourning(Blacking,1995).Music coupled with personal attention and care of other people, can provide gratification and restore a sense of worth to people who may be experiencing depression or low self-esteem (Crystal, Grober Masur,1989). According to Spingte (1998), music is the most intense means of emotional communication. In view of Hallan, S Price, J. (1998), calming music led to better participant performance on arithmetic and memory tasks. Music can align patterns of emotions, structures of consciousness and / or psychic energy (Stewart, 1990). Thus, music has great influences on a listener. It can take the mind and body to do spontaneous things whether they are good or bad. Depending on the type of music and the inner message it has, music can influence a person and his/her actions (Cassidy, 2008). Happiness There has been a surge of interest in Positive Psychology during the last quarter of this century. There has been a huge amount of interest and research on happiness, wellbeing and satisfaction among all positive fields (Diener 1995).The classic definition of happiness by Jeremy Bentham(1800s) is that happiness is the sum of pleasures and pains. Happiness  is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or  joy.It is a positive emotional state that is defined by every person on a subjective level. The term subjective well-being is used as a synonym for happiness. Happiness is defined as an overall appraisal of life, where the good and the bad is balanced (Diener Scolon, 2003). Happiness in this older sense was used to translate the Greek Eudemonia, and is still used in virtue ethics.(Wikipedia). Happiness is a belief about yourself and the outside world. You can be doing something you normally experience as pleasurable but not be happy. Pleasure is born from the external world; happiness is born from the internal workings of our own minds. Martin Seligman,( 2002) one of the founders of positive psychology, describes happiness as consisting of positive emotions and positive activities. He categorizes emotions related to the past, present and future. Positive emotions relating to the past include satisfaction, contentment, pride and serenity. Positive emotions relating to the future include optimism, hope and trust. Veenhoven (1997) has defined happiness or subjective well-being as the degree to which one judges the quality of his life favorably. According to Schwartz and Strack (1999), even very minor incidents in life can affect the level of happiness. The findings of a Pakistani research have shown that number of happy people is more than that of unhappy people and that the eastern people have higher levels of happiness than western people. Work satisfaction, social support, religious affiliation, social class, income level, and marital status and satisfaction were found to be predictors of happiness (Suhail, Chaudary, 2004).Individual differences in the levels of happiness also have significance. Theories of happiness The theories of happiness have been divided into three types, Need/goal satisfaction theories, Process/activity theories, Genetic/personality predisposition theories (Diener et al, 2002). Psychoanalytic and humanistic theorists believed that reduction in tension and satisfaction of needs lead to the achievement of happiness. It was theorized that people were happy as they had achieved their goals. (Compton, 2005). According to the process/activity theorists, participating in activities generates happiness. Csikszentmihalyi (1990) proposed that people who indulge in interesting and challenging activities, and thus experience the feelings of flow, are happier. Emmons (1986) has also emphasized how pursuing goals generates happiness. The genetic/personality theorists view happiness as a stable construct. A Research by Costa and McCrae (1986) proved that happiness is based on personality and genetics. Lucas (1996) also found in a research that personality traits were closely related to happiness. Keyes and Lopez (1995) presented another model of happiness. They defined happiness as a complete state of mental health while combining many principles of pleasure. They defined emotional happiness as the presence of positive affect and life satisfaction with the absence of negative affect. Social happiness was achieved by incorporating acceptance, actualization, contribution, coherence and integration. However, self acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, environmental mastery, autonomy and positive relations with others were the components of achieving psychological well-being, Most of recent researches agree with idea of happiness being a combination of psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. Causes of Happiness Sex: No significant differences have been seen between the levels of happiness of men and women (Nolen-Hoeksema Rusting, 1999).In a study by Wood,Rhodes Whelan (1989), it was found that women report slightly higher levels of happiness. Fujita, Diener Sandvick (1991) also reported that women showed greater capacity for joy. Shayam and Yadev (2006) found that elderly men scored higher on well-being as compared to elderly women. However the impact of gender accounts for only 1 percent of variability in happiness in people. Finances: Financial status is related to happiness, however with an increase the effect diminishes (Diener, 1997).Diener (1995) found that positive correlations existed between the GDP and subjective well being of fifty five nations. According to Keely,(2000) increase in income does not lead to increase in happiness.Most people are happy regardless of their material wealth(Diener , 1996). Marital status: Research has shown that married people are happier as compared to unmarried, divorced, separated or widowed people. Shields Wooden (2003) found that married women and men were consistently happier than unmarried men and women. Education: Education has greater affect on the happiness levels of people with lower incomes (Campbell, 1976).Education appears to have only small direct influence on happiness. Culture: Diener Lucas (1999) found that some nations appear to be more emotional than other nations. It was found that people in individualistic cultures had higher subjective well-being as compared to collectivistic cultures. (Ball, 2001). Health: Physical health is strongly related to levels of happiness. If one is physically healthy he/she would have higher levels of happiness as compared to a person who is sick. According to physicians, Brief, Butcher, George Link (1993) a strong correlation exists between subjective well-being and health. Religion: Many researches support that people who are religious tend to be happier. Studies have found that engagement in religious activities is significantly related to higher well-being (Donahue Benson, 1995).James Peacock and Margret Poloma (1999) found that ones perceived closeness to God was a very strong predictor of happiness. Life Events: The number of positive events correlate with positive affect at .33 in people whereas, the average intensity of positive affect when subjects were feeling happy correlated with happiness at .25 (Schimmack, Diener Oishi 2002).Happiness correlate with a number of friends and the relationships with them (Diener Lucas, 1999).Peak experiences however have been found to be due to religion music or other intense activities. Thus, immense research has been done on the effects of music on physical as well as mental health which has shown promising results.

Essay --

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC) The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children is designed by Alan Kaufman and Nadeen Kaufman in 1983 for assessing mental processing and cognitive development in children. It was revised in 2004 as the KABC -II. First edition is used for children between the ages of 2,5 and 12,5 whereas the revised edition is used for children and adolescents between 3 and 18 years of age. There are two theoratical models in KABC-II. They are the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) psychometric model of broad and narrow abilities and Luria’s neuropsychological theory of processing. KABC-II consists of 18 subtests of two types: core and supplemantary. These subtests are grouped into 4 or 5 scales according to age and model. Luria’s model has Sequential Processing Scale, Simultaneous Processing Scale, Learning Ability and Planning Ability. CHC model has same scales but it renames them. They are Short Term Memory (Gsm), Visual Processing (Gv), Long Term Storage and Retrieval (Glr) and Fluid Reasoning (Gf) respectively. Also it has one more scale which name is Know...

Performance Management System Essay -- Managing business Essays

Performance Management System Introduction This report is an attempt to analyse the existing Performance Management System for Large Financial Service Organisation (LFSO) and from this information, recommend, and implement an appropriate new performance management system. LFSO is an organisation, which traditionally has a paternalistic culture with low levels of unionisation. LFSO current Performance Management system was implemented two years ago changing the nature of the previous incremental salary scales described as Prerogatives by Lupton and Bowey and led to the abolition of the annual cost of living increment. This change by LFSO was an attempt to achieve a strategic, integrative and flexible approach to pay, in order to address its organisational objectives. Therefore it  ¡Ã‚ ¥reflected on a pluralist approach with the use of job evaluated grade structures regarding financial rewards and benefits ¡Ã‚ ¦. (Heery, 1996) despite the fact that with most paternalistic culture have a Unitarist approach to Performance Management systems. Initial research conducted by the organisation indicated that objectives are not always established and reviews were spasmodic. There was a high degree of resentment between the different members of staff leading to unhealthy competitiveness and unwillingness to support others. (Kerr, 1995) describe this behaviour as  ¡Ã‚ ¥esprit de corps ¡Ã‚ ¦. This resulted in an increase in general grievances. The BFU have been aware of this anxiety and have started a strong recruitment drive amongst employees but no figures on existing membership were available. ¡Ã‚ ¦ In general, both employees and management did not fully understand the scheme at its inception and saw it simply as a cost cutting exercise. The reward levels introduced were seen to be too small to act as a  ¡Ã‚ ¥motivator ¡Ã‚ ¦. There was also debate about the role of the annual appraisal interview as there was no consensus view on the purpose of these, which were regarded as an  ¡Ã‚ ¥inconvenience ¡Ã‚ ¦. Now two years into the scheme, LSFO is facing the threat of a  ¡Ã‚ ¥Bargaining Unit ¡Ã‚ ¦ or possible Unionisation. Alongside high levels of dissatisfaction from employees and some line managers who have also expressed serious concerns about their role in the process. The system itself is under severe criticism with large numbers of appeals although only a very few of these have been upheld. ... ...ments around these decisions. The manager will have in place a formal quality monitoring procedure and adherence to this will form part of the team and individual reward and appraisal procedure. As the BFU has started to implement a strong recruitment drive amongst LFSO employees, the management/ and HR Manager should consider meeting with the union to obtain its views on a partnership agreement with the organisation. This approach would recognise the possible impact BFU may have on the new system and would demonstrate a gesture of  ¡Ã‚ ¥goodwill ¡Ã‚ ¦ by the management team. It would also address the collective representation can help achieve important business objectives, including good communication. In conclusion it must be emphasised that an effective Performance Management system ensures that both Managers and employees understand each other ¡Ã‚ ¦s expectations, and how these are incorporated into the Corporate Strategy and how these impact upon their own context  ¡V their roles, behaviours, relationships and interactions, rewards and futures. Bibliography Books Beardwell, I. And Holden, L. (2001) Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach 3rd Ed. Prentice Hall Performance Management System Essay -- Managing business Essays Performance Management System Introduction This report is an attempt to analyse the existing Performance Management System for Large Financial Service Organisation (LFSO) and from this information, recommend, and implement an appropriate new performance management system. LFSO is an organisation, which traditionally has a paternalistic culture with low levels of unionisation. LFSO current Performance Management system was implemented two years ago changing the nature of the previous incremental salary scales described as Prerogatives by Lupton and Bowey and led to the abolition of the annual cost of living increment. This change by LFSO was an attempt to achieve a strategic, integrative and flexible approach to pay, in order to address its organisational objectives. Therefore it  ¡Ã‚ ¥reflected on a pluralist approach with the use of job evaluated grade structures regarding financial rewards and benefits ¡Ã‚ ¦. (Heery, 1996) despite the fact that with most paternalistic culture have a Unitarist approach to Performance Management systems. Initial research conducted by the organisation indicated that objectives are not always established and reviews were spasmodic. There was a high degree of resentment between the different members of staff leading to unhealthy competitiveness and unwillingness to support others. (Kerr, 1995) describe this behaviour as  ¡Ã‚ ¥esprit de corps ¡Ã‚ ¦. This resulted in an increase in general grievances. The BFU have been aware of this anxiety and have started a strong recruitment drive amongst employees but no figures on existing membership were available. ¡Ã‚ ¦ In general, both employees and management did not fully understand the scheme at its inception and saw it simply as a cost cutting exercise. The reward levels introduced were seen to be too small to act as a  ¡Ã‚ ¥motivator ¡Ã‚ ¦. There was also debate about the role of the annual appraisal interview as there was no consensus view on the purpose of these, which were regarded as an  ¡Ã‚ ¥inconvenience ¡Ã‚ ¦. Now two years into the scheme, LSFO is facing the threat of a  ¡Ã‚ ¥Bargaining Unit ¡Ã‚ ¦ or possible Unionisation. Alongside high levels of dissatisfaction from employees and some line managers who have also expressed serious concerns about their role in the process. The system itself is under severe criticism with large numbers of appeals although only a very few of these have been upheld. ... ...ments around these decisions. The manager will have in place a formal quality monitoring procedure and adherence to this will form part of the team and individual reward and appraisal procedure. As the BFU has started to implement a strong recruitment drive amongst LFSO employees, the management/ and HR Manager should consider meeting with the union to obtain its views on a partnership agreement with the organisation. This approach would recognise the possible impact BFU may have on the new system and would demonstrate a gesture of  ¡Ã‚ ¥goodwill ¡Ã‚ ¦ by the management team. It would also address the collective representation can help achieve important business objectives, including good communication. In conclusion it must be emphasised that an effective Performance Management system ensures that both Managers and employees understand each other ¡Ã‚ ¦s expectations, and how these are incorporated into the Corporate Strategy and how these impact upon their own context  ¡V their roles, behaviours, relationships and interactions, rewards and futures. Bibliography Books Beardwell, I. And Holden, L. (2001) Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach 3rd Ed. Prentice Hall

English Proficiency

Yakushko, O. (2010). Clinical work with limited English proficiency clients: A phenomenological exploration. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41, 449-455. doi:10. 1037/a0020996 This research article focused on therapists’ perceptions of clinical and personal characteristics and contextual factors that may influence mental health service delivery to limited English proficiency (LEP) clients through interpreters. Particularly, this study attempted to understand these factors by exploring the lived experiences of clinicians who have worked with LEP individuals through translators.Analysis of the data collected provided two recurring themes that revolved around the personality and training of both therapist and interpreter. Based on the findings of this research, the author suggested consideration of clinical care for LEP clients, who may be inadvertently marginalised from effective psychotherapeutic intervention, would demonstrate a commitment to social justice. Th e study under review clearly meets the criteria for qualitative research for the purpose of understanding a complex issue in greater detail as suggested by Liamputtong (2009). Related essay: Causes of Failure in English LanguageLiamputtong (2009) remarked that an understanding of the components and contextual issues could only be achieved by having direct conversation with people who have lived the experience the researcher sought to investigate. The author states that the ‘phenomenological study sought to contribute to understanding these factors by examining the lived experiences of eight therapists skilled in working with LEP individuals through interpreters. † Clearly, one of the strengths of the use of the phenomenological structure is the acceptability of a small number of participants under investigation, which were eight in this case.Further, this methodological framework afforded the researcher to analyse the data thematically, which identified issues that centred on personality and training of both therapists and interpreters. One of the points, supported by evidences and clearly communicated to readers, is that similar to the charact eristics central to describing a skilled therapist, the interpreter is not just a mere translator, but an active member of a psychotherapy team whose skill in multicultural issues, mental health training and therapeutic processes, and personality may affect the success f mental health services delivered to LEP individuals through an interpreter. The author though attempted to convince readers of reflexivity, by mentioning the attention given to the search for disconfirming evidence and negative case analysis, however no clarification of this effort was given in any part of the report. Nevertheless, peer debriefers were involved in the study to attend to issues of researcher subjectivity and biases, and researcher’s interpretation of data was also subjected to member checking.Further studies can employ the four kinds of triangulation, namely multiple method, theories, data or source, and researchers, as pointed out by Liamputtong (2009), to underpin the dependability of the fi ndings of this study. Representative rigour was achieved through the appropriate use of purposive sampling technique, which identified participants who have lived experiences of work with LEP clients through interpreters.Particular attention was paid to selection criteria, to ensure that therapists, though with general clinical expertise, have between a fledgling and expert level experience working with LEP individuals. This would guarantee that consideration about the therapeutic process in working with LEP clients through translators were unconnected to being a beginner clinician. Other factors considered, such as level of professional training, language and culture of origin were also crucial in ensuring a fit between participant selection, methodology, theoretical framework and research purpose.In considering the study’s interpretative rigour, a broader understanding gained from the result of the findings lend credence to the result of a similar scholarly work conducted b y Miller, Martel, Pazdirek, Caruth, and Lopez (2005) which highlighted the impact of the interpreter’s role in therapeutic alliance, the management of and challenges that may result from the triadic clinical relationship (of the therapist, interpreter and client), and training of both clinician and interpreter.Overall, this research achieved a measure of theoretical and methodological rigour by establishing a fit between the research purpose of exploring factors that contribute to delivering successful clinical care to LEP individuals from the clinicians’ perspective and the use of phenomenological approach to examine the embodied experiences of these clinicians in greater detail, through the use of semi-structured and open-ended interviews. References Liamputtong, P. (2009).Qualitative research methods (3rd ed. ). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Miller, K. , Martel, Z. , Pazdirek, L. , Caruth, M. , & Lopez, D. (2005). The role of interpreters in psychotherapy with re fugees: An exploratory study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 75, 27-39. Yakushko, O. (2010). Clinical work with limited English proficiency clients: A phenomenological exploration. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41, 449-455. doi:10. 1037/a0020996