Last Sacrifice Chapter Nine

FORTUNATELY, THEY WERE MOROI FACES. That didn't stop me from raising my stake and moving closer to Sydney. No one was attacking us, so I held my position–not that it probably mattered. As I took in more and more of the setting, I saw that we were completely surrounded by about ten people. We'd told Sydney we were good, and it was true: Dimitri and I could probably take out a group like this, though the poor fighting quarters would make it difficult. I also realized the group wasn't entirely Moroi. The ones closest to us were, but around them were dhampirs. And the light I'd thought had come from torches or flashlights was actually coming from a ball of flame held in one of the Moroi's hands. One Moroi man stepped forward, about Abe's age, with a bushy brown beard and a silver stake in his hand. Some part of me noted the stake was crudely made compared to mine, but the point held the same threat. The man's gaze passed over me and Dimitri, and the stake lowered. Sydney became the object of the guy's scrutiny, and he suddenly reached out for her. Dimitri and I moved to stop him, but other hands reached out to stop us. I could have fought them but froze when Sydney let out a strangled, â€Å"Wait.' The bearded Moroi gripped her chin and turned her head so that the light fell on her cheek, lighting up the golden tattoo. He released his hold and stepped back. â€Å"Lily-girl,' he grunted. The others relaxed very slightly, though they kept their stakes poised and still looked ready to attack if provoked. The Moroi leader turned his attention from Sydney to Dimitri and me. â€Å"You're here to join us?' he asked warily. â€Å"We need shelter,' said Sydney, lightly touching her throat. â€Å"They're being chased by–by the Tainted.' The woman holding the flame looked skeptical. â€Å"More like spies for the Tainted.' â€Å"The Tainted Queen is dead,' said Sydney. She nodded toward me. â€Å"They think she did it.' The inquisitive part of me started to speak but promptly shut up, wise enough to know this bizarre turn of events was best left in Sydney's hands. I didn't understand what she was saying. When she'd said Tainted were pursuing us, I thought she was trying to make this group think we had Strigoi after us. Now, after she'd mentioned the queen, I wasn't so sure. I also wasn't so sure identifying me as a potential murderer was that smart. For all I knew, Brown Beard would turn me in and try to score a reward. From the looks of his clothes, he could have used one. To my surprise, this brought a smile to his face. â€Å"And so, another usurper passes on. Is there a new one yet?' â€Å"No,' said Sydney. â€Å"They'll have elections soon and choose.' The group's smiles were replaced by looks of disdain and disapproving mutters about elections. I couldn't help myself. â€Å"How else would they choose a new king or queen?' â€Å"In the true way,' said a nearby dhampir. â€Å"The way it used to be, long ago. In a battle to the death.' I waited for the punch line, but the guy was clearly serious. I wanted to ask Sydney what she'd gotten us into, but by this point, we'd apparently passed inspection. Their leader turned and began walking down the path. The group followed, moving us along as they did. Listening to their conversation, I couldn't help a small frown–and not just because our lives might be on the line. I was intrigued by their accents. The motel's desk clerk had had a thick southern accent, exactly like you'd expect in this part of the country. These guys, while sounding similar, had a few other pronunciations mixed in. It almost reminded me a little of Dimitri's accent. I was so tense and anxious that I could hardly focus on how long we walked. Eventually, the path led us to what seemed like a well-hidden campground. A huge bonfire blazed in a clearing with people sitting around. Yet, there were structures scattered off to one side, stretching into the woods along the now widened path. It wasn't quite a road yet, but it gave the illusion of a town, or at least a village. The buildings were small and shabby but appeared permanent. On the other side of the fire, the land rose sharply into the Appalachians, blocking out the stars. In the flickering light, I could see a mountain's face that was textured with rough stone and scattered trees, dotted here and there with dark holes. My attention moved back to the living. The crowd gathered around the fire–a couple dozen or so–fell silent as our escort led us in. At first, all I saw were numbers. That was the warrior in me, counting opponents and planning for attack. Then, just like I had earlier, I truly took in the faces. More Moroi mixed with dhampirs. And–I was shocked to discover–humans. These weren't feeders either. Well, not in the sense that I knew feeders. Even in the dark, I could see glimpses of bite marks along some of the humans' necks, but judging by their curious expressions, I could tell these people didn't give blood regularly. They weren't high. They were mixed in among the Moroi and dhampirs, sitting, standing, talking, engaging–the whole group clearly unified in some kind of community. I wondered if these humans were like the Alchemists. Maybe they had some sort of a business relationship with my kind. The tight formation around us began to spread out, and I moved closer to Sydney. â€Å"What in God's name is all this?' â€Å"The Keepers,' she said in a low voice. â€Å"Keepers? What does that mean?' â€Å"It means,' said the bearded Moroi, â€Å"that unlike your people, we still keep the old ways, the way we truly should.' I eyed these â€Å"Keepers' in their worn clothes and the dirty, barefoot children. Reflecting upon how far we were from civilization–and based on how dark it was away from the fire–I was willing to bet they didn't have electricity. I was on the verge of saying that I didn't think this was how anyone should truly be living. Then, remembering the casual way these people had spoken about fights to the death, I decided to keep my views to myself. â€Å"Why are they here, Raymond?' asked a woman sitting by the fire. She was human but spoke to the bearded Moroi in a perfectly ordinary and familiar way. It wasn't the dreamy manner a feeder usually used with a Moroi. It wasn't even like the stilted conversations my kind had with the Alchemists. â€Å"Are they joining us?' Raymond shook his head. â€Å"No. The Tainted are after them for killing their queen.' Sydney elbowed me before I could deny the claim. I clenched my teeth, waiting to be mobbed. Instead, I was surprised to find the crowd looking at me with a mix of awe and admiration, just as our welcoming party had. â€Å"We're giving them refuge,' explained Raymond. He beamed at us, though I didn't know if his approval came from us being murderers or if he simply liked the attention he was getting. â€Å"Although, you are welcome to join us and live here. We have room in the caves.' Caves? I jerked my head toward the cliffs beyond the fire, realizing now what those black holes were. Even as I watched, a few people retiring for the night crawled off and disappeared into the dark depths of the mountain. Sydney answered while I worked to keep a look of horror off my face. â€Å"We only need to stay here †¦' She faltered, not surprising considering how sketchy our plans had become. â€Å"A couple days, probably.' â€Å"You can stay with my family,' said Raymond. â€Å"Even you.' That was directed toward Sydney, and he made it sound like quite the favor. â€Å"Thank you,' she said. â€Å"We'd be grateful to spend the night at your house.' The emphasis on the last word was for me, I realized. The wooden structures along the dusty path didn't look luxurious by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd take one over a cave any day. The village or commune or whatever was getting increasingly excited as our novelty sank in. They bombarded us with a flurry of questions, starting with ordinary things like our names but moving quickly on to specific details about how exactly I'd killed Tatiana. I was saved from having to answer when the human woman who had spoken to Raymond earlier jumped up and steered my threesome away. â€Å"Enough,' she said, chastising the others. â€Å"It's getting late, and I'm sure our guests are hungry.' I was starving, actually, but didn't know if I was in dire enough straits to eat opossum stew or whatever passed as food around here. The woman's proclamation was met with some disappointment, but she assured the others they could talk to us tomorrow. Glancing around, I saw a faint purpling of what must have been the eastern sky. Sunrise. A group of Moroi clinging to â€Å"traditional' ways would most certainly run on a nocturnal schedule, meaning these people probably only had a few more hours before bedtime. The woman said her name was Sarah and led us down the dusty path. Raymond called that he'd see us soon. As we walked, we saw other people wandering near scattered, ramshackle homes, on their way to bed or possibly woken up with all the commotion. Sarah glanced over at Sydney. â€Å"Did you bring us anything?' â€Å"No,' said Sydney. â€Å"I'm just here to escort them.' Sarah looked disappointed but nodded. â€Å"An important task.' Sydney frowned and appeared even more uneasy. â€Å"How long has it been since my people brought you anything?' â€Å"A few months,' said Sarah after a moment's thought. Sydney's expression darkened at this, but she said no more. Sarah finally took us inside one of the larger and nicer looking of the houses, though it was still plain and made of unpainted wooden boards. The inside was pitch black, and we waited as Sarah lit old-fashioned lanterns. I'd been right. No electricity. This suddenly made me wonder about plumbing. The floors were hardwood like the walls and covered in large, brightly patterned rugs. We appeared to be in some hybrid kitchen-living-dining room. There was a large fireplace in the center, a wooden table and chairs on one side, and large cushions on the other that I presumed served as sofas. Racks of drying herbs hung near the fireplace, filling the room with a spicy scent that mingled with the smell of burnt wood. There were three doors in the back wall, and Sarah nodded to one. â€Å"You can sleep in the girls' room,' she said. â€Å"Thanks,' I said, not sure I really wanted to see what our guest accommodations were like. I was already missing the MOTEL. I studied Sarah curiously. She looked to be about Raymond's age and wore a plain, knee-length blue dress. Her blond hair was pulled back and tied at her neck, and she seemed short to me the way all humans did. â€Å"Are you Raymond's housekeeper?' It was the only role I could deduce for her. She had a few bite marks but obviously wasn't a feeder. At least not a full-time one. Maybe around here, feeders doubled as household help. She smiled. â€Å"I'm his wife.' It was a mark of my self-control that I managed any sort of response. â€Å"Oh.' Sydney's sharp eyes fell on me, a warning in them: Let it go. I again clenched my jaw shut and gave her a brief nod to let her know I understood. Except, I didn't understand. Dhampirs and Moroi hooked up all the time. Dhampirs had to. More permanent liaisons were scandalous–but not completely out of the realm of possibility. But Moroi and humans? That was beyond comprehension. Those races hadn't gotten together in centuries. They'd produced dhampirs long ago, but as the modern world progressed, Moroi had completely withdrawn from intermingling (in an intimate way) with humans. We lived among them, sure. Moroi and dhampirs worked alongside humans out in the world, bought houses in their neighborhoods, and apparently had bizarre arrangements with secret societies like the Alchemists. And, of course, Moroi fed from humans–and that was the thing. If you kept a human close to you, it was because they were a feeder. That was your level of intimacy. Feeders were food, pure and simple. Well-treated food, yes, but not food you became friends with. A Moroi having sex with a dhampir? Racy. A Moroi having sex with a dhampir and drinking blood? Dirty and humiliating. A Moroi having sex with a human–with or without blood drinking? Incomprehensible. There were few things that shocked me or gave me offense. I was pretty liberal in my views when it came to romance, but the idea of human and Moroi marriage blew me away. It didn't matter if the human was a type of feeder–as Sarah appeared to be–or someone â€Å"above' that like Sydney. Humans and Moroi didn't get together. It was primitive and wrong, which was why it was no longer done. Well, at least not where I came from. Unlike your people, we still follow the old ways. The funny thing was that no matter how wrong I thought all this was, Sydney had to feel even more strongly about it with her vampire hang-ups. I supposed she'd been prepared, however, which is why she could manage that cool expression of hers. She hadn't been blindsided like Dimitri and me, because I felt with some certainty that he shared my feelings. He was just better at hiding surprise. A commotion at the door startled me out of my shock. Raymond had arrived and wasn't alone. A dhampir boy of about eight or so sat on his shoulders, and a Moroi girl about the same age scurried alongside them. A pretty Moroi woman who looked to be in her twenties followed, and behind her was a cute dhampir guy who couldn't have been more than a couple years older than me, if not exactly my age. Introductions followed. The children were Phil and Molly, and the Moroi woman was named Paulette. They all appeared to live there, but I couldn't exactly figure out the relationships, except for the guy my age. He was Raymond and Sarah's son, Joshua. He had a ready smile for all of us–especially me and Sydney–and eyes that reminded me of the piercing, crystalline blue of the Ozeras. Only, whereas Christian's family tended to have dark hair, Joshua's was a sandy blond with lighter gold highlights. I had to admit, it was an attractive combination, but that stunned part of my brain reminded me again that he'd been born from a human-Moroi hookup, not a dhampir and Moroi like me. The end product was the same, but the means were bizarre. â€Å"I'm putting them in your room,' Sarah told Paulette. â€Å"The rest of you can share the loft.' It took me a moment to realize â€Å"the rest of you' meant Paulette, Joshua, Molly, and Phil. Glancing up, I saw there was indeed what looked like a loft space covering half the house's width. It didn't look big enough for four people. â€Å"We don't want to inconvenience you,' said Dimitri, sharing my thoughts. He'd been silent for almost all of this wood-land adventure, saving his energy for actions, not words. â€Å"We'll be fine out here.' â€Å"Don't worry about it,' said Joshua, again giving me that pretty smile. â€Å"We don't mind. Angeline won't either.' â€Å"Who?' I asked. â€Å"My sister.' I repressed a grimace. Five of them crammed up there so that we could have a room. â€Å"Thank you,' said Sydney. â€Å"We appreciate it. And we really won't be staying long.' Their dislike of the vampire world aside, Alchemists could be polite and charming when they chose. â€Å"Too bad,' said Joshua. â€Å"Stop flirting, Josh,' said Sarah. â€Å"Do you three want something to eat before bed? I could warm up some stew. We had it earlier with some of Paulette's bread.' At the word stew, all my opossum fears came racing back. â€Å"No need,' I said hastily. â€Å"I'd just be fine with bread.' â€Å"Me too,' said Dimitri. I wondered if he was trying to reduce their work or if he shared my food fears. Probably not the latter. Dimitri seemed like the kind of guy you could throw into the wilderness and he would survive off anything. Paulette had apparently baked a lot of bread, and they let us have a picnic in our small little room with a full loaf and a bowl of butter that Sarah had probably churned herself. The room was about the size of my dorm room at St. Vladimir's, with two down stuffed mattresses on the floor. Quilts neatly covered them, quilts that probably hadn't been used in months with these temperatures. Munching on a piece of bread that was surprisingly good, I ran my hand over one of the quilts. â€Å"It reminds me of some of the designs I saw in Russia,' I said. Dimitri studied the pattern too. â€Å"Similar. But not quite the same.' â€Å"It's the evolution of the culture,' said Sydney. She was tired but not enough to abandon textbook mode. â€Å"Traditional Russian patterns brought over and eventually fused with a typical Americana patchwork quilt form.' Whoa. â€Å"Um, good to know.' The family had left us alone while they got ready for bed, and I eyed our cracked door warily. With the noise and activity out there, it seemed unlikely we'd be overheard, but I lowered my voice anyway. â€Å"Are you ready to explain who the hell these people are?' She shrugged. â€Å"The Keepers.' â€Å"Yeah, I got that. And we're the Tainted. Sounds like a better name for Strigoi.' â€Å"No.' Sydney leaned back against the wooden wall. â€Å"Strigoi are the Lost. You're Tainted because you joined the modern world and left behind their backward ways for your own messed up customs.' â€Å"Hey,' I retorted. â€Å"We're not the ones with overalls and banjos.' â€Å"Rose,' chastised Dimitri, with a pointed look at the door. â€Å"Be careful. And besides, we only saw one person in overalls.' â€Å"If it makes you feel better,' said Sydney, â€Å"I think your ways are better. Seeing humans mixing with all this †¦' The pleasant and professional face she had shown to the Keepers was gone. Her blunt nature was back. â€Å"It's disgusting. No offense.' â€Å"None taken,' I said with a shiver. â€Å"Trust me, I feel the same way. I can't believe †¦ I can't believe they live like that.' She nodded, seeming grateful I shared her view. â€Å"I like you guys sticking with your own kind better. Except †¦' â€Å"Except what?' I prodded. She looked sheepish. â€Å"Even if the people you come from don't marry humans, you do still interact with them and live in their cities. These guys don't.' â€Å"Which Alchemists prefer,' guessed Dimitri. â€Å"You don't approve of this group's customs, but you do like having them conveniently stashed out of mainstream society.' Sydney nodded. â€Å"The more vampires who stay off on their own in the woods, the better–even if their lifestyle is crazy. These guys keep to themselves–and keep others out.' â€Å"Through hostile means?' I asked. We'd been met by a war party, and she'd expected it. All of them had been ready to fight: Moroi, dhampir, and human. â€Å"Hopefully not too hostile,' she said evasively. â€Å"They let you through,' said Dimitri. â€Å"They know the Alchemists. Why did Sarah ask about you bringing them things?' â€Å"Because that's what we do,' she said. â€Å"Every so often for groups like these, we drop off supplies–food for everyone, medicine for the humans.' Again, I heard that derision in her voice, but then she turned uneasy. â€Å"The thing is, if Sarah's right, they could be due for an Alchemist visit. That would just be our luck to be here when that happens.' I was going to reassure her that we only needed to lie low a couple days when an earlier phrase tugged at me. â€Å"Wait. You said â€Å"groups like these.' How many of these commune things are out there?' I turned to Dimitri. â€Å"This isn't like the Alchemists, is it? Something only some of you know about that you're keeping from the rest of us?' He shook his head. â€Å"I'm as astonished by all of this as you are.' â€Å"Some of your leaders probably know about the Keepers in a vague way,' said Sydney. â€Å"But no details. No locations. These guys hide themselves pretty well and can move on a moment's notice. They stay away from your people. They don't like your people.' I sighed. â€Å"Which is why they won't turn us in. And why they're so excited I might have killed Tatiana. Thanks for that, by the way.' Sydney wasn't apologetic in the least. â€Å"It gets us protection. Such as it is.' She stifled a yawn. â€Å"But for now? I'm exhausted. I'm not going to be able to follow anyone's crazy plans–yours or Abe's–if I don't get some sleep.' I'd known she was tired, but only now did the extent of it hit me. Sydney wasn't like us. We needed sleep but had the endurance to put it off if needed. She'd been up all night and forced into some situations that were definitely outside of her comfort zone. She looked like she could fall asleep against the wall then and there. I turned to Dimitri. He was already looking at me. â€Å"Shifts?' I asked. I knew neither one of us would allow our group to stay unguarded in this place, even if we were allegedly queen-killing heroes. He nodded. â€Å"You go first, and I'll–‘ The door was flung open, and both Dimitri and I nearly leapt up to attack. A dhampir girl stood there, glaring at all of us. She was a couple years younger than me, about the age of my friend Jill Mastrano, a student back at St. Vladimir's who wanted to be a Moroi fighter. This girl looked like she did too, just by her stance alone. She possessed the strong, lean build most dhampirs had, her whole body braced like it might tackle any one of us. Her hair was stick-straight to her waist, a dark auburn that had picked up gold and copper highlights from the sun. She had the same blue eyes as Joshua. â€Å"So,' she said. â€Å"You're the big heroes taking my room.' â€Å"Angeline?' I guessed, remembering Joshua mentioning his sister. She narrowed her eyes, not liking that I knew who she was. â€Å"Yes.' She studied me unflinchingly and didn't seem to approve of what she found. That sharp gaze flicked to Dimitri next. I expected a softening, expected her to fall prey to his good looks the way most women did. But, no. He received suspicion as well. Her attention turned back to me. â€Å"I don't believe it,' she declared. â€Å"You're too soft. Too prim.' Prim? Really? I didn't feel that way, not in my battle-scarred jeans and T-shirt. Looking at her attire, I could maybe understand the attitude, though. Her clothes were clean, but her jeans had been around a while, both knees worn to threads. The shirt was a plain, off-white tank top that had a homemade feel. I didn't know if it had originally been white. Maybe I was prim by comparison. Of course, if anyone deserved the title of prim, it would be Sydney. Her clothes would've passed at a business meeting, and she hadn't been in any fights or jail-breaks recently. Angeline hadn't even given her a second glance, though. I was getting the feeling Alchemists were in a strange category around here, a different type of human from the ones who intermarried with the Keepers. Alchemists brought supplies and left. They were almost a type of feeder to these people, really, which boggled the mind. The Keepers had more respect for the types of humans my culture looked down on. Regardless, I didn't know what to say to Angeline. I didn't like being called soft or having my battle prowess called into question. A spark of my temper flared, but I refused to cause trouble by getting in a fight with our host's daughter, nor was I going to start making up details about Tatiana's murder. I simply shrugged. â€Å"Looks are deceiving,' I said. â€Å"Yes,' Angeline said coolly. â€Å"They are.' She stalked over to a small chest in the corner and pulled out what looked like a nightgown. â€Å"You better not mess up my bed,' she warned me. She glanced over at Sydney, sitting on the other mattress. â€Å"I don't care what you do to Paulette's.' â€Å"Is Paulette your sister?' I asked, still trying to put this family together. There didn't seem to be anything I could say that wouldn't offend this girl. â€Å"Of course not,' Angeline snapped, slamming the door as she left. I stared at it in astonishment. Sydney yawned and stretched out on her bed. â€Å"Paulette is probably Raymond's †¦ eh, I don't know. Mistress. Concubine.' â€Å"What?' I exclaimed. A Moroi married to a human and having an affair with a Moroi. I wasn't sure how much more I could take. â€Å"Living with his family?' â€Å"Don't ask me to explain it. I don't want to know any more about your twisted ways than I have to.' â€Å"It's not my way,' I retorted. Sarah came shortly thereafter to apologize for Angeline and see if we needed anything else. We assured her we were fine and thanked her profusely for her hospitality. Once she was gone, Dimitri and I set up sleeping shifts. I would have rather we both stayed on alert, particularly since I felt pretty sure Angeline would slit someone's throat in their sleep. But, we needed rest and knew we'd both react promptly if anyone came busting down our door. So, I let Dimitri take the first watch while I snuggled into Angeline's bed and tried not to â€Å"mess it up.' It was surprisingly comfortable. Or, maybe I was just that tired. I was able to let go of my worries about execution, lost siblings, and vampire hillbillies. Deep sleep wrapped around me, and I began to dream †¦ but not just any dream. It was a shifting of my inner world, the sense of being both in and out of reality. I was being pulled into a spirit-induced dream. Adrian! The thought excited me. I'd missed him and was eager to talk to someone directly after all that had happened at Court. There hadn't been much time to talk during my escape, and after this bizarre backwoods world I'd stumbled into, I really needed some piece of normality and civilization around me. The dream's world began to form around me, growing clearer and clearer. It was a location I'd never seen, a formal parlor with chairs and couches covered in lavender paisley cushions. Oil paintings lined the walls, and there was a large harp in the corner. I'd learned long ago that there was no predicting where Adrian would send me–or what he'd make me wear. Fortunately, I was in jeans and a T-shirt, my blue nazar hanging around my neck. I turned around anxiously, looking for him so that I could give him a giant hug. Yet, as my eyes searched the room, it wasn't Adrian's face I suddenly found myself looking into. It was Robert Doru's. And Victor Dashkov was with him.

Crisis and Trauma Counseling Essay

Crisis and Trauma Counseling Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wright who is the author of this book begins by discussing his own individual dilemma where he had to make a decision. Wright narrates a life story which serves as a basis through which the human decision making subject is built. Wright uses this approach to relate to his reader whilst examining trauma counseling and also personal crisis. Wright defined the crisis nature where he depicted that there is no individual who can escape the crisis inevitability. In this regard the author stated that individuals should always be prepared on how to deal with crisis which is a critical issue. In this book focus eventually shifts to describe the biblical ways which can be used in helping individuals to pull through from the traumatic experiences. Through his book, Wright shows a strong understanding of emotions and feelings of the people (Wright, 2011). Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book depicts the Christian mission in assisting those who are in dire need in a manner that Jesus did. In the book, Wright provides valuable information that would serve as an asset for lay person or Christian counselors. He also discusses about the life of Jesus where he states that Jesus was and even now is a model to be emulated by all the Christian counselors. All the Christian counselors should lead by example and all their efforts should be directed in helping those individuals who are facing crisis and not hurting them. Wright provides some biblical principles including ways of applying scripture during a counseling session and understanding the trauma or crisis process. The biblical perspective of Wright can be of great importance to those individuals who are in helping profession and seek out in doing the work of God. Wright also emphasizes on listening, building rapport, having empathy, trust and giving hope to those experie ncing trauma and crisis. He also provides scriptures together with personal accounts purposed to form basis for inexperienced counselors in the profession in addition to those who want to improve their skills. He also provides a variety of techniques to the readers with an aim of guiding the Christian counselors through their journey in helping victims who are in crisis. The book also providers the readers with improved understanding ways of approaching topics like loss of loved ones or suicide; whether they are children, adolescence or adults (Wright, 2011).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wright recognizes the fears that ministers while walking into new situations which involves crisis or trauma. He states that learning on ways of handling these situations through practice and education will improve the skills of the minister in assisting the victims. The author also advises readers on using biblical principles to assist the person to develop courage to help him or her to persevere through the hard times. The author in his book a good counselor should have the ability to hold her or his tongue. In this regard Wright shows that a good counselor should practice active listening. In this regard they should listen with their body, eyes and also by affirming understanding as well as empathy. Wright gives a recommendation that counselors should scrutinize themselves prior to advising other individuals on situations. One recommendation of the boob is that ministers should use Jesus like an example to them of how to treat the traum a/ crisis victims. This is because Jesus portrayed his ability to accept those individuals who were hurting. In this regard, Jesus was able to help and love individuals through their grief through this acceptance. The author also advises about the counselors asking the questions from the clients so as to understand more about the situation of the client prior to giving counsel (Wright, 2011). Concrete Responses   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I had a very traumatizing experience when I was only 9 years old. This was when I was kidnapped by unknown criminals as I was coming back home from school. They pretended that they were enquiring something from me and then they got hold me and I was forced to enter into an awaiting car and then sped off at high speed. They were four guys and I was threatened that in case I tried screaming they would shoot me to death and I was very terrified. One of the guys covered my eyes using a piece of cloth and I was taken to an unknown building. I was chained and I was tortured both physically and psychologically. I was beaten using a cane and even shocked with the electric cords where I went through untold suffering. The torturers threatened that they will eventually kill me and I will never see my family and friends again. Those evil torturers also tortured me by pouring boiling water to my legs. Eventually, I was rescued after two weeks of hell a nd I was rushed to a hospital where I was admitted for a month. All this time, many questions kept lingering in my mind regarding to why I had to go through this traumatizing experience at such a tender age. I developed hate and bitterness to every stranger and I had to be taken to counseling sessions to recover from the entire traumatizing event. My family and friends were equally disturbed by that traumatizing experience. I will never forget about that terrible experience in the rest of my life. Reflection   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book has many positives and Wright who is the author is able to provide a valuable guide on how to deal with trauma and crisis. He is able to relate all this biblical principles through his biblical perspective which instills hope to those who are suffering. Through this biblical perspective the Christian counselors are able to understand the whole process of trauma or crisis thus they are able to apply scripture in their counseling sessions. Through the use of biblical principles those people who are undergoing hard times are able to gain courage to persevere. The author advises the counselors on how to become good counselors so as to be able to help individuals to pull through from traumatic events. The author also shows a great understanding of the feelings and emotions of the individuals. He also advised the counselors to emulate Jesus as a perfect example of how to treat the trauma/crisis victims (Wright, 2011).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are also some negatives about the book for instance; the author states that traumatic events were not common in the past as they are in the contemporary society. This is not necessarily so because in the past people did disclose their traumatic experiences that happened to them. Also in the past the media did not publicize violence heavily as it does today since in the past individuals were more private regarding such matters. Another negative thing concerning the book is the way Wright treated the subject concerning confrontation. Before he mentions confrontation Wright focuses more on counseling skills like empathy connecting these skills to the behaviors that Jesus portrayed. Wright went ahead to relate confrontation to showing empathy for a person in assisting them to make improved choices. Nevertheless, the book fails to point out the thought of biblical rebuke and also the ideal situation when this sort of confrontation should be used. This is because when confrontation is employed too early in a case of a relationship it can spoil the rapport of the minister with the client; however the kind of confrontation required is also a crucial subject which is supposed to be discussed. Therefore, the author provided limited information regarding how to confront the clients and also deciding the ideal timing for such confrontation (Wright, 2011). Action   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book will act as an important guide in my life so that I can be able to help those who are going through various traumatic experiences in their lives. Life is full of such events and therefore this will help me in preparing me to deal with such situations and gain courage to persevere such experiences. I will start basing all the experiences that I undergo and those that my friends are undergoing though a biblical perspective. I have learnt to be a good counselor by adopting active listening when helping the victims of trauma/crisis. I have learnt on how to treat the victims facing crisis/trauma through listening to them, building rapport, having empathy, trust and instilling hope to them. I have also learnt how to approach topics like loss of loved ones and suicide among others. I have also decided to take an action and emulate Jesus who was an exemplary figure in assisting people. I will also be referring to the book from time to ti me as a way of polishing my skills as a counselor. I have also learnt how and when to ask questions from the victims needing help so that I can be able to understand their situation so that I can be able to give them valuable counsel (Wright, 2011). References Wright, H. N., & Wright, H. N. (2011). The complete guide to crisis & trauma counseling: what to do and say when it matters most! (Updated & expanded. ed.). Ventura, Calif.: Regal/From Gospel Light. Source document

An Analysis of Project Networks as Resource Planning Tools

| Following is an analysis of project networks as resource planning tools. The analysis will be segmented into three topical areas to include: * Risks associated with leveling resources, compressing, or crashing projects, and imposed durations or â€Å"catch-up† as the project is being implemented; * Advantages and disadvantages for reducing project scope to accelerate a project and what can be done to reduce the disadvantages * Three options for reducing project duration and advantages and disadvantages to these options Risks Associated with Leveling Resources, Compressing, or Crashing Projects, and Imposed Durations or â€Å"Catch-Up† The text (Gray and Larson, 2008) gives good definitions for the risks associated with certain actions used to offset resource constraints. The act or process of evening out â€Å"resource demand by delaying noncritical activities (using slack) to lower peak demand† (Gray and Larson, 2008) is considered leveling resources. This action ultimately increases the resource utilization, which is more than likely the desired result. Even though one may get the desired results resource-wise, leveling resources often results in pushing out the end-date of a project. In most cases, that is the extreme outcome. Another risk that bears its head when slack is reduced, is loss of flexibility which equates to an increase in critical activities. Without slack anywhere in a project network, ALL activities become critical. This means that everything has to fall perfectly in place in order to stay on the prescribed timeline. Compressing a schedule means that you will be conducting project activities in parallel. Compressing is not applicable to all project activities. A good example can be seen if you have activities labeled â€Å"Hire Workers† and â€Å"Dig Foundation†. You can’t implement the â€Å"Hire Workers† and â€Å"Dig Foundation† activities in parallel because to dig a foundation you need to have someone to do the digging. (brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0ongX7ECF, 20 May 2010). Risks of compressing include: * Increases risk of rework * Increases communications challenges, and may * Require more resources Crashing a schedule involves allocating more resources so that an activity can be completed on time or before time, assuming that by deploying more resources the activity can be completed earlier. One good aspect about crashing a schedule (just like compressing), you do not need to crash all activities. The activities that impact the schedule are those with no slack, thus being the only ones that are affected. Risks associated with this action are as follows: â€Å"Budget: Since you allocated more resources, you will not deliver the project on-budget. Demoralization: Existing resources may get demoralized by the increase in people to complete activities that were originally assigned to them. Coordination: More resources translates to an increase in communication challenges† (brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0onfuKUmj, 20 May 2010). These risks combined or by themselves can ultimately pose the overall risk of reducing the effectiveness of the existing resources. Advantages and Disadvantages for Reducing Project Scope to Accelerate a Project and what can be Done to Reduce the Disadvantages Reducing the scope of the project can lead to big savings both in time and costs. It typically means the elimination of certain tasks. At the same time scaling down the scope may reduce the value of the project such that it is no longer worthwhile or fails to meet critical success factors. An advantage to reducing project scope is the project is more likely to stay on schedule and on budget. It also allows for more focus being applied to the remaining deliverables in the project scope. A disadvantage that may arise is loss of quality in work due to key quality deliverables selected to be cut in order to balance the timeline of the project. The key to offsetting the disadvantages is â€Å"reassessing the project requirements to determine which are essential and which are optional. This requires the active involvement of all key stakeholders. More intense re-examination of requirements may actually improve the value of the project by getting it done more quickly and for a lower cost. † (just answer. com 21 May 2010) Three Options for Reducing Project Duration and Advantages and Disadvantages to these Options Reducing the duration a project can be managed by reducing the duration of an activity/activities almost always results in higher direct cost. When the duration of a critical activity is reduced, the project’s critical path can be change with other activities and that new path will determine the new project completion date. Following are three options to reducing project duration. Adding Resources: This is a popular method to reduce project time by assigning additional staff and equipment to activities-if it is assessed appropriately. The activities at hand need to be researched accordingly and proper determinations of how much time will be saved prior to just throwing bodies at it. The first thing that comes to mind when you add resources is â€Å"double the resources, reduce the length of the project in half. The unforeseen disadvantage that arises is the increase in the amount of time that an existing team member must spend in explaining what has been done already and what is planned. This increases the overall communication time spent by the team which phenomenally ends up adding/losing valuable time. Outsourcing Project work: A common method for shortening the project time is to subcontract an activity. The subcontract may have access to superior technology or expertise that will accelerate the completion of the activity (Gray and Larson, 2008). Additionally, significant cost reduction, and flexibility can be gained when a company outsources (Gray and Larson, 2008). Disadvantages that may be experienced are conflict due to contrasting interpersonal interactions and internal morale issues if the work has normally been done in-house (Gray and Larson, 2008). Scheduling Overtime: The easiest way to add more labor to a project is not to add more people, but to schedule overtime. The www. businesslink. gov outlines potential advantages of using overtime working include: * a more flexible workforce * the ability to deal with bottlenecks, busy periods, cover of absences and  staff shortages without the need to recruit extra staff * increased earning for employees * avoidance of disruption to jobs where the workload is more difficult to share,  e. g. ransport and driving * the ability to carry out  repair and maintenance which has to be done outside normal working hours However, disadvantages may include: * the expense of premium overtime rates * inefficiency if employees slacken their pace of work in order to qualify for overtime * regular long wo rking hours, which  can adversely affect employees’ work, health and home lives * fatigue, which  may increase absence levels and lead to unsafe working practices * employee expectations of overtime, leading to resentment and inflexibility if you try to withdraw it. (businesslink. gov, 22 May 2010) Conclusion Usage and availability of resources are essential considerations when establishing Project Networks in Resource Planning. This analysis has focused on some of the risks of certain actions used to offset resource constraints, advantages/disadvantages for reducing project scope, and options/advantages/disadvantages for reducing project duration. If implemented correctly, careful consideration of the outlined risks will make managing a project a little less painless. References Brighthub. com. Difference Between Schedule Crashing and Compressing, Retrieved 20 May, 2010 http://www. brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0onfuKUmj Brighthub. com. When to Crash or Compress a Schedule, Retrieved 20 May 2010 http://www. brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0onfuKUmj Read also: Conveyor Belt Project An Analysis of Project Networks as Resource Planning Tools | Following is an analysis of project networks as resource planning tools. The analysis will be segmented into three topical areas to include: * Risks associated with leveling resources, compressing, or crashing projects, and imposed durations or â€Å"catch-up† as the project is being implemented; * Advantages and disadvantages for reducing project scope to accelerate a project and what can be done to reduce the disadvantages * Three options for reducing project duration and advantages and disadvantages to these options Risks Associated with Leveling Resources, Compressing, or Crashing Projects, and Imposed Durations or â€Å"Catch-Up† The text (Gray and Larson, 2008) gives good definitions for the risks associated with certain actions used to offset resource constraints. The act or process of evening out â€Å"resource demand by delaying noncritical activities (using slack) to lower peak demand† (Gray and Larson, 2008) is considered leveling resources. This action ultimately increases the resource utilization, which is more than likely the desired result. Even though one may get the desired results resource-wise, leveling resources often results in pushing out the end-date of a project. In most cases, that is the extreme outcome. Another risk that bears its head when slack is reduced, is loss of flexibility which equates to an increase in critical activities. Without slack anywhere in a project network, ALL activities become critical. This means that everything has to fall perfectly in place in order to stay on the prescribed timeline. Compressing a schedule means that you will be conducting project activities in parallel. Compressing is not applicable to all project activities. A good example can be seen if you have activities labeled â€Å"Hire Workers† and â€Å"Dig Foundation†. You can’t implement the â€Å"Hire Workers† and â€Å"Dig Foundation† activities in parallel because to dig a foundation you need to have someone to do the digging. (brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0ongX7ECF, 20 May 2010). Risks of compressing include: * Increases risk of rework * Increases communications challenges, and may * Require more resources Crashing a schedule involves allocating more resources so that an activity can be completed on time or before time, assuming that by deploying more resources the activity can be completed earlier. One good aspect about crashing a schedule (just like compressing), you do not need to crash all activities. The activities that impact the schedule are those with no slack, thus being the only ones that are affected. Risks associated with this action are as follows: â€Å"Budget: Since you allocated more resources, you will not deliver the project on-budget. Demoralization: Existing resources may get demoralized by the increase in people to complete activities that were originally assigned to them. Coordination: More resources translates to an increase in communication challenges† (brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0onfuKUmj, 20 May 2010). These risks combined or by themselves can ultimately pose the overall risk of reducing the effectiveness of the existing resources. Advantages and Disadvantages for Reducing Project Scope to Accelerate a Project and what can be Done to Reduce the Disadvantages Reducing the scope of the project can lead to big savings both in time and costs. It typically means the elimination of certain tasks. At the same time scaling down the scope may reduce the value of the project such that it is no longer worthwhile or fails to meet critical success factors. An advantage to reducing project scope is the project is more likely to stay on schedule and on budget. It also allows for more focus being applied to the remaining deliverables in the project scope. A disadvantage that may arise is loss of quality in work due to key quality deliverables selected to be cut in order to balance the timeline of the project. The key to offsetting the disadvantages is â€Å"reassessing the project requirements to determine which are essential and which are optional. This requires the active involvement of all key stakeholders. More intense re-examination of requirements may actually improve the value of the project by getting it done more quickly and for a lower cost. † (just answer. com 21 May 2010) Three Options for Reducing Project Duration and Advantages and Disadvantages to these Options Reducing the duration a project can be managed by reducing the duration of an activity/activities almost always results in higher direct cost. When the duration of a critical activity is reduced, the project’s critical path can be change with other activities and that new path will determine the new project completion date. Following are three options to reducing project duration. Adding Resources: This is a popular method to reduce project time by assigning additional staff and equipment to activities-if it is assessed appropriately. The activities at hand need to be researched accordingly and proper determinations of how much time will be saved prior to just throwing bodies at it. The first thing that comes to mind when you add resources is â€Å"double the resources, reduce the length of the project in half. The unforeseen disadvantage that arises is the increase in the amount of time that an existing team member must spend in explaining what has been done already and what is planned. This increases the overall communication time spent by the team which phenomenally ends up adding/losing valuable time. Outsourcing Project work: A common method for shortening the project time is to subcontract an activity. The subcontract may have access to superior technology or expertise that will accelerate the completion of the activity (Gray and Larson, 2008). Additionally, significant cost reduction, and flexibility can be gained when a company outsources (Gray and Larson, 2008). Disadvantages that may be experienced are conflict due to contrasting interpersonal interactions and internal morale issues if the work has normally been done in-house (Gray and Larson, 2008). Scheduling Overtime: The easiest way to add more labor to a project is not to add more people, but to schedule overtime. The www. businesslink. gov outlines potential advantages of using overtime working include: * a more flexible workforce * the ability to deal with bottlenecks, busy periods, cover of absences and  staff shortages without the need to recruit extra staff * increased earning for employees * avoidance of disruption to jobs where the workload is more difficult to share,  e. g. ransport and driving * the ability to carry out  repair and maintenance which has to be done outside normal working hours However, disadvantages may include: * the expense of premium overtime rates * inefficiency if employees slacken their pace of work in order to qualify for overtime * regular long wo rking hours, which  can adversely affect employees’ work, health and home lives * fatigue, which  may increase absence levels and lead to unsafe working practices * employee expectations of overtime, leading to resentment and inflexibility if you try to withdraw it. (businesslink. gov, 22 May 2010) Conclusion Usage and availability of resources are essential considerations when establishing Project Networks in Resource Planning. This analysis has focused on some of the risks of certain actions used to offset resource constraints, advantages/disadvantages for reducing project scope, and options/advantages/disadvantages for reducing project duration. If implemented correctly, careful consideration of the outlined risks will make managing a project a little less painless. References Brighthub. com. Difference Between Schedule Crashing and Compressing, Retrieved 20 May, 2010 http://www. brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0onfuKUmj Brighthub. com. When to Crash or Compress a Schedule, Retrieved 20 May 2010 http://www. brighthub. com/office/project-management/articles/51684. aspx#ixzz0onfuKUmj Read also: Conveyor Belt Project

The US Footwear Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The US Footwear Industry - Essay Example Comfort Shoes is trying to target health conscious customers of all ages and genders in order to develop a potential customer base. However, the organization is planning to implement an online business strategy in order to achieve potential competitive advantages. At the initial stage, it may face some difficulties in finding effective employees necessary for effective business operations. The case study will analyze the scenario and discuss the case problem to make the readers understand the purpose of the study. Overview/Analysis Several organizations are trying to capitalize on the potential business opportunities that are developed due to globalization and the technological revolution. Comfort Shoes is a newly developed organization. The organization is trying to implement advanced technology in its business processes in order to meet the satisfaction level of target customers. The online shopping facility can help the customers to reduce their consumption time. At the initial st age, it is quite hard for the organization to cope with the start-up challenges. It is not easy to grab the market share of existing leading organizations through this strategy. Comfort Shoes is trying to raise capital from venture investors through the help of their business plan. Setting up an effective and fast server for online marketing activities is quite important for an online retail organization. It is necessary for the organization to conduct an effective market survey in order to determine the growth of online retail marketing. The organization is planning to provide advertisements on several social media networking sites. It is another costly effort. On the other hand, several leading footwear organizations have adopted information technology in the business processes after achieving a significant growth rate and market share. Customer awareness is another key thing for the newly developed organization. It is only focusing on online activities rather than utilization of several kinds of promotional media. It is quite important for the organization to manage cost at the initial stage of the business process. In addition, the organization should think about the implementation of unique promotional strategies to attract target customers. Status Report The management of Comfort Shoes understood the risk of intense market competition and market saturation. They did some adjustments in their marketing strategies before the implementation of online marketing activities. The marketing managers of the organization suggested the managing director of the organization to organize an urgent meeting with the stakeholders regarding this issue. The marketing manager told that the organization should conduct a real-time primary market research to understand the market trend and customers. He proposed that some executives of the company should be assigned to conduct a market research activity through the sample survey method. A questionnaire should be distributed to the people of all ages. According to the instruction, the executives conducted a survey by distributing a prepared close-ended questionnaire (Appendix). After the completion of data collection, the organization reviewed the answers. 78% of total respondents shared that the organization should try to follow print media, digital media and online promotional strategies to enhance customer awareness. After getting the outcome, the stakeholders committed to help the organization for the promotional activities. Case Problem The managing director of Comfort Shoes was concerned before the sample survey process that the management team of the organization did not avail sufficient information to make a valid decision for the future business perspective. Demand for

Why and How the European Union controls dominance Essay

Why and How the European Union controls dominance - Essay Example Economists are involved in researches on the idea of free market with socially optimal allocation. The notion of competition constitutes the central part of economic theory. Controversies exist among the policy makers on the way competition contributes in the process of development. One can witness contrasting thoughts about the meaning of competition in the economic history. Among the different forms of competition, perfect competition has been able to find a place as the standard model of analysis. During the time of Adam Smith, the concept of competition was popular and viewed as independent rivalry among people. Some of the views suggest competition as a tool that will eliminate profits in the long run. But perfect competition and monopoly rules the real market conditions. Therefore conditions imposed by imperfect competition and asymmetric information calls for inefficient competitive equilibria (Cook, 2001, p. 4). The different ways in which the authorities of national governme nt and the European Union look into markets so that it can work better is regarded as the policy of competition. The framework of the policy of competition has not been string for the low income economies. A wide range of policy measures influences the competition policy. The policy measures include policies that are subjected towards trade, employment and industry. There have been cases where it developed ways that protect the domestic competition instead of promoting competition between the competitors (Motta, 2004, p. 3). The aim behind the policy of competition is to achieve economic welfare and efficiency at the highest level. The European commission joined hands with the authorities of national competition with the aim to ensure free and fair mode of competition in the European Union. However the aim of the competition policy is to promote competition. If markets are made to work better it will contribute to increase efficiency and competitiveness of the economy of UK within t he single market of the European Union. Competition ensures broader choices for the consumer in the markets for goods and services and advancement in technology which promotes gains in dynamic efficiency. The policy of competition will also ensure competition in price between the suppliers. The policy can also investigate complaints on anti-competitive behavior within markets. This type of behavior can have negative effect on the welfare of the consumer. In the UK and the European Union there are four pillars of the policy of competition. The first pillar i.e. antitrust and cartels involves removal of contracts which looks to restrict competition. The second pillar i.e. liberalization of market works on introducing fresh competition in sectors of monopolistic competition. The policy of competition analyses the state aided measures. This ensures that the measures taken cannot distort the competition in the single market. This concludes the third pillar i.e. state aid control. The for th pillar of the policy of competition investigates mergers and take-overs between firms (Bennett, 2010, p. 3). A firm is able to hold a strong foothold in the market if its economic power provides the firm the opportunity to operate within the market without taking into consideration the reaction of the competitors or the consumers. The European Commission considers the share of the market and some other factors like ability of the competitors and access of the firm to raw materials and control on the network of distribution while appraising the economic power of a firm. If the firm is able to hold its dominant position because of its own efficiency it is highly credible. But if the firm maintains its position by exploiting the power of competition, it is bound to be an

Maksim Litvinov And Soviet Foreign Policy During The 1930s Essay

Maksim Litvinov And Soviet Foreign Policy During The 1930s - Essay Example When the party separated into two factions, he joined the Bolsheviks faction and formed a strong bond with several party members; one of these was Joseph Stalin (Roberts, 1953). Subsequently, Litvinov spent the next fifteen years journeyed west Europe on varying tasks to instill and strengthen the Bolshevik ideology. He adopted many guises and aliases to help him steer clear of the police. Among his errands were smuggling guns to aid revolutionaries in Russia. He was arrested in Paris in 1907 after a bank heist masterminded by Stalin. Though many of his attempts to help the cause were unsuccessful, hid unwavering and constant labors made him a hero in the eyes of his comrades (Roberts, 1953). After the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution concluded, Litvinov campaigned the cause in Britain but was expulsed because of the British discontent over the treatment of compatriot Bruce Lockhart in Moscow. In addition, he was also evicted from Britain because of his pacifist beliefs. After returning to Moscow, he was given the position of Commissariat of Foreign Affairs. He handled many significant and high-profile assignments for his government, notably bringing the Soviet-Estonian clashes to a standstill and initiating talks with the President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson (Roberts, 1953). Four years after his assignation, he was promoted to deputy commissar of foreign affairs in 1921, under the eye of Georgi ChicherinLitvinov's relationship with Chicherin were turbulent, as they both held opposing views on policies, as well as having contrasting and strong personalities. In spite of this, Litvinov's career as a diplomat flourished under Chicherin, whom he served for almost a decade. In 1928, he initiated proposals focusing on total disarmament, instead of following standard formulas or ratios favored by the USSR. He later became the commissar when his superior, Chicherin, was forced to retire due to ill health (Roberts, 1953). CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS In many standards and principles, Litvinov deserved his place in Soviet history because of the degree of successes he garnered in the name of his country which also played and have a huge impact on other nations. When Hitler ascended to power through the powerhouse generated by his Nazi Party, Litvinov immediately recognized the significance of this event (Dunn, 1988). In 1933, he spoke of a need to change the direction of Soviet foreign policy to counteract the influence of Nazi Germany under Hitler. He managed these changes through the establishment of diplomatic contact with the United States and other Western powers. He was also instrumental in the institutionalization of the League of Nations, the predecessor of the United Nations. His conviction in resisting and containing fascism was well-known. In addition, his name was etched in the global spheres when he became the proponent of collective security (Dunn, 1988). TRADE AGREEMENTS FOR SOVIET FOREIGN POLICY AND GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION When Stalin came into power, he restructured USSR's policies towards foreign trade in order to abolish and curtail free and private trade practices. In anticipation of the irregular and what he deemed disruptive market forces that come with foreign trade, Stalin placed all activity and policies on foreign trade under state control. In addition, Stalin created monopolies on particular goods, with

Public law questoion on the Human Rights Act 1998 Essay

Public law questoion on the Human Rights Act 1998 - Essay Example erning child safety to governmental laws on local health services and global warming by political parties as well as voluntary charity organizations alike have been rampant in the U.K. This form of voicing one’s opinion for opposing a certain law and demonstrating disagreements on the governmental decisions is increasing and rapidly gaining momentum. Although such protests might be perceived as an inevitable means of sustaining democratic governance of the country on the other hand laws prohibiting such public demonstrations as a form of protests such as Sections 11 to 14 of the Public Order Act, 1986 which deals with prohibiting public processions and imposing restrictions on public assemblies might hamper the very fabric of a liberal and efficient democratic system of the United Kingdom. It has been largely observed that public demonstrations for socio – political causes are increasingly being targeted with such legislations aimed at restricting such vivid expressions of public disapproval. The U.K law, through the Public Order Act has inadvertently laid prohibitions on the right to hold demonstrations in public which subsequently suggests that campaigning for causes that concerns the general public / citizens might lead to breach of law of the nation further leading to strict legal action. The blurring divide between freedom of expression and the legal consequences – civil as well as criminal, on account of voicing one’s opinions, under the legislation, is emerging as a highly inadequate means in sustaining civil society thus pressing for an urgent need to introspect the legal framework and advocate policies for much needed change. The strict laws that more or less, seeks to prohibit public assemblies campaigning against causes political or otherwise, and the rather strict repercussions which might lead to registration of criminal offenses against the campaigners prevents the lawful right of the campaigners – as well as members of the general public

Financial Information for CRODA International Plc Essay

Financial Information for CRODA International Plc - Essay Example Industrial specialties- which includes base chemicals, home care, polymers and coatings, additives for polymers, lubricant additives, lubricants and processed vegetable oils. (www. investing.businessweek.com). Consumer care division which includes international business in health care, personal care, and crop care – engaged in all markets throughout the world with a thumbing need for sustainable ingredients and innovations. Further, Croda has an enterprise technology division (R&D) which recognizes and assimilates new technology into Croda’s international business set up. (www.croda.com). Croda was able to post pre-tax profits of 10.5% during the year 2008 in spite of the serious international economic recession. However, due to stable focus on new markets, product innovation and recession mingled with the instant reduction in cost have facilitated Croda to accomplish one more year of pre-tax revenue growth in spite of the worst scenario in the international economy. (Chairman speech, AR 2009). The salient feature of the business model of Croda is the capacity to offer a variety of products to a variety of customers all over the globe. Croda’s persistent focus on originality in specialties has offered them the capacity to derive the true value for their products. (CEO Speech AR 2009). Croda is in a true sense a really global company as it is having only just 7% sales in the homeland of U.K. All of its subsidiary company around the world has targeted sales, operating margin, profit growth targets that form fundamental to their strategic plans and budgets. Croda’s report their progress annually against five major financial performance parameters. According to Croda’s annual report 2009, Croda International Plc has prepared its financial reports as demanded by the Companies Act, 2006 of U.K and as provided by the U.K accounting.

Explain the structure and objectives of the UK and US regulatory Essay

Explain the structure and objectives of the UK and US regulatory systems and assess whether they are capable of regulating the f - Essay Example It will then discuss the Dodd-Frank Act passed by the United States Congress and conclude with an estimation of the efforts of both countries. UK Financial Regulatory Measures In the UK several reports were made that reviewed the global recession crisis with the purpose of offering corrective suggestions that would bear on the regulation the financial service industry. The important ones were the Turner Review, The Treasury White Paper on Reforming Financial Market, and the Walker Report that dealt with corporate governance. The first important report was produced by Lord Adair Turner. In May, 2008 Turner was appointed Chairman of the Financial Services Authority. By the Bank of England Act 1998, the Tripartite Authorities was created consisting of the Her Majesty's (HM) Treasury, the Bank of England, and the newly created Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA took over bank supervision services from the Bank of England. Turner is an insider of the both the UK and the US financ ial markets. In the United States he worked for Chase Manhattan Bank from 1979-92 and for Merrill Lynch Europe where he serviced as Vice-Chairman during the period of the recession, 2000-2006. In 1994, Turner became a director of the influential American consulting firm McKinsey & C. Turner presented a formal talk to the Bank of India in February, 2010. The event was the 14th C.D. Deshmukh Memorial Lecture. He made several observations that foretold ways in which the U.K. would be concerned with meeting the economic crisis. Financial transaction taxes could be used to control Short-term speculative inflows. Capital requirments against trading activities and leverage constraints on bank and non-bank trades were practical tools Macro-prudential tools could be used to warn off asset price bubbles and not interest rate levers. Turner's remarks were essentially in accord with the May, 2009 Turner Review. The review went against the efficient market theory that was often used to support a stance of self-correcting markets. It stated, "Market efficiency does not imply market rationality", making a note of "self-reinforcing herd effects and of prices overshooting rational equilibrium levels" (Turner, p. 40). Suggestions made by the report included raising the amount of capital in the global banking system; requiring capital against book trading activities; enforcing the role of regulators to avoid and check unnecessary procyclicality; introducing a maximum gross leverage ratio; intense supervision of bank liquidity positions and use of a core funding ratio to be reflected on balance sheets. Regulation should be based on economic substance as opposed to legal form and unregulated financial institutions should fall under the authorities of regulates. Regulation standards under global agreements should apply to offshore financial centers. Retail depositors should be generously covered by deposit insurance. Credit rating agencies were addressed to avoid conflicts of inter est under dictates of good governance and structured finance ratings should stand review within the Basell II framework. Credit Default Swaps should fall under "clearing and central counterparty systems". Macro-prudential analysis should be used by the Bank of England and the FSA and

Midshires College of Midwifery and Nursing Essay

Midshires College of Midwifery and Nursing - Essay Example The Steering Group had a total of 24 members derived from ten local Health Authorities, the NHS Hospital Trust and the Regional Health Authority. The members had various capacities such as General Managers, Chief Nursing Officers and some were representatives. The inclusion of General Managers from the ten Health Authorities was important since the five colleges provided services to hospitals in the ten Health Authorities. Their views, therefore, were needed to ensure that the creation of Midshires College of Midwifery and nursing becomes a success. The Steering Group had one main objective, which was amalgamating the five different colleges of midwifery and nursing. Although the Steering Group had a clear objective and the members needed to achieve its objective, it faced various problems in the process of creating Midshires College. The first problem encountered during the process of amalgamating the five colleges was the uncertain future regarding the demand for nurse education. T he number of nurses needed, and their functions in the health sector in the coming future were not clear. In this case, it was certain that nurses’ jobs faced a threat. If formed, Midshires College would face the problem of not admitting enough students to purse the midwifery and nursing course. The future of nursing jobs was measured in terms of population growth and establishment of new hospitals. It was only natural that when creating a new college, it had to accommodate more students than the other five colleges accommodated in total. However, there was a low demand for more nurses in the future market (Hughes et al, 2009). The second problem experienced when creating Midshires College was a conflict of interest between members in the Steering Group and the new college to be formed. In the five colleges, the General Managers were charged with the task of providing nursing education. It was apparent that, the new college, Midshires, if created could not rely on direct nurs e education services from the General Managers. The General Managers had the option of putting up a tender, which could see to it that they secure the contract of training nurses in the college. The objective and goal, which Midhires College was based on, contradicted both the intentions and interests of General Managers who formed the Steering Group. The creation of Midshires College faced a challenged, which came from the same people who were supposed to oversee its creation. A definite competition was on the rise, as it was seen when an organization to compete with the new college in terms of availing post-experience nurse education was formed by two Health Authorities. The Steering Group had the intention of frustrating efforts that the new college was making in order to provide post-experience courses. It is worth noting that the Steering Group was all along protecting its interests, through lamenting that if the new college provided post-experience courses then 30% of the five colleges’ staff would lose their jobs. Creating the new college became a challenge since members in the Steering Group were opposing change, which would affect jobs and provision of nursing education (Hughes et al, 2009). The third problem came as a result of the expectation that a higher educational institution would validate qualifications achieved from Midshires College, which was on the verge of formation. It was also expected that, in the end, Midshires College

Impact of the Institute of Medicine on Nursing Practice Essay Example for Free

Impact of the Institute of Medicine on Nursing Practice Essay Impact of the Institute of Medicine on Nursing Practice, Education and Leadership The Institute of Medicine of the National Academics in Conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched a campaign to provide solutions in response to the need for evaluating and alteration of the nursing profession. Future needs of our growing population from diverse cultures and demographics dictate the need for registered nurses to adapt and transform in response to advances in health care. This is done by promoting health with most favorable, efficient patient outcomes centered on patient care. The limitation of nursing practices today prevents nurses from effectively responding to the continuously evolving, rapidly changing, health care system which compromises patient safety and optimal outcomes. The IOM and RWJF determined four key messages in their discussions. Nurses should practice to their full potential regarding education and training. Higher levels of education and training should be attained through an improved and seamless academic program. Nurses should play an important role along with medical doctors and other health care professionals in reforming health care. Health care informatics and data collection need improvement to facilitate development of policy and efficient workforce planning. These suggested reforms will certainly impact nursing education, nursing practice, and the nurse’s role as a leader ( IOM, 2011). The foundation of the IOM’s report is to restructure nursing roles to become more efficient, cost effective, and adaptable in response to the growing population and technological advances seen in health care. Education is the key to preparing nurses for the new roles and responsibilities they will encounter. The expanded roles and expectations of the nurse call for educational reform as well. Incorporation of competencies at the educational level include leadership, basic health policy, evidence based care, quality improvement, and systems thinking ( IOM, 2011). The goal of the IOM is to increase the  number of nurses with Bachelors Degrees to eighty percent by the year 2020. Some bariers to this goal are as follows. There is a shortage of faculty, placement for students to perform clinical duties is limited, lack of competent programs to prepare nurses for higher degrees and technological advaces in patient care, and lack of workforce planning. Workforce planning is the competence of an organization to meet emerging needs. Educational institutions are not meeting these needs due to cost and qualified fculty (Wikipedia, 2014). As a result clinical experience is imperitive for fulfilling educational needs. The advent of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 endorses a shift from treatment of patients in an acute care setting to focusing on management and prevention of chronic illness. There is evidence based practice to suggest a more holistic approach which involving patient and family centerd care is more effective in treating patients rather than the hospital or healthcare model (Holmes, 2011). Due to this new model the IOM encourages nurses to advance education to the fullest extent, continue and maintain education to develop new competencies, and reform nursing school curriculum to meet these new patient care delivery models (Holmes, 2011). The IOM suggests that it is imperitive that nurses are able to practice to the full extent of their education and training ( IOM, 2011). As the population grows, physicians will not be able to perform at a competent level and provide complete patient care without a substantial number of nurses. Reliance on nurses is necessary to reform the health care system. Barriers such as regultatory restrictions regarding scope of practice, professional resistance by physicians, and insurance company reimbursment pactices hinder RNâ⠂¬â„¢s and Advanced Practice Nurse’s from practicing to the full extent of their education and compromise patient outcomes (Richard Ridge, 2011). Autonomy is an issue in some states regarding APN’s role. Some states require physician oversight to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make referrals. Compensation for services is also an concern. Independent insurance providers, Medicaid, and Medicare compensate APN’s at reduced rates or not at all and may not cover prescribed prescriptions unless a physician signs off. Professional resistance is also an problem. The Scope of Practice Partnership lobbies against state expansion of the APN’s role stating they lack medical education, clinical knowledge and cognitive and technical skills which are acquired only in medical school ( IOM, 2011). These restrictions make it difficult to meet the demands of patient care. Outdated insurance practices also pose an obstacle by restricting insurance reimbursement to APN’s. Some recommendations to remove these barriers include conforming scope of practice regulations from state to a national level. Enlighten medical doctors on the future of health care and the need for autonomous APN’s. Providing information about successful patient outcomes as well as the decrease in hospital readmissions may sway the opinion of doctors regarding APN practice. Include Medicare and private insurance coverage of APN’s. Refer to evidence based practices to justify coverage. In order to institute IOM’s reform it is imperative the role of the nurse also transition into that of a leader. The development of leadership skills should be instilled at every level of nursing education and clinical mileu. The educational curriculum needs to incorproate theory and business practices, exposure to political dynamics, and management of multifocal relationships to ensure competency in high level collaborative skills (O’Grady, 2011). We will be responsible for assessing and implementing change in patient centered care systems which requires full partnership with other disciplines to reform policy. It is time for nurses to shape policy rather than conforming to it. As the population grows, and demographics shift to include a vast number of geriatric patients, the need for health care reform is imperative to provide optimal patient care. The IOM’s report recognizes the integral role nurses play in our healthcare system. The IOM suggests changes in areas such as education, leadership, and scope of practice to safegaurd the future of healthcare. Implementing these suggestions will transform the role of the nurse into a competent leader who is responsible for health policy change, and an educator to patients, family, and community. It is time we take responsibility for change rather than accept it for what it is. References Holmes, A. M. (2011, April). Future of nursing special: Transforming education. Nursing Management, 42. 34-38. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from Lippincott Nursing Center: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/pdfjournal?AID=1150962an=00006247-201104000-00008Journal_ID=Issue_ID= IOM (Institute of Medicine). (2011, October 05). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Retrieved from http://iom.edu/Reports/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing-Leading-Change-Advancing-Health.aspx OGrady T. P. (May, 2011). Future of nursing special: Leadership at all levels. Nursing Management,42. 32-37. Retrieved October 19, 2014, from Lippincott Nursing Center: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/journalarticle?Article_ID=1163290 Ridge, R. (2011, June). Future of nursing special: Practicing to potential. Nursing Management, 42.32-37. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from Lippincott Nursing Center: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/pdfjournal?AID=1176058an=00006247-201106000-00008Journal_ID=Issue_ID= Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. (2014, September 27). Retrieved October 19, 2014, from Workforce planning: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Workforce_planningoldid=627275816

Creationism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Creationism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Essay The significant role of schools in teaching the population of students is one way to make sure that the society will have a bright future. However, in the cases wherein inappropriate teaching methods are used, this dream may be compromised. A very clear example is the teaching of creationism. Creationism is a perspective that identifies a certain supreme being to be the main perpetrator of the existence of the universe, including humanity (Ruse, 2007). There is an identifiable group of people who primarily believes in this notion. And because of that sectarian acceptance, there was a time when schools became a subject of intention in propagating this idea. In a much greater sense, creationism should never be taught in schools primarily because of the compromising effects it will bring towards the molding of the students. The topic is very much centered towards the philosophy of a person and do not provide any significant learning attribute. This is in direct contrast to the mission of the school to provide only the type of learning methods based on exact, credible and scientifically formulated aspects of knowledge. Creationism tends to be of religious in nature. It always inhibits the natural flow of scientific process to learn the observable and logical way of nature. As a result, it is very possible that students may get confused about their own perception about the universe and everything about it. They may leave the pre-conditions of scientific knowledge in favor of an easier to understand notion of creationism. Moreover, there may be cases in which some students may feel deprived of their rights to believe what they want to according to their respective philosophies in life. Creationism is a biased form of belief which only bases its ideology to a personal intuition. References Ruse, M. 2007. Creationism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved January 14, 2008 from http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/creationism/.

The challenges of Globalization on Small Medium Enterprises

The challenges of Globalization on Small Medium Enterprises description on project background. In the context of Tanzania, the majority of SMEs fall under the informal sector and engaging up to 4 people, in most cases family members or employing capital amounting up to Tshs.5.0 million / $3,235.83. (Tanzania chamber of commerce industry and Agriculture, 2007). The SMEs cover non-farm economic activities mainly manufacturing, mining, commerce and services. (Tanzania ministry of industry, trade and marketing, 2007). It is easy to establish SMEs all over the world and in Tanzania in particular, since their requirements in terms of capital, technology, management and even utilities are not as demanding as it is the case for large enterprises. These enterprises are also established in rural settings and thus add value to agro products and at the same time facilitate the dispersal of enterprises. About one third of the GDP originates from SME sector. The sector has more than 1.7 Million businesses, engaging about 3 million people, who occupy about 20% of the total labour force. 92% of the annual school leavers (at all levels) in Tanzania are potentially absorbed by the SME sector. There are about 700,000 new entrants in the SME sector every year. (Saiguran, 2007) Therefore it is reflected already that the SME sector plays a crucial role in the economy. Some of the problems faced by SMEs in Tanzania include; SMEs constitute a higher credit risk because they often lack diversification in their sources of income and/or are concentrated relative to large firms, with the possible exception of SMEs oriented to the consumer segment (niche market). They also suffer from significant uncertainty regarding potential tax liabilities. There is no Opaqueness in balance sheets therefore reflecting weak accounting practices and non-transparent information. (Tanzania chamber of commerce industry and Agriculture, 2007). All this results into banks being reluctant to lend them money as a result of low credit worthiness which leaves SMEs with limited access to finance. A report from the (ministry on industry and trade in Tanzania, 2002) reports the following problems; In addition, Business Development Services, namely services related to entrepreneurship, business training, marketing, technology development and information are underdeveloped and not readily available. There is very weak demand for the products produced by SMEs arising from low and dwindling consumer purchasing power as well as competition that arises with similar imported products. Then again, SME operators lack information as well as appreciation for such services and can hardly manage to pay for to pay for the services. As a result, operators of the sector have rather low skills. Also, there is no umbrella connection for SMEs. Simultaneously, the institutions and associations supporting SMEs are weak, fragmented and uncoordinated partly due to lack of clear guidance and policy for the development of the sector. Distortionary regulations affecting SMEs (Unfavorable legal and regulatory framework). Tanzania is listed among the top 10 difficult countries to build a warehouse, it takes 12 procedures to register a property,  ¾ of Tanzanian businesses complain of taxation administration (local and central), and it takes 13 procedures to start a business and 35 days long, at a cost of 161 percent income per capita. These all add up to high compliance costs which tend to reduce the resources needed for investment and high operational costs which results into high competitiveness of local domestic products both in internal and external markets. Another problem is as far as the infrastructure is concerned, the roads are very bad thus affecting transport in a way that it makes it difficult and costly to move goods from one point to another within the country and adds up to costs. The power is also unreliable and unstable and can disrupt deadlines. Communication is undeveloped and costly. It is difficult to obtain network in rural areas thus affecting the business activities of SMEs and also affecting their cost of production. A heavy cost of compliance resulting from their size is also one of the problems faced by SMEs. This is because they have limited resources (in terms of financial means and manpower). Their spending for market research and market entry take a much higher proportion of their total spending. All in all, this project will be analyzing the importance of SMEs in Tanzania and evaluate their contribution to the country. The problems/ challenges in terms of growth, and their characteristics in relation to Globalization including those mentioned above will be analyzed. Various ways in which SMEs can grow to venture into global markets will be sought for their betterment and future enhancement in their businesses. C. Brief description of project objectives. (i.e. scope of proposal, constructs used, limitations and significance) The objective of this project is to investigate the impact of Globalization on SMEs in Tanzania. These impacts can be both positive and negative. It will also evaluate the importance of SMEs in the Tanzanian economy. Secondly, would be to assess the challenges faced by SMEs due to Globalization. Thirdly, a review on existing Government promotion policies and strategies on the Tanzanian SMEs will be prepared. Lastly but not least, is to determine ways in which the SMEs in Tanzania can grow to become global players. As for the limitations; for the questionnaires sent out, the responses may be limited. It would be very difficult to get the respondents to answer to the questionnaires. Another limitation would be in the selection of the sample. The sampling frame is very vast thus making it quite difficult to get the correct respondents for the interviews and questionnaires. As for the sample size which is about 100 people, the limitation is that the cost is relatively high especially when conducting long distance interviews over the phone. Lastly but not least, this research is limited to SMEs in Dar-es-Salaam so it may not be possible to generalize it to the whole of Tanzania. The significance of this project is to look at the challenges of SMEs in Tanzania and use it as a prototype to other African countries. There is very limited research on SMEs in Tanzania and this project will contribute as a research paper. This project will also open the eyes of SMEs to growth and development in relation to Globalization. D. Brief description of the models/theories/concepts that will be used in this proposal. (i.e. consumer behaviourism model, CSF and etc.) In this project some important internationalization models will be used, they include, eclectic paradigm of international production by Professor John H. Dunning, Porters Diamond and the theory of Marginal Industry Dilation by Professor Kiyoshi Kojima. There are three reasons for the use of the eclectic paradigm. Firstly the paradigm is based on the theories about multinational enterprises. Secondly, the model can be used to explain all types of foreign direct investment (FDI). And lastly, and most importantly, the model embraces all the three ways in which a firm can engage in foreign activities, i.e. foreign direct investment, trade, and contractual resource transfers, e.g. licensing, technical assistance or management and franchising agreements. Moreover, the model makes it possible to predict which route will be preferred. (Bulcke, 2003) According to (Porter, 1998) he designed a diamond shaped basis of a framework to illustrate the determinants of national advantage. This diamond illustrates the national playing field that countries establish for their industries. Porters Diamond will be used to demonstrate the factors of competitive advantage for SMEs in Tanzania. The theory of marginal industry dilation is an important foreign direct investment theory to developing countries. Its connotation fits for the true situation of countries middle and small size enterprises. SMEs could use this theory as a direction thus helping them go abroad bravely and develop multinational management. The expansive environment and ardent competition will develop SMEs and prepare them to face the challenge of the economic globalization. (Free papers, 2006) E. Academic research being carried out and other information, techniques being learnt. (i.e. literature what are the names of books you are going to read / data sets you are going to use) The books used will mostly talk about Globalization, the African economy, Internationalization. Journals, articles, and magazines will also be referred to. Some of the references include the following: Articles Bulcke, 2003, Internationalization towards China after its Accession to the WTO, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Departement Oosterse Slavische Studies, viewed on 1st September 2010, available at; http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:8b2CcFrEHjcJ:www.cemcweb.com/publication_doc/Opportunities%2520for%2520SMEs%2520in%2520China%2520-%2520thesis%2520of%2520Mattias%2520Grillet.doc+Internationalization+towards+China+after+its+Accession+to+the+WTO+Are+There+Opportunities+for+European+SMEs%3Fcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=my Ministry of Industry, trade and marketing, 2007, SME opportunities, viewed on 1st September 2010, available at; http://www.mitm.go.tz/sme.php?cat=15subcat=37 Porter, 1998, Competitive advantage of nations, Free Press, New York, available at; Saiguran, E, 2007, SME development: Tanzania experience, Small Industries development organisation Tanzania, viewed on 4th September 2010, available at; http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:0jN8a7r-DCsJ:www.waitro.org/files/downloads/Proceedings/sme-steap2007/sido-emmanuel.pdf+how+many+smes+are+there+in+the+tanzaniahl=engl=mypid=blsrcid=ADGEESghp7HJMdzm_ULpMCu59dGnkdxqIEsl7lohW3QCim1T-r7i3o9A2e2nZREV-rzeZHiflUEgS0o6BGlaBeKaiIT-znZTgR6c7uJfyL2qfmmhJlvZTePS8gLx6PAc6KWjejorEj9Qsig=AHIEtbRoLuZ9Z25T1nC3r7Y7Rk4pTScmtQ Books Africa Development bank, OECD, 2005, African Economic Outlook, OECD publishing, France, available at; http://books.google.com.my/books?id=vTWgJJJgYswCpg=PT411lpg=PT411dq=SMEs+classification+in+Tanzaniasource=blots=GvWIHnE-1jsig=rJ8zK7Co_wNNSD5lgemJsqiXmNAhl=enei=ek5-TPX3C4LyvQOp262EDgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=9ved=0CDoQ6AEwCA#v=onepageq=SMEs%20classification%20in%20Tanzaniaf=false Athanassiou, N. D. Nigh, 2002, The Impact of the Top Management Teams International Business Experience on the Firms Internationalization: Social Networks at Work, Management International Review 42:2,pp.157-181. Bjà ¶rkman, I. M. Forsgren (ed.), The Nature of the International Firm: Nordic Contributions to International Business Research, Handelshojskolens Forlag, Copenhagen, s.d.. Bà ¼rgel, O. A. Fier G. Licht G. Murray E. Nerlinger, 1998, The Internationalisation of British and German Start-Up Companies in High-Technology Industries, Discussion Paper No.98-34, Centre for European Economic Research. Creswell, J, W., 2003, Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 2nd edition, Sage Publications, Inc, United Kingdom Ghosal, V. L. Prakash, 1999, The Differential Impact of Uncertainty on Investment in Small and Large Businesses, HWWA-Diskussionspapier 81, HWWA-Institut fà ¼r Wirtschaftforschung, Hamburg. Johanson, J. Associates, 1994, Internationalization, Relationships and Networks, Studia Oeconomiae Negotiorum 36, Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis, Uppsala. Johanson, J. J.-E. Vahlne, 1994, The Internationalization Process of the Firm: A Model of Knowledge Development and Increasing Foreign Market Commitments, Journal of International Business Studies 8 (Spring/Summer 1977), pp.23-32, as publicized in Johanson Associates, , pp.50-61. Johanson, J. J.-E. Vahlne, 1994, The Mechanism of Internationalization, International Marketing Review 7 (1990), pp.11-24, as publicized in Johanson Associates, pp.84-95. Johanson, J. F. Wiedersheim-Paul, 1994, Internationalization of the Firm: Four Swedish Cases, Journal of Management Studies 12 (October 1975), pp.305-322 as publicized in Johanson Associates, , pp.34-49. Pedhazur, E, J., Schmelkin, L, P., 1991, Measurement, Design, and Analysis; an Integrated Approach, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc, Hillsdale, New Jersey Peter, J., , 1990, Internationalization of Small Business in a Microeconomic Perspective, International Small Business Series 4, Institute of Small Business, University of Goettingen. F. Brief description of the materials/methodologies needed by the proposal. (i.e. data collection methods, sampling, sample size and target group etc.) As for the data collection methods, there is a need to gather primary data in order to attain the basic information and get viewpoints, it includes; written and online questionnaires, telephone and online interviews and as for secondary data it will be used to get critical and more in-depth information on research that has already been done, it will mostly be used in the literature review. Here various books, journals, and articles will be used. Academic research will also be conducted and it will include scholarly articles by various universities, students or professors. Descriptive research to describe the characteristics of SMEs will be carried out. The research will seek answers to various questions, such as what are the problems faced by SMEs and what ways can be used to correct them. It is based on previous understanding of the problem. The research will be cross-sectional where by a representative subset is studied, at a defined time. The sampling frame will include the top and middle management of SMEs in Tanzania. The sample size will be about 100 people. The sampling methods used for this research would be probability and non-probability sampling because the research is vast. Under probability sampling; Stratified random method will be used thus selecting SMEs from certain demography in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The simple random sampling will also be used, hence choosing a choice of 100 SMEs from a choice of 500. The names of some of the SMEs include; Tanesco, Alexander Forbes Tanzania Limited, Showerlux Industries, Oryx, Gapco, Copper solution company, Raycom enterprises Ltd, Tanzania cigarette company Ltd, Zain Tanzania Ltd, Precision Air, Celtel Tanzania etc. Under non-probability sampling, snow-ball (referral by primary respondents) and self-selection (invite participation and collect data from those who respond) are methods that will be used. G. Brief description of the evaluation and analysis proposed for this project. (i.e. project deliverables and hypothesis, correlation test etc) This project will be of great use not only to Tanzanian but also to other African countries since it is aimed at finding ways to enhance the development of SMEs in relation to Globalization. Secondly, theories by other SMEs who have succeeded to go Global will be analyzed and will be proposed for application to benefit the SMEs in Tanzania. The expected results for this project include; Firstly; With strengthened SME departments or introduction of the Ministry of small medium enterprises, a lot of time and money will be devoted to the sector thus enhancing the chances of Tanzanian SMEs to become Global players. Secondly; With high brand consciousness, the products of SMEs will be able to stand out in the international markets. Thirdly; With participation in trade exhibitions such as Expolink, India property expo, East Africa International trade exhibition, SMEs can effectively market their products overseas. H. Illustration of how this project will benefit the future employability This thesis will help increase knowledge and understanding on SMEs. It will also help determine what problems are being faced by SMEs in Tanzania and what measurers can be taken to correct them. Lastly but most importantly, this project will help find a match between theory and practice and its application to the real world and will be a basic guide for all SMEs wanting to internationalize towards the economies.