The Werewolf - 822 Words

The Werewolf By Angela Carter Fairy Tales tend to start off dark and progress to have a happy ending or, failing that, to teach a lesson. Angela Carter does an excellent job of this in her short story â€Å"The Werewolf†. This is her take on â€Å"Little Red Riding Hood†. This is not the classic spin on the original fairy tale however, in Angela’s take on it we will explore ageism, sexism, and greed. Though the story casts a once-upon-a-time aura, the lessons learned from it are as modern as the IPhone you might have in your pocket. Historically we have not changed much, â€Å"the old days† when women were just seen as objects, are not far behind us. The first line of the story, â€Å"it is a northern country; they have cold weather, they have cold†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"She knew the forest too well to fear it† shows her as a fellow â€Å"wild beasts in the forest†, and being â€Å"on her guard† is an indication of an awareness of her surroundings. The practice of calling old women werewolves is an ancient one, but the thought processes behind it are hardly new. Whether through moving our aging family to nursing homes, or leaving them to survive on their own, even in this day and age we seem to have little respect for our elders. How often is it, that through saying someone is growing senile or having symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we send them away to die in neglect in some group home? Just like the girl in the story, the possessions and shelter fall to theirShow MoreRelatedWerewolf a Werewolf Essay1524 Words   |  7 PagesThe Werewolf A werewolf in folklore and mythology is a person who shape shifts into a wolf, either purposely, by using magic or by being placed under a curse. Werewolves were known in almost all European countries and cultures. Werewolves are only second in line to vampires in popularity. The word werewolf is most likely to derive from two old-Saxon words, wer (meaning man) and wolf. In Greek, the terms Lycanthropy refers to the transformation process while Lycanthrope, which is a synonym toRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Metamorphoses Of The Werewolf 1744 Words   |  7 PagesMetamorphoses of the Werewolf is a book that charts the evolution, growth and changes of werewolf stories â€Å"from Antiquity Throughout the Renaissance.† Each chapter focuses on a tale or set of myths in different time periods, and analyzes them, comparing and contrasting, as well as theorizing the meaning behind them based on textual evidence, mainly from church and court documents. Through this method, Ms. Sconduto points out direct correlations between werewolves and the belief systems of the churchesRead MoreShort Story: A Mad Scientist and His Werewolf Experiments1141 Words   |  5 Pagesstronger than those present in nature. Swallowing down the absurd news, he realized the fath er was trying to create the perfect killing machine. For days Liam tried to think a way to get out of the fathers grip, but he also discovered the father was a werewolf, and he was unsure; before he could even do something, the scientists started again a series of experiments, and to brainwash him and his brothers with advanced methods. It didnt work on Liam, but the others were not willing to fight anymore.Read MoreThe Creature Of The Beast1517 Words   |  7 Pagesthe area. The color of the beast changed every time the beast was spotted; it would go from red to red with grey and white patches to red with stripes. Sometimes there would even be no red, it may just be black or white. Locals believed it to be a werewolf, or a sorcerer who shapeshifted into a monstrous predator to feed on human flesh. The beast was also said to be bulletproof; that is until someone tried to shoot it with a silver bullet. The beast died after that and was never heard about again (HillRead MoreThings Th at Go Bump In the Night: Why They Are Scary2198 Words   |  9 Pageslycanthropy as punishment for cannibalism is also present in the Native American culture, where they are known as Windigos. These creatures originally were human but due to cannibalism, they become an ice monster, with similar characteristics to a werewolf, which craves human flesh. The most frightening part of this myth is that there is a culture-specific mental illness indigenous to the Northern Algonkian people called Windigo psychosis. This disorder develops in cold winters when food is scarceRead MoreThe Myth Of The Werewolf910 Words   |  4 PagesThe Myth Of The Werewolf Assistant – Insert Photo The myths and lore of the werewolf (http://www.livescience.com/24412-werewolves.html) had caught the imagination of not only the German public, but the whole of Europe during the medieval times. Such was the fear of this dreaded creature that people were burned at stake on mere suspicion of being a werewolf, much like the infamous witch hunts. It was the author, Johannes Fridericus Wolfeshusius (http://www.worldcat.org/identities/lccn-n2012-186114/)Read MoreThe Company Of Wolves Characters700 Words   |  3 Pagesprobably shed when she loses her virginity. The narrator calls the cape’s red shade â€Å"the color of sacrifices,† which reminds us that the girl lives in a world where women are the weaker sex and surrender to men in the acts of sex and marriage. So the werewolf fully assumes the girl to submit to him once he traps her in the house. Sex is assumed to be a sacrificial act for women, the girls’ sexuality protects her from harm; â€Å"She stands and moves within the invisible pentacle of her own virginity. She isRead MoreReview Of Veelas The Veela 1498 Words   |  6 Pagesdiving into half-vampires. Werewolves: A werewolf is a human being who, upon the complete rising of the full moon, becomes a fearsome and deadly near-wolf. This condition is caused by infection with lycanthropy, also known as werewolfry. Werewolves appear in the form of a wolf but, there are distinctions between them and regular wolves. A mixture of powdered silver and dittany applied to a fresh bite will seal the wound and allow the victim to live on as a werewolf, although tragic tales are told of witchesRead MoreThe Mystery Of Fairy Tales And Horror Stories880 Words   |  4 PagesMarie de France wrote Bisclavret in the late 12th and 13th centuries. Bisclavret actually means werewolf. The thought of fairy tales and horror stories may come to mind or one may also think of an aggressive animal or beast. Bisclavret is neither one of those types of stories or comparisons. Marie de France uses a werewolf in her story to symbolize a beastly side or an aggressive side of humans. Bisclavret is interesting becau se it has many layers and messages within the narrative. One messageRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Werewolves By Gaius Petronius Arbiter1915 Words   |  8 Pagesduring that time. The spread of werewolf belief can be credited to colonialism by the europeans. In China and east asia this similar belief like werewolves was in weretigers. An ancient story of the werewolves come from a Roman myth. In 1 A.D. Ovid wrote metamorphoses, where he told the tale of king Lycoan. King Lycoan offended the gods by serving human meat to them at dinner. Jupiter punished this transgression by transforming Lycaon into a werewolf. In his werewolf form, he could continue his abomination

How useful are models of self confidence in developing our...

How useful are models of self-confidence in deepening our understanding of sporting performance? Confidence has been outlined as an important and essential mental skill in sporting performance by both athletes and coaches according to Vealey and Chase, 2008. There is a general consensus of support by the literature for a positive relationship between confidence and performance (Moritz, Feltz, Fahrbach, Mack, 2000 cited by Machida, Ward and Vealey, 2012). In developing an understanding of these models of confidence and efficacy it has become a primary target to increase the confidence of athletes at specific psychological interventions (Hanton Jones, 1999; Mamassis Doganis, 2004 cited by Machida, Ward and Vealey, 2012). There are two†¦show more content†¦First, enactive mastery experiences were the most powerful source of self-efficacy. Second, golfers maintained high self-efficacy over time by recalling prior success, strategically framing experiences, and enlisting supportive verbal persuasions from themselves and from others. Finally, self-efficacy influenced profe ssional golfers’ thought patterns, outcome expectations, and emotional states. Findings support and refine the theoretical tenets of Bandura’s social cognitive theory.† (Valiante and Morris, 2013). â€Å"Sport-confidence is defined as the beliefs in individual’s capability to be successful in sport† (Vealey, 1986). The sport confidence model builds on Bandura’s model of self-efficacy. â€Å"Vealey et al, (1998) identified nine sources of sport-confidence that are unique to the context of competitive sport. These include mastery (i.e. improving skills in the sporting context), demonstration of ability (i.e. showing off abilities to others or out performing an opponent), physical /mental preparation (i.e. feeling physically and mentally prepared for competition) and physical self-presentation (i.e. one’s physical self-image)† (Vealey and Chase, 2008). A study investigating the effect of a decrease in confidence on the performance in a well-learned task, (Woodman, Akehurst, Hardy and Beattie, 2010) in this case they used skipping, concluded that to an extent a lack in self-confidence orShow MoreRelatedThe Health Action Process Approach Model1241 Words   |  5 PagesSelf-efficacy is defined as your belief in your own abilities to deal with various situations. This belief is important because it pertains to how/if your goals will be met throughout your life. According to Contento (2011), â€Å"Once we are convinced that taking action has the desired consequences for us, once we care, once we are motivationally ready, we need to feel confident that we can carry out the action to obtain these benefits† (p. 51). This is referred to as self-efficacy. Self-efficacy alongRead MoreWorkplace Motivation1770 Words   |  8 PagesMotivational programs provided to employees can prove to be very useful tools to increase motivation from the employees, reduce employee turnover and help to maintain skilled and talented personnel. Strategies used to influence employee loyalty can be intrinsic motivation or extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is explained as ones personal incentive to engage in an activity for a feeling of personal satisfaction and accomplishment without expectation of external rewards or recognition. 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Social Security Coverage- Tanzania Free Essays

string(134) " Government of Tanzania introduced a series of policies and measures to reverse the situation that prevailed during the colonial era\." SOCIAL SECURITY POLICY – GLOSSARY . ILO Minimum Standards. International Labour Organisation set an instrument which was adopted at its 35th session in June 1952, popularly known as ‘Social Security (minimum Standards) Convention No. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Security Coverage- Tanzania or any similar topic only for you Order Now 102. Itemised number of contingencies and benefits required in the minimum standards convention include’ Old Age, Invalidity, Survivorship, Employment Injury, maternity, medical Care, sickness, Unemployment and Death. Indexation of Benefits: It is an adjustment of pensions and other cash benefits to take account of price movements and protection against inflation to the beneficiaries. Indexes may include prevailing statutory minimum wages, yearly average earnings of the contributors e. t. c. Portability of Benefits: This is a system which ensures that members accrued benefits are not lost by a member changing employer, changing employment from one sector to another or by migrating from one country to another. The system ensures continuity of benefit rights accrued. Means-tested Basis: It is the basis of provision and adjustment of social assistance benefits by the government depending on a person’s means of living. The most considered group of people for the provision of social assistance benefits by meanstesting include, elderly, sick, invalids (disabled), survivors, unemployed. Normally these groups of people fall out of contributory schemes. In other words assistance is provided to citizens according to their inability to meet basic needs for survival, or defending themselves against natural calamities. Three- Tier System: According to ILO framework, Three Tier system is an arrangement/system designed to cater for different needs of protection for different categories of people depending on their level of incomes. Tier one, which is financed by the government, caters for those who are not able to purchase social security services e. g. sick, disabled, elderly e. t. c. Tier two caters for those who can contribute and is compulsory and supervised by the government. Tier three caters for those who can afford to supplement their Tier two security by purchasing commercial insurance benefits. Tier three is voluntary and privately managed. Three-Tier system is designed to reduce the government expenditure on social assistance/security programs through expansion of coverage of Tier Two and Three. . 3. 4. 5. iii 6. Actuarial Valuation: It is the process which involves assessing the current level of funding of the scheme by comparing scheme assets with liabilities accrued to the date of valuation and to determine the level of contributions that need to be paid in future to achieve the level of funding necessary to pay out the benefits promised. Actuarial reviews are conducted in intermediate periods to ensure that the fund is sustainable and this is reflected in the projections are of a long time frame e. . 25 years. 7. Social Insurance Principles: Is a social security administration where the resources are pooled together for meeting various contingencies, every one is included regardless of the level or risk exposure and the motive is social protection as opposed to profit maximization. Defined Contribution v/s Defined Benefits: Defined contribution is a situation where benefits from a social security is not known, but depends on the contributions to be made and interests rates obtainable. Defined benefits is a situation where benefits to be obtained are known well in advance regardless of the contributions to be made, provided that the members meets prescribed minimum conditions. Defined contributions are associated with provident fund schemes, while defined benefits are associated with social insurance schemes. 8. iv FOREWORD The socio-economic and political changes, which are taking place in Tanzania, have prompted the formulation of the National Social Security Policy in order to address such changes for the benefit of its citizens and to ensure that sectoral programmes and activities are well coordinated. The formulation of the National Social Security Policy came at a time when Social Security Providers are reorganizing their activities to respond to the market demand as related to free market economy. Since independence to-date, some few institutions have been enjoying monopolistic status of providing social security services in the country. However under this policy social security sector will be liberalized. The National Social Security policy is a product of a series of consultations with stakeholders which started in year 2001. The policy was adopted by the government early in year 2003. The aim of this policy is to realize the goals and objectives set out in the vision 2025 by extending social security services to the majority of the Tanzanians. The structure of the Policy document provides background information of social security, status and challenges of the sector in Tanzania, and the rationale for its formulation. There are also chapters that provide policy issues and statements, institutional frame- work and responsibilities during its implementation. With great pleasure I would like to welcome the social security policy for the development of our country. Hon. Prof. J. A. Kapuya (MP) Minister for Labour, Youth Development and Sports v CHAPTER 1 1. 0 1. 1 INTRODUCTION Background Every human being is vulnerable to risks and uncertainties with respect to income as a means of life sustenance. To contain these risks, everyone needs some form of social security guaranteed by the family, community and the society as a whole. Such socioeconomic risks and uncertainties in human life form the basis for the need of social security. Social security is rooted in the need for solidarity and risk pooling by the society given that no individual can guarantee his or her own security. Formal social security system in Africa and other developing countries is a product of colonialism. In Tanzania during the colonial era, social security coverage was extended to the few people who were in the colonial employment. Most of the people were excluded from any type of public social security scheme. The majority of the Tanzanian people depended upon the traditional social security system for their protection, which is still the case to date, though effects of urbanization and difficult economic environment have weakened the same. After independence, the Government of Tanzania introduced a series of policies and measures to reverse the situation that prevailed during the colonial era. You read "Social Security Coverage- Tanzania" in category "Papers" The measures included access to free education and healthcare, provision of social welfare services to marginalized groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities and children in difficult circumstances, as well as establishment of statutory social security schemes. However, tax financed social services have proved to be unsustainable as evidenced by introduction of cost sharing in sectors such as education and health. 1 1. 2 The Concept of Social Security Social security means any kind of collective measures or activities designed to ensure that members of society meet their basic needs and are protected from the contingencies to enable them maintain a standard of living consistent with social norms. The social security concept has been changing with time from the traditional ways of security to modern ones. As societies became more industrialized as a result of industrial revolution in the 19th century and more people became dependent upon wage employment, it was no longer possible to rely upon the traditional system of social security. The negative impact of industrialization and urbanization attracted the attention of policy makers to formalize social security system that addressed the emerged social issues. Social security is defined in its broadest meaning by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as: â€Å"The protection measures which society provides for its members, through a series of public measures against economic and social distress that would otherwise be caused by the stoppages or substantial reduction of earnings resulting from sickness, maternity, employment injury, unemployment, disability, old age, death, the provision of medical care subsidies for families with children. The ILO framework of social security is based on a three-tier structure, which seeks to utilize various funding sources for provision of better protection to the country’s population. This structure also seeks to address needs of different groups in the 2 society with respect to income and degree of vulnerability. The structure consists of the following: a) Tier One – Social Assistance Schemes This constitutes provision of services such as primary health; primary education, water, fo od security and other services on a means tested basis. These services are usually financed by the government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs. b) Tier Two – Mandatory Schemes These are usually compulsory and contributory schemes financed by both employer and employee during the working life for terminal and short-term benefits. c) Tier Three – Voluntary or Supplementary Schemes The schemes under this tier include personal savings, co-operative and credit societies, occupational pensions schemes and private schemes; managed by employers, professional bodies, communitybased organizations and other private sector actors. CHAPTER II 2. O SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN TANZANIA 2. 1 Objectives of the Social Security Services Social security in Tanzania covers a wider variety of public and private measures meant to provide benefits in the event of the individuals’ earning power permanently ceasing, being interrupted, never developing, being unable to avoid poverty, or being exercised only at an a cceptable social costs. The major domains of social security are: poverty prevention, poverty alleviation, social compensation and income distribution. Many issues relating to social security are sensitive, as they touch on the material interests of organized workers and the unorganized poor as well as insurance industry and employer organizations. The social security system in Tanzania has the following key elements:†¢ Social assistance schemes which are non-contributory and income-tested, and provided by the state to groups such as people with disabilities, elderly people and unsupported parents and children who are unable to provide for their own minimum needs. In Tanzania social assistance also covers social relief, which is a short term measure to tide people over a particular individual or community crisis; †¢ Mandatory schemes, where people contribute through the employers to pension or provident funds, employers also contribute to these funds; 4 †¢ Private savings, where people voluntarily save for retirement, working capital and insure themselves against events such as disability and loss of income and meet other social needs. Despite the existence of this framework, service delivery has not reached the majority of Tanzanians due to inadequate financing and fragmented institutional arrangements. The estimated total population of Tanzania is 33. 5 million1. Out of this, 70 per cent are in the rural areas, while the rest are in urban areas. The total labour force of Tanzania is estimated at 16 million, where 5. 4% of the total labour force or 2. 7% of the total population is covered by the mandatory formal social security system. 93 per cent of the capable workforce is engaged in the informal sector in both rural and urban areas; out of that 80 per cent is in engaged in the agrarian economy2. 2. Informal Social Security System Tanzania, like many other countries in the developing world has had strong informal and traditional social security systems built on family and/or community support. In times of contingencies such as famine, diseases, and old age; individuals have depended on family, clan members and members of the community for assistance in the form of cash or in kind. While it is recognized that over time, traditional social security system has tended to decay and change forms in response to the forces of urbanization and industrialization, there is evidence that in Tanzania family and 2 National Bureau of Statistics, 2001 National Labourforce Survey, 1999 5 community social support system have remained as means of social security within different social groups. Overtime, socio-economic reforms have slowly resulted into disintegration of the family-based social security protection leading to the formation of self-help groupings such as UPATU, UMASIDA and VIBINDO. 2. 3 Formal Social Security System Formal social security is a regulated mechanism of protecting citizens against social contingencies. This system has existed in Tanzania well before independence; whereby various policy statements have been made and Acts passed in regard to the protection of the population against contingencies like injury, loss of employment and old age. These include the Master and Native Ordinance Cap 78 as amended by Cap. 371, Provident Fund (Government Employees) Ordinance Cap 51, Provident Fund (Local Authorities) Ordinance Cap. 53 and the Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance Cap 262. After independence new legislations were enacted and others amended. These include the Severance Allowance Act No. 57 of 1962; the National Provident Fund Act No. 36 of 1964 amended by Act. No. 2 of 1975 which was later repealed and replaced by the National Social Security Fund Act No. 28 of 1997; the Parastatal Pensions Act No. 14 of 1978, the Public Service Retirement Benefits Act of 1999, the National Health Insurance Fund Act No. 8 of 1999 and Local Authorities Provident Fund Act. No. 6 of 2000. 6 Currently, there are five major formal institutions that provide social security protection in Tanzania. These are the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) offering social security coverage to employees of private sector and non-pensionable parastatal and government employees, the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) providing social security protection to employees of central Government under pensionable terms, Parastatal Pension Fund (PPF) offering social security coverage to employees of the both private and parastatal organizations, the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPF) offering social security coverage to employees of the Local Government and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) offering health insurance coverage to pensionable employees of central government. The formal social security total coverage in Tanzania is about 871,000 members distributed as 363,000 for NSSF, 193,000 for PSPF, 180,000 for NHIF, 90,000 for PPF and 45,000 for LAPF. This represents about 85% of the persons employed in the formal employment sector. 2. 4 The Impact of Social Security System in Tanzania Efforts by the government to provide social security protection in the country have brought about significant development. However, due to the absence of an elaborate social security policy to guide effective functioning of the industry, there are some structural, operational and policy weaknesses inherent in the social security system. a) i) Achievements Investment of Social Security Funds 7 Social security institutions in Tanzania have been investing in portfolios such as commercial loans, real estate, government securities, Loanable funds, bank deposits and equities; all of which have contributed to social and macro-economic development of the country. ii) Awareness on Social Security Matters There has been an increase in the level of public awareness on the social security system in respect of benefits offered, coverage, investments and general operations of the sector. iii) Organized Self-help Groups Informal social security scheme in the form of self-help groups has been more organized than before. (b) Shortcomings in the Current Social Security System The existing social security system in Tanzania is characterised by a number of shortcomings, which need to be addressed by this policy. Among these shortcomings are: – i) Limited Coverage Persons covered by the social security schemes are those who are employed in the formal sector estimated at 1. 0 million. This is only about 5. 4% of the whole labour force of over 16 million Tanzanians. This means the remaining 15 million labour force, engaged in informal sector and comparatively more vulnerable are not covered by the formal social security protection. ii) Inadequacy of Benefits Paid (Number and Meaningfulness) 8 The number of benefits offered by most of the existing schemes fall below the ILO Minimum Standards in terms of number, quality and indexation to the current levels of earnings. ii) Fragmentation and Lack of Co-ordination The social security sector lacks co-ordination at national level as each Fund reports to a different Ministry with differing operational rules and procedures. As a result, contribution rates, benefit structures, qualifying conditions as well as plans and priorities differ form one institution to another. iv) Lack of Mechanism for Portability of Benefit Rights There is no established mechanism that can allow benefit rights of a member to be transferred from one scheme to another. This results in employees losing some of their benefit rights when they move from one sector to another. v) Social Security Benefits In some of the Tanzania’s social security schemes, members’ benefits are not rights but privileges. Normally, members loose some of their benefits if they leave employment before attainment of their pensionable ages. nature of termination. vi) Conflicts in the Existing Legislations Establishing legislations of the current social security institutions have provisions that conflict in terms of operations. In other circumstances, members’ benefit rights are determined by the employers depending on the 9 vii) Non-contributory Social Security Benefits Currently, there is a segment of salaried workers who are getting social security benefits fully financed through tax revenues; this is a strain to the Government budget. viii) Liberalization There has been a monopoly in the operation of social security institutions in the country. ix) Investment of Social Security Funds There has been inadequate guidance on investment of social security fund at national level 2. 5 i) Challenges In The Social Security System Weakening of Informal Social Protection System Socio-economic developments taking place in Tanzania have resulted into a slow but steady disintegration of the kinship or family-based social support systems on which the majority of Tanzanians have depended for protection against contingencies. Economic hardships have made it difficult for individuals, families and/or kin members to provide assistance to each other in time of crisis and need. The high rate of urbanisation has also taken its toll on traditional social protection systems. There has been increasing fragmentation with families becoming more dispersed thereby eroding the capacity of extended families to function as social safety nets. ii) Limited Growth of the Formal Employment 10 Public sector reforms have resulted into retrenchment of workers, freezing employment in the public sector and privatisation of public enterprises. These have led to increased unemployment, which in turn has forced more people to resort to employment in the urban informal sector where earnings are often inadequate and/or uncertain. There is however a limited growth in employment in the private sector. iii) Reduced Access to Social Services Despite the deliberate measures by the government to improve provision of ocial services to the public, considerable part of the population has either limited or no access to services. In some instances, cost sharing in the provision of social services has reduced the capacity of the people to access the services. iv) Low levels of income Incomes for the majority of the people in Tanzania are generally inadequate to meet their basic requirements and save for future use. v) Declaration of Low Insurable Earnings Some employers provide remunerations composed of basic salaries and allowances, while deductions for social security are based on basic salaries only, leading to lower benefits from social security institutions upon retirement. 2. Rationale For A Social Security Policy The existing social security system has many shortcomings that include low coverage of the Tanzanian Society, fragmentation of 11 legislation, lack of regulatory framework, lack of a mechanism for portability of benefits and inadequacy of benefits provided. Therefore, the need for a well-articulated national social security policy is more eminent now than ever. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for having a comprehensive national social security policy that shall address the needs of employed people in the formal sector, self employed popu lation in the informal sector, the elderly, people with disabilities and children in need of special protection. Therefore the social security policy is expected to: Widen the scope and coverage of social security services to all the citizens; Harmonize social security schemes in the country so as to eliminate fragmentation and rationalize contribution rates and benefit structures; Reduce poverty through improved quality and quantity of benefits offered; Institute a mechanism for good governance and sustainability of social security institutions through establishment of a regulatory body; Establish a social security structure that is consistent with the ILO standards but with due regard to the socio-economic situation in the country; and Ensure more transparency and involvement of social partners in the decision making with respect to social security institutions 12 CHAPTER THREE 3. POLICY ISSUES AND STATEMENTS The general objective of the policy is to ensure that every citizen is protected against economic and social distress resulting from substantial loss in income due to various contingenci es. Underlying the above–mentioned general objective, this policy shall therefore address the following specific issues: 3. 1 Policy Issue: The Structure of Social Security Sector Different social groups face different contingencies, hence calling for varied types of protection. Provision of comprehensive social security services should follow a structure that recognises different levels of needs, utilises different funding sources and reflects roles of various stakeholders. Policy Statement: Provision of social security services in the country shall be structured as follows: a) Social Assistance Programmes The Government shall enhance the capacity to attend to the social assistance programmes that constitute services such as primary health; primary education, water, food security and social welfare services to vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly and children in difficult circumstances on a means tested basis. Moreover, the government shall create an enabling environment for other institutions such as Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charitable organisations, families and mutual assistance groups to supplement the government’s effort in the provision of such services. 13 b) Mandatory Schemes Mandatory social security institutions that shall operate under the social insurance principles in accordance with minimum acceptable standards and benchmarks. c) Supplementary Schemes Supplementary schemes shall be established to cater for different social services like health, pensions and other types of insurance over and above those provided by mandatory and social assistance programmes. These schemes shall be run by employers, bodies private and companies, professional community-based organisations (CBOs). 3. 2 Policy Issue: Coverage The existing mandatory social security schemes currently cover only 5. 4 % of the labour force estimated at 16. 0 million. The larger part of the labour force engaged in the informal sector that includes smallholder agriculture, small-scale mining, fishing, and petty businesses are inadequately covered by self-help initiatives. Moreover, accessibility to the social welfare services by the disadvantaged groups is limited; hence the majority of the people are not covered by the formal social security schemes. Policy Statements: a) Social Welfare Service shall be improved and extended to enhance accessibility to disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities, the elderly and children in difficult circumstances. b) A legal framework shall provide for all employees in the formal sector and devise means of extending coverage to the informal sector such as agricultural, 14 ining, fishing and small businesses. c) There shall be an act to support the formation of mutual assistance initiatives by the NGOs, CBOs and other groups operating at community level. d) Employers, financial institutions, profession al associations, insurance companies, social security institutions and other organisations shall be enabled to establish supplementary schemes to provide social security benefits over and above those provided by mandatory and social assistance programmes. 3. 3 Policy Issue: Social Security as a Right According to Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10th December 1948; social protection is a rights issue. Likewise, Article 11(1) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania stipulates that:â€Å"The state authority shall make appropriate provisions for the realisation of a person’s right to work, to self education and social welfare at times of old age, sickness or disability and in other cases of incapacity†¦.. †3 In view of such provision there is still inadequate coverage of social security services to the Tanzanian Society. Policy Statement Efforts shall be made to enhance awareness and 3 United Republic of Tanzania (1998) â€Å"The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977† 15 sensitisation of the society regarding the important and provision of social security services as a right. 3. Policy Issue: Inadequacy of Benefits offered The number and quality of benefits offered by most of the existing social security funds are not adequate to meet the basic needs of beneficiaries; in terms of the number of benefits, magnitude and indexation to the current levels of earnings. Policy Statement: Social security schemes shall have a standard minimum number of benefits offered and indexed to the current levels of earnings of contributors. 3. 5 Policy Issue: Portability of Social Security Benefits Benefit rights are not portable when a member moves from one scheme to another due to differing legislations, operational rules and procedures. As a result members loose some of their benefit rights just by moving from one scheme to another. Policy Statement There shall be regulated mechanisms established to enable portability of benefit rights when a member moves from one scheme to another. 3. 6 Policy Issue: Lack of Co-ordination 16 The current social security institutions are placed under different Ministries with different rules and procedures, as a result there is a conflict in the administration of social security matters. Policy Statement: The social security sector shall be coordinated by the Ministry responsible for social security matters. 3. 7 Policy Issue: Reciprocal Agreements for Transfer of Benefits Labour mobility across nations has become a common phenomenon due to globalisation and foreign investment, there by require people work and live in different countries; and hence find themselves contributing to various social security institutions. Lack of a mechanism for transfer of benefit rights across nations may result into some members loosing their rights or being unable to qualify for better benefits. Policy Statement: Legal mechanisms shall be developed to provide for reciprocal agreements with other countries for transfer of social security benefits across nations. 3. 8 Policy Issue: Partial Withdrawal of Benefits Social security schemes do not provide for pre-mature withdrawals of benefits by members before attainment of the pensionable age. However, due to unstable employment environment, low level of income of most of the workers and little awareness on social security matters, members have a tendency of demanding total 17 withdrawal of benefits upon termination of employment before the attainment of pensionable age. Policy Statement: Legal mechanisms shall be developed to allow for withdrawal of part of the accumulated benefits; while the balance shall remain for long-term benefits on premature termination of their employment. 3. 9 Policy Issue: Financing of Social Security Services The Government has the responsibility of providing social security services to its citizens. However, due to limited resources the Government still provides limited services for salaried employees and individuals who can afford to contribute for the services. Policy Statements: (a) Services under Social Assistance Programs shall be offered on a means-tested basis and financed by the general tax revenue and other grants. b) Mechanisms shall be established to ensure that all salaried employees and individuals, who can afford to contribute to the mandatory schemes, do so to ensure enhancement of benefits. 3. 10 Policy Issue: Guaranteeing of Mandatory Schemes The Government has the responsibility to guarantee members’ benefits in the event the established mandatory social security 18 schemes become insolvent. So far there is no concrete commitment by the Government to instil contributors confidence in their membership Policy Statement: (a) (b) The Government shall continue to guarantee members’ benefits in the established mandatory schemes. The Government shall ensure that Social Security Schemes are managed efficiently. 3. 1 Policy Issue: Taxation on Contributions, Investment Income and Benefits Contributions and income accrued from investment by social security institutions are being taxed thus weakening the capacity of the schemes to offer quality benefit to members. Policy Statement: The government shall continue to review tax policies to ensure contributions, benefits and income from investments to enable mandatory schemes offer meaningful benefits to members. 3. 12 Policy Issue: Investment of Social Security Funds Investment of social security funds is an inseparable function of social security institutions. Sustainability of the schemes and improvement of benefits depend on investment income. Social security funds have often been directed to areas where there is no stimulation of economic growth. There are no clear-cut guidelines directing investments of social security funds at the national level. 19 Policy Statement: Guide lines will be developed based on principles of safety yield and liquidity. 3. 13 Policy Issue: Good Governance Good governance is the key to smooth functioning and efficiency in all social security schemes, as they are entrusted to manage funds on behalf of the contributors. There has been poor governance in social security services. Policy Statement There shall be guidelines to ensure that all social security schemes are transparent and accountable to the members and the public at large. 3. 4 Policy Issue: Legal Framework and Minimum Standards There is fragmentation of social security system in the country with respect to different legislations and design of the schemes. These schemes also lack minimum standards to guide their operations. Policy Statement: There shall be an act to govern and standardize operations of the social security sector. The law shall also provide for the establishment of a regulatory body that shall ensure smooth and efficient operations of the sector. 20 3. 15 Policy Issue: Liberalization of the Social Security Sector The current trend in the country is to liberalize various sectors in the economy. However, the current social sector is based on organization/institution monopoly in its operation. Policy Statements: Social security institutions shall operate in a regulated liberalized market as follows:While the existing Social mandatory Security social Services security under institutions shall operate and compete among themselves supplementary schemes shall be fully liberalized. 21 CHAPTER IV 4. 0 ROLES OF STAKEHOLDERS The different stakeholders shall have the following roles to play in the social security sector:4. 1 The Government †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ 4. 2 Coverage of the social assistance programmes Put an enabling environment for smooth operations of the social security To institute regulatory and legal framework Supervision of the sector. Guarantor of mandatory schemes Social Security Institutions †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Offering quality benefits and services Good governance of the schemes Involvement of Stakeholders Widen coverage Awareness creation and sensitisation 4. 3 Employers †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Registration of employees Timely and accurate remittance of contributions Awareness creation and sensitisation Adherence to safety and occupational health rules 4. 4 Workers’ Unions †¢ †¢ †¢ Representation of workers’ interests in the social security Awareness creation and sensitisation Support the social security industry. 22 sector 4. 5 NGOs/CBOs †¢ Complement efforts by the Government in the provision of social †¢ assistance programmes and establishment of supplementary schemes Awareness creation to the public 4. 6 Communities †¢ †¢ Responsiveness to the needs of the vulnerable persons Maintain self-help traditions 23 How to cite Social Security Coverage- Tanzania, Papers

Car And Bicycle Brakes Essay Example For Students

Car And Bicycle Brakes Essay Caliper BrakesEffectiveness: good mechanical advantage as it allows the operator to brake with little effort on the hydraulic lever, which needs to be squeezed. Material: Calipers are fixed mount, opposed piston calipers cast from aluminium alloy. Calipers are the hydraulic clamp portion of the disc braking system. Manufactured from either ferrous or non-ferrous materials and bolted firmly to the suspension upright(or knuckle) the caliper holds the pads in place and, through the action hydraulic pistons actuated by the master cylinder, force them against the rotating surface of the disc when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Friction Material: non asbestos brake padsCar differences: size is one major difference in car and bike systems. The systems can be totally different but still use hydraulic mechanisms. Cantilever BrakesEffectiveness: provide good power and modulation. They are very effective in stopping the bike because they provide a large stopping force, but the riders heel will hit the brake and may irritate the rider and cause the brakes to ruin. Material: includes 2 brake shoes and a brake padFriction Material: non asbestos brake pads. Car differences: size and shape. Also consists of lighter materials. V BrakesEffectiveness: basically the same as above. Material:Friction Material:Car differences:Drum BrakesEffectiveness: Very good brakins system as they wear very slowly and are not afftected by weather. Also used with Disc Brakes. Being on the rear. Material: A bike drum brake is hand operated which is attached to the hub of the wheel, the shoes press on the inside of the drum. Friction Material: Non asbestos fibre. Car differences: In bikes they are hand operated and in cars they are foot. Drum brakes are completely different to hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic disc BrakesEffectiveness: Hydraulic brakes have a great mechanical advantage therefore are a very good design of braking system. Material: a disk with 2 shoes, one on either side. When brake pedal is pressed fluid is pumped around the system which goes through the master cylinder and diverts to the 4 wheels and squeezes onto the disk. Friction Material:no asbestos pads. Disc is made of machined steel. Car differences: size is a major difference. And also foot and hand leverages. Very basic. Good Hand for those Engineering Students 🙂 GoodLuck!

Identity- Men And Women Essays - Identity, Gender, Gender Identity

Identity- Men And Women Identity-Men and Women What influences a persons identity? Is it their homes, parents, siblings, or possibly where they live? When do they get one? Do they get it when they understand right from wrong, or when they can read, or are they born with it? Everyone has one and nobody has the same, is there a point in everyones life when they get one? A persons identity is their own, nobody put it there and nobody can take it out. Everyone in this world has a different identity because they all make their own over the course of their life. A persons identity also causes a person to have masculine and feminine traits. There is no one thing that gives a person their identity, there are however, many different factors that contribute to ones identity. What is someones identity? To me someones identity is a part of their being. Nobody will ever hold it, touch it, or even see it, but it is there. Everybody has one, it guilds your decision making, your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. You may think something is terrible while someone else does not even care and yet another person may laugh, why? The answer is simple, everyone has his own identity and personality. Everyone feels, acts, thinks, and dreams differently. People may have some of these things in common with one another, but they will not be totally the same, it is like a fingerprint, unique. There are many origins to a persons identity, their family, friends, home life, religion, environment and others. A persons identity is developed over many years and put together by the person themselves. It comes from the individuals ability to think, reason and form an opinion. Nobody has the same mind, or the same or the same conscious, so how could anyone have the same identity as another. A persons identity is developed over many years from the time they become aware of their surroundings, to the time they decide if they are going to college, and even as they grow old there identity will change with them. As peoples dreams are dreamed and goals are accomplished their identities will change with the individual. Their aspirations and values will change, causing their identities to change with it. It may be a slight alteration or a major overhaul but there identity will adjust to the person. Gender is a major cause for a persons identity. A person might act a certain way because of the gender that is given to them. It is often referred that a person might act a certain way because it is in their nature. A persons nature is a major reason that causes a persons identity. A person might be mentally sick and just go crazy on people. This is part of the persons nature, he is going to do what his nature compels him to. A persons nature might also influence a person to act like a man or a woman. A man might be a man but have feminine traits. This is the nature of his mind. Nature and identity also characterize how the person acts. The nature of someone might make someone act stronger in their own sex. Identity can be seen in even the youngest of children as soon a child is ready to make their own decision, no matter how trivial the decision might be, the child is starting to create his or her own identity and define their own nature. This nature can be seen in children too. One childs nature might make a little girl act like a boy, also called a tomboy. This means that the girl just like to play with boys and do boy things. While another girl, with a different mentality, might play with Barbie dolls and dress in a pink dress. Siblings grow up together, they play together, and they have fun together. But, eventually they will get their own friends and make their own decisions. This also leads to a persons identity. Not all people like all the same things or people. Joe may be friends with Larry, and Larry may like Bob, but Joe may not like Bob. There is no reason to hate each other, they just do not mix. Friends also play a part in a persons developing an identity, they are also a good indicator of ones identity. Whether you hang around wall street all day or you

Excessive accumulation of body fat Essay Example

Excessive accumulation of body fat Essay Example Excessive accumulation of body fat Essay Excessive accumulation of body fat Essay Introduction Fleshiness may be defined as a status in which there is an inordinate accretion of organic structure fat to province in which the wellness of the patient is compromised. It consequences from an instability between energy consumption and energy outgo. Assorted factors such as environmental and familial factors can lend to fleshiness. Environmental factors comprises of handiness of high Calorie diet or sedentary life style, whereas familial factors comprises of constituents such as household history of obesity.1 Fleshiness is associated with a big figure of wellness jobs, both independently and in association with other diseases such as type 2 diabetes, CHD. Besides that, it besides causes an increased incidence of certain signifiers of malignant neoplastic disease, clogging slumber apnoea and osteoarthritis.2 The organic structure mass index ( BMI ) gives a step of comparative weight and is normally used for placing persons at increased hazard of morbidity and mortality from fleshiness ( Table 1 ) . The anatomical distribution of organic structure fat, with cardinal ( splanchnic ) adiposeness transporting a greater wellness hazard than peripheral. For this ground, the measuring of the waist perimeter in centimeters ( Table 2 ) can be a utile method for placing clinical hazards associated with obesity.1 With an increased figure of people being corpulent, the authorities s Foresight programme shows that over half of the UK grownup population could be obese by 2050. Besides fleshiness s deduction on wellness job, its economical deductions are besides significant. The NHS costs attributable to overweight and fleshiness are projected to duplicate to A ; lb ; 10 billion per twelvemonth by 2050. The wider costs to society and concern are estimated to make amp ; lb ; 49.9 billion per twelvemonth ( at today s monetary values ) . 3 Owing to its increasing prevalence in both development and developed states, associated morbidity and mortality, and the tremendous health care costs, fleshiness has become a major concern, therefore it has been a curative and research end for pharmaceutical companies to develop schemes to cut down the fleshiness epidemic every bit good as to develop safe and effectual antiobesity drugs. In this essay, we shall reexamine the current province of antiobesity drugs and their safety concerns, every bit good as highlight new curative marks and mechanisms by understanding the pathology / physiology of fleshiness. 1. Orlistat Orlistat ( Xenical ® ) has been licensed in the UK since September 1998 as an anti-obesity drug, and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in April 1999. Orlistat inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases every bit good as the hydrolysis of dietetic triglycerides, ensuing in limited soaking up of monoglycerides and free fatty acids. The compound is a partially hydrated endogenous lipstatin produced by Streptomyces toxytricini. 6 It is usually indicated for patients with a BMI of = 30 kg/m2, or a BMI of = 28 kg/m2 in the presence of other hazard factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or lipemia. Orlistat is contraindicated in patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or acholia, in gestation or piece breastfeeding every bit good as in patients with known hypersensitivity to orlistat.7 I. Efficacy in clinical tests In a recent published Cochrane reappraisal on the long term effects of sanctioned antiobesity medicines in clinical tests of at least one twelvemonth continuance, 16 orlistat surveies ( n = 10,631 ) , patients were either given orlistat 60 milligram, 120 milligram and placebo. Compared to placebo, orlistat reduced weight by 2.9 kilograms ( 95 % assurance interval ( Cl ) 2.5 to 3.2 kilogram ) was achieved. Active drug therapy showed patients were more likely to accomplish a 5 % and 10 % weight loss thresholds to that of placebo controlled weight losingss which were much lower in diabetic patients. Orlistat reduced diabetes incidence from 9.0 % to 6.2 % ( hazard ratio 0.63, 95 % CI 0.46 to 0.86 ) in the XENDOS test every bit good as improved entire cholesterin, LDL-cholesterol, blood force per unit area 1.5 millimeter Hg ( 95 % CI 0.9 to 2.2 millimeters Hg ; in 13 surveies ) and diastolic blood force per unit area decreases of 1.4 millimeters Hg ( 95 % CI 0.7 to 2.0 millimeters Hg ; in 12 surveies ) . , and glycaemic control in patients.8 II. Adverse effects Orlistat therapy was associated with GI ( GI ) events which were the most common side effects. In this reappraisal, the classification of the results and item of those who reported GI inauspicious side effects varied between tests. Over 80 % of orlistat treated patients were reported to hold experienced at least one GI side consequence, absolute frequence that was 24 % ( 95 % CI 20 % to 29 % ; 14 surveies ) higher than patients on placebo. The most normally reported GI events were fatty/oily stool, fecal urgency and oily staining, which occurred at frequence rate of 15 % to 30 % in most surveies. Approximately 5 % of these patients discontinued therapy due to GI side effects, which was 2 % ( 95 % CI 1 % to 3 % ; 12 surveies ) higher than patients taking placebo.8 2. Sibutramine Sibutramine ( Reductil ® ) is a centrally moving inhibitor of norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and to a lesser grade, Dopastat re-uptake, which was originally developed as an antidepressant nevertheless alternatively of it bettering temper, it led to weight loss. It acts chiefly as an appetency suppressant and it may besides increase energy outgo ensuing in weight loss during chronic intervention which usually occurs during the first six months. However farther intervention does non do farther weight loss but helps to keep organic structure weight. Due to chair consequence, the drug was approved by the FDA and introduced into the US market in 1997 and in the European Union in 1999.9 Sibutramine is indicated in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more ( and no associated co-morbidity ) , or in those with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more in the presence of other hazard factors such as type-2 diabetes or hypercholesterolaemia. It is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, CHD, congestive bosom failure or shot. 7 I. Efficacy in clinical tests In a recent published Cochrane reappraisal on the long term effects of sanctioned antiobesity medicines in clinical tests of at least one twelvemonth continuance, 10 sibutramine surveies ( n = 2,623 ) , patients were either given dosage of sibutramine ranged between 10 to 20 milligrams, with the most common dosage being 15 milligram. In footings of weight loss, patients on sibutramine therapy lost 4.2 kilogram ( 95 % CI 3.6 to 4.7 kilograms ; 8 surveies ) or 4.3 % ( 95 % CI 3.7 % to 5.0 % ; 10 surveies ) more weight than those taking placebo.8 In patients with diabetes, sibutramine reduced weight by 5.0 % ( 95 % CI 3.8 to 6.2 % ; 3 surveies ) or 4.9 kilograms ( 95 % CI 3.6 kilogram to 6.2 kilograms ; 3 surveies ) compared to placebo therapy.10 Overall, alterations in glycaemic parametric quantities were inconsistent and were non significantly different from placebo in any survey even in patients with diabetes when reported. Sibutramine was besides found to increase HDL cholesterin degrees by 0.04 mmol/L ( 95 % CI 0.01 to 0.08 mmol/L ; 5 surveies ) and cut down triglyceride degrees by 0.18 mmol/L ( 95 % CI 0.07 to 0.30 mmol/L ; 4 surveies ) compared to placebo-treated patients.8 II. Adverse effects Common side effects observed during sibutramine intervention are concern, dry oral cavity, irregularity, and insomnia. It besides causes a dose-related addition in blood force per unit area. The average addition in blood force per unit area was found to be about 2mm Hg systolic and diastolic at the 15 milligram dosage. Although the consequence is modest, it has been estimated that a 2mm Hg alteration in diastolic blood force per unit area can increase the hazard of coronary bosom disease by 6 % and the hazard of shot by 15 % .11 In the same Cochrane reappraisal as above, sibutramine was found to hold increased systolic blood force per unit area by 1.7mmHg ( 95 % CI 0.1 to 3.3 millimeters Hg ; 7 surveies ) , diastolic blood force per unit area by 2.4 millimeters Hg ( 95 % CI 1.5 to 3.3 millimeters Hg ; 7 surveies ) and pulse rate by 4.5 beats/min ( 95 % CI 3.5 to 5.6 beats/min ; 7 surveies ) compared to placebo. 8 Recently the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) completed a reappraisal on sibutramine on a big clinical test to see whether the cardiovascular hazards of sibutramine outweigh its benefits. The SCOUT test carried out was a randomized, dual blind, placebo controlled survey in which about 10,000 corpulent and fleshy patients with cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes were treated for over 6 old ages. Consequences showed that patients had a 16 % increased hazard of cardiovascular inauspicious events such as myocardial infarction and shot compared with placebo treated patients ( hazard ratio 1 ·161 [ 95 % CI 1 ·029-1 ·311 ] ; p=0 ·016 ) . Furthermore, silbutramine decreased organic structure weight by about 2 4 kilogram more than placebo which may non be maintained after halting. Therefore this test concluded that the benefit of sibutramine as a weight loss assistance does non outweigh the cardiovascular hazards doing sibutramine to be SUSPENDED from the market until farther tests have been carried out.12 Although surveies in this Cochrane reappraisal showed a positive intervention consequence, morbidity and mortality end points is considered to be an of import step, as a favorable benefit/risk ratio of antiobesity drugs which cause weight loss may non better results for long term intervention of obesity.8 FUTURE PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT Current available antiobesity drugs are modestly effectual, nevertheless they may be associated with unacceptable and life endangering inauspicious effects. As a consequence there is a turning demand for pharmaceutical companies to happen effectual, safe and good tolerated antiobesity drugs. In this subdivision we will look at the possible molecular marks for antiobesity drugs in assorted phases of the presymptomatic and clinical development. As discussed above, fleshiness arises as a consequence of how the organic structure regulates energy intake/absorption, energy outgo and energy storage. The size of organic structure fat shops hence is determined by the net balance between energy consumption and outgo over an drawn-out period of clip. The energy consumption and energy outgo can be used as an attack to develop new antiobesity drugs. ( Table 3 ) 13 Appetite or repletion are usually influenced by peripheral signal by direct effects on certain countries of the encephalon or by indirect effects via the pneumogastric nervus, or both. The signals usually originate from the adipose tissue ( adiposeness signals ) or the GI piece of land ( repletion signals ) . Leptin which is an adiposity signal is chiefly responsible for the long-run ordinance of energy balance whereas repletion signals are usually involved in the short-run ordinance from GI piece of land. The different signals are integrated in the hypothalamus and can besides modulate each other s efficaciousness and sensitivity.14 Leptin being the most of import adiposeness signal Acts of the Apostless on specific receptors in the hypothalamus and the rhombencephalon. In the hypothalamus, leptin receptor activation leads to the stimulation of nerve cells incorporating pro-opiomelanocortin and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript every bit good as the suppression of nerve cells bring forthing neuropeptide Y ( NPY ) and Agouti-related protein. The downstream pathways besides plays an of import function in the ordinance of energy balance. Activation of hypothalamic melanocortin-4 receptors leads to appetite suppression. Amongst other GI endocrines, ghrelin, which is produced from the tummy, is the lone appetite-stimulating peptide. Ghrelin acts straight on NPY nerve cells in the hypothalamus but besides through the pneumogastric sensory nerves. Several enteric peptides such as cholecystokinin ( CCK ) , pancreatic polypeptide ( PP ) and glucagon-like peptide 1 ( GLP-1 ) are known to increase repletion during and after a repast. 14 Besides that, peptide YY and oxyntomodulin are besides thought to act upon repletion by chiefly moving on the hypothalamus. POTENTIAL FUTURE THERAPY FOR OBESITY 1. Cardinal targets/ hypothalamic Mediators. I. Leptin Leptin is a endocrine which is released from the adipocytes that conveys message of energy handiness to the hypothalamus. Leptin lack leads to severe fleshiness. It acts by agencies of its receptor to trip a Janus kinase/ signal transduction and interlingual rendition ( JAK/STAT ) system, which finally leads to the reduced look of neuropeptide Y ( NPY ) , a powerful appetency stimulation, and increased look of anorectic neuropeptides.15 Leptin generated a batch of intense involvement as a possible therapy nevertheless no agonists of leptin receptors are presently in clinical development since it has shown dissatisfactory consequences in certain tests carried out in corpulent patients which is thought to be caused by leptin opposition found in most of these patients.16 However, mechanisms involved in the development of leptin opposition could go possible mark for future drug development. II. Neuropeptide Y ( NPY ) After the failure of in obesity drug development, the tracts downstream of leptin e.g. NPY and melanocortins became a focal point in the drug find. Decreased encephalon leptin/insulin activity may excite NPY/AgRP axis and conversely decrease POMC/CART axis, therefore taking to an addition in feeding and lessening in energy outgo therefore advancing weight addition. However, farther development of NPY adversaries decreased after several surveies carried out in smasher mice. Surveies showed neither the riddance of NPY nor that of its of import receptor subtypes, NPY 1 or NPY 5, resulted in a thin phenotype.17 These observations concluded NPY adversaries as an uneffective curative attack to fleshiness. III. Melanocortins Surveies and clinical tests showed that melanocortin system plays an of import function in the ordinance of energy balance. Break of melanocortin system in genetically modified mice either by extinguishing the endogenous agonist a-MSH, by over showing its endogenous adversary AgRP, or by strike harding out the MC-4 receptor, resulted in obesity.18 Mutation of the MC-4 receptor in worlds led to the most frequent signifier of fleshiness which was accounted for up to 5 % of all terrible cases.19 Besides its consequence in decrease of nutrient consumption, MC-4 receptor agonists besides increased blood force per unit area and bosom rate, and these effects can non be separated from that of appetency reduction.20 Recent surveies have shown that signalling tracts appear to diverge downstream of the MC-4 receptor, therefore these tracts could be attractive mark for selective pharmacological effects. 2.Central targets/ Gut Hormones. I. Peptide YY ( PYY ) PYY decreases nutrient consumption which is thought to move at NPY Y2 receptors in the encephalon. Unlike leptin, PYY degrees are lower in corpulent patients ( i.e. no opposition ) hence could be an attractive mark. PYY-36 which is release in response to a repast in the big bowel, is considered to be the chief circulating signifier of PYY.21 This endocrine can non be administered orally because of its proteinaceousnature. Currently, Phase II tests have been carried out at Nastech to prove its suitableness for intranasal bringing, nevertheless its appetite-lowering efficaciousness in patients is still doubted. II. Ghrelin Ghrelin is produced in the tummy, bowel, pituitary and perchance hypothalamus and may trip the growing endocrine secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin secernment increased during starvation additions nutrient consumption. Adversaries or reverse agonists of ghrelin receptors can be of import marks to cut down the frequence of meals.22 Ghrelin antagonist GHS- R1a is presently in development and is orally available. Clinical tests are being carried out to demo whether it causes weight loss. III. GLP -1 GLP-1 is known to increase insulin secernment while diminishing glucagon secernment. It besides delays stomachic voidance and reduces nutrient intake ensuing in an betterment in diabetic patient s blood glucose degrees. Therefore GLP -1 parallel like exenatide is another utile agent for patients with fleshiness. However GLP-1 is quickly inactivated by the enzyme dipeptidyl protease IV ( DPP IV ) hence inhibitors of DPP IV like vildagliptin may be usage in fleshy patients, nevertheless the extent to which weight loss is achieved with DPP-IV remains ill-defined compared to GLP -1 injectable parallels. 23 3.Peripheral targets/ Energy Expenditure. Increasing energy outgo through physical activity or by diminishing energy consumption is of import in accomplishing weight decrease in corpulent patients. ? 3 Adrenergic agonists may increase heat production by increasing the look of decoupling protein 1 ( UCP 1 ) through effects on fat cell chondriosomes and therefore cut downing organic structure fat.24 Early on clinical tests have suggested hapless selectivity of A ; szlig ; 3 receptor agonists therefore exciting other amp ; szlig ; receptors including A ; szlig ; 1 receptors in the bosom ensuing in increased bosom rate. No drug so far has progressed beyond stage II tests, nevertheless surveies are still being carried on to seek for selective agents that can increase fatty acerb oxidization in adipose tissue while avoiding cardiovascular side effects.24 Decision With a high increasing figure of clinical tests carried out, the limited compounds in the market shows that the hunt for antiobesity agent is really hard. Presently most of the research concentrates on the development of drugs which cut down energy consumption by aiming appetite suppression or diminishing enteric lipid soaking up. As the attempt to increase energy outgo does non look to be effectual, the following possible purpose is to diminish energy storage by straight aiming adipose tissue. Presently, long term weight decrease can merely be achieved by lifestyle alterations every bit good as increase physical activity and dietetic steps. Although it is really hard for patients to keep it, it is the best manner in the long tally as it reduces hazard of morbidity and mortality from fleshiness related diseases. 25

Retail Market Analysis Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Retail Market Analysis - Coursework Example It has been observed that the retail industry of the United Kingdom is going to expand in size by around 15% in the coming 5 years. A value of around 312 billion pounds may be attained by the United Kingdom. Source: www.cbi.org.uk/.../10%2007%2026%20DTS%20NACE%20note%20final. pdf The retail sector of the United Kingdom has a value of 8% of the total gross domestic product of the country. The different retail industries in the United Kingdom have developed immensely in all areas such as home wear, health and beauty retail industry, electrical goods, garments industry, e-retail, furniture and floor coverings and other such types of retail sectors. Northern Ireland is one of the regions where tremendous amount of retail growth has been observed. Vancouver Trading Incorporated is planning to start its retail operations in the United Kingdom in the industry of white goods. This report is an overall analysis and advice of the level of retail of white goods in the United Kingdom. ... ng to invest their purchases on white goods, the consumer behavior aspects are also discussed and following this the advice is given to Vancouver Trading Incorporated for making their investments in the United Kingdom retail market of white goods. Retail trends over recent years In the white goods retail industry, the home appliances and the dishwashers are the main products that have a high share and high value of the total market of the white goods industry. The economical and social state of the United Kingdom is extremely important factors as they may directly impact the white goods retail industry in the market. The demand for white goods is directly related to the housing market of the United Kingdom. The more the consumers plan to shift in houses the more the market will increase for the white goods as many household appliances are needed for doing different chores of the house. The housing market and economical state affect the consumer purchasing power of white goods. If cus tomer’s purchasing power is low then they may opt for cheaper goods and also the white good products will be bought more if there are more people moving into the houses where there is a requirement for white goods. Moving in houses tend to trigger the need and requirement for different types of household products and appliances. The movement into houses can include the category of moving into a house the first time or by replacing the houses and therefore would require a replacement in the white goods products. If the value in growth becomes difficult to achieve then it may highly difficult to attain growth in volume of white goods products. The potential growth areas of the white goods retail industry is in the Central Europe and the Eastern Europe. The population in these areas is above

Analyze the Stage 3-4 transition from the perspective of Kohlberg's Essay

Analyze the Stage 3-4 transition from the perspective of Kohlberg's and Gilligan's alternative perspectives - Essay Example When one is in this stage of moral development one learns to make deals, such as when one breaks the rules, one makes a deal with the rule keeper. This stage is a more important step in moral development than the previous stage. During this stage one learns about lying, and the affects of lying, and rule breaking. One learns that just because something seems wrong, does not necessarily make it wrong. During the third stage of moral development one will learn how to be considerate, and how to assist someone when someone is in need. During this stage of moral development one should not necessarily assist someone for gratification. More that someone should receive gratification in the mere act of assisting someone else who was in need. During this stage of moral development one learns how to be considerate of someone else’s feelings, and how to respect each other, and how to live, and work with one another. This stage of moral development is important, because if one does not lea rn to respect each other, and how to work, and live near one another, one cannot possibly have accomplished the first two stages of moral development. ... When one develops social cohesion, one develops more of a sense of being. This person is much better off than someone who has only developed the first three stages of moral development. Kohlberg thinks that if one does not develop social cohesion then one is only mindful, respectful, and considerate of only those in one’s clique. During the fifth stage of moral development on develops a sense of one’s social obligations, and individual rights. During this stage of moral development one learns what one need to do, what one’s place in society is. Everyone has a place in society, and everyone has obligations to make of society. Society expects certain things of certain people, and if one does not oblige by what society expects of them, one is considered to be abnormal. Abnormal citizens are considered to be amoral-citizen. Someone who acts only the way one expects one should act, and does not do as society expects one is considered amoral, to do only what one wants to do, not what is best to do. This may be the best for the person making this decision, however, it is not necessarily right for society. Gilligan challenged Kohlberg’s philosophies that stage four of moral development was not the most imperative stage of moral development. Gilligan used an all female sample, and conducted qualitative research on what women’s views were on abortion. Gilligan analyzed the qualitative research on abortion, and applied it to the four stages of moral development, developed by Kohlberg. In applying the five stages of Kohlberg’s moral development, Gilligan decided that stage four was not better than stage three in Kohlberg’s moral development stages. Gilligan’s research could not develop a clearer understanding of

Islamic law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Islamic law - Coursework Example Islamic law is derived from four sources which are Quran, hadith, ijma, and qiyas. The Quran is the main scripture of Islam which is the main source of law. The hadith are the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad which comprise the second principle of law. Ijma and Qiyas are used to determine and obtain conclusions regarding issues which are not addressed in the Quran and hadith directly. Ijma is usually the collective opinion of a group of scholars while qiyas is the use of individual reasoning to apply Islamic principles for new issues faced by society (Dien, 145). Islamic law provides guidelines and principles regarding business, commerce, trade, society, politics, ethics, personal life, and criminal justice. Islamic principles have been implemented as criminal codes in certain countries like Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. Certain practices like alcohol consumption by Muslims are punished in Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Quran provides injunctions regarding the punishment of five crimes which are adultery, theft, murder, alcohol consumption, and banditry. Murder and banditry can be punishable by death while theft leads to the amputation of hands. Fornication and alcohol consumption can be punished by flogging. In cases of married people committing adultery, the sentence can be death by stoning. Despite the harsh nature of these punishments, the Quran actually places high standards of evidence which are essential for the prosecution of the crime (Bakhtiar, 178). Many countries also do not impose these punishments because of a set of legal procedures that make them difficult to prosecute. American laws are based upon the separation of church and state as the government does not favor any religion. The American legal system also provides complete freedom of speech, association, religion, bear arms, right to assemble, and prevent the federal government from interfering in the individual rights (Weaver, 35). The American system is based upon legislation as it

Supply Chain Strategy At Somerset Furniture Commerce Essay

Supply Chain Strategy At Somerset Furniture Commerce Essay The main focus of this study lies on the business performance of Somerset Furniture. Consequently, this paper aims to assess the supply chain and logistic practices of Somerset Furniture. With regards to purposes, this paper also aims in exploring the Somerset Furnitures supply chain strategy, specifically its manufacturing plant establishment in the foreign country-China, has influenced its success. In this paper, the researcher assesses the current business strategy of Somerset Furniture in order to identify its effectiveness and determine how this strategy helps the business in attaining business success. Basically, there are numerous methods and styles that business may use in order to attain success, normally, this methods and strategies were used in determining the target market, encouraging the prospects buy their products with value and generate profit. In fact, this study recognises the importance and outcome of leadership, innovation and motivation to the progress and advan cement of Somerset Furniture. Introduction Organizations use the supply chain approaches to have control over the operations and reduce the costs, as much as possible. Supply chain strategy is often intertwined with the supply chain management but supply chain strategy is broader than the other which should be managed well in order to compete in the market. The implemented strategy is a kind of process that evaluates the cost and benefit that an organization can gain through its operation. Most of the business strategies are formulated with an aim to effective compete and at the same time, achieve the organizational goals. This idea is true with the implementation of supply chain strategy because it includes the analytic and decision making processes. Identify the Issues Actually, there are no specific steps regarding the development of a comprehensive supply chain strategy that can be effective in an organization. Every enterprise is uniquely founded and their environments are differs among the others. This is a challenge that the organization should identify. Before the development, the organization should first assess the existing supply chain management or the factors that might affect the creation of the effective supply chain strategy (Rosenfeld, et al., 2000). Commonly, the organization goes back into the basics of business. Through the identification of the essential offers (products or services), when to offer (timing, seasonal), and where to offer (market, retail) the organization can draw its own competitive plan of supply chain. Having a business strategy is a representation of the overview of the businesss future, and having a supply chain strategy can be mirrored through the actual operations. In the end, the supply chain can meet the objectives of the organization. The supply chain strategy is important towards the operations and execution of the activities. In the continuous practice, the efficiencies are maximized and remain competitive in the market. Having a supply chain strategy creates a strong relationship between the suppliers and customers. And an organization should remember that a well executed supply chain strategy creates a value for the organizations advantage. Basically, businesses like Somerset Furniture are considering now the advantage of transferring the manufacturing process to China in order to lessen their overhead costs. Actually, setting up manufacturing plants in other countries like China may reduce costs, principally due to the use of economical foreign labour in developing nations. Somerset Furniture can handle costs by transferring their production lines in global setting or in a foreign land that they wish to operate. However, Somerset Furniture practices grasps that they produce employment, generate affluence, and perk up expertise in nations that are in dreadful need of such growth. Censors, on the other hand, point to their unnecessary political anxiety, their operation of developing countries, and the job losses that result in the businesses home nations. In the case of Somerset Furniture, the business identified several issues in their supply chain as they considered China as part of their manufacturing processes. Table 1. List of Issues Logistics Duration days The company process order weekly or biweekly Weekly or biweekly 14 It takes 12 and 25 days for the company to develop a purchase order and release it to their Chinese suppliers 12 and 25 days to develop PO 25 This process includes developing a demand forecast, which may take from one week to two weeks; converting the forecast to an order fulfillment schedule; and then developing a purchase order. 1 week to 2 weeks for demand forecast 14 Once the purchase order is processed overseas by the Chinese manufacturer, which may take 10 to 20 days depending on the number of changes made, the manufacturing process requires approximately 60 days. 60 days 60 The foreign logistics process requires finished furniture items to be transported from the manufacturing plants to the Chinese ports, which can take up several weeks depending on trucking availability and schedules. Several Weeks ie. 3 weeks? 21 An additional 5 to 10 days is required to arrange for shipping containers and prepare the paperwork for shipping. 5 to 10 days 10 Shipments can then wait from one day to a week for enough available containers. 1 day to a week 7 It requires between three to six days to optimally loading the containers. 3 to 6 days 6 Since 9/11, random security checks of containers can delay shipment another one to three weeks 1 to 3 weeks 21 The trip overseas to Norfolk requires 28 days. 28 days 28 Once in port, one to two weeks are required for a shipment to clear customs 1 to 2 weeks 14 to be loaded onto trucks for transport to Somersets warehouse in Randolph County, which takes from one to three days 1 to 3 days 3 When a shipment arrives, it can take from one day up to a month to unload a trailer, depending on the urgency to fill store orders from the shipment. 1 day to a month 31 254 Because of supply chain variability, shipments can be off schedule, (that is, delayed) by as much as 40%. Delay by 40% +3 Table 2. Other Issues Issues Category At the same time, keeping excess inventories on hand in its warehouses is very costly and since Somerset redesigns its product lines so frequently a real problem of produce obsolescence arises if products remain in inventory very long. Cost Somerset has also been experiencing quality problems. The Chinese suppliers employ quality auditors who rotate among plants every few weeks to perform quality control tests and monitor the manufacturing process for several days before visiting another plant. Store and individual customer complaints have forced Somerset to inspect virtually every piece of furniture it receives from overseas before forwarding it to stores. Quality In some instances, customers have complained that tables and chairs creak noisily during use. Somerset subsequently discovered that creaking was caused by humidity differences between the locations of the Chinese plants and the geographic areas in the United States where their furniture is sold Quality Replacement parts (like cabinet doors or table legs) are difficult to secure because the Chinese suppliers will only agree to provide replacement parts for the product lines currently in production Vendor Management Somerset provides a one year warranty on its furniture, which means that they often need parts for a product no longer being produced. Even when replacement parts were available, it took long to get them from the supplier in order to provide timely customer service Obsolete Products Strategic Solution There is no such thing as constant. Everything in this world evolves, even strategic performance measures. From the issues in the logistic and supply chain process of Somerset Furniture and in accordance to strategic solution, the business must be open to the idea that some measures changes over time. Somerset Furniture must research on different approaches to be at par with the changes on the systems. In Somerset Furniture, the business may want to incorporate e-commerce strategy in their supply chain management. Actually, this has been the primary role of most businesses, how to incorporate e-commerce strategy in the supply chain management that will help in reduce expenses in the supply chain and at the same time makes the supply chain more responsive and the flow of products or services faster for the benefits of each member of the chain. According to Jones (2001), SCM practices in business industry like Somerset Furniture integrates the key business processes, from suppliers through end-users that provide products, services, and information that add value for customers and stakeholders. It is also a network of facilities and distribution options that integrate the functions of demand planning and forecasting, procurement of materials, manufacturing, distribution, and return. Basically, in business industry the goal of SCM is to reduce inventory cost and to improve the coordination and collaboration with suppliers and distributors. In any type of businesses or even in Somerset Furniture, sales are an important part of any commercial transaction. The most common approach to personal selling in a traditional department store concerns to a organized procedure of incessant yet quantifiable techniques in which the one selling explains his offered products or services in such a way that the consumer will be able to envisage how to gain from the offered products or services in a cost-effective means. Selling is basically a part of the implementation procedures of marketing. It often forms a particular grouping within a corporate structure, employing independent specialist operatives known as salesmen (Jones, 2001). The continued interrogation in order to understand a consumers goal as well as the establishment of a set of feasible solutions by conveying the necessary information that convinces a buyer to achieve his goal at a reasonable cost is the main responsibility of the sales person. On the other hand, the main objective of professional sales in a traditional department store is to be able to know the needs and satisfy the wants of consumers effectively, and therefore convert possible customers into actual and reliable ones. On the other hand, electronic selling refers to the paid endorsement of commodities and services with the use of online trading known as the Internet. While marketing has the main goal to select marketplaces that have the capability to acquire a product, electronic selling, in contrast, is the paid communication through which pertinent data concerning the product is transmitted to latent consumers via the Internet (Carlton, 2001). In a general sense, electronic selling is being utilized to be able to impart to the consumers the availability of a particular product or service online. In a way, electronic selling is also able to give vital information concerning the product or service through the Internet. When an online selling campaign is attained efficiently, this can direct to an augmented demand for the merchandise. There are commonly three main objectives of electronic selling: (1) conveying relevant information regarding a particular product or service; (2) persuading clients to buy the promoted product; and, (3) keep the company under the watchful eyes of the public (Carlton, 2001). Most successful electronic selling campaigns typically blend the rudiments of all three objectives. Typically, newly well-known products are supported with informative and persuasive electronic selling ads, while sturdily recognized products make use of institutional and convincing electronic selling ads. In Somerset Furniture, amplified market rivalry classifies incessant modification and development in the assembly lines, outsourcing and supply chain managing of companies. Interdependence and contribution of suppliers and manufacturers in product plan, innovation, including research and development distinguish the present international business setting consequential to market instability (Sobrero Roberts, 2001 and Appleyard, 2003). These associations generally share proprietary shared information with peripheral suppliers and associates while guaranteeing utmost protection to improve competence transversely the product lifecycle by reorganization procurement, manufacture, completion, and allocation procedures (Katsikeas, Schlegelmilch Skarmeas, 2002) which necessitated in incorporation of purposes and information across various geographically discrete supply chain allies, including internal amalgamation with legacy systems (Katsikeas, Schlegelmilch Skarmeas, 2002 and Appleyard, 2 003). Tactical Solution In accordance to the tactical solution and with respect to the issues of logistic and supply chain in Somerset Furniture. The business may consider the implementation and integration of Information technology (IT) to their supply chain and logistic process. Basically, the information technology (IT), also commonly referred to as information and communication technology (ICT) can be applied to Somerset Furniture similar to other businesses discussed in McCue, (2006). In Somerset Furniture, IT may play a significant role in enhancing supply chain management (SCM) systems. For instance, a number of information technologies had been made available to owners of business organizations for this purpose, from less-sophisticated to more advanced systems (Reynolds, J, 2004). The supply chain operations of most businesses have been enhanced through information technology mainly when the concepts of business and consumers (B2C) and business partners (B2B) were introduced. In addition to tactical solution, internet technology may also lead to the development of SCM systems among business organisations. Through this innovation, product customization, information searches and online deliveries are some common services that are now available to the customers. Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors on the other hand, benefit from internet utilization through well-coordinated information sharing. Online auctions are even made possible with this technological development (Emiliani 2000). In addition to internet technology, specific programs and systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) also became one of the most well-known strategies for applying IT within manufacturing enterprises, which helps in facilitating information exchange (Evans et al 1995 and Tesone, D, 2005). In addition to this, ERP also helps the business sector by improving various activities such as the monitoring of orders, materials, schedules and inventories as well as business process engineering. The Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is yet another IT strategy that is applied by business organizations, particularly in improving their SCM operations. Private wide-area networks or value-added networks (VAN) were conventionally used to implement EDI. This however made EDI too costly for small and medium sized companies. With the introduction of the internet-based EDI, these enterprises are now able to acquire the benefits of EDI application (Johnston Mark 2000). The business industry like the business of Somerset Furniture is also one of the business sectors that utilize various information technology strategies so as to enhance its operations. One of these strategies that they may consider was the application of Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), which was first introduced during the late 1980s. With this strategy, retail companies are able to acquire virtual online information about their respective customers, particularly their demands. These data are derived from the scanned purchases at the checkout counters of retail stores (McCall Stone 2004). In this tactical solution, Somerset Furniture may able to acquire a large customer database that can more or less give a good representation of their total demand. Customer data basically include information such as consumer sales in terms of brand, product, outlet and region. Information about the customers such as names, frequency of their visit to a particular outlet and payment method can also be obtained and stored in the database. With these data, businesses are able to develop and make successful television campaigns based on the product sales obtained from a specific region (McCall Stone 2004). The information that is stored on the database is mainly derived from the bar code reader. With this system, the reader, which is an electronic data input device, collects information and transmit it to the central computer. Aside from stock control, this data-gathering technique is also used to conduct market basket analysis, which is mainly used for developing profiles of individual shoppers (Czerniawska Potter 1998 and Katsikeas, Schlegelmilch Skarmeas, 2002). The introduction of information technology to business application even made the development of a customer database even easier and more effective. The incorporation of IT to customer data then led to the construction of the EPOS strategy. With this added feature, businesses now can make the most of the data derived from their customers. In addition, the development of results from analyzing these data is now easier and faster than before. Data storage and classification are no longer a problem either. In organizations that observe regular office settings, IT application strategies had also been used. One of which is the use of information technologies in developing virtual teams. Business organizations have long been searching for mechanisms or systems that will make their operations work more efficiently (Bielski, 2004). In the past, industries had recognized the efficacy of creating teams from their workforce in achieving this objective (Bielski, 2004). Based on corporate experience, organizations have witnessed that team-based working environment is capable of drawing productivity and creativity out of their employees. Moreover, a dynamic business environment exemplified by work teams enables the member to overcome challenges better (Bielski, 2004). However, as teams are integrated into an organizations work operation, management had started to encounter several problems and dilemmas. For instance, some work assignments require frequent relocations. This then would call for expensive travel expenses to transfer a particular work team. Due to this, organizations are not able to maximize the use of team-based workforce as work teams tend to be constricted on small projects only. Furthermore, traveling causes much delay on work actions and decisions. Without the full and complete presence of the teams members in a common work site or location, no work progress is achieved. This has been the case until information technology was introduced. With new software programs, faster communication systems and more efficient processors, business sectors now have access to a useful technology known as virtual connectivity (Slack, Chambers, Johnston, 2004 and Celly, Kamauff Spekman, 1999). The access to these new technologies and innovations has allowed people all over the world to communicate even at great distances. This transition has given organizations the idea of creating virtual teams. Virtual teams are made up of organizational members whose main form of interaction is made via electronic communication means. Through the use of the telephone, fax machines, the internet or other computer-based media (Townsend, DeMarie Hendrickson 1996), team members are able to communicate without actually seeing one another and even without being in one work location. By means of these virtual communication systems, team members can easily decide or select which information system is appropriate for particular work tasks. For instance, in a work assignment that needs the exchange of information, lean technologies, such as electronic mailing or instant messaging, are used. Complicated work duties on the other hand, like conflict resolution or brainstorming, require more advance technologies such as video conferencing. Leonard (1998) noted that as the members of the virtual team are aware of the resources available to them for specific tasks, they are able to develop a refined sense of efficiency in communicating and conducting business operations as a team. Basically, supply chain management system helps the company to improve their ability to deliver products in more quickly and timely manner. It is now consider as one of the most important aspect of management as well as strategic operations that will help to ensure that companies will be competitive in each and every move that they will take. The said system also deals with the relationship that a certain company is involved at. Information flow, cash flow and product flow are important in any company and therefore should be taken care of by setting necessary measures that will ensure the communication link between different entities that are involved in any supply chain. The said system will help businesses to conceptualize the processes and information that will help them to manage the cooperation in the supply chain that are based on the holistic view of the entire system (Skjà ¸tt-Larsen Jespersen, 2005, p.10). Table 3 The IPO Chart (Input, Process, and Output) Input Process Output 1.Enquiry,Comments and suggestions 1. Analyzing the all the enquiry, comments and suggestion of the customer with regards to the performance of the company 1. Improved and developed service and performance 2. Sales of products 2.1Analyzing all the sales details of a certain products such as number of sold item in a given period of time as well as the range of ages that are buying those products. 2.2 Add to the out-flow of the products 2.1 Demand forecast 2.2 Updated Inventory 3. Pricing information from the distributor 3. Calculate those factors that will affect the price of a certain product such as the suggested price from the distributor and the needed amount to meet the target profit of the company. 3. The retail price for the customer 4. Delivered product from the distributor 4. Check if there is no damage or irregularities about the certain products. If there is any the product will be returned to the distributor 4. Updated Inventory 5. Return request from the customers 5. Ask for the proof of purchase and replace the product 5.1 Replaced product 5.2 Updated inventory 6. Money (Payment from the customer) 6. Information about the financial aspect especially the cash inflow will be saved to the database of the company for future references. 6. Profit The main focus of the supply management system is to maintain the relationship between the different entities in the entire supply chain such as the customer, the manufacturer, the distributor etc. Figure 1 shows the control of the overall system. The system is consists of four subsystems that are important to the overall operation of the said system. The first subsystem is the planning that focuses on the initial activities of the company such as the demand forecast, the marketing strategy, the process of pricing the product and the inventory management. It is shown in the figure 4 that the entire planning phase is related or connected to the sales activities. This is because the main focus of the first said subsystem is to ensure the loyalty of the previous customers as well as to catch the attention of other target customers. On the other hand, the customer relation is connected to the marketing strategy; this is because, if a company has their pleasant and good implementation pro duct, it will help to make the past customer to be loyal. The main sub systems here that affect the overall flow of the supply are the returns of the suppliers and the customers, delivery and procurement. This is the core operation since it will handle the inflow and outflow of the product to the company that will help to maintain the level of the inventory to prevent over and under stock. Figure 2. The Supply Chain Management System Avoiding Potential Pitfalls The organization should firstly look on the obvious and existing process that lies within their supply chain. All of the processes involved in the organization can effectively contribute in the successful creation of the supply chain strategy (UPS, 2005). Performance Management this is the process on controlling and execution or implementation of the appropriate processed that allows the organization to realize their goals. A well managed performance works with the organization and became the foundation of the supply chain strategy that is being supported and reinforced. Cost-Benefit Evaluation Process can be done periodically or annually depending on how complex the supply chain strategy is. This is the investigation regarding on what strategies, practices or methods, products, technologies, etc. can be implemented in the strategy. Within this process, the organization can also look on the new opportunities that can further position the organization towards its success. Keeping Communication with the Partners the supply chain strategy is basically deals with many different entities that can be both internally and externally. It very crucial for the organization to align the supply chain strategy along with the business strategy and both ideas are important to achieve the goals of the organization and foster the long-term success. By keeping the communication with the partners and customers creates an impact in rapid pace in realizing the goals because there is consistency in the process and communication. Having the strategy is not an assurance that the organization is strong enough to achieve the success. Most of the businesses fail because of the poor implementation of the strategy. The execution is the most important that contributes in the strategys success or failure and not on its strategic planning, changes and development. If a strategy is not delivered according to its commitments and decisions are not comprehensively done, the alignment of the supply chain strategy with the business strategy is meaningless. If the people created the strategy, there should be commitment and responsibilities to eliminate the consequences or challenges that can be the cause of its failure. Conclusion Developing an effective supply chain strategy does not end there, there should also include the appropriate efforts and approach to deliver its value. A supply chain strategy is the focus of the organization towards the suppliers and customers and maintaining the good relationship towards the operational excellence of the organization. It might involve risks, but the organization should bring the emphasis on the supply chain strategy to guide the organization, at least, to gain competitive advantage.