Marketing Audit Hotel

The purpose of this report is to evaluate The Felbridge Park Hotel’s marketing capabilities. This family owned business based in Sussex belongs to the UK Hotel Industry. Elements of Hotel Catering are also included in discussion due to the hotel’s restaurant. The recession is the main economic factor affecting this industry. 2009 has been tougher than 2008, ‘although there has been an increase in the number of consumers taking UK breaks in 2009 , it is the cheaper end of the accommodation market that has seen the most benefit from this, eg budget hotels and the likes of Butlins. (Mintel 2009) (See Appendix Figure 1).The strongest macro-economic factors affecting hotels are political/legal and economic. Nonetheless environmental, socio-cultural and technological are also regarded. External Analysis Macro-Environment PEST Analysis Political/Legal: Licences to operate interfere and they can change with political times. Tort of negligence and discrimination laws are o ther factors affecting Fekbridge Park Hotel as the swimming pool can be a hazard and staff can be accused of negligence. Overbooking is liable to tort of negligence.All these can financially affect the hotel; in addition they might ruin its reputation. There are laws regarding eviction, reasons must be clearly stated. The restaurant is taken separately, having its own legal and political factors, although they are similar to the ones mentioned above. The industry is facing an increased amount of bureaucracy with the ban on smoking in public areas and increasing concerns about binge-drinking. This comes, of course, on top of the existing costs of complying with Health and Safety Legislation.Economical: ‘The hotel market generally has been one of the worst affected by the recession in the field of hospitality, with high levels of insolvencies and redundancies rife as a way of controlling costs. (Mintel 2009) ’ This affects the disposable income, consumers putting a greate r focus on value for money. Another economic factor is pound power, a consequence of the Credit Crunch, which declined against the euro and dollar (Appendix, Figure 10). This is favourable to abroad visitors that might be attracted by the exchange rates.High prices not only on hotel services, but customers see hotel restaurants overpriced as well. ‘Mintel found that 16m people think this. ’ Environmental: Concerning both the hotel and its restaurant is consumer behaviour, which can incline favourable to organic products and environmental friendly services and products. Socio-cultural: A trend of cuisine fusion is rising as people want to enjoy different cuisines. ‘Consumers are increasingly demanding to new styles of food and drink from different parts of the world (e. . French, Italian, Portuguese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and Middle Eastern) and restaurants serving these styles are continually springing up. ’ (Case study) ‘Both the hotel an d hotel catering markets are expected to receive a significant boost from major sporting events being held in the UK in the coming years: the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and the 2015 Rugby World Cup. ’ (Mintel 2010) These cultural events will attract large numbers of visitors, mainly in London which is close to Sussex.On the other hand European Tour Operators Associations argues that the Olympics can harm England as no country has been able to correctly predict demand. They are warning accommodation owners to not increase prices. (Mintel 2010) Technological factors do not have an influential impact on the hotel industry. Micro-environment Markets The Total Revenue of the Hotel Market in 2010 is estimated to 11,516, an increase from 10,968 in 2009. (Mintel 2010) Recession has crushed demand and people started looking for alternatives.‘Camping and caravanning are negatively affecting the hotel market. (Mintel 2009) ‘The proportion of revenue per room in the UK der ived from Food & Beverage (F&B) has declined by 2% between 2006 and 2008: the average F&B revenue received per room for the UK in 2008 was  £9,522, continuing recent declines. ’ (Mintel 2009) Customers Market statistics show a focus on corporate and conferences, followed by leisure. The first, main segment has been drastically affected by credit crunch whereas the second segment increased during recession and after. This proves the importance tourists have for hotel industry and Felbridge Park Hotel adapted fast to this change.Moreover customers choose to stay in UK rather than abroad in 2009. (Mintel 2010) The hotel’s segmentation comprises two consumer segments: business ‘companies from London’ and UK based tourists which are attracted by traditional food and location (between London and South Coast). Regarding the restaurant ‘almost 13m people like the convenience of eating where they’re staying: these consumers tend to be third agers, wh o are generally attracted to menus with simple, traditional dishes. ’ (Mintel 2009) this aspect is favourable to the hotel.The gap in the restaurant hotel market is with ‘11m consumers’ that believe hotel restaurants are mainly for their own guests. (Mintel 2009) Restaurants do not satisfactorily encourage this segment. Competitors Direct competitors are locally based, for both the restaurant and hotel. (Case study) There are also substitutes-competitors, further discussion on the topic later in the report. Porters Five Forces Framework Barriers to entry: High costs and unfavourable economic times, as it is a recovering market. Established hotels including Felbridge Park Hotel whose reputation and fame is growing.High investments in creating a reputation and name are needed. Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have a high power as they are creating the demand and due to the recession they have emphasised value for money. Their requirements are various and they are affected by many factors in the decision-making process of choosing a hotel and/or hotel-restaurant. Threat of new substitutes is sizeable due to cheap alternatives consumers are searching. It was more powerful in 2009 but decreased in 2010 as the economy is stabilizing.Consumers could have chosen camping, weekend spa treatments or just a backyard barbeque as ways of relaxation instead of scheduled vacations. Threat of industry competitors: Selsdon Park Hotel through its own golf field. Felbridge Park Hotel has a more strategical location in comparison to Selsdon Park Hotel, but it does not own a golf court. Gatwick Hilton is a main competitor. Especially because a significant part of Felbridge Park’s business customers are staying here for easier access to the airport. Bargaining power of suppliers is low as most hotels have the same suppliers; the same for a hotel restaurant.Internal Analysis Profitability The development suffered by the hotel in the last 20 years with not iceable enlargements in number of rooms and additional features, can only suggest that there is a cash flow, hence the hotel is being profitable. Also the increasing reputation of the restaurant is attracting locals, which leads to an assumption that is being productive. Marketing metrics such as customer satisfaction ratings are positive: food is popular with businessmen, good custom from guests; nonetheless there have been complaints with serving times. On a long term it can lead to a negative reputation.Capabilities: Assets and Competencies An asset is the owner’s reputation which increases brand awareness and has been applying to the restaurant as well as the hotel. Permanent staff (assets: people and internal communication) is reliable therefore building customer relationships. Attracting local customers is an asset as it creates consistency and also brand awareness. The swimming pool is an asset. ‘Hotel guests are most willing to pay a premium for a swimming pool or a quality restaurant. ’(Mintel 2009) The culture is represented through ‘a family business’ label which customers might appreciate.Sandra’s background is an effective marketing tool as it created alertness and a name for the hotel. It is still applying today. Strategy As segmentation is concerned they focused primarily on businessmen segment and later on the tourists market. Families are a third segment that has not proved productive. The approach adopted is to offer cut priced services. They have been attracting only UK tourists although their position is optimum for receiving abroad guests. Data interpretation: the present strategy does not completely, effectively and efficiently connect the hotel’s assets and capabilities to the market opportunities.The owner family is not exploiting their marketing tool (Sandra’s reputation); they do not tailor service packages according to their segmented markets. The restaurant opening times can be s een inconvenient by customers. The Marketing Mix – The 7 P’s The hotel’s products are: a swimming pool, 60 standard bedrooms, 20 ‘affluent’ suites and 20 family suites; conference room, bar, bistro and a restaurant. The 60 bedrooms are in their matury stage of PLC (were purchased in 1990, part of the hotel).Assuming the bar, bistro and restaurant aren’t new developments they are as well in their maturity stage. This means sales growth will or are slowing down and competition increases. The swimming pool, 40 bedrooms and conference rooms are in the growth stage of PLC because they are later developments and ‘proved to be attractions in market’. In this stage sales should start increasing. Relating the products to Henderson’s BCG therefore judging from market share and growth, the 20 family bedrooms are question marks as until now they have not proved themselves to generate cash flow.All the others are stars as they have pro ven able to obtain market share (they are all attracting and appealing to consumers) but they are not market leaders to become cash cows. Price: the current strategy has included a price reduction, proved ‘moderately successful’ but on the long term it can affect the business (only 10% of consumer buy on price). Place: the location of the hotel is strategically and can be effective as a marketing tool. It facilitates International tourist activity and International business. For UK tourists and businessmen the hotel is located between London and the South, another plus.Surrounding attractions in combination with Sandra’s reputation are great marketing tools for tourists that want to enjoy golf. Forms of promotion where made through public relations due to the owner’s name and resulted in a widely present recognition. The case study does not provide any other information regarding advertising or any other promotions. Processes regarding restaurant services: only evening service and standardized times do not offer flexibility for the businessmen segment nor variety for the tourist segment.People: complaints about temporary staff can mean not enough training and not shared values as they are not fully integrated in the team. Permanent staff on the other hand is an asset as they create customer relationships. The main physical evidence is related to the restaurant and consists in the English traditional menu which is appreciated by the local market, but questionable for the International market. As trends in the industry show an inclination towards fusion cuisine this present feature might affect the hotel.

Moscow and Grand National Capital

1. How did Paris become the model for the Grand National capital city? Paris becomes a model for the Grand National capital city because of its impressive public buildings, but mostly because of the work of Haussmann. Before the transformation, Paris was extremely congested, dirty and unpleasant. It was not unified and it had a lack of an effective transportation system. After Haussmann’s work, Paris becomes a model not only within France but also internationally because of its ideal environment and power. 2. How did Haussmann transform the city in just 2 decades?What was his contribution to the economic development of Paris? Haussmann carved out boulevards through the dense city, and opened up the city. He sold land and helped finance construction of new apartment buildings. Sewer systems and clean water was brought into the city, and space was made for both circulation traffic and armies for control. He even created public restrooms for the city, along with parks and the gre en areas of the city. Because of Haussmann’s urbanization, Paris grew economically because it became a place that reflected the power of the state and a place of exporting. . Why were the advantages of the Boulevard system? What were the disadvantages? The Boulevard system created a sense of orientation for the city as well as dividing it evenly. It made transportation easier and organized the city in a way. Some disadvantages might be that some people don’t like a repetitive look of the boulevards and that it could create traffic. 4. What was the social democratic vision for Paris after World War II? What were its advantages and what were its disadvantages?The social democratic vision for Paris after World War II included things such as national healthcare, free education systems, family allowances, pensions and unemployment insurance. The development of the subways and better transportation systems were some advantages of the changes after WWII. Paris also builds new modern buildings, such as the subsidized housing buildings. However even though the housing was built for the white French people, immigrants later started to move in which caused social problems and separations 5.What are some of the problems that have emerged in recent years in Paris as a result of neo-liberalization and market orientation? What are some of the benefits? Some of the problems that have emerged recently in Paris are that there is still separation between the social classes in the suburbs and then in the city. Paris has been moving towards the more global standard of international development as opposed to a highly regulated system. Consumer choice has become more popular and this allows businesses in Paris to have more freedom in the market.

Assignment 4UT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

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Int Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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Frankinstein Book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Frankinstein Book - Essay Example As his knowledge in science increased, his passion to answer his questions increased also. As a result, he created a living thing secretly in the hope that someday, he will prove his studies to have been true after all and, that his critics were mere scholars who were afraid to indulge in the studies he pursued. Unfortunately, in contrast to what he expected, the beautiful creation he anticipated proved to be nothing but a monster which will soon make his life miserable. The monster killed people whom Frankenstein loved and adored and the once, sweet dream of the young student; became his most horrible nightmare. The story may be a work of fiction but it somehow shows readers the value not only of science but also of ethics in performing scientific experiments using the scientific method as exemplified in the story. Frankenstein’s pursuit to find answers to his questions led him to perform an experiment. Like any educated scientist, it could be said that he followed the scientific method. First, he had this unquenchable question which he knew, only natural science could answer. As the main character of the story mentioned, â€Å"†Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?† (Shelley) Having a problem, he then came up with a purpose and that is, to experiment on bringing life, a being from the dead parts of men. However, before he begun, he first closely observed living things and how dead animals and men decomposed. The character describes his activities, â€Å"I paused, examining and analyzing all the minutia of causations exemplified in the change from life to death, and death to life† (Shelley). He read more books on the subject of Agrippa’s principles and he also expanded his knowledge on other natural sciences such as chemistry. He was very diligent in his studies and he had extensive preparations. Frankenstein possessed and portrayed certain characteristics

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Acid Rain Essay Example for Free

Acid Rain Essay Situation: The acid rain provisions of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act were to being in 1995. Currently, it is 1992 and The Southern Company (a electric utilities holding company operating in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida) had to decide what actions they were going to take in order to comply with the new regulations. Before the Clean Air Act, firms did not have incentives to reduce emissions below the government specification. If a firm exceeded the amount, it would just simply pay a fine. Maximum limits were put into place and allowances could be bought and sold on the open market. This means that companies that were able to reduce their emissions, could make money off the allowances they sold. That provided firms incentive to reduce emissions to more appropriate levels. In contrast, a company that could not reduce would have to spend more money to buy additional allowances. The allowances would start at $250 per contract but increase by 10% each year. One of the Southern Company’s Georgia plant, Georgia Power’s Bowen a coal fired plant, had a couple options to choose from to abide by the new laws. The options included either adding scrubbers in order to drastically reduce their emissions and sell the extra allowances or spend more money to buy additional allowances. Either way, Bowen was looking to spend more money in the near future with the Clean Air Act. Question/ Decision: What is the lowest cost option for the plant? Knowing the plant will be extinct in 2016, what estimations can we assume from 1995 to 2016? What are the unknown factors? How long will it take to implement the scrubbers? Do we have the man power to handle the maintenance for the scrubbers? What is the best option for the company that still makes us look good to the public? Will allowance prices increase by more than 10%? Will there be enough allowance contracts on the open market for Bowen to purchase in order to maintain it’s current level of emissions? Hypothesis: Bowen had two main possibilities to comply with the new law: purchase allowances or sell allowances. Purchasing contracts appears to be the easy option but has the potential to get very costly especially in phase two (2000) since emissions will be reduced by almost 50%. Also, we have no idea if it will be possible to purchase all the contracts we need. If there are not enough contracts on the market, it could turn into a bidding war for the available contracts. In order to sell allowances, Bowen would have to drastically reduce their emissions. The most logical way to do this would be to install scrubbers that would remove sulfur dioxide from the exhaust gases of the generators. Installing the scrubbers was expensive but would reduce the emission by so much making it possible for Bowen to sell the extra allowances to on the open market for a profit. If the company plans to stay in business for longer than 2016, they should purchase the scrubbers to begin working in the second phase. This would help the company look better in the public’s eyes and will pay off more in the future. Since the company does not plan to stay in business, they should continue operating the way they do now and purchase the additional contracts. Even though it is the riskier option, this is the lowest cost option for the company. Proof of Action: The least cost alternative is to purchase additional allowances and continue operating as usual. The cost to the firm, if all estimations hold true, would be 267. Installing scrubbers could run up the costs to either 408 or 294 depending on when they are installed. Graph 1, PV of Cash Flows illustrates the cash flows for all high high-sulfer coal options. Option 1 offers almost no cost to the firm at the beginning stages, but increases in 2000. By 2005, the no scrubber option will be costing the firm more than the other two options. However, installing the scrubbers is much more costly at the beginning stages of the Clean Air Act. As time goes on though, the money made from selling the contracts and the costs of maintaining the scrubbers will offset each other. Installing the scrubbers to be ready for the second phase would reduce the costs to the firm much more throughout the 2000’s. Graph 1: PV of Cash Flows Option 1, no scrubbers, does not come without a lot of risk. The two main risk factors the company faces are government policies and the purchasing/selling of the allowances on the open market. a. The change in government policy. As the government becomes more and more concerned about pollution, there are possibilities that more policies or stimulus such as ecological taxation would be carried out. Although the current effective tax rate is 37. %, the company will save a portion of tax expense by installing scrubbers to control once a tax refund policy is implemented to low level pollutants emission companies. b. The change in allowance price. The company planners assume the price of allowances would be $250 per ton of sulfur dioxide in 1995 and would rise at 10% per year through 2010 and stay at that price since after. However, since the allowances could be traded in open market, their value is volatile. If the starting price of allowance rises to a certain level or the price increases at a higher rate, the PV cost of option 1 will be higher. graph 2 and 3). Graph 2: PV cost of option V. S. starting price of allowance Graph 3: The PV of option cost v. s. Allowance inflators Conclusion: In conclusion, according to the NPV of costs we should not install the scrubbers at this time. We should continue operating at our current levels and purchase contracts on the open market. This option is the riskier option but it is the lowest cost. If we are more concerned about risk, we should install the scrubbers to be ready for the second phase. The question becomes, how accurate do we think our estima tions are?

An Analysis Of Market Segmentation Of Ikea And Bandq Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of Market Segmentation Of Ikea And Bandq Marketing Essay In 1958, Ingvar Kamprad founded the first IKEA store in Almhult, Sweden. So far, IKEA is the largest and most international furniture emporium, globally. (IKEA, 2010 a). As the biggest competitor of IKEA, BQ is a leading company in home decoration and gardening in Europe. It was founded by Richard Block and David Quayle in Portswood, Southampton in 1969. Presently, there are above 60 stores around the world, among which, the largest one in Beijing. (BQ, 2010 a) 1.2 Theory Market segmentation is classifying consumers into groups according to their characteristics (Hall et al, 2008) and set certain groups as targets. Market segmentation consists of four types, including geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral type. (Hall et al, 2008). Another concept concerned with market segmentation is marketing mix. It is important in marketing strategy, with a goal of satisfying consumers needs. It is also recognized as the 4Ps, consisting of product, price, place and promotion. (Hall et al, 2008). 1.3 Aims The objective of this report is to analyze how IKEA and BQ deal with marketing mix and marketing segmentation. In addition, the emphasis of this report is how these two companies differentiate products to different targeted segments, as well as how they combine market segmentation with marketing mix to make profits. Findings Market Segmentation IKEA targets young and fashionable people as its main consumers; in particular those love modern furniture and accessories. Therefore, its products are more colorful and novel. In addition, IKE fixes the products prices at a lower level, which is quite attracting for the average consumers, such as white-collars. (IKEA, 2010 b) Different from IKEA, BQ is specialized in one stop shopping, in which, customers can buy most decorations and accessaries they want in one store. Furthermore, BQ has professional teams to help customers designing and decorating in their own styles. The aim of this service is to provide convenience for customers who do not have much time to deal with decoration. (BQ, 2010 b) 2.1.1Comparison In comparison, IKEAs targets are mainly young people who love innovative items, while BQ focuses on one stop shopping with people who have not much spare time as its major consumers. Furthermore, the IKEA products are mostly shown as models, which are fixed and limited. However, customers are able to buy raw materials from BQ and make any product. Marketing Mix 2.2.1 Product As a total concept, product refers to all merchandises and services provided by a business. Therefore, product is more than physical stuffs sold by stores (Hall et al, 2008). IKEAs major products are furniture, such as kitchen modules, bathroom facilities, lighting equipment, sofas and textiles. (IKEA, 2010 b) It has outstanding quality and a special name to every product, and offers a wide range of home furnishings with best aesthetic designs and functions at reasonable prices. (IKEA, 2010 b) BQ stores supply with around 40,000 products for home fittings, such as lights, door handles and lawnmowers. (BQ, 2010a) Its selling point is a variety of products for home decoration. Moreover, BQ has professional teams to help personalized designing. (BQ, 2010 c) 2.2.1.1 Comparison The products of Both BQ and IKEA are complementary. They provide a full range of products, as well as professional designers. However, a most significant difference between them is that, IKEA only sells finished products, whereas BQ provides raw materials as well. 2.2.2 Place There are around 330 IKEA stores in 38 countries. (IKEA, 2010d) For all of them, the products are displayed in a clear and scientific classification. Further, there are floor pained arrows to lead consumers quickly find the items they need. For example, all the products for a room are shown visually by being placed a single model room. (Guangzhou IKEA, 2010) Besides entity stores, IKEA also allows consumers to do e-shopping on its website with an easy reviewing of the details of the products. As for BQ, there are 371 stores in total, with 41 stores in China. According to statistical data, there are over three million customers walking into BQ per week. In addition, it has a website for consumers to search the details of their products. (BQ, 2010a) Moreover, BQs operating system is GMS (General Merchandise Store), thus all products in BQ are placed on shelves for consumers to choose freely. (BQ, nd) 2.2.2.1 Comparison Both of two companies sell products mainly in stores. Besides, they both open stores in areas with large population. Moreover, the two companies have websites to offer online shopping. On the other hand, one of the differences is their operating modes. The IKEA stores have scientifically classified all products so that consumers can quickly and easily find what they need. In contrast, the BQ stores are the GMS (General Merchandise Store) mode. 2.2.3 Promotion Promotion is to propagandize products through all measures available (Hall et al, 2008). The basic promotional tool of IKEA is its free catalogue with a list of its products. The IKEA Catalogue includes commodities details, such as colors, sizes and prices. (IKEA, 2010 e) It is worthy to mention that, IKEA also established a group named Social Initiative, aiming at strengthening the relationship between IKEA and the society. This group works together with UNICEF and Save the Children, with the purpose of giving all children a better life. (IKEA, 2010 f) Discount is an effective promotion BQ uses to attract consumers. Similar to IKEA, BQ also has policies to show its social responsibility. As for this, BQ makes great efforts on environment protection in the procedures of product design, packaging and the use of materials. To some extent, advocating environmental products is also a useful promotion skill of BQ. (BQ, 2010 e) 2.2.3.1 Comparison Both IKEA and BQ construct their own websites to introduce their commodities and offer consumers with e-shopping service. BQs most frequently used promotional measure is discounting, while IKEA publicizes its products by free catalogue. In order to fulfill their social duties, they both have actions in making contribution to the society. Although their promotional measures are different, they have the same purpose to create more profits. 2.2.4 Price The price is simply the amount of money that consumers pay to gain the benefits of the product (Hall et al, 2008). The prices of IKEAs products are set reasonably. It adopts innovative manufacturing techniques to products at a lower cost. Consumers choosing, assembling and transporting products by themselves can reduce the price. (OPPAPERS, 2010) One method IKEA uses is mantissa pricing, fixing the prices with 9s, such as 299, 699 and 799 yuan, giving customers an impression of cheapness. (Guangzhou IKEA, 2010) BQ fixes most commodities with appropriate prices for the average consumer. Besides, it also offers discount to attract consumers. Furthermore, BQ offers installment payment service, which is another effective promotion strategy. (BQ, 2010 c) 2.2.4.1 Comparison According to OPPAPERS (2010) and BQ (2010c), both of them set the prices of their products reasonable and appropriate. The prices of BQ products are a little lower than IKEAs. However, IKEAs consumers do not need to pay extra charges for assistance and transportation, which is a quite attracting policy. In contrast, BQ has more beneficial services such as discounting and installment payment. Conclusion 3.1 Summary In conclusion, both IKEA and BQ are successful furniture sales enterprises. They divide their consumers into groups in accordance with types of market segmentation: demographics, psychographics and behavioral. The differences in 4Ps between IKEA and BQ were also discussed in the paper. Moreover, although the IKEA products prices are higher than BQ, their products and locations are similar. Besides, they both have various promotional skills, such as discounting and installation service. 3.2 Recommendation Although both of these two companies have large sales volumes, it is still a necessity to enhance marketing mix, for their installation service charges are slightly higher than peoples expectation. The sales volume could be better if they can reduce the price to some extent. On the other hand, it is suggested that BQs products could be more fashionable and colorful in order to attract younger consumers. It is also recommended that the two companies perform routine market research so as to know well of consumers feedbacks.

Models Of Forensic Psychology Case Study Social Work Essay

Models Of Forensic Psychology Case Study Social Work Essay Andrew is fifteen. He has been accused of sexually assaulting his younger sister and may be charged with this in the near future. Some of his family have a history of mental disorder and he has a history of learning and behavioural difficulties, as a result of which he has been attending a residential special school. He does not acknowledge the accusations against him and is reluctant to discuss them. INFORMATION FROM INTERVIEW Andrew presents as a tall, slim-built youth who is restlessly anxious, looking away for most of the interview, and repeatedly yawning in an exaggerated manner to indicate how little he wants to be involved in the discussion. Despite this he is essentially polite in manner and answers all questions, at least in some measure. His apparent level of intelligence puts him in the mild range of impairment, and he is also very sensitive to anything that he thinks puts him at a disadvantage or makes him look thick. He has some social skills, although these are not always used and sometimes he appears socially disinhibited. He has a reasonable vocabulary and powers of speech. There are no behavioural stereotypies (repetitive apparently purposeless movements) and no perseverative behaviour (continuance of behaviours after their original purpose has been served). However, his powers of concentration are limited and he is easily distracted from discussion. His attention is focused on his perceived likelihood that he will automatically go to prison, regardless of whether he is charged or not. He hopes that a combination of his medical history and denial of the allegations will be enough to get him through any legal processes. Andrew says he hasnt been charged with anything because I aint done nowt. Nevertheless he is able to say that sexual assault means trying to make somebody do something have sex, how to make babies and that penetration means putting a finger up someone up (the) clitoris of women. He has already been officially asked on one occasion about for whats going on now basically but can describe no details and says that he aint bothered because I havent done it. CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES Andrew has his own room at his special school and has made one or two friends. The activity that he enjoys most, and gets most from, is studying motor vehicles and he has developed an ambition to become a mechanic. He comes home for some weekends and for holiday periods. At present he feels he hasnt got a life anymore. This is both because of the possible pending charges and because he feels people are dropping dead around me. A close friend (female) of his died recently, and his life has not felt the same since his father died unexpectedly the day before his birthday four ago, and his paternal grandmother died about a year afterwards. He would like to become a motor mechanic, but thinks this will not be possible, unless he can get training in prison, because of his possible court case. PERSONAL AND FAMILY HISTORY He is the youngest member of his family, although his own list of his siblings and half-siblings is slightly different to that provided by his family. His father died from a heart attack and his mother has a lot of problems with her health. He was excluded from his first school for throwing a brick at a teacher or something like that they were doing my head in all the time. MEDICAL HISTORY He has been diagnosed as having ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and says that this is why he is at boarding school. He says that he used to get all mad and hate people and take it out on them but that this has improved more recently. Two years ago he tried to hang himself with two belts because he just felt like it I couldnt be bothered living anymore I did it for fun I thought it was funny. He also tried to cut his wrist, and still has a faint scar from this. He continues to have periodic thoughts about a quick premature death as a way of not having to put up with living anymore. Although these thoughts reflect a depressed view of life there is no indication that he currently has a depressive illness. He has previously taken the antihyperactivity drug Ritalin, but has now discontinued this and describes it as doing my head in. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT HISTORY He first became sexually aware at a very young age, as a result of being given information either by one of his sisters or a friend. His father told him not to have sex until he was older so as to avoid having children. His strongest sexual experience so far has been with a girlfriend who he described as the nicest person you could meet even though my sister called her a smackhead'. He denies the allegations about his sister and describes them as all lies. Questions What identifiable risks, giving your reasons, does Andrew present a) in the short term and b) in the longer term? Rank them once in their order of certainty, and again in their order of importance. Construct an interview strategy to help investigating police officers further question Andrew about the allegations regarding his sister, explaining your rationale. Case Study 2 Mr D Case Study Read the following case study carefully. Using your knowledge of risk assessment, mental disorders and offending behaviour and interview and treatment strategies answer the following questions: Describe the type(s) of mental disorder Mr D may be suffering from Consider whether those disorders are likely to contribute to the risk he poses of future violence Identify those risks that Mr D poses to himself and others Consider whether you would discharge Mr D from hospital at this time and give your reasons why (Point 5 is optional) Highlight what challenges Mr D may pose in treatment and how you might overcome them. Background Early Childhood Mr D was born to a 16 year old mother and conceived following a one night stand. Mr D recalled an unsettled childhood due to his mother handing over his care to her parents. Mr D described how he liked living with his grandparents, however he also described how his grandfather frequently used alcohol and his grandmother was strict and did not allow him to socialise with other children. Behavioural problems were noted from the age of 4. Throughout this time period Mr D began having severe tantrums which involved hitting and kicking and Mr D was referred to the Childrens Hospital at the age of 8. This followed a severe attack levied against his grandfather involving a knife. Throughout the interview process Mr D remained closed about his relationship with his grandfather. Later reports indicate he was sexually abused by his grandfather but Mr D refuses to discuss this subject. Mr D was taken into care at the age of 8, where again he reported an unsettled period of time characterised by isolation and bullying. Mr D was able to live with a foster family whom he described as supportive for the next two years and it is of note that there were no behavioural difficulties noted for Mr D within this time period. Mr D appeared to settled with this family and their two sons, which allowed him to form secure attachments with this family. Unfortunately the family needed to emigrate to South Africa, and although he was asked to go with them, Mr D chose to remain close to his grandparents. Mr D spent the next five years in Childrens homes, interspersed by foster placements which broke down. Mr D returned to live with his grandparents following this period. Previous reports indicate conflicting points of view about this time period, some indicating that Mr D had more positive relationships with his grandparents and mother at this time, but with others highlighting that his grandparents did not really speak to him. Education and employment Mr D attended approximately five different schools as he was moved due to his living situation changing. Mr D recalled an unsettled period of time at school as he was bullied. He also described himself as hyper, I would scream and shout a lot and recalled finding lessons boring. Records indicate that Mr D began refusing school at the age of 4 and has a significant history of truancy throughout his education. Mr D left school with no qualifications but school reports describe him as exceptionally bright. Mr D has never been in formal employment. After leaving school he was unemployed for 2 years as he reported he could not find a job that interested him and he was having difficulties with his mental health. Following this, Mr D has been detained due to the conviction for his index offence. Substance and alcohol misuse Mr D reports a substantial history of cannabis use and a history of binge drinking. Psychiatric History Mr D first came into contact with mental health services at the age of 8 when he was admitted to the Childrens Hospital for 6 weeks following a violent attack on his grandfather. An ECG and neurological examination at the time were found to be normal, however Mr Ds mother recalled a black patch being found. Following this Mr D was referred to an Adolescent Unit at the age of 14 due to behaviour problems such as refusing to attend school and standing naked in the window. Later that year, Mr D was admitted to the hospital and was described by the doctor as an isolated and withdrawn individual, having no self confidence who responded with aggressive outbursts when frustrated. Mr D self-harmed by cutting his arms with a piece of glass. After being convicted of two incidents of indecent exposure at the age of 17, Mr D received outpatient treatment initially, but following another charge for indecent exposure Mr D was admitted as an inpatient. At this point he was talking about injuring people before they had the chance to injure him. On the 9th April 1987 Mr D was again charged with indecent exposure and was remanded under section 35 of the Mental Health Act (1983). During his assessment there, it was noted that he was hearing voices telling him to commit acts of violence. No specific diagnosis was made at this time, although a condition of residence and psychiatric treatment was made. Following his 18th birthday he was moved to Arnold Lodge Hospital. Whilst there it is reported that Mr Ds mental health appeared to deteriorate and violence towards others increased. At the age of 20 Mr D was transferred to a Hostel in Liverpool as it was thought that he would benefit from integration with other people, however three months after this he was discharged after assaulting another resident. Mr D managed to live in the community on his own for approximately two and a half years before he committed his index offence. At this point he was remanded to HMP Hull for approximately 2 months. Mr D attempted to hang himself during his first night in custody. He was then transferred to Wathwood hospital due to him exhibiting paranoid ideation and experiencing auditory hallucinations commanding him to harm a female prison officer. Whilst at Wathwood Hospital, initially Mr Ds presentation seemed to improve to the point that he was granted conditional discharge by a Mental Health Review Tribunal, however at this point Mr Ds fixation with a female member of staff began to cause concern. Mr D began exposing himself to female members of staff and his mental health deteriorated. Mr Ds presentation continued to decline over the next two years in terms of incidents of violence, aggression and sexually inappropriate. His mental health also fluctuated with episodes of paranoid ideation, delusions, thoughts of harming himself and incidents of aggression. Forensic History Mr D has three previous convictions for offences of indecent exposure. There are seven previous convictions for driving offences (e.g. driving whilst under the influence, reckless driving, driving without a license, insurance and MOT) and 4 convictions of acquisitive offending (2 offences of shoplifting and2 burglary offences). Mr D has no other convictions for violent offences apart from the index offence, however there has been other violence evident in Mr Drivers past when he has been a patient in hospital. Index Offence Mr D was convicted of the murder of his neighbour. The offence occurred in the context of ongoing difficulties Mr D was experiencing with his neighbours in terms of loud music they were playing in the early hours of the morning. Mr D had raised this problem with his neighbours and it is reported that they responded to this in a less than positive way. Mr D then tried to involve the council to alleviate the problem, however this appeared to have had no effect. On the day of the index offence, the victim was taking his rubbish out and Mr D approached him from behind and struck him once in the back with a 5 inch bladed knife. Mr D immediately ran away from the scene and made his way to the Family and Community Services Department with whom he was in regular contact and the police were contacted and Mr D was subsequently arrested. The victim had removed the weapon himself and in the meantime had made his way to nearby premises to seek assistance. He later died of his injuries in hospital . Mr Ds account of the offence is that he had been living next to neighbours who were noisy. He said he had lived next to them for about six months and I kept knocking, asking them to turn it down, they just said it was their house. When asked how many times this had occurred Mr D said, probably approached them about 5 or 6 times. Mr D stated that he didnt phone the police at all, but that he did phone the housing association. He said that nothing happened as a result of this and the music continued. On the last occasion that Mr D asked for the music to be turned down before he committed the index offence Mr Driver stated he started threatening me and said Im not turning the music down and was arguing. I cant remember what was being said, but I just kept asking him to turn it down. He was shouting and I think I hit him first, we had a scuffle and the police were called. The Police told me to get in touch with the housing association. Following this incident Mr D said that a few weeks passed and the music continued. Mr D stated that he had been going out shopping he had been carrying the same knife that he eventually stabbed the victim with. On the day of the index offence, Mr D reported being woken at 9am by music being played. He stated, I felt really stressed and angry. I got up, got dressed, I was standing in my kitchen and could hear it (the music) and I saw him going to the bin. Id come to the end of how I was feeling and looking for a way out. Mr D stated, I got a knife and stabbed him in the lower back. When asked what might have happened to resolve the situation had the index offence not occurred Mr D said, If I hadnt seen him, I probably would have gone on carrying the knife and gone round to his house. In terms of why Mr D felt he committed the offence, he stated, I couldnt stand them playing loud music. Mr D went onto say Yes I regret it, its led to me being kept in hospital. There is nothing else I could have done. He deserved it because he wouldnt turn down his music. Assessments Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -3rd edition (WAIS III) This assessment examines general cognitive abilities, specifically thinking and reasoning skills. It explores non-verbal reasoning skills, spatial processing skills, visual-motor integration, attention to detail and acquired knowledge such as verbal reasoning and comprehension. Mr D presented with a full scale IQ of 130. International Personality Disorder Examination Mr D was assessed for personality disorder using the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE: Loranger; 1999). The IPDE is a semi-structured clinical interview developed to assess personality disorders defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10; World Health Organisation, 1992). Mr Ds current presentation indicates that definite diagnoses of Antisocial and Narcissistic personality disorders are warranted. The Antisocial features most relevant in Mr D include a lack of concern for the feelings of others, reckless behaviour, consistent irresponsibility, disregard for rules and punishment, low tolerance to frustration leading to acts of aggression and violence, and a proneness to rationalise and blame others for his own behaviour. The Narcissistic features which Mr D presents with include a grandiose sense of self-im portance, a belief that he should be treated differently, an overinflated sense of self-entitlement, arrogance in his behaviour and attitudes, a persistent pattern of taking advantage of others to achieve his own ends and an unwillingness to recognise or identify with the feelings of others. Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R The Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R, Hare 1991, 2003) is a rigorous psychological assessment, widely regarded as the standard measure of psychopathy in research, clinical and forensic settings. It measures different aspects of a persons emotional experience, the way they relate to others, how they go about getting what they want and their behaviour. High levels of psychopathic traits as measured by the PCL-R are associated with high rates of re-offending and future violence (however a low PCL-R score alone does not imply low risk) and can impact on responsivity to therapeutic intervention. Mr D presented with moderate levels of psychopathic traits which fell just below the diagnostic cut off for psychopathic disorder. Items that he scored on include failure to accept responsibility for his actions, irresponsibility, lack of remorse, callous disregard for others, grandiose sense of self worth, manipulation and early childhood problems. Presentation in interview Mr D presented as a difficult and challenging patient to interview. He was dismissive at times, questioning my experience, qualifications and competence. He stated that psychology was not a proper science and would prefer to talk to the proper doctor i.e. the psychiatrist. Mr D appeared to have some knowledge of psychiatry and psychology and used technical terms throughout. He appeared to have little insight into his mental disorder stating that he does need to take medication and that everyone is like him. Mr D stated he does not under stand why anyone would think he poses a risk to people and that he should be discharged from hospital immediately. Case Study 3 Ms W Case Study Read the following case study carefully. Using your knowledge of risk assessment, mental disorders and offending behaviour and interview and treatment strategies answer the following questions: Describe the type(s) of mental disorder Ms W may be suffering from Consider whether those disorders are likely to contribute to the risk she poses of future violence Consider what techniques/strategies/considerations you would use when interviewing Ms W Highlight what further areas of work you may wish to undertake with Ms W (concentrating on what areas of her presentation you would like to explore/assess further and why) Background Early childhood Ms W was the eldest child of three, the other two children being boys. Ms W recalled an unhappy childhood due to the sexual abuse she experienced from her father (for which he received a conviction) and then the emotional detachment that was apparent between her mother and herself. Social services records support Ms Ws account of her early childhood. In addition to being sexually abused by her father, Ms W also reported being sexually abused by an uncle and a next door neighbour. Ms W also reported that the relationship between her mother and father was a turbulent one and although she did not witness any physical violence, she did hear arguments which resulted in her repeatedly banging his head against the wall through the stress this caused. Ms Ws behaviour became uncontrollable both within school and the community, in terms of fighting at school and committing petty crime such as shoplifting. Whilst still living with her parents, at the age of 14, Ms W became involved in a relationship with a man who was much older than her, in his 60s. This further contributed to the deterioration between Ms W and her parents, and her parents subsequently placed her in care. Ms W remained in care until the age of 17, and upon leaving she was given support from social services and moved into independent housing in which she was happy on her own. Education and employment Ms W reported that her school performance was average; teachers would not have found her a management problem, but that she did get distracted easily. Whilst at school she was subject to bullying from peers and this resulted in her engaging in fights outside of school. Ms W left school with no formal qualifications. Ms W obtained employment as soon as she left school and worked as a packer, a cleaner and in a pet shop. All of the employment she engaged in was in a short period after school, with her last job being held at the age of 20. Ms W reported that the last job she had needed to leave because her mental health was causing her difficulties and she needed to attend various appointments. Following this period of employment, Ms W was unemployed for the next 16 years due to mental health, drug and alcohol difficulties. Ms W claimed incapacity benefits and before coming into custody she reported having an income of approximately  £800 per month. Substance and alcohol misuse Ms W reported that she began drinking at the age of 14 or 15 as she would visit pubs with her partner at the time. She suggested that she became a heavy drinker at age 20 and that she needed alcohol every day as otherwise she would suffer with withdrawal symptoms. Ms W would consume approximately 12 cans of Stella a day or 2 bottles of 2 litre Cider. Ms Ws drinking caused her health problems in the form of liver failure and pancreatitis. Ms W was under the influence of alcohol when committing the index offence and this followed a period where she had tried to go through a detoxification process without medical support. It is of note that Ms W reported hearing voices whilst she completed this home detoxification process. In terms of drug use, Ms W remembered beginning to use substances at around the age of 18. She reports using acid tabs, microdots, magic mushrooms, speed, heroin (smoking) and cannabis. She also reported that she would take prescription medication if the opportunity arose. Ms W recalls that she would use whenever she had the money to do so and that she would frequently take drugs and drink at the same time. She estimated that she would spend approximately  £14 per day, but that this would depend on what funds she had available at the time. In the early 1990s Ms W was diagnosed with drug induced psychosis. Psychiatric history Ms W first recalled being in contact with psychiatric services in her 20s. She was first seen by a psychiatrist due to the hallucinations she was experiencing and she voluntarily stayed in hospital for a few months. Ms W had spent time in group mental health homes and has had support from psychiatrists, CPNs and social workers. Ms W had attempted to commit suicide on a number of occasions through taking overdoses. She was diagnosed with depression in her late 20s and has been on a number of anti depressant drugs which she combined with drink and non prescription drugs. Whilst in custody Ms W was taking antidepressants, anxiolytics and anti psychotics. The latter were prescribed due to Ms W experiencing hallucinations and also mood instability. Ms W had most recently been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder with features of depersonalisation and derealisation. Forensic history Ms W had three previous convictions. Two were received in 1989 which were both fraud offences, and then the third in 1990 for burglary and theft of a non dwelling. Ms W cannot recall specific details regarding the situations. Ms W had no other convictions for violent offending, apart from the index offence, but there has been other violence present in Ms Ws past especially within interpersonal relationships. Index offence The offence occurred in the shared home of Ms W and her partner. Two weeks before the index offence occurred, police had been called to the home after Ms W had taken an overdose of her partners medication. When Ms Ws partner had attempted to summon help, Ms W threatened her with a knife to try and prevent this. On the 10th June 2006 when the offence occurred, it was alleged that Ms W had been drinking cider from the early hours of the morning. Ms W insists that she was so drunk that she has no recall of the stabbing which then occurred and all that she remembered was seeing the blood on her partners stomach. After stabbing her partner in the stomach she then threatened to cut her throat with the knife. The stab wounds caused a near fatal injury. The victim was able to summons help by activating the emergency pull cord for the accommodations warden. Assessments Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -3rd edition (WAIS III) This assessment examines general cognitive abilities, specifically thinking and reasoning skills. It explores non-verbal reasoning skills, spatial processing skills, visual-motor integration, attention to detail and acquired knowledge such as verbal reasoning and comprehension. Ms W presented with a full scale IQ of 75. The assessment showed that Ms W processes information more effectively when presented visually rather than verbally and that she struggles to concentrate for long periods of time. International Personality Disorder Examination Screening Questionnaire (IPDE-SQ) This assessment is a screening questionnaire which indicates whether there are certain personality traits which need further investigation using the full International Personality Disorder Examination assessment. The IPDE-SQ indicated the possible presence of paranoid, schizotypal, emotionally unstable, avoidant and dependent personality disorders but this should not be considered as a formal diagnosis. Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI-III) This assessment is used to evaluate elements of personality and also pathological syndromes within psychiatric populations. On this occasion the MCMI- III was used to provide a more comprehensive picture of Ms Ws personality and presentation in combination with the outcome of the IPDE-SQ. This measure was not used to diagnose personality disorder but to contribute to the understanding of Ms Ws presentation. The Millon highlighted that Ms W presented with anxiety, drug dependence and post traumatic stress disorder and may possible present with thought disorder and major depression. Presentation in interview Ms W presented as a shy, pleasant individual with very low confidence and who suffered with anxiety. It was evident that she was lacking in confidence in terms of speaking to people and being sure of her own opinions. She had also seemed to struggle in terms of her level of concentration. Over the course of the sessions Ms Ws mood could be quite volatile, changing from happy to depressed in the period of a couple of hours. Ms W consistently spoke of thoughts of self harm throughout the sessions and when feeling depressed would project these feelings onto others as having caused them. Ms W also presented at times as quite paranoid in terms of thinking that people were talking about her. Ms W also disclosed that she was experiencing visual hallucinations particularly when she felt stressed.

The Struggle for Emancipation of Women :: Papers

The Struggle for Emancipation of Women Describe and compare the progress made to secure rights for women (Economically, educationally, legally, politically, etc.) between 1870 and 1900) Before 1870 Women's education depended on their class. If you were born into an Upper or Middle class family a Governess would have tutored you privately, while Working class women might of gone to a Sunday school to learn the basics of reading and writing. Women didn't need an education before 1870 as they wouldn't need to work unless if you were Working class, and also because a women's opinion never mattered, they had to sit there and look pretty. There were many changes after 1870, such as Elementary, Public and Universities were being founded. All children, both boys and girls, were made to go to elementary school till the age of 9. Also the Universities and Colleges such as the Cheltenham Ladies College were a break through in women's education. These new laws Guaranteed education of Middle and Working Class women. Women started to think for themselves after this but sexism was still there, it was an improvement but wasn't a huge improvement. The Elementary schools may of given opportunities to the lower classes but these were largely overcrowded and they had to leave at the age of 9, which doesn't help them much as at this age they were still too young for jobs. There was progress during this period, due to the fact of before this time there was no guaranteed education for the working class, as after 1870 this was made possible. Before 1870 women's jobs were very menial and repetitive and also were often at a much lower rate than of a man doing the same job. Upper and Middle Class women were very idle before 1870 and spent most of their time playing the piano or just looking pretty. The working class women had low paid jobs such as; Domestic service, working in fields and Factory working, the Upper and Middle Class women of the times duties

Hamlet :: essays research papers

There are many interpretations to why Hamlet was hesitant in fulfilling his duty to avenge his father’s death. “We find it hard, with Shakespeare’s help, to understand Hamlet: even Shakespeare, perhaps, found it hard to understand him: Hamlet himself finds it impossible to understand himself. Better able than other men to read the hearts and motives of others, he is yet quite unable to read his own.';1 “What hinders Hamlet in his revenge is for him himself a problem and therefore it must remain a problem for us all.';2 Each observer of Hamlet forms their own opinions as what was they believe to be the Hamlet problem. The theory containing the most supportive facts leads to Hamlet being a procrastinator.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, is a tragedy. A tragedy is a drama characterized by the downfall of the main character, usually a noble person, due to a fatal personality flaw. In Hamlet, Young Prince Hamlet is this such noble man, his fatal flaw being procrastination.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One may ask why did it take Hamlet so long to kill his incestuous uncle, whom he regarded with the utmost repugnance. This has become a very controversial issue. Many critics and readers have different opinions as to why they believe Hamlet delayed the slaying of Claudius. Some believe it is due to Hamlet’s insanity. Others say he was in love with his mother, or that he secretly had sensual 2 feelings toward his uncle. Some think Hamlet was just simply a coward, and the list goes on. But the most probable reason for Hamlet’s hesitancy is that he was merely a procrastinator. There are many supportive facts to prove this point throughout the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A perfect example of procrastination is when one has a job to do which this person despises. For example, cleaning a filthy room. In this case, a procrastinator will find any possible excuse to get out of doing his/her task. Such as: calling an old friend who one may have lost touch with, grabbing a quick bite to eat and somehow it turns into a three hour ordeal, taking one last flip through the channels and it just so happens that one finds his/her favorite movie just started, and so on. So of course these five, maybe ten minute minor setbacks turn into hours. These long delays enable one to even forget the task at hand. And the next thing that winds up happening is this person will put the room off for another day or two. Hamlet :: essays research papers There are many interpretations to why Hamlet was hesitant in fulfilling his duty to avenge his father’s death. “We find it hard, with Shakespeare’s help, to understand Hamlet: even Shakespeare, perhaps, found it hard to understand him: Hamlet himself finds it impossible to understand himself. Better able than other men to read the hearts and motives of others, he is yet quite unable to read his own.';1 “What hinders Hamlet in his revenge is for him himself a problem and therefore it must remain a problem for us all.';2 Each observer of Hamlet forms their own opinions as what was they believe to be the Hamlet problem. The theory containing the most supportive facts leads to Hamlet being a procrastinator.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, is a tragedy. A tragedy is a drama characterized by the downfall of the main character, usually a noble person, due to a fatal personality flaw. In Hamlet, Young Prince Hamlet is this such noble man, his fatal flaw being procrastination.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One may ask why did it take Hamlet so long to kill his incestuous uncle, whom he regarded with the utmost repugnance. This has become a very controversial issue. Many critics and readers have different opinions as to why they believe Hamlet delayed the slaying of Claudius. Some believe it is due to Hamlet’s insanity. Others say he was in love with his mother, or that he secretly had sensual 2 feelings toward his uncle. Some think Hamlet was just simply a coward, and the list goes on. But the most probable reason for Hamlet’s hesitancy is that he was merely a procrastinator. There are many supportive facts to prove this point throughout the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A perfect example of procrastination is when one has a job to do which this person despises. For example, cleaning a filthy room. In this case, a procrastinator will find any possible excuse to get out of doing his/her task. Such as: calling an old friend who one may have lost touch with, grabbing a quick bite to eat and somehow it turns into a three hour ordeal, taking one last flip through the channels and it just so happens that one finds his/her favorite movie just started, and so on. So of course these five, maybe ten minute minor setbacks turn into hours. These long delays enable one to even forget the task at hand. And the next thing that winds up happening is this person will put the room off for another day or two.

Affirmative Action Essay -- essays research papers

The purpose of affirmative action is to ensure equal opportunity for minorities. But it has strayed from its original intent and has become largely a program to achieve not equal opportunity but equal results. It is a system of quotas forced upon American businesses and working class by the federal government. A law which forces people to look at race before looking at the individual cannot promote equal opportunity. Affirmative action continues the judgement of minorities by race; it causes reverse discrimination, and contradicts its purpose.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Affirmative action is not creating a colorblind society. In fact it continues the judgement of minorities according to race. Affirmative action forces employers and colleges to lower the standard for minorities. It also is demeaning to minorities who want to be judged by their actions, not their skin color.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When companies are hiring or promoting, or when a college decides which applicants to accept, many are unable to judge by merit alone. They are required by law to make race a deciding factor in their decisions in order to meet the mandated quotas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Affirmative action is also demeaning to most minorities. It makes them feel as though the government views them as having less ability than others. It also forces minorities to be compared to their own race instead of the overall population.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another reason why affirmat...

Gum Disease

Sodaly Chhun Prof. Linda Mallen Due Date: 4/17/13 Research Paper The Effect of Gum Disease on Human Health. People think the way to have a charming smile is to have white teeth. However, that is not all there is to have good oral health. Healthy gum tissue also is an important part of tooth structure which enables our healthy bright smile. Healthy gums aren’t just important for your oral health, but they can also be important for your overall health. Numerous research studies suggest that other long-term, chronic health conditions can be associated with periodontal diseases, a gum disease.Most studies suggest a possible link between periodontal diseases to other more serious chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The most common type of gum diseases is gingivitis which is a mild form of infection of gum. According to Marian Mehegan, DDS, a regional women’s health coordinator, gingivitis causes red, swollen gums, and it can also make the gums bleed easily. This form of gum disease does not lead to loss of bone or tissue around the teeth. However, in a prolonged untreated period, it can become a periodontitis (Womenshealth. ov). Based on PubMed Health, the US National Library of Medicine, periodontitis is defined as an inflammation and an infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth (Ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmedhealth). Periodontitis occurs when resulting inflammation or infection of the gums is untreated or treatment is delayed. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. As a result, the teeth become loose and eventually fall out. One of the most chronic health conditions like to problem with healthy gum is heart disease.For a century the idea of a link between oral health and the heart has been around. But it's only been in the last 20 years that some health professionals have taken this link seriously enough to recommend dental care as a way of reducing the risk of heart disease. They believe that there is a connection between serious gum disease and cardiovascular condition. According to Dr. Kevin Marzo, Chief of Cardiology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York, â€Å"The bacteria that cause dental plaque may promote inflammation in the body eyond the mouth including the lining of the blood vessels, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease including heart attacks,†(Cbsnews. com). In the same way, the scientists believe there is a connection between gum disease and atherosclerosis which causes heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a hardening of arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits on the lining of artery walls. It causes high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary thrombosis (Dictionary of Medicine 24). According to the Fox news interviewed with Dr.Peter Lockhart, a professor of oral medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N. C, there are two main theories are thought to explain how gum disease could contribute to coronary heart disease. One proposes that bacteria, which grow between your teeth and cause plaque to build-up, can enter the bloodstream when your gum starts bleeding, which happens easily if you have gum disease. For example, mouth bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental procedure and by tooth brushing.Once in the blood stream, these organisms attach to pre-existing fatty deposits in coronary arteries (those that supply blood to the heart). This leads to inflammation, which may cause blood clots that can decrease blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack. The second theory proposes these oral bacteria of gum disease cause the body to develop antibodies that attack receptors on the cells lining the blood vessels and cause an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation may play a role in the further development of fatty deposits lining the artery walls that can cause blockages (Foxnews. om/health). However, the evi dence supporting the idea that links gum disease to heart disease has always been controversial. Hence, the American Heart Association reviewed 500 journal articles and studies and then concluded that there was no clear evidence that gum disease causes heart disease, or that treating gum disease would have any effect on those with a heart condition. Nevertheless, the review did find gaps in the understanding of the interaction between gum disease and heart disease and called for more research. Scientists have identified the same risk factors for both heart and gum disease.As Lockhart said, â€Å" Individuals who do not pay attention to the very powerful and well-proven risk factors like smoking, diabetes or high blood pressure may not pay close attention to their overall health, either,†(Foxnews. com/health). In short, if you smoke, have poor nutrition, diabetes, or are from a lower socio-economic background, then you are at higher risk of developing gum disease, but these fa ctors also contribute to heart disease. Next, the scientists believe that there is a two way relationship between gum disease and diabetes.First, people with diabetes are at special risk for gum disease. There is a clear relationship between degree of blood sugar and severity of periodontitis. In the article, People with Diabetes at High Risk for Developing Gum Disease, by the  Academy of General Dentistry, it claimed that diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, so the gums are at risk for gingivitis (Knowyourteeth. com). Studies have shown that those with diabetes are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes.For example, dry mouth, often a symptom of undetected diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, gum disease, and tooth decay. According to Preshaw PMet al, â€Å"The mechanisms that underpin the links between these two conditions are not completely understood, but involve asp ects of immune functioning, neutrophil activity, and cytokine biology† (Ncbi. nlm. nih. gov). In addition, there's a suggestion that if a person gum disease, it might predispose them to increase their risk of developing diabetes, because of the persistent infection in their body.While inflammation plays an obvious role in periodontal diseases, evidence in the medical literature also supports the role of inflammation as a major component in the cause of diabetes and diabetic complications. According Preshaw PM et al. , â€Å"Incidences of macroalbuminuria, which is a high levels of albumin in the urine related to kidney disorder, and end-stage renal disease are increased twofold and threefold, respectively, in diabetic individuals who also have severe periodontitis compared to diabetic individuals without severe periodontitis† (Ncbi. lm. nih. gov). Therefore, by controlling your blood sugar, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent gum disease. Also, by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, it means you can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation which are the factors in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetes complications. Finally, gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Until now, it was thought that having gum disease could raise your risk of having a low-birth-weight baby.Researchers have not been able to confirm this link, but studies are still under way to learn more. Pregnant women may have the craving for salty and sweet food and develop red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis commonly becomes apparent later in the second month of gestation and worsens as the pregnancy progresses before reaching a peak in the eighth month. In the last month of gestation, gingivitis usually decreases andfollwing post-partum the gingival tissues are found to be comparable to those seen during the second month of gestation.Doctor Mehegan stated that, pregnancy gingivitis is due to both poor oral hygiene and higher hormone levels (Women health. gov). According to a research called Pregnancy Gingivitis and Periodontitis and Its Systemic Effect by Kaur  ,  Kharb  and   Rai, pregnant women are likely to have swollen gums and bleeding during brushing because the inflammatory response to dental plaque is increased. With the hormonal changes of pregnancy, also termed as pregnancy gingivitis, both estrogen and progesterone increase gingival inflammation.However, it is not known if the pregnancy related gingival changes might be explained by increased vascularity and vascular flow alongside alterations in the immune system and/or changes in connective tissue metabolism. Nevertheless, the anatomy structure of tissue of pregnancy gingivitis is not different from that of the gingivitis in non-pregnancy state (Ispub. com). More recently, in the article, Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy by the A cademy of General Dentistry suggested that periodontitis may also pose a challenge to the developing fetus.The excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the pregnancy women’s gums; the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor (Knowyourteeth. com). All in all, there is no scientific data, thus far, to support the belief that getting regular dental treatment, particularly regarding scenarios of pregnancy-related periodontal disease, helps reduce the risk of preterm low-birth-weight babies. However, there are other overall health advantages to the mother, not to mention the more obvious oral health advantages.In conclusion, there is a potential link between gum diseases to chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The scientists strongly believe in connection between gum diseases and heart disease based on two theories. One theory claimed that certain oral bacteria, which cause heart problems, get into the heart through the bloodstream when there is a cut in the gum. Another theory emphasized that the bacteria of gum disease causes an inflammation reaction in the blood vessel which may resulting in development of fatty deposits that block the artery blood vessel.Regarding the connection between gum disease and diabetes, the health experts believe that diabetes patients are at high risk for gum diseases, and it is vice versa a serious gum disease could make diabetes patients difficult in control blood sugar. Finally, gum disease might link to preterm labor and low birth weight. Pregnancy women are at risk to pregnancy gingivitis due to the change in hormones, which could change the volume of gum tissues, and the combination of dental plaque. Moreover, if the pregnancy gingivitis delayed untreated, it leads to serious gum disease.The scientists believe that the bacteria which cause serious gum diseas e could reach the uterus and cause premature which results in low birth weight. However, there is no clear evidence to proof the connection between the gum diseases to heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications due to the same risk factors. Gum disease  and heart disease share many common risk factors, including cigarette smoking, age and diabetes, and these factors are more likely to explain why diseases of the blood vessels and mouth occur in conjunction with each other.Although the scientists have inconclusive evidence to support their beliefs and are working on further research to support their hypothesis, it is known that good oral hygiene is still important for overall health. Hence, individuals should take care of their oral health as follows: brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth, have a healthy life styles, and get regular checkups with your dentist. If you follow the suggestions, you possibly be able to prevent ch ronic systemic diseases. 1. What does your mouth have to say about your health?Dr. Kevin Marzo, Chief of Cardiology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York. http://www. cbsnews. com/8301-504763_162-57353192-10391704/what-does-your-mouth-have-to-say-about-your-health/ 2. Gum disease doesn't cause heart attacks, experts say Dr. Peter Lockhart, a professor of oral medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlott Published April 19, 2012 MyHealthNewsDaily Read more:  http://www. foxnews. com/health/2012/04/19/gum-disease-doesnt-cause-heart-attacks-experts-say/#ixzz2Pk3DMbvk 3. Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship.Preshaw PM,  Alba AL,  Herrera D,  Jepsen S,  Konstantinidis A,  Makrilakis K,  Taylor R. Source School of Dental Sciences and Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BW, UK. p. m. [email  protected] ac. uk http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmed/22057194 Diabetologia. 2012 Jan;55(1):21-31. doi: 10. 1007/s00125-011-2342-y. Epub 2011 Nov 6. 4. People with Diabetes at Higher Risk for Developing Gum Disease The  Academy of General Dentistry  (AGD http://www. knowyourteeth. com/infobites/abc/article/? abc=p&iid=324&aid=8530 5.Periodontal Disease Causes Preterm Labor and Low Birth weight  Infants Posted on  April 28, 2011 ThomasJ. Peltzer, DMD                                                                                                   http://www. connecticutsedationdentist. com http://connecticutsedationdentist. wordpress. com/2011/04/28/can-gum-disease-actually-affect-your-unborn-child/ 6. Research Pregnancy gingivitis and periodontitis and its systemic effect Author(s):Jasdeep Kaur  ,  Simmi Kharb  and  Balwant Rai Source:The Internet Journal of Dental Science. (Dec. 10, 2008): Document Type:ReportFull Text:  COPYRIGHT 2008 Internet Scientific Publications LLC http:// www. ispub. com/ostia/index. php? xmlFilePath=ejournals. xml 7. Periodontal Disease and Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies According to Cannadian Dental Associstion, Studies are still being done to find out exactly how and why periodontal bacteria appears to have the effect it does. Researchers suspect that the prevalence of bacteria may affect the release of hormones responsible for starting contractions or rupturing membranes, though there has been no direct causal link found to date.The only thing for sure is the definite increased risk to those pregnant mothers who have the disease. Darlene Oakley is a freelance writer for  EmpowHER. com How might problems in my mouth be linked to health problems in other parts of my body? Heart disease. Before some dental treatments, patients who have certain heart conditions or joint replacements may take antibiotics. These people may be at risk of getting an infection when bacteria that lives in the mouth goes into the bloodstream during treat ment. Antibiotics lower this risk.Talk to your doctor or dentist if you are not sure whether you should take antibiotics before dental treatment. http://www. womenshealth. gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/oral-health. cfm#g Oral health fact sheet was reviewed by: MarianMehegan,D. D. S. ,M. P. H. CAPT,USPHS RegionalWomen'sHealthCoordinator USDHHS Office on Women's Health Healthy teeth for a healthy heart? http://www. abc. net. au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/06/19/3528574. htm#. UWOHEpOG2So:But could keeping your gums healthy also help to reduce your risk of having a heart attack?But to date the evidence supporting this idea has always been controversial. So the American Heart Association (AHA) decided to review the existing research to see what the data suggests. The Association's review concluded while a link was â€Å"biologically plausible†, there was no clear evidence that gum disease causes heart disease, or that treating gum disease would have any effect on those with a heart condition. However, the review did find gaps in the understanding of the interaction between gum disease and heart disease, and called for more research.Professor Malcolm West, professor of medicine at the University of Queensland and consultant cardiologist at Brisbane's Prince Charles Hospital, agrees there needs to be more research before we have a definitive answer. The potential link between the two hasn't been clarified as much as people would like and we're left with this question mark,† West says. One of the problems with linking the two conditions is that they have many of the same risk factors, West says. â€Å"So when trying to say one thing causes another, to try to eliminate how those other risk factors are interfering is quite difficult,† West says.Example: If you smoke, have poor nutrition, diabetes, or are from a lower socio-economic background then you are at higher risk of developing gum disease, but these factors also contribute to heart disease. Two main theories are thought to explain how gum disease could contribute to coronary heart disease, West says. One proposes that organisms, which grow between your teeth and cause plaque to build-up, can enter the bloodstream when your gum starts bleeding, which happens easily if you have gum disease.Once in the blood stream, these organisms attach to pre-existing fatty deposits in coronary arteries (those that supply blood to the heart). This leads to inflammation, which may cause blood clots that can decrease blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack. The second theory proposes these bacteria cause the body to develop antibodies that attack receptors on the cells lining blood vessels and cause an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation may play a role in the further development of fatty deposits lining the artery walls that can cause blockages.Diabetes. http://www. womenshealth. gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/oral-health. cfm#g   People with diabetes are at special risk for gum disease. Gum disease can lead to painful chewing and even tooth loss. Dry mouth, often a symptom of undetected diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. People with diabetes can also get thrush. Smoking makes these problems worse. By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent gum disease.If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth. http://www. abc. net. au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/06/19/3528574. htm#. UWOHEpOG2So: ————————————————- â€Å"There's an ever expanding list of conditions that have been investigated in relation to gum disease,† says Associate Professor Ivan Darby, head of Population Oral Health and Periodontics at the University of Melbourne. For example, there's a s uggestion that if you've got gum disease it might predispose you or increase your risk of developing diabetes, ecause of the persistent infection in your body. Pregnancy. http://www. womenshealth. gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/oral-health. cfm#g Use good oral hygiene to control your risk of gum diseases. Pregnant women may have changes in taste and develop red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis. Both poor oral hygiene and higher hormone levels can cause pregnancy gingivitis. Until now, it was thought that having gum disease could raise your risk of having a low-birth-weight baby.Researchers have not been able to confirm this link, but studies are still under way to learn more. http://www. abc. net. au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/06/19/3528574. htm#. UWOHEpOG2So: Another is the link between preterm birth or low birth weight and gum disease, Darby says. â€Å"The original suggestion was that women that had preterm birth had more gum disease than those who went to full term. Some studies say yes and some say no, so it really is inconclusive. But probably like heart disease, having gum disease in addition to other factors adds to your risk,† he says.Definition of Gumdiseases ————————————————- http://www. womenshealth. gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/oral-health. cfm#g Gum diseases are infections caused by bacteria, along with mucus and other particles that form a sticky plaque on your teeth. Plaque that is left on teeth hardens and forms tartar. Gingivitis (jin-juh-VEYE-tuhss) is a mild form of gum disease. It causes red, swollen gums. It can also make the gums bleed easily. Gingivitis can be caused by plaque buildup. And the longer plaque and tartar stay on teeth, the more harm they do.Most gingivitis can be treated with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings at t he dentist's office. This form of gum disease does not lead to loss of bone or tissue around the teeth. But if it is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis (pair-ee-oh-don-TEYE-tuhss). Then the gums pull away from the teeth and form infected â€Å"pockets. † You may also lose supporting bone. If you have periodontitis, see your dentist for treatment. Otherwise your teeth may loosen over time and need to be removed. Oral health: A window to your overall health What conditions may be linked to oral health?