Doll Wife

A Doll’s House Play written by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen on 1879 (Britannica) brings up various social topics into questions especially during the early 20th century. The topics or themes revolve on gender roles particularly that of women, women’s self fulfillment vs. their constructed roles only limited as a mother and wife and love in marriage.The writer of this play displays many facets of realisms about how women are being treated at times in a male dominated society, which was often illustrated during the early times. Here Ibsen presented the characters’ individuality and how they approach the different facets of societal realisms to illustrate the early dilemmas not just towards women’s position in the society but of human injustices.The play’s story is domestic in scope, primarily because two of the main characters are husband and wife.   Nonetheless, the play did include broader issues.   It showed how society in the 1800s vi ew marriage, the functions assigned to man and wife, and the limitations it gave to women in general.   It is also climactic in structure.The whole play takes place in one setting: in a particular room inside the house which is dominated by Nora’s character. Nora is the main protagonist of the story who initially enjoys being trapped in domestic comfort. She cheerfully goes with the flow on how Torvald, her husband, treats her. But rising events in the play made sudden transformation on Nora’s personality she was changed from a rebellious housewife to an independent woman of society.Nora is forced to pretend to be someone she is not in order to fulfill the role that her father, her husband and the society at large have expected of her. Her unjust conformity though is only realized during her climactic confrontation with Torvald at the end of the play. She eventually admits that she needs to detach herself from things and people that force her to follow societal stand ards.Taking into consideration the social and political attitude of Europe during Ibsen’s time towards women, Nora made a courageous decision to leave her family and walk into an uncertain future examining her life even though she’s aware that the society may not going to support her. The consequences of her decision are very uncertain whether she will succeed or fail as a person after gaining her independence.  However the question whether is it right for Nora to leave her children for the sake of her independence may seem a selfish act for a mother to do. Nora’s clear and impassioned declaration of her bitterness as well as her decision to leave her family seems inappropriate that made the play extremely controversial. Ibsen himself made an alternate ending â€Å"in which Torvald makes Nora takes a last look at their children before leaving and, seeing them, she loses her will to go† (â€Å"A Doll’s House Review†).This manifest that perh aps Ibsen is not advocating radical change the way others would want to believe it but he is just presenting mere realities that is truly apparent during his time. A Doll’s House is not a feminist literature. As a matter of fact Ibsen, the writer, believes in the importance of domestic roles and motherhood but also recognize the significance of exercising individual freedom.Most people may well say that that a woman’s first responsibility is her family and children more importantly, but a woman’s ultimate responsibility as well is herself. Ibsen in this play successfully demonstrates the message that wives and mothers should not stop and be trapped by their domestic roles but should continually discover their true selves, their true strengths and potentials.Women must experience true freedom. Nora in this play represent woman in the midst of society where males often oppresses females, reducing them to mere objects of playthings. That oppression often enslaved t hem restricting them to fully enjoy their individual freedom and eventually their God given potentials.Reference:â€Å"A Doll’s House Review online†. Retrieved on 12 May 2009 from:

First Direct Essay

Q1. What is market research? Market research is a systematic inquiring that provides information to guide managerial decisions, more specifically, it is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing and disseminating relevant data, information and insights to decision makers in ways that mobilize the organization to take appropriate actions, that in turn maximize business performance. In simple research is any organized inquiry carried out to provide information for solving problems. Good research should be purposeful with a clearly defined focus and plausible goals. With defensible, ethical and repeatable procedures and with evidence of objectivity. The reporting of procedures their strengths and weakness should be complete and honest. Thus, Market Research is a process used by a business to find out about its customers and its markets. Q2. Why was it necessary for first direct to understand its market in order to relaunch itself? For any business it is important to understand the market that it targets. It is essential to know about their customers which enable the organization to render better products and services to their customers. It is also important for the organization to concentrate and understand about its competitors. Any organization which lacks in the information about its customers and competitors in the market will fail to match itself in a position in related with the market scenario. According to FIRST DIRECT, it was necessary to understand its market has its customer’s perception had dipped drastically which led the company to be no-longer top-performing bank. Q3. What were the key findings from the market research? How was First Direct able to find this out? What types of market research did it use? After the market research, First Direct understood that certain % of customers had different opinions. The major finding of the research was that, they were two key customer segments with different ideas. The two key customers are existing customers (Highly loyal) and new customers (comparatively less loyal towards the bank). Other findings:- * First Direct should be highly transparent and fair towards their customers. * Organization should not hold any hidden charges (towards the customers). * First Direct should render innovative services. First Direct used various primary research methods. It also focused on secondary market research, Qualitative market research and Quantitative market research to gather the required information. Q4. What has the relaunched involved? What do you see as being the main strength and possible weaknesses of the relaunch? Relaunch involved introducing of new products and it also discontinued some of its existing services. Importantly, First Direct revitalized its brand through brand positioning (placing the product within the overall market) and product development (process of developing a product) and it is also considered in making required changes in marketing mix. It offered 24/7/365 accessibility to its customers and also used various channels to access its services. Banking process was even enabled through phone gadgets. It offered a new â€Å"1st A/C† that combines current a/c and the option of linking savings a/c. It enabled the customers to receive higher rate of interest (savings a/c) and it also introduced various new products in relate with savings a/c. Various promotional methods were taken up by First Direct to reach its customers for rendering the information. Presently, First Direct is now recapturing its distinctive reputation in the banking sector.

Focussing on public transport, what have been the positive and Essay

Focussing on public transport, what have been the positive and negative implications of public-private partnership - Essay Example As well, travelling a bike or else a motorbike allows shunning the traffic on the streets, given that in the gigantic cities there are unique biking lane which doesn’t permit buses or cars (Steiner 2004). Alternatively, employing means of public transportation as well has its benefits; at the outset, it’s actually low-cost, at the present time you could buy a extraordinary IP card, and after that blow it all time you obtain on and descend the bus and store up supplementary currency on price of transportation (Moos and Sommers 2006). Analysis To get better the condition on the streets of the large cities, the government must obtain a variety of processes; for example, attempt to transfer some of the organizations hooked on the outer edge so as to create the hub of the city fewer packed. This restructuring of a thickly occupied region can be one of the vital explanation to the traffic overcrowding issue. The executives must also believe of making novel projects to build l atest subway lines, bus routes furthermore biking lanes with the intention that the ways of public transportation are more interesting to the public. ... The public transportation organizations have extremely deprived services for city’s publics which provided as their faithful clients. If the service has been overhauled, it would draw more kindness from the novel and possible clients who for no reason employ it earlier than. Consequently from the enlargement of public transportations practices, the rush-hour traffic would be reduced. As an example, City has a lot of alternatives for public transportations. Even though reassess as a urban city, the situation of the public transportation service is a disastrous. Tarnished iron seat, non air conditioner practical, impure passenger’s region, and elevated lists of criminalities â€Å"executed† in the services demonstrate the trustworthiness of City’s public transportation representation. Improvements Transportations as well as roads are not available for all medium and all communities. Transportations and roads access are not open-minded to those who merely hav e two-wheel force. They would not obtain the similar amenities so as to the government provided for those who have supplementary than two-wheel constrain. In addition, the charge for employing transportations and roads are expensive for centre to stumpy group society (Rudy 2010). Because a picture, from the primary time three years before, Bus method has prejudiced the utmost respect from the City public since Bus way provides relieve, security, and the competence of time to arrive at differ purpose in City with reasonable costs that fits into every society. Getting better roads and transportations could persuade the community to employ individual transportations. When the building of the transportations is enhancing, the public are confined

Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management - Assignment Example 3120 ETRA Prof. Booke September 11, 2012 (About two – three inches below, type and sign the following statement): By my signature below, I hereby certify that this is my own individual work and it has been completed without anyone else’s assistance. Print Your Name Your Signature Baruch College Prof. Booke Department of Management Fall 2012 Dealing With Dilemmas in Business Read the scenarios below and then answer the questions that follow. As you read, please understand that there isn’t any particular right or wrong answer to the questions. Rather, this is an assessment of your ability to recognize and resolve important issues that you might encounter in the business world. Please answer each question as fully as you can in complete sentences. Do not assume any specific facts except those provided in the introduction and in each individual scenario. Do not assume that facts in one scenario can be applied to any other. This is to be an individual assignment and s hould not be discussed with anyone. Introduction (applies to the first three scenarios) Robert is the managing partner of a small accounting firm called Accountants LLC. The firm, based in downtown Manhattan, employs 10 accountants and a 5-person support staff. It provides accounting and audit services throughout the metropolitan area. Scenario A After the company enjoyed a good year in 2010, Robert was thinking about giving bonuses of 15% for all members of his staff. Early in 2011, Robert received an e-mail from his cousin, Nancy, who graduated from Baruch College with a BBA in accounting in December 2010. Nancy is in the United States on a student visa. She tells Robert that if she does not get a permanent job in the United States within two months, she will have to return to her country of birth where there is little work for American-educated accountants. Although Accountants LLC was not specifically looking for an additional accountant, and after thinking about it for some tim e, Robert decides to hire Nancy as a entry-level accountant in order to allow her to remain in the United States. To find funds for hiring her, Robert decides to forego awarding the 15% bonuses he was considering and instead orders a bonus of 12%. 1. What do you see as the issues raised by the facts in the scenario? Describe as many as you see. There is a perceived circumvention of the law that Nancy was employed only to ensure her stay in the country. The other employees are deprived of their rightful increase because of one person. There is the issue of nepotism because Nancy’s hiring was mainly because of Robert’s cousin. 2. What do you see as the consequences of Robert’s decision? There will be overemployment since there is no need for another accountant that will further cost the company by compensating an unnecessary employee. The other employees may be also possibly alienate Nancy upon knowledge that their bonus was cut down because of her. 3. What altern ative courses of action did Robert have? Robert may have opted to forego his cousin’s plea since he does not need a new employee. Further, her addition may be detrimental to the dynamics of the company. 4. If you had been in Robert’s place, what would you have done? Explain. If I were Robert I would first look at Nancy’s qualifications and find out if she could possibly be an asset to the company. If I find that she will not

Test Scores and Housing Costs by Motoko Rich Essay - 80

Test Scores and Housing Costs by Motoko Rich - Essay Example As the paper highlights schools that do not perform well on state tests will likely have a cheaper cost of living in the surrounding areas. This is because the demand is not so high for these schools and so house prices remain relatively low in order to encourage people to buy houses. Other factors of course play a role, such as poverty, but poor quality of housing is a major contributor towards academic performance. This paper declares that in looking at the reasons why housing prices and education are linked, there can be two ways to describe it: either low cost housing contributes to poor academic performance or low education results in cheaper housing. The most obvious choice would seem to be the first one, but studies say otherwise. Jonathon Rothwell, a senior research analyst in the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, mentions that it has been proved that when students from poor backgrounds attend schools with students from more affluent backgrounds their educational performance improves as a result. This suggests that academic performance rests solely on the performance of teachers and not due to economic background. However, teachers likely choose to teach at schools in close proximity to where they live, so the better teachers will prefer to teach where the standard of living is higher.  In looking at the reasons why housing prices and education are linked, there can be two ways to describe it: either low cost housing contributes to poor academic performance or low education results in cheaper housing.  

Review paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Review paper - Essay Example Namely, another incident that was mentioned in Quiet Odyssey was the Russo-Japanese War. Coincidentally, many of the problems Lee faced as a young woman stemmed from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. As has been discussed in this course, obviously various aspects of history have affected and impacted how people react to others, not only in South Asia but in the United States. Of course, people cannot help but be influenced by their surroundings, however one must remember that this is not a carte-blanche excuse to remain uneducated about one’s circumstances and social location. In this course, it has been seen how failing to analyze one’s one social location can have adverse effects on the Other (which is usually, but not necessarily always, a person of color). Socioeconomically disadvantaged peoples are more likely to be discriminated against, have harder times finding jobs, and in general must struggle more than people from more affluent backgrounds, and this is no less true of Ms. Lee, who rose from an impoverished background in Pyongyang, Korea. Even if she had been Japanese, that by no means would excuse such rancorous behavior from people who didn’t even know a person’s particular circumstances or background. Secondarily, the fact that Ms. Lee was a woman made her a prime target because of the fact that women cannot defend themselves in ways that men can. For example, it is considered very rude to be loud and obnoxious in Asian culture. In American culture, loudness and rudeness are allowed, and one might even venture to say such behavior is encouraged. Another token of Asian culture is the concept of respect. This is absent in American culture—which tends to encourage forthrightness and the expression of one’s opinion, regardless of whether one is correct or not. Then there are the immigrants like Ms. Lee and her family, who came to America in search of a better life where their family name

Extend order about ((Identifying and Evaluating a Model for Thesis

Extend order about ((Identifying and Evaluating a Model for Integrating Physical and Virtual Identity Access Management Systems) ) - Thesis Example Steinfield explained an advantage of the integration of physical with virtual services and stated that it causes the â€Å"death of distance† [53]. This analogy implies that distance is irrelevant for the modern man since organizations do not need to establish a physical establishment to provide services, rather it can be done on a remote basis with the aid of internet technology. Steinfield further explained the ‘death of distance’ with the economic perspective; virtual services tend to incur lesser expenses for the organization as compared to the physical ones since there are lesser operational and management costs [53]. Steinfield also stated that the level of trust tends to increase if the virtual services are accompanied with physical ones too, therefore, it can be stated that there regulates a lesser degree of trust around the virtual services as compared to the physical ones [53]. Woodworth defined physical identity as the physical characteristics or the external attributes that are possessed by the individual [84]. Oracle included a discussion regarding an access management system in one of their white papers and stated that it was based on the authentication and verification of physical identities; the examples of physical identities that are implemented in this system are biometrics, RFID, smart cards [85]. Woodworth discussed virtual identities and stated that â€Å"virtual spaces and the tools within† that are used for â€Å"identity construction and the self-presentation† of the individual [84]. With respect to the definition by Woodworth [84], it can be stated that if the tools within the virtual spaces are used to authenticate the users on the basis of any proof of identity then it can be termed as a virtual identity. For example, a smart card is a physical identity, however if this identity is read in an online environment with the

Week 10 Question 2 Part 2 Looking Ahead Assignment

Week 10 Question 2 Part 2 Looking Ahead - Assignment Example If debt financing cannot be avoided, the government needs to ensure that the economy can be able to support the repayment of the debt. This knowledge will help me give wise and informed advice on any investment decision taken. The knowledge acquired in this course on budgeting also proves to be viable in my position. I plan to apply the skills from this topic in ensuring that the decision on expenditure helps my office meet its targets. The government normally allocates a certain amount of funds to its branches in a financial year. This course has helped me to appreciate how crucial it is to have budgets in order to ensure that all targets are met. Budgets work by apportioning money according to projects or activities, and the periods under which they need to be completed. This helps in avoiding overspending and also helps in finishing projects in time (Pratt, 2002). An individual who has no financial background could use what is learned in finance in making better decisions. For example, looking at risks and the assessment of risks, this individual can be able to determine how risky it is to invest in a company by looking at the general view of the company (Chong, 2004). This may by looking at cases of corporate mismanagement in the company that indicate high risk. This individual can also be able to know the performance of a company by looking at the performance of the company or by relying on investors’ reactions. For example, a company that is not performing well will have reports that show poor performance. Investors will also react by shying away from investing in the

US Energy Consumption Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

US Energy Consumption - Research Paper Example Unfortunately, there has been a relatively stagnation in the number of energy resources that the US and other governments rely on. In order to ensure sustainability of the current energy resources, policies have been formulated to guide the process of exploration of the resources (Korporaal 2012). In most cases, the policies have been developed to guide the process of energy consumption to ensure that it happens with efficiency. In addition to such policies, there have been other strategies formulated to ensure that new sources of energy are made available to the country’s energy sector. The formulation of such policies has, however, attracted different opinions with some people or groups of people opposing them, either wholly or partially. The varied opinions have and continue to contribute to the status of energy consumption in the United States of America (Korporaal 2012). The current status of energy consumption in the US As stated earlier on, there has been an increasing amount of energy consumed by the US population. Specific forms of consumption have been experiencing different growths. In fact, the energy consumed by the industrial sector has experienced very little increase in the past 4 decades. However, the energy consumed in other sectors such as residential, commercial and transportation has experienced growth, in the same period, of about 8000 trillion Btu on average. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), there will be a general increase in energy demand in the United States in the next 20 years. This will be as a result of the dramatic shifts in people’s lifestyle. Most of the energy demand will be due to the ever-increasing need for energy to be used in the generation of power to run commercial investments and industries. In the US today, it has been found that about half of the total electricity generated is fro m the use of coal in steam engines. Coal is a fossil fuel subject to depletion in the near future. In addition to this data it has been determined that of all the green house gases emitted in the United States, 85 % of them result from activities or processes supported by the consumption of fossil fuel. This, therefore, means that a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels consumed in the country can result in reduced emission of green house gases emission (Anonymous 2012). The future of energy consumption in the United States According to forecasts done by specialists in the energy sector, the global energy demand will grow in the next 25 year to reach a value of approximately 57%. This will affect the US energy demand in some aspects because it will see it rise by about 30% within the same period. In addition, more than half of the energy used all over the world will occur in the Asian continent by the year 2030 (Katakey 2012). At this particular time the US will have experienced a bout 40% growth in the demand for electricity energy. All these forecasts and estimations indicate the importance of having efficient energy policies in place to put countries of the world, including the US, in a better position to embrace the future together with its challenges. Policies surrounding energy consumption in the US have been formulated in the direction of addressing the state of future energy consumption. The most common policies have included making legislations to guide the development and distribution of renewable energy to cater for the increasing demand, and address the fact that

Choose one of the nine titles on subject 'theories of global politics' Essay

Choose one of the nine titles on subject 'theories of global politics' - Essay Example Is the Realist Approach to International Politics Redundant? Realism, in its simplest sense, simply describes international politics as a state of anarchy, where each and every state has reason to fear other states and, for that reason, is justified in wanting to secure itself against these potential threats. It assumes that power is or ought to be the primary driver of all political action, whether at the domestic level or international (Alexander Moseley, 2005). As eminent realist thinker Thomas Hobbes (1651) put it â€Å"where an invader hath no more to fear than another man's single power, if one plant, sow, build, or possess a convenient seat, others may probably be expected to come prepared with forces united to dispossess and deprive him, not only of the fruit of his labor, but also of his life or liberty. And the invader again is in the like danger of another† (Leviathan, Ch 13). Loosely translated, Hobbes assumed that people are naturally equal, motivated by competiti on, diffidence and glory, and that they interact in the absence of government. Hobbes concluded that man, and in turn the state, was in a constant state of war. A realist is one who subscribes to the thought that it’s a ‘dog eat dog world’, that every man has the capability to harm or destroy another while competing for the same goal which only one of them can achieve and that every other man has the tendency to be evil in such a situation. From the international perspective, there is no higher power than the state, which is motivated by its national self interest, is trying to a accomplish the same thing as other states in the world i.e. ensure its survival and in the absence of an international government, a state can pursue its national interest in terms of power and that the interests of the state transcend the issues of morality and ethics. The purpose of realism is to promote the notion that power is the fundamental feature of international politics and is therefore, essential for survival. It does not necessarily mean that the most powerful state has the greatest chances of survival. However, the state with the least power is at a considerable disadvantage among its peers. Hobbes claimed that, â€Å"even the weakest has strength enough to kill the strongest, either by secret machination, or by confederacy with others† (Leviathan, Ch 13). In other words even the strongest of states is not safe while there are other states with the potential to unite or employ less overt means of warfare against it. The limited resources of the world would lead to competition between nations, the relative equality described by Hobbes would lead to fear of assault from another country, and man’s inherent vanity would ever more serve to heighten the state of tension between nations of the world. Realism does not suggest that the nations of the world would be prepared to launch a full scale war against each other at the drop of a hat. As Jac k Donnelly explains, â€Å"We can figure out the rules of coexistence and cooperation. But without a government to enforce those rules, we remain condemned to war† (Realism and International Relations, P. 15). As long as there is no superior power to constructively tap into man’

Management Perspectives Essay Example for Free

Management Perspectives Essay A questionnaire was sent to a member of top management of seventy-six firms that have adopted EVA? type performance measures, forty of these firms having included the measure in their incentive compensation. Based on the respondents’ answers, EVA? erformance measures appear to help align the interests of management with those of the firm’s shareholders with the emphasis shifting from bottom-line earnings to earning more than the cost of employed capital. The responses are compared with prior empirical work. In most cases, the observed results of management actions is consistent with the responses from this survey. This paper resulted from work done for my dissertation from the University of Washington. I wish to thank my committee members Gary Biddle, Robert Bowen, Eric Noreen, Terry Shevlin, and Naomi Soderstrom.

A reflective analysis | Learning with ICT

A reflective analysis | Learning with ICT This part of the assignment is a reflective analysis of my learning with ICT on this module. I am going to review my experience in collaborative learning on this module drawing my attention to the learning experience from the face to face sessions on the unit compared to the classroom sessions. Collaborative Learning Experience There are many ways that people learn in their everyday lives. Learning can take place anywhere at any time wherever you may be. Joel (2003) stated that Learning is a change in behaviour that results from the learners interaction with the environment. Joels statement is linked into the two environments experienced on this module. This module the teaching and learning consisted of face-to-face classroom sessions and online VLE discussions held on a weekly basis for one hour. The topics that were covered in this module are the way you can learn in different ways. Students participated in these discussions about various experiences and reinforced the information to promote further discussion. These discussions were mostly set in groups where we had to work together to complete various tasks. This type of collaborative learning is when two or more people are in a situation to learn something together Dillenbourg (1999). This occurred on two occasions in this module, one was creating a mi ndmap (online) and one was marking a past assignment (face-to-face). Both were instances of learning something new and we were in groups of more than one. Harding (1993) also suggested that collaborative learning usually works when students group together to create a knowledge and understanding of a certain situation. This in my understanding is communication amongst the group. Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is a concept within collaborative learning where it uses technology in the learning environment to facilitate group interactions Mitnik (2009). In my understanding on this module collaborative learning is the completion of any given project or task. According to Miller (1998) successful collaborative tasks have characteristics such as the problem being solved are example of the types of problems found in normal everyday life. Millers statement here links in with the past and current experiences of all students on the course where they have discussed the topic i n hand relating them to their own personal experiences. Miller (1998) also went onto explain that the problem can be solved by a small number of students who have not got the current knowledge and understanding to solve the problem alone but can contribute to it amongst a team. When working with my peers on the collaborative learning tasks I firstly felt as I am the youngest I wont know as much knowledge as the rest of them. However it gave me the opportunity to develop a higher level thinking skill to show my peers I am interested in the subject that we are going to discuss. The task was a positive learning experience which was very active, involved and insightful. When the mind map task was being developed I found that I was learning mostly from the facilities of the software that were available to me. Thanasis (2009) said that the role of the computer is to support users to communicate and structure the learning activity. This was the case in the collaborative task I completed in this module and the use of collaboration here is the idea of learning taking place when peers interact to achieve task outcomes (Thanasis 2009). This collaboration activity of the module was a challenging task as many of us had different ideas. However I felt that we all put our ideas together to find the best outcome. Smith (1992) suggested that this sort of collaborative learning process is not beginning with facts and ideas and then finding out the problem but it begins with the problem to find out the facts and ideas in the first place. We as a group didnt meet up altogether initially but I discussed the task before hand to a member of my peer and just went over what we would want to do. This pre-process helped as I went away and did my own research to find out some ideas I could share. By working in this environment we could cover more ground and get the task done at a quicker pace than doing it individually in which can help by sharing resources and ideas. With my teaching ex perience in my previous school, students working in smaller groups enable them to increase their knowledge and widen their understanding of the task in hand. The task which is given to the students is structured in a way to accomplish the learning objectives set. Giving students individual responsibilities gives a lively and energetic vibe to the classroom and the thought of competition amongst other students seemed common. Stahl (2002) suggested that when using technology to support collaborative learning it enhances peer interaction and facilitates the distribution of knowledge and expertise amongst the group. The different collaborative Learning strategies I used in the classroom were that I created different tasks and activities that were necessary for the group to work together and be dependent on each other. If certain individuals do really well and shine through, it created a more motivated establishment in the group. Communities of practise My experiences of group interaction relates to the work of Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger Communities of Practise (CoP) which we covered in our module. Wenger (1991) defines CoP as a passion of learning something and sharing it amongst a group of people and then establishing how it was done. This is a way of promoting new ideas, developing social means, facilitating and spreading knowledge within a group (Wenger 1991). Wengers definition relates to the module task we worked on. The process of social learning that occurred when a group of students came together to discuss a task was something that we were interested in and collaborated with. Wenger went onto explaining that CoP had 3 main components to it which were domain, community and practice. A domain of interest is a specific subject area, which in our case the multiple intelligence theories. The community is where students gathered together and shared ideas and information about Gardner in the module. The practise is members of t he group who are already helpful in the resources and give common experience encountered. These components were explored more in Part 1 Websipration unit on Microworlds. Effective classroom interaction needs to be managed to help student generate a deeper understanding of the lesson. Harry (1993) describes Moores theory (1984) that this type of management involving three types of learning. Interaction with resources, teachers and peers. With the face to face sessions we encountered on the course I learnt to work with different types of people from different backgrounds. During our lecturers the small group discussions allowed us to reflect and act upon discussions and responses when certain questions were raised by the tutor. These small group interactions on a weekly basis allowed us to have a better understanding on our peers point of view. Downes (1998) states the idea is that learning is not paced so much by the teacher, as it is by the students own capacity to acquire the mater ial. Downes statement is exactly how our module is routined. The tutor has a certain role in the classroom but it is up to the student to obtain and research the necessary information to be prepared enough for the upcoming discussions. This collaboration experience in the classroom and online allowed different students give different responses and established a range of different perspectives on the topic discussed. In MacGregors view he states that Knowledge is shaped, over time, by successive conversations MacGregor (1990). The ability to relate to other students in the face to face session is helpful for other students who find it difficult to communicate in front of others and can benefit their own social skills. However the same goes for the online learning sessions on the module where the learning is catered to individual students and their different learning styles (Downes 1998). As Downes suggested the student can adapt the materials and discussions thrown at them and can re spond in a learning style that suits them. These different learning styles online without seeing peoples faces becomes a centre of excitement and motivation that we all can feel throught the discussions. Maslows theory of motivation describes how human actions are directed toward goal attainment. The esteem needs from Maslows hierarchical pyramid shows a link to the online learning sessions that as students we need the confidence, self-esteem and achievement when working and expressing our views online. To add to this experience it has a deeper impact on me when I answer a question and others respond to it. This built my own self esteem which is described by Maslows theory of motivation as the others were responding to my ideas and encouraged me to give more to the discussion. At times from the online session it was hard getting the topic discussion together as many in the small group didnt want to manage the talk. Gunawardena (1995) suggested that online learning lacks social inter action between students and teachers, as well as within peer groups themselves. I agree with Gunawardenas statement here because it was hard getting everyone to agree with a certain responsibility which slowed down the discussion process. It is difficult to recognise that our group needs a little help and guidance in our conversation but this is not established by the tutor as they are mainly floating between group discussions. I also found that in many of our discussions even though we had a small group, 1 or 2 members would not say anything at all. This then leaves the discussion on 2 people who are the most dominating of characters end up having a conversation between themselves and others are simply sitting and reading. With the online discussions weekly discussions are uploaded on the VLE before the group get together. If the online conversation becomes slow and undirected, I tend to look at a group discussion they placed on the VLE and give my own options on it. This tends to gear the conversation back up and others tend to join in. These posts at times gives me ideas that I hadnt thought of and enables me to respond to their posts so the other students know that other students have acknowledged them. Through the experiences on the online chats I have noticed that this type of interaction allows the opportunity for students to share their own reflections, give critical feedback and comment openly about the topic. If a question is asked from the tutor in lesson its apparent that the same 3 or 4 confident students (including me) will raise their hands and continually answer. The answers are spontaneous commonly on the spot with limited time that we have to discuss. However on the online environment, if the same question is answered its opens a new dimension of read, review and respond method that we have encountered on the course. This VLE learning and online discussions encourage the use of other resources such as internet links, course materials, discuss ions boards at my convenience to help elaborate group discussions. Evaluation ICT has changed dramatically from when ICT as an A level in my experience was simply reading, copying out of a book and then taking the exam. This module has developed my understanding of the intensity of ICT and how ICT can be differentiated in many ways through the range of different virtual worlds software packages. The different activities we entailed in the module were across the board where as I discussed before even different students from different backgrounds could explore. Calongne (2008) explains in his article that Virtual worlds support different learning styles and give students opportunities to explore, discover, and express their understanding of the subject. However the tools capabilities do not guarantee a great learning experience. This was the case on the module, even though there were different virtual softwares we experimented with some were not interesting at all. Only the software I felt I learned the most from were described in part 1 of this report even thou gh most of the software activities were similar to each other. I have learnt a lot about the resources available that I didnt know about and how it can be used in Learning. Applying for my Masters I was worried that I would not have the confidence or techniques to stand up in the classroom again however this module has given me more resources to help me in the future to enhance my lessons using different learning materials. I have always been interested in ICT choosing it at GCSE and A LEVEL and then following it through into my degree and PGCE course. ICT has impacted learning so much that everything is now based around PCs. The online lecturers which were part of the module were accessed at any convenient time and place. This enabled students in the UK and abroad to approach the module without any limitation and express ideas at a pace convenient to them. Online learning as experienced on this module has brought a new dimension to learning and allows the student to engage with oth er members of my class outside the university environment which helps build confidence amongst the group when we got together. The flexibility of not writing quick short hand notes in lecturers but the detail of discussion remains and I can easily read back anything I may have missed. The tutor in this instant can be seen as a guide to the discussions and gives us students the opportunity to express our opinions and comments on other comments. The classroom interactions are more for the students who prefer to gain more knowledge from other people but also establishing new friendships amongst the group and direct contact with the tutor. Within the learning environment from face to face sessions which are rather brief in my experience however it becomes at times a great ice breaker for those who tend to be the much shy students. Our tutor being the certain point in both the face to face and online sessions gives them plenty of experience to help avoid any future drawbacks from these s essions. This enables tutors to grip the potential of collaborative learning and pull together information from the module evaluations to improve the course as a whole. Conclusion Online learning can always have its advantages and disadvantages but technology is there as a tool for learning which is combined with the different teaching methods. It is the way the students respond, review and reflect which was a key aspect of learning in this module. Students explore education in many different ways and the course has allowed us to do this online and face to face. These are only 2 types of learning but more technology will be introduced and more ways of learning will be introduced. This can change how we learn today through the use of student social collaboration methods. As cited in Gibson (2007) Visions without action is a dream; action without vision, nightmare. If only there was a virtual simulation that can visualise the future of education and how a learning environment would look like which could give us an indication of how rapidly technology is changing.

Impact of Stroke Case Study

Impact of Stroke Case Study Introduction Jithra is now 68 years of age. Her family consists of husband, daughter, nephew and nephews wife. She has been living with left side hemiplegia caused by stroke since she was 64. As this interview went, Jithra was holding her daughters hand and slowly elaborated her word by word experience in tears. Before an episode of stroke damaged the right side of her brain and put her in bed for the rest of her life, Jithra was living a life of a healthy person. She stated that poverty and debt were the most important factors that motivated her to wake up at 4:30 am on regular basis in order to prepare food and beverage for her respective customers who kindly supported her small restaurant. A strong belief that she did not have any health issue strengthened by the fact that an annual physical check-up was so expensive disguised Jithra from realising how essential it was to have her blood pressure and blood glucose level regularly monitored when she aged. As now that she spends her activities of daily living in bed, pressure sore has become the main concern for both Jithra and her family. Though Jithra does not complain of soreness, redness on skin does indicate that some areas need attention. This essay will provide an overview understanding of stroke and its negative effects posed on Jithra. Furthermore, this essay will emphasise on the intervention and prevention of pressure ulcer in depth. Understand Stroke According to World Health Organization (2014), stroke occurs when there is an interruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain. Stroke can be divided into two major types. The first type is called haemorrhagic stroke. This type of stroke accounts for approximately 13 percent of all strokes (Brown Edward, 2012). It results from bleeding into the brain tissue. The bleeding caused by a rupture of blood vessels results in the leakage of blood into the brain impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Haemorrhagic stroke can be caused by a number of disorders affecting the blood vessels. Some of which are long-standing high blood pressure and cerebral aneurysms, a thin or weak spot on a blood vessel wall. The weak spots that cause aneurysms are usually present at birth. The development of aneurysms happens over a number of years and don’t usually cause detectable problems until they break (Stroke Foundation, 2014). Jithra’s daughter stated that Jithra complained of headache and nausea approximately 48 hours, especially during periods of activity, before an episode of stroke occurred. Headache particularly distinguishes haemorrhagic stroke from ischaemic stroke. Its other symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, neurological deficits and hypertension (Brown Edward, 2012). The second type is called ischaemic stroke. It accounts for approximately 85 percent of all strokes. According to Brown and Edward (2012), this type of stroke occurs as the result of partial or complete obstruction, caused by a blood clot, of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. This leads to an insufficient of oxygen supply and glucose needed for cellular metabolism. A clot may be formed by means of embolism or thrombosis. Both types of clotting formations can be differentiated by their characteristics. The term embolism in relation to stroke is characterised by a condition where an embolus is created in one part of the brain or the body, circulates in the bloodstream, and eventually blocks the flow of blood through a vessel in another part of the brain (Crosta, 2009). This is called embolic stroke. On the other hand, the term thrombosis is characterised by the formation of a clot resulted from fatty deposits or plaque blocking the passage of blood through the artery. Th is type of clot remains in one area of blood vessels without being carried throughout the bloodstream. This is called thrombotic stroke (Brown Edward, 2012). Stroke risk factors There are multiple risk factors associating with stroke as according with (Brown Edward, 2012). The risk factors can be classified into non-modifiable risk factors and modifiable risk factors. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, race and heredity. Modifiable risk factors include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heavy alcohol consumption, hypercoagulability, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, sickle cell disease and smoking. Jithra, at 68, was diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus have played a key role in contribution to stroke. ‘Stroke risk increases with age, doubling each decade after age 55 (Brown Edward, 2012, p. 1622).’ The rate of atherosclerotic development is usually increased by the stress of a constantly elevated blood pressure. The term atherosclerosis is referred to as hardening of the arteries resulting from the formation of fatty deposits or plaques. The narrowing of the blood vessels is its consequence. The carotid artery in the neck is a common site where these plaques develop and tend to break away and lodge in the vessels of the brain (Sander, 2013). Likewise, diabetes mellitus increases tendency towards the dysfunction of the inner linings of the blood vessel walls leading to an increase in the tendency towards the development of plaques. In addition, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels are highly likely among people with diabetes mellitus (Brown Edward, 2012, p. 863). Impact of Stroke According to Brown and Edward (2012), stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Jithra has been living with left side paralysis since she was 64 as a consequence of stroke. Immobility and the weakness in Jithra’s right arm and leg are the key limitations. She relies greatly on her family members when repositioning in bed is attempted and a combination of self-care abilities and activities of daily living, such as eating or drinking, are performed. Dysarthria, a disturbance in the muscular control of speech, is also experienced. Impairment may involve pronunciation, articulation and phonation. This helps explaining why Jithra feels uncomfortable communicating with strangers. As the interview went, a sudden change in emotion was spotted. Persons who have had a stroke may have difficulty controlling their emotions. Emotional responses may be exaggerated or unpredictable (Brown Edward, 2012, p. 1628).The daughter said that Jithra sometimes cried without any reas on. The interchanging between laughing and crying took only minutes to do so. Besides pressure, shearing force, friction and excessive moisture contribute to pressure ulcer formation (Maklebust Sieggreen, 2001). As mentioned above that Jithra is bed-bound and greatly relies on her family members when repositioning is attempted, manual handling is used in order to lift and move her around the bed. However, the incorrect techniques combined with non-supportive equipment, such as sliding sheet, have put the maintenance of Jithra’s skin integrity becomes much more difficult. Pressure Ulcer According to Sydney South West (2008, p. 4), pressure ulcers are defined as â€Å"any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure when soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period.† Factors that influence the development of pressure ulcers include the intensity of the pressure; the length of time the pressure is exerted on the skin; and the ability of the tissue to tolerate the externally applied pressure. Intrinsic factors that put Jithra at risk in developing pressure ulcers consist of advanced age, malnutrition and diabetes mellitus. Extrinsic factors include pressure, shear and moisture Sydney South West (2008). Intervention Although the skin remains intact, the appearance of persistent redness, particularly in sacrum, followed by itchy sensation indicates that stage one pressure ulcer has already developed. Stage one pressure ulcer can be intervened as referred to pressure ulcer intervention guidelines (Jones, 2013) by strictly maintaining the skin integrity. This can be done by relieving the externally applied pressure, protecting fragile skin and bony prominence, preventing friction and shearing and protecting skin from moisture. In relieving the externally applied pressure, a regime of repositioning combined with the use of pressure relieving devices has already been utilised by Jithra’s daughter. However, it might not be enough in terms of the frequency. The frequency of repositioning depends on the ability of the tissue to tolerate the externally applied pressure. In this case, Jithra should move or be repositioned frequently enough in allowing reddened area of affected skin to recover from the effects of pressure. A turn clock may be a helpful reminder of correct body positions and appropriate turning times. Additionally, a 30-degree side lying position may well be utilised for Jithra as it diverts pressure from the sacrum. Maintaining a 30-degree side lying position can simply be done by using pillow or foam positioning wedges. However, lying on the side may increase pressure on extremities, especially knees and ankles. Placing pillows between the legs helps preventing opposing knees and ankles fr om exerting pressure on one another (Maklebust Sieggreen, 2001). In protecting fragile skin and bony prominence, an appropriate support surfaces shall be used and yet its cost has to be taken into consideration. Poverty and debt make it very difficult for Jithra to afford buying or renting them. ‘Charges can range from $24 to purchase a foam overlay to a daily rental fee of $125 for a highly technical therapy bed (Maklebust Sieggreen, 2001, p. 75).’ Regardless of the variations in price, There is no scientific evidence that one support surface consistently works better than any others. Nevertheless, pressure points require protection whether at risk persons are in a bed or on a chair. Using pillows to bridge vulnerable areas, again simple, is an effective way to eliminate pressure. A regime of repositioning, together with the use of pillows has proved to be highly effective in protecting fragile skin and bony prominence. In preventing Jithra from friction and shearing, a family education on how friction and shearing occur and correct usage of manual handling techniques and appropriate equipment shall be provided. Shear is greatest when a caregiver drags an at risk person along the surface of the sheets during repositioning or allows the person to slide from high-fowler’s position. In order to minimise shearing force, the head of the bed shall not be raised exceeding a 30 degree angle, unless the patient is eating. Furthermore, friction, a precursor of shear, is commonly caused by pulling a patient across the bed linen. Rubbing the protective layer of skin away increases the potential for deeper tissue damage. Excessive moisture may be the result of sweating, wound drainage, soaking during bathing and faecal and urinary incontinence. Moist skin is five times as likely to become ulcerated as dry skin. The intervention guidelines suggested that protecting skin from moisture can be done by using continence management systems, using barrier skin cream to prevent skin maceration and keeping the site clean and dry. Living in a hot and humid country like Thailand may put Jithra at a higher risk of developing pressure ulcer due to sweating. Thailand normally has its temperature sitting at around 30 degree Celsius. Two fans, together with the application of baby powder are used in maintaining the dryness of Jithra’s skin. Recommendation According to Jones (2013), it is highly recommended that risk assessments must be done on Jithra by using the Waterlow scale. In doing so, her body mass index is required. The scale will give a score which helps identifying if Jithra is at risk, high risk or very high risk in developing pressure ulcers. Therefore, repositioning regime can be precisely arranged in order to ensure optimum pressure redistribution. Manual handling, together with the use of equipment such as hoists or slide sheets, effectively helps avoiding shear and friction. Education on the use of the mentioned equipment shall also be provided. A dietician shall be involved in discussing knowledge of healthy diet and considering the need for food fortification and nutritional supplements. Make sure that Jithra consumes adequate fibre and well hydrated as she is more prone to constipation due to immobility. Conclusion This can be concluded that the maintenance of skin integrity plays a key role in avoiding the development of pressure ulcers. Being rich or poor might not be the factors in treating and preventing pressure ulcers. This essay has shown how beneficial it is to have carers or family members who strictly put pressure ulcer intervention and prevention guidelines into practice to look after Jithra. The mattress that Jithra lays her body on might not be the best that the family can afford but frequently turning and maintaining dry skin have proved in lowering the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Only stage one pressure ulcer developed though, Jithra has been suffering from disability for 4 years. References Brown, D., Edwards, H. (Eds.). (2012). Lewiss medical-surgical nursing: assessment and management of clinical problems. NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. Crosta, P. (2009). What Is Embolism? What Are The Different Types Of Embolism?. Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153704.php Jones, D. (2013). Pressure ulcer prevention in the community setting. Nursing Standard, 28 (3) 47-55. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3sid=87c6951d-c6be-44c5-8985-c35d1918eb04%40sessionmgr4004hid=4207 Maklebust, J., Sieggreen, M. (2001). Pressure Ulcers: Guidelines for Prevention and Management (3rd ed.). Pennsylvania, USA: Springhouse Corporation. ONeill, P. A. (2002). Caring for the Older Adult: A Health Promotion Perspective. Pennsylvania, USA: W.B. Saunders Company. Sander, R. (2013). Prevention and treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Nursing Older People, 25(8), 34-39. Scott, K., Webb, M., Sorrentino, S., Gorek, B. (Eds.). (2006). Long-term care assisting: Aged care and disability. NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. Stroke Foundation. (2014). Types of Stroke. Retrieve from http://strokefoundation.com.au/what-is-a-stroke/types-of-stroke/ Sydney South West Area Health Service. (2007). Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management. Retrieved fromhttp://www.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/pdf/policy/pd2008008.pdf Watkins, C., Leathley, M. (2010). Setting the scene. In Williams, J., Perry, L., Watkins C. (Eds.), Acute Stroke Nursing (pp.1-16). Retrieved fromhttp://0-onlinelibrary.wiley.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au/store/10.1002/9781444318838.ch1/asset/ch1.pdf?v=1t=ht43cw4ls=1791526b00be208b196d718b1c2189904267ad40 World Health Organization. (2014). Stroke, Cerebrovascular Accident. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/cerebrovascular_accident/en/

The world :: essays research papers fc

This paper is about the world, but I've never written it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Editing Resources Other Resources Hosted by pair Networks ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Critique of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Version of Natural Law Theory Paradoxically, Martin Luther King, Jr., in his "Letter from Birmingham City Jail," initially uses classical natural law theory to defend his actions, but immediately thereafter contradicts a fundamental tenet of this theory and relies on a "weaker" version of natural law. In doing so, King must attempt to formulate a theory which justifies his illegal actions in view of his moral obligation to obey the law. King's failure to distinguish between legal obligations and moral obligations yields a logical paradox in his final formulation of natural law theory. However, King's theory need not be completely rejected if his argument is slightly modified to reject the moral obligation to obey laws. King initially uses classical natural law theory as his rational basis to defend his actions. This theory has two main component claims according to Murphy and Coleman (Sourcebook, I-35), the first being, "Moral validity is a logically necessary condition for legal validity- an unjust or immoral law being no law at all" followed by, "The moral order is a part of the natural order- moral duties being in some sense "read off" from essences or purposes fixed (perhaps by God) in nature." According to this theory, morality ‚ law, but law = morality by definition. Thus for King to use this theory, two requirements are implicit. He must assert that an unjust law is not really a law, and he must provide a moral theory to distinguish just and unjust laws. King first quotes St. Augustine, "an unjust law is no law at all," to emphasize his agreement with the first claim. He then includes the "law of God" as his moral theory to provide the framework upon which to judge the law. His argument using classical natural law theory at first seems to be a valid and necessary defense for breaking the law, i.e. disobeying segregation laws and orders to not march. Most people are initially supportive of his argument that an unjust law is not a law he can or should obey. King's comment that "one has a moral responsibility to obey just laws...one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws" (Letter, p3) therefore appears to justify his actions. However, a rational analysis makes apparent several difficulties associated with this argument. The world :: essays research papers fc This paper is about the world, but I've never written it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Editing Resources Other Resources Hosted by pair Networks ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Critique of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Version of Natural Law Theory Paradoxically, Martin Luther King, Jr., in his "Letter from Birmingham City Jail," initially uses classical natural law theory to defend his actions, but immediately thereafter contradicts a fundamental tenet of this theory and relies on a "weaker" version of natural law. In doing so, King must attempt to formulate a theory which justifies his illegal actions in view of his moral obligation to obey the law. King's failure to distinguish between legal obligations and moral obligations yields a logical paradox in his final formulation of natural law theory. However, King's theory need not be completely rejected if his argument is slightly modified to reject the moral obligation to obey laws. King initially uses classical natural law theory as his rational basis to defend his actions. This theory has two main component claims according to Murphy and Coleman (Sourcebook, I-35), the first being, "Moral validity is a logically necessary condition for legal validity- an unjust or immoral law being no law at all" followed by, "The moral order is a part of the natural order- moral duties being in some sense "read off" from essences or purposes fixed (perhaps by God) in nature." According to this theory, morality ‚ law, but law = morality by definition. Thus for King to use this theory, two requirements are implicit. He must assert that an unjust law is not really a law, and he must provide a moral theory to distinguish just and unjust laws. King first quotes St. Augustine, "an unjust law is no law at all," to emphasize his agreement with the first claim. He then includes the "law of God" as his moral theory to provide the framework upon which to judge the law. His argument using classical natural law theory at first seems to be a valid and necessary defense for breaking the law, i.e. disobeying segregation laws and orders to not march. Most people are initially supportive of his argument that an unjust law is not a law he can or should obey. King's comment that "one has a moral responsibility to obey just laws...one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws" (Letter, p3) therefore appears to justify his actions. However, a rational analysis makes apparent several difficulties associated with this argument.

The job of a Sociologist :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sociologist study a variety of topics in basic settings as well as in applied settings. To do so, the sociologist must work within three different realms. These realms are the theoretical realm, the observational realm, and the policy/action realm.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To begin research sociologist must look into the theoretical realm. Here (s)he may observe existing social knowledge about human behavior. After the sociologist focuses on one of these existing studies they may move on to the observational realm. If the sociologist is in a basic setting (s)he would now re-hypothesize about the fact she found and test it. However, if the sociologist is in an applied setting, (s)he must do much more work. Applied research includes such things as program evaluations, social impact evaluations, social indicators, and cost benefit analysis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After the sociologist has begun the research (s)he will now move onto a different realm. Basic research will finish in the policy/action realm by creating a policy or recommendation based on their research. However, those in an applied setting have many options to consider. The sociologist may send their analysis outside of all these realms to a consultant or clinician. Here these people can make a clinical recommendation on what to do about their finding. They may also announce a program implementation. Other directions which the sociologist in the applied setting may go are in the Policy action realm to give their own policy recommendation. They may also announce program implementation without consulting a clinician.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One practitioner who has followed these steps is Herbert Spencer. Spencer looked at society based on another’s theory. He looked towards Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. With this idea in mind, he came to his own hypothesis that society also has evolved over time. He also looked at society from a biological standpoint. He stated that â€Å"society is a set of interdependent parts that work together to maintain the system overtime.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spencer believed that the best aspects of society would survive throughout time. He believed that it is nobody’s place to try to correct any bad aspects of society. Instead society should be left alone to run itself so that it can see that only the best societies will survive.

Mary, Queen of Scots Essay -- History

Mary, Queen of Scots Mary Stewart was born December 7, 1542. Her father was James V, King of Scotland and her mother was Mary of Guise of France. Mary was the third child and only daughter of James V and Mary of Guise, since both of her twin brothers had died before she was born at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland. Seven days after Mary was born, James V, died and his infant daughter succeeded to the Scottish throne. Mary Stewart became Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1547 an English invasion led to the military occupation of the country. By 1548, the Scottish were actively seeking French aid and betrothed their young queen to the French dauphin Francis, the son of Henry II, on the condition that Henry send an army to Scotland to drive the English out. French troops arrived in Scotland and the 5year old queen left to spend the next 13 years in France. Mary soon learned to speak in French, which became the language of her choice for the rest of her life. Her education taught her to sing, play the flute and dance gracefully. She spoke and read in six different languages. Mary also had to change the spelling of her last name to Stuart because at the time the French did not have a w in their alphabet. In April 1558 Mary married Francis at Notre Dame Cathedral. Within months, international events changed Mary Stuart’s life dramatically. On November 17, 1558, the queen of England, Mary I (Tudor), died and was succeeded by her Protestant half-sister Elizabeth I. As granddaughter of M... Mary, Queen of Scots Essay -- History Mary, Queen of Scots Mary Stewart was born December 7, 1542. Her father was James V, King of Scotland and her mother was Mary of Guise of France. Mary was the third child and only daughter of James V and Mary of Guise, since both of her twin brothers had died before she was born at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland. Seven days after Mary was born, James V, died and his infant daughter succeeded to the Scottish throne. Mary Stewart became Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1547 an English invasion led to the military occupation of the country. By 1548, the Scottish were actively seeking French aid and betrothed their young queen to the French dauphin Francis, the son of Henry II, on the condition that Henry send an army to Scotland to drive the English out. French troops arrived in Scotland and the 5year old queen left to spend the next 13 years in France. Mary soon learned to speak in French, which became the language of her choice for the rest of her life. Her education taught her to sing, play the flute and dance gracefully. She spoke and read in six different languages. Mary also had to change the spelling of her last name to Stuart because at the time the French did not have a w in their alphabet. In April 1558 Mary married Francis at Notre Dame Cathedral. Within months, international events changed Mary Stuart’s life dramatically. On November 17, 1558, the queen of England, Mary I (Tudor), died and was succeeded by her Protestant half-sister Elizabeth I. As granddaughter of M...

English speech Essay

Morning/Afternoon, fellow students. As all of you have had the unfortunate task to study belonging as part of the hsc, and many of you are sitting here zoning my speech out but belonging to people and place is one of the main reasons why we want to belong. In Orson Scott Card’s novel Enders Game it is a major struggle for young Ender Wiggin and he feels like he will never belong. Belonging is not welcomed but is still portrayed deeply in Sean Penn’s film Into the Wild with Chris McCandless never fully understanding the concept of belonging. These texts demonstrate belonging both differently and similarly to Steven Herrick’s free-verse novel The Simple Gift. The human kind has always looked for people to belong to as it is one the most basic instincts for us humans to look for. Sean Penn had the challenge to demonstrate the life of Chris McCandless. At the age 22 from an affluent background Chris felt like he did not belong in the life he was living and unlike most people his age he got and left his life behind him and â€Å"risked†¦ a relentlessly lonely path†. Penn uses narration to explain how Chris had the ability to belong to a father like man (Ron) but instead Chris continued to walk down the lonely path. Through the flashbacks in scenes on Chris’s life with Rainey and Jan Burres, who practically begged Chris to stay with them and have the chance to belong but still he didn’t take that chance. Sean Penn is able to illustrate that Chris’s understanding of belonging was obscure. But still Chris couldn’t find the ability to belong to other people and took his whole lifetime to understand that â€Å"Happiness is only real when shared.† In The Simple Gift Billy a similar person to Chris but unlike Chris, Billy had the ability to belong to people and was able to settle down because of his sense of belonging. Orson Scott Card’s protagonist Andrew Wiggin also known as ‘Ender’ was born into a post-modern society and he is referred to as genetically perfect and intellectually smarter and the age of 8 he was asked to leave home and go to train to become the best military leader. The men in charge have one job and it â€Å"is to produce the best soldiers in the World†. Through the uses of irony of creating a child soldier Mazor Rackham (man in charge) assumed that there  would no consequences to Ender’s life, from creating a child military leader, thus this caused Ender to never belong to anyone. Graff (the man who trained Ender) â€Å"wanted to help Ender† but would rather create a better soldier. Through the contradiction of Graff wanting to help Ender but Graff being determined to create a better soldier, which forced Ender into isolation and had no one to belong too. Orson Scott Card is able to portray the effects of lack of belonging on Ender and show how it affects people. Alike to the Simple Gift and Into the Wild both protagonists never felt belonging with their parents. Even both characters may not have faced such a harsh lack of belonging compared to Ender but both Billy and Chris still new the toll it can take on someone. Most people want to belong to a place which causes people to search for belonging and the ability to call a place home. Orson Scott Card’s novel Ender’s Game try’s to demonstrate, how Ender struggled to belong to places but believed that Battle School was â€Å"the only place in the universe where he belonged.† Card uses hyperbole to help the audience understand that the child Ender had made an attachment and belonged to place and thought it as home. When Ender got forced to move on from the only place Ender liked â€Å"He hated it. He wanted to go back home, back to the Battle School.† Through short sentencing Card is able to illustrate that when ender arrives back to his original home he did not belong. The audience is able to understand the desperation for young Ender to get back to his home and belong. Similar to Ender’s Game, The Simple Gift Billy did not now what to do when he knew that he might have to leave his newly founded home. In Sean Penn’s film Into the Wild belonging is not part of Chris’s vocabulary. Chris as a young man had lived in more places than most people can imagine. Chris’s lack of belonging to these places causes him to keep moving from place to place even though he had the chance to belong. Through compressed time of the film shows Chris constantly moving around and demonstrate to the audience that Chris does not understand belonging and missed the happiness he was looking for. At the end of Chris’s life he is able to determine what the true meaning of happiness is and that he had the chance to belong. Through the close up of Chris’s last breath facial expressions shows sadness that Chris had places to belong too but in his dyeing breath he knew that he had missed his chance . Through  this the audience is able to understand that Chris knew that he had the chance to belong to many places. Even though both Ender’s Game and The Simple Gift had places to belong both Ender at his house and Billy at Nowheres Vile, knew how it felt not to belong to a place. Fitting into a place or being able to belong to a group of people is a significant part of the normal person’s life. Sean Penn was able to direct Into the Wild and is able to portray Chris and his very different understanding of belonging. Orson Scott Card’s novel Ender’s Game was able to illustrate the effects of what little belonging can do people. Through these texts and The Simple Gift all three composers were able to demonstrate similar and differently the effects of belonging to people and place.

With wind power technologies

AbstractionWith wind power engineerings deriving rapid impulse particularly offshore wind farm engineering, assorted issues affecting internal and external electrical connexion of offshore air current turbines to the grid arise. This literature reappraisal presents a survey of past researches refering offshore wind farm engineering and high spots wind farm connexion issues. Section 1 presents the debut of the subject followed by an overview of offshore air current farms in Section 2. Following, types of generators used are discussed in Section 3. Section 4 and 5 nowadayss the nucleus of the research, detailing transmittal and interconnectedness of offshore air current farms utilizing both AC and DC severally. Finally the last subdivision concludes the reappraisal.Section OneIntroductionWind power coevals has been on the rise as of late [ 1 ] . USA late took over Germany as the current universe ‘s leader of air current power capacity [ 2 ] , using air current energy as an option of electricity coevals. European states are preponderantly inclined towards wind power in add-on to Asiatic states such as China and India, which are amongst the top air current power manufacturers [ 2 ] . There is a bound to onshore air current farm connexion nevertheless, due to set down bounds and with the huge potency of air current harvest home from the seas and less obstructor compared to onshore air currents [ 3 ] , it is merely evident that the following logical measure is to travel into offshore wind farms. Furthermore, with changeless power produced from the changeless air current velocity of the sea [ 1 ] , and the possible combination of moving ridge and tidal power [ 4 ] , chances of offshore air current farms are promoting. Installations of offshore air current farms are non fiddling, as many factors and concerns are taken into history over the substructure and layout. The unsmooth hostile environment of the sea gives rather a challenge for installing and transmittal to the grid and it is a critical concern. Overall, there are several electrical challenges sing offshore air current farms in contrast to the mechanical challenges that has well reduced over the past decennary [ 1 ] . A major challenge sing offshore air current farms would be its transmittal from generator to the grid [ 5 ] . The conventional AC transmittals provide restrictions as offshore air current farms move farther off from the shore. These restrictions will be studied and possible solutions are to be recommended. This literature reappraisal presents an overview of grid connexion of offshore air current turbines, diging into types of generators used, every bit good as air current farm interconnectedness, transmittals of power to onshore grid and reappraisals of jobs related.Section TwoGeneral Overview of Offshore Wind FarmsWind farms are considered offshore if they are at least 30km from the seashore [ 6 ] . Presently, the biggest offshore air current farms has a capacity of up to 200MW [ 7 ] , with each turbines bring forthing 2-3MW. Offshore air current farms are dearly-won ( 30-60 % higher [ 4 ] ) than onshore due to the larger, higher rated power of turbines, undersea connexions and overall cost of installing and care [ 3 ] . Harmonizing to Reference [ 3 ] , air current farms have electrical subsystems which consist of:Internal medium-voltage ( MV ) grid for aggregation of power produced by single generators ;Offshore electrical substructure for transit of power to the shore ;Onshore system which link the farm to HV webs.The power produced by each air current turbine is collected via the internal MV grids utilizing either radial or pealing connected design [ 3 ] . Radial design, being the cheapest pick, uses a individual overseas telegram feeder that is connected to the turbines in contrast to the ring connected web where cabling and exchanging output higher costs. Radial design suffer from low dependability, though it can be improved by forking the radial feeders [ 3 ] . Depending on air current farm size and distance from shore, every bit good as environmental restriction, [ 3 ] nowadayss two strategies of electrical substructures for transporting power to the shore. Scheme 1 utilizations an seaward substation incorporating switchgears and transformers [ 8 ] , which step up electromotive forces and transmit it utilizing HV overseas telegrams, while Scheme 2 utilizations undersea MV overseas telegrams [ 3 ] . The defined point of common yoke ( PCC ) is where the offshore air current farm connects to the grid [ 3 ] . If an offshore substation is present beforehand ( Scheme 1 ) , the HV overseas telegrams are connected straight to the grid but if MV overseas telegrams are used for transmittal ( Scheme 2 ) , so an onshore step-up transformer is required with HV overseas telegrams before being fed to the grid [ 3 ] . Figure 1 below shows the two different electrical system strategies. Figure 1: Wind farm electrical system schemes [ 3 ] Offshore substation is normally required for electromotive forces above 33kv [ 9 ] and is costlier due to dearly-won indoor equipment and environmental protection [ 9 ] but contributes to take down power losingss and simpler electromotive force control [ 3 ] .Section ThreeWind Turbines and GeneratorsDifferent types of air current generators have been designed and manufactured within the past two decennaries, to provide to the demands of planetary air current power capacity every bit good as the turning development of air current power engineering [ 10 ] . These wind generators are designed to back up and manage mistakes on the grid [ 7 ] . There are assorted types of generators for air current turbines and they are categorized harmonizing to synchronal or initiation type generators.3.1 Synchronous GeneratorsThe power convertor in Figure 2 refers to a rectifier, with constellation a being stator connected and the remainder being rotor connected [ 11 ] .3.2 Initiation GeneratorsAs for initiation generators, typical constellations for air current farms are shown in Figure 3 below For constellation a, the power convertor is a soft starting motor whereas for constellation B and vitamin D, it refers to a frequence convertor. Configuration degree Celsius has an external variable rotor opposition [ 11 ] .3.3 Fixed Speed and Variable Speed Wind TurbinesIn conventional systems, fixed velocity air current turbines are used in order to accomplish equal frequence of the grid and the electrical end product [ 6 ] . However, variable velocity air current turbines are has an advantage over fixed velocity air current turbines due to holding advanced power electronic constituents and good control for grid support. Fixed velocity turbines are by and large cheaper, simple and robust and Reference [ 7 ] presented a new control method to get the better of the restrictions and believes that the fixed velocity turbines will be popular once more if betterments are made over its grid support. Fixed velocity or variable velocity air current turbine design relies to a great extent on an optimal rotational velocity expressed by a factor called tip-speed ratio [ 6, 12 ] Wind turbines will work under certain tip-speed ratio for the coveted turbine efficiency. In Figure 4, a typical graph demoing the relation of air current turbine efficiency and tip-speed ratio is shown. Mentioning to the graph, accomplishing 47 % efficiency requires the air current turbine to hold a tip-speed ratio of 8 [ 13 ] . Figure 4: Example relation between air current turbine efficiency and tip-speed ratio [ 13 ]3.4 Fixed Speed GeneratorsFixed Speed Synchronous GeneratorsFixed velocity synchronal generators produce end product frequence based on the turbine ‘s rotational frequence ; which implies that it is synchronized with the generator ‘s shaft velocity [ 6 ] . These machines can bring forth electricity by itself without the grid ‘s power, so in instance of care or fix plants, isolation of the generators must be implemented [ 6 ] for safety grounds.Fixed Speed Induction GeneratorsInitiation generators are normally used for fixed velocity turbines, particularly squirrel-cage type generators and they connect straight to the AC grid without the demand for frequence convertors [ 13 ] . Reference [ 6 ] provinces that the grid ‘s excitement controls the frequence of the generator ‘s end product. When air current velocities go above the rated velocity threshold ( shutdown or roll uping wind velocity [ 5 ] ) of normally 25/ , the end product power is constrained by natural stall or active pitching of turbine blades and if that fails, the turbine is so stopped. For improved turbine efficiency, fixed wind generators can exchange between pole yokes to run at two different velocities [ 13 ] . This characteristic is to let low air currents velocity to hold better efficiency. Initiation generators are favoured for their low cost and isolation for care plants is non required compared to the synchronal generators, due to its inability to bring forth electricity when the grid ‘s power is cut off. However, initiation generators have a disadvantage of that it consumes reactive power from the grid, though including capacitances between the generator and the grid could counterpoise the job [ 6 ] [ 13 ] . Initiation generators besides require a cut-off system to avoid it moving as a motor when air current speeds lessenings.3.5 Variable Speed GeneratorsThrough variable velocity generators, we can do the rotor to run at a fixed tip-speed ratio over changing air current velocities to obtain maximal efficiency [ 13 ] . This is achieved by utilizing frequence convertors or commanding the rotor ‘s faux pas [ 13 ] . The former method licenses wider velocity scope. Reference [ 10 ] has made a comparing survey on seven variable velocity changeless frequence ( VSCF ) air current generators dwelling of both synchronal and induction generators. The initiation generators studied specifically are double fed initiation generators ( DFIG ) and VSCF squirrel coop initiation generators ( SCIG ) , whereas the synchronal generator types were lasting magnet synchronal generators ( PMSG ) and electrically excited synchronal generator ( EESG ) [ 10 ] . Both of the synchronal generators are direct driven in contrast to the geared goaded initiation generators. Based on the comparing consequences, the geared driven double fed initiation generators ( DFIG ) emerged as the most appealing due to its high one-year energy production ( AEP ) per cost and lowest generator system cost and it is recommended for big power evaluation use [ 10 ] .Doubly Fed Induction Generator ( DFIG )This lesion rotor machine can work as a variable-speed generator through debut of variable electromotive forces into its rotor at slip frequence [ 14 ] . The variable velocity is deter mined by the two IGBT based electromotive force beginning convertors ‘ evaluations and it is through these convertors that the rotor get the variable electromotive forces [ 14 ] .Section FourOffshore Wind Farm AC TransmissionAC transmittal is a good developed engineering [ 15 ] and soon used in most air current farms [ 16 ] . For offshore air current farms that are below 100km distance from shore and less than 150MW capacity, high electromotive force AC ( HVAC ) transmittal is a favoured pick for being the most economical method [ 17 ] . AC transmittal has the advantages of [ 16 ] :Simpler installing, care and interconnectednessCost effectualOperational consistenceAC links are non used for longer distances due to high electrical capacity and bring forth reactive currents [ 15 ] . This implies bigger reactive power due to the bear downing currents produced as overseas telegrams become longer and reactive power compensators are needed [ 5 ] [ 15 ] . AC transmittal loses its economic entreaty when active current is less than the bear downing current [ 15 ] . The transporting burden current capacity of the AC overseas telegrams is reduced because the overseas telegrams must physically transport both burden and bear downing currents at the same clip [ 16 ] . Reference [ 16 ] shows that bear downing current is expressed by =2F where F is frequence, is electrical capacity and is electromotive force ; and the relation of current capacity is 2= 2+2, where is the overseas telegram current capacity and is load current. Based on look, utilizing DC outputs =0 at steady province [ 16 ] , which shows the advantage of DC holding higher transporting load current capacity. Besides bear downing currents, AC cables besides experience power losingss ( 2 ) [ 16 ] and there are bounds to a figure of AC overseas telegrams that can be installed due to the environment [ 18 ] .Section FiveOffshore Wind Farm DC Transmission5.1 HVDC LinksConventionally, offshore wind farms are connected to the grid via AC transmittal as antecedently stated. Latest developments nevertheless, have suggested that AC links are to be substituted with a District of Columbia transmittal system. Typically used for far wind farms of more than 60km, HVDC links are non limited by the length of transmittal and therefore will be a executable and economical option when air current farms are larger and further off from shore compared to AC links [ 1 ] . HVDC transmittal is associated with variable velocity air current turbines due to the ability t o command the frequence of air current turbine grids and is independent of the power system frequence [ 11 ] . Reference [ 19 ] has stated the list of advantages of HVDC compared to HVAC, based on Reference [ 8 ] , which are:Independence of directing and having frequences every bit good as isolation of system from other webs.The distance of HVDC transmittal are unaffected by overseas telegram bear downing current.HVDC overseas telegrams are capable of higher transmittal capacity.Power losingss on overseas telegram are low.Controllability of power flow.5.2 Wind Farm AC Grid ConfigurationThe simplest DC grid connexion for air current farms is by feeding the AC grid air current turbines into a power convertor and linking it to the AC grid utilizing HVDC links. The figure below illustrates this. Figure 5: Group connexion of a air current farm to an HVDC nexus [ 11 ] The benefits of this constellation is that sum of power convertors are lessened compared to DC grid constellation, but they supply reactive power to the air current farm, enabling it to defy grid mistakes [ 11 ] .5.3 Wind Farm DC Grid ConfigurationAn alternate method is to hold each turbines have their ain rectifier such as Figure 6. Figure 6: Individual connexion of air current turbines to HVDC links [ 11 ] Compared to AC grid constellation, DC grid enables control of frequence and velocity of each single turbines [ 11 ] . Reference [ 1 ] explains the working of an DC grid air current farm in more item. Figure 7: Example of DC grid [ 1 ] Mentioning to Figure 7, the electromotive force from the air current generators is first rectified, gathered and so transferred to an offshore platform where the electromotive force is stepped up well by a DC/DC convertor, or else the system will endure high losingss during transmittal [ 1 ] . Power is so transmitted through a District of Columbia overseas telegram, connected to an inverter onshore and finally fed into the grid.5.4 Line Commutated Control ( LCC ) HVDC utilizing ThyristorsLCC transmittal require commuting electromotive force which is conventionally supplied through a normal or a inactive ( STATCOM ) type synchronal compensator [ 19 ] . The advantages of LCC systems in seaward air current farms are [ 19 ] :LCC transmittal can be used for high capacity power, making 1600MW nexus compared to VSC transmittals, which reach 300MW [ 17 ] .Over 30 old ages of development in LCC engineeringThe convertor station for an LCC system is twice the size in contrast to a VSC system du e to the switchgears and breaker- switched AC harmonic filters necessitating much infinite.LCC systems have lower power losingss compared to VSC systems.5.5 Voltage Source Converter ( VSC ) HVDC utilizing IGBTsBesides conventional LCC transmittal, another engineering is the electromotive force beginning convertor ( VSC ) transmittal utilizing IGBTs. The electromotive forces beginning comes from capacitances [ 20 ] . The advantages of VSC transmittals used in air current farms are [ 19 ] :VSC systems are self-commutating and external electromotive force beginning is non required for operation.Reactive power control does non necessitate switchable AC harmonic filters and is independent of active power control.The power reactive power flow is independently controlled, doing AC electromotive forces from each terminal controllable.5.6 HVDC and HVAC CombinationNot all offshore air current farms are built in it ‘s wholly. They are normally built in stages. For such state of affairss, Reference [ 21 ] recommends transmission combination of HVAC and HVDC. Preliminary stages of building of air current farms can use AC connexion due to the initial little graduated table and subsequently utilizing HVDC connexion as the air current farm ‘s scale expands [ 21 ] .Section SixDecisionOverview of offshore air current farms has been presented in this literature reappraisal. Different topologies and internal grid connexions are outlined. Furthermore, we have looked into applications of synchronal and initiation generators used in air current turbines and explored the difference between fixed velocity and variable velocity generators, which are indispensable in air current turbines in regard to generated end product power. Finally, a general sum-up of the transmittal methods for offshore wind farms were documented, traveling into specific AC transmittal drawbacks and the emerging tendency of HVDC transmittals. Based on the generalised apprehension of the air current farms, we aim to further analyze the jobs of its connexion, with respects to the air current farm ‘s internal grid and AC transmittal to the chief grid. Comparisons between internal DC and AC grid of air current farms will besides be studied. Power flow surveies and simulations will be conducted and aimed at bring forthing new recommendations and solutions.MentionsC. Meyer, et al. , â€Å" Control and Design of DC Grids for Offshore Wind Farms, † Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on, vol. 43, pp. 1475-1482, 2007.G. W. E. Council, â€Å" Global Installed Wind Power Capacity ( MW ) – Regional Distribution, † 2008.M. Dicorato, et al. , â€Å" Critical issues in big offshore air current farm design and operation, † in Clean Electrical Power, 2009 International Conference on, 2009, pp. 471-478.M. Nandigam and S. K. Dhali, â€Å" Optimal design of an offshore air current farm layout, † in Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion, 2008. SPEEDAM 2008. International Symposium on, 2008, pp. 1470-1474.J. Machowski, et al. , Power System Dynamics: Stability and Control, Second Edition erectile dysfunction. : John Wiley & A ; Sons, Ltd, 2008.J. Twidell, A Guide to Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems: Cambridge University Press, 1987.D. H. Anca, et al. , â€Å" Grid support of a air current farm with active stall air current turbines and AC grid connexion, † Wind Energy, vol. 9, pp. 341-359, 2006.N. M. Kirby, et al. , â€Å" HVDC transmittal for big offshore air current farms, † Power Engineering Journal, vol. 16, pp. 135-141, 2002.W.Grainger and N.Jenkins, â€Å" Offshore Wind Farm Electrical Connection Options. †L. Hui and C. Zhe, â€Å" Design optimisation and rating of different air current generator systems, † in Electrical Machines and Systems, 2008. ICEMS 2008. International Conference on, 2008, pp. 2396-2401.L. H. L. H. Hansen, F. Blaabjerg, E. Ritchie, S. Munk-Nielsen, H. Bindner, P. S & A ; oslash ; rensen, B. Bak-Jensen, â€Å" Conceptual study of Generators and Power Electronics for Wind Turbines, † 2001.S. Heier, Grid Integration of Wind Energy Conversion Systems, Second erectile dysfunction. : John Wiley & A ; Sons, Ltd, 2006.T. John Olav Gi & A ; aelig ; ver, â€Å" Using power quality features of air current turbines for measuring impact on electromotive force quality, † Wind Energy, vol. 5, pp. 37-52, 2002.T. John Olav Gi & A ; aelig ; ver, â€Å" Grid Integration of Wind Farms, † Wind Energy, vol. 6, pp. 281-295, 2003.P. Sally D. Wright, et al. , â€Å" Transmission Options for Offshore Wind Farms in the United States, † p. 12, 2002.ESS, â€Å" Appendix 3-C, Transmission Issues for Offshore Wind Farms with Specific Application to Siting of the Proposed Cape Wind Project, † Restrictions of Long Transmission Cables for Offshore Wind Farms 2003.S. Foste r, et al. , â€Å" Control of an LCC HVDC system for linking big offshore air current farms with particular consideration of grid mistake, † Pittsburgh, PA, United provinces, 2008.T. Kenichi, et al. , â€Å" New control for HVDC system connected to big windfarm, † Electrical Engineering in Japan, vol. 166, pp. 31-39, 2009.L. Xu and B. R. Andersen, â€Å" Grid connexion of big offshore air current farms utilizing HVDC, † Wind Energy, vol. 9, pp. 371-382, 2006.E. Spahic and G. Balzer, â€Å" Impact of the VSC HVDC Connection of Large Offshore Wind Farms on Power System Stability and Control, † in Power Tech, 2007 IEEE Lausanne, 2007, pp. 207-212.E. Spahic and G. Balzer, â€Å" Offshore air current farms – VSC-based HVDC connexion, † in Power Tech, 2005 IEEE Russia, 2005, pp. 1-6.

WorldCom, Inc Corporate Bond Issuance

This case raises many interesting questions concerning the record setting issuance of corporate debt by WorldCom, Inc. (â€Å"WorldCom†). Both the surprisingly voluminous structure of the proposed issuance and the foreboding macro-economic climate in which it was slated spark concerns over the risk and cost of the move. One of the first questions that must be addressed is whether WorldCom’s timing was appropriate. Next, the company’s choice of structure for the bond issuance must be analyzed. Finally, the cost of issuing each tranche of debt must be estimated in order to determine how much WorldCom is actually giving up to achieve the $6 billion in funds. Timing of the Bond Issuance – Advantages In determining whether the first week of August 1998 was the most opportune time for WorldCom to market such a large bond issuance, the advantages of this time must be weighed against the disadvantages. First, we will cover the advantages. The announcement of WorldCom’s monumental merger with MCI had recently boosted awareness and interest in the firm in a positive way (as evidenced by the surge in stock-price). This was especially important since the merger was set to be financed by the issue, thus incentivizing investors to partake. WorldCom would not have had sufficient funds to complete the merger without the issue, and a WorldCom and MCI merger would be extremely advantageous for all parties involves. Post merger, WorldCom’s credit rating was expected elevate, which would enable the company to borrow at a lower rate. Finally, the macro-economic crisis in Asia had recently shifted investors’ interest away from equities to corporate bonds and treasuries, thus drawing even more interest in the WorldCom opportunity. Timing of the Bond Issue – Disadvantages Although the advantages are numerous, the disadvantages of WorldCom’s timing are seemingly more persuasive. WorldCom had chosen to market the issuance in a time when corporate yield spreads over treasuries had increased, thus granting investors the ability to demand more return. In addition, WorldCom was not the only company issuing a large supply of bonds at that time. In fact, there were many issues set to hit the market around the same time. The sudden influx of corporate debt into the market would apply pressure on the price of the bonds while granting investors a wide range of opportunity and control. In addition, the economic turmoil in Asia at the time had caused a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the fixed-income market and the overall economy, thus pushing investors towards default-free treasury securities and away from corporate debt. Structure of the Issuance WorldCom has the option to extend its bank loan credit facility or to issue this large $6 billion in debt. It plans to use the rolling commercial paper program to pay British Telecommunications for MCI’s share purchases, and then use bond proceeds to pay off the commercial paper program. This signals that WorldCom does not need the money immediately for a single corporate purpose, and does not need the money immediately. Therefore, perhaps it makes sense for World Com to issue the bonds in smaller installments rather than flooding the market with $6 billion in debt all at once. The first reason for this is that, if an underwriter must first purchase the bonds before selling to investors, an underwriter may demand greater spread in order to justify taking down an entire $6 billion in debt using the bank’s capital assets. The second reason is that, regardless of underwriting structure, market demand might not match market supply. If WorldCom is planning to issue $6 billion on top of other issuance this week, traders might not have sufficient inquiry to justify purchasing large amounts of bonds. Choosing a Bond Issue Instead of a Direct Bank Loan WorldCom could also choose to increase its bank loan use. However, use of a direct bank loan has associated with it several drawbacks for an issuer. First, WorldCom (or any corporate issuer) is often required to post collateral. Second, banks often require restrictive covenants which can be either positive or negative; for example, requiring a company to maintain a certain rate-setting procedure (positive), or preventing a company from engaging in a leveraged buyout transaction (negative). Estimated Cost of the Issuance From the covenants contained we can see that there are no embedded options in WorldCom’s proposed bonds. Thus, we can use the conventional 3-step approach to price the bonds. The first step is to estimate the cash flow that WorldCom could expect to receive over the life of the bonds. If the coupon rate is equivalent to the yield required by the market, then the bond will sell at par value. Thus, we set the coupon rate equivalent to the yield required by the market because we believe the bonds would sell at par. The next step is to determine the appropriate interest rate. Investors will require a yield premium over the U. S. Treasury security (Exhibit 1). This yield premium reflects the additional risks that investors will accept. For WorldCom, who was currently rated Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Service and BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s, the 3-years, 5-years, 7-years, and 30years bond spread over Treasury security should be 66BP, 75BP, 82BP, 107BP respectively (see Exhibit 2). Accordingly, the interest rate would be 6. 14%, 6. 26%, 6. 38%, and 6. 80% respectively. The final step is to determine the present value of the expected cash flow calculated in the first step, using the interest rate computed in the second step. Since we have used the yield that the market required as our coupon rate, the bond will be issued at par. So, using the information gathered, analysts may come up with a yield of 6. 14%, 6. 26%, 6. 38%, and 6. 80% for the 3-years, 5-years, 7-years, and 30years bond respectively (Exhibit 3). The deal was marketed to investors and the book was built. Compared with the data on the recent prices of the bonds of telecommunications and media firms (Exhibit 4), this cost of financing was not so high. However, it was the beginning of financial crises. In times of recessions, investors may concern that issuers will face a decline in cash flow that would be used to service its bond obligations. As a result, the credit spread tends to widen and the price of all such issues throughout the economy will decline. Conclusion Overall, it appears that the cost of financing will be reasonable. However, there are individual market factors that occur on the date of issuance that will still be determined. Underwriter preference, market demand, unexpected market dislocation, Federal Reserve action or announcements and other factors could suddenly uproot WorldCom’s plans for a smooth issuance process.