Describe the transference-countertransference element of the therapeutic relationship - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2271 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Medicine Essay Type Review Level High school Did you like this example? Describe the transference-countertransference element of the therapeutic relationship An examination of the development of transference and counter-transference as a therapeutic tool with an exploration of the ways in which it can be defined and used in a therapeutic setting, with an overview and brief discussion of the way the concept of transference/counter-transference has been received by different schools of therapy. Introduction This essay explores the development of transference and countertransference from their origins in Freuds work to their current uses in different psychotherapeutic schools. The Kleinian contribution is identified as a major catalyst to re-thinking countertransference as a resource rather than simply an obstacle to treatment. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Describe the transference-countertransference element of the therapeutic relationship" essay for you Create order An unseemly event and a fortuitous discovery In 1881, the physician Dr Josef Breuer began treating a severely disturbed young woman who became famous in the history of psychoanalysis as Anna O. She had developed a set of distressing symptoms, including severe visual disturbances, paralysing muscular spasms, paralyses of her left forearm and hand and of her legs, as well as paralysis of her neck muscles (Breuer, 1895, in Freud and Breuer 1985/2004, p. 26). Medical science could not explain these phenomena organically, save to designate them as symptoms of what was then known as hysteria, so Breuer took the radical step of visiting his young patient twice a day and listening carefully to her as she spoke about her troubles. He was to make a powerful discovery which deeply influenced his young assistant, Dr Sigmund Freud: whenever Anna found herself spontaneously recounting memories of traumatic events from her early history, memories she had hitherto had no simple access to through conscious introspection, her symptoms be gan to disappear one by one. But for the purposes of this essay, one event was to be of pivotal importance: just as Breuer was about to conclude his treatment of the young woman as a success, she declared to him that she was in love with him and was pregnant with his child. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Breuer was traumatised and withdrew from this intimate method of treatment promptly. Freuds original biographer, Ernest Jones, reports that Breuer and Freud originally described the incident as an untoward event (Jones, 1953, p. 250); but where Breuer admonished himself for experimenting with an unethically intimate method which may have made him seem indiscreet to the young woman, Freud studied the phenomenon with scrupulous scientific neutrality. He, too, had experienced spontaneous outbursts of apparent love from his psychotherapeutic patients, but as Jones (1953, p. 250) observes, he was certain that such declarations had little or nothing to do with any magnetic attraction on his part. The concept of transference was born: patients, Freud argued, find themselves re-experiencing intense reactions in the psychotherapeutic relationship which were in origin connected with influential others in their childhoods (such as parents or siblings). Without being aware of doing so, patients tended to transfer their earlier relationship issues onto the person of the therapist. As Spillius, Milton, Couve and Steiner (2011) argue, at the time of the Studies in Hysteria, Freud tended to regard manifestations of transference as a predominantly positive force: the patients mistaken affections could be harnessed in the service of a productive alliance between therapist and client to explore and analyse symptoms. But by 1905, his thinking about transference began to undergo a profound change. Already aware that patients could direct unjustifiably hostile feelings toward the analyst as well as affectionate ones, his work with the adolescent Dora shook him deeply whe n she abruptly terminated her analysis in a surprisingly unkind and perfunctory manner (Freud, 1905/2006). He had already worked out that both the positive and negative manifestations of transference functioned as forms of resistance to the often unpleasant business of understanding ones own part in the events of the past (it is, for example, a good deal easier to lay the blame for ones present-day failings on bad or unsupportive figures from the past or on their selected stand-ins in the present than it is to acknowledge that one rejected or failed to make full use of ones opportunities). But he began to realise that Dora had actively repeated a pattern of relationship-behaviour with him that had actually arisen from her unacknowledged hostility toward her father, as well as to a young man she had felt attracted to, because both had failed to show her the affection and consideration she believed herself entitled to. She took her revenge out on Freud à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" and she was not alone in actively re-enacting critical relationship scenarios inside the therapeutic relationship; other patients, he began to see, also frequently actively relived relational patterns in this way while totally unaware that they were repeating such established patterns. By 1915, transference was no longer a resistance to recovering hazy and unpleasant memories for Freud; instead, it was an active, lived repetition of earlier relationships based on mistakenly perceived similarities between here-and-now characteristics of the analyst and there-and-then characteristics of previously loved or hated figures (Freud, 1915/2002) The interplay between psychical reality and social reality Melanie Klein, a pioneer of child psychoanalysis, accepted Freuds view of transference as a form of re-enactment, but using her meticulous observations of the free play of very young (and very disturbed) child patients, she began to develop the view that it was not the dim-and-distant past that was re-enacted but, on the contrary, the present. Psychical reality and social reality were not coterminous or even continuous; they were involved instead in a ceaseless dialectical interplay (Likierman, 2001, esp. pp. 136 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 144). Real people may constitute the childs external world, but for Klein, the only way to make sense of the often violent and disturbing content of the childrens play she observed was to posit the existence of a psychical reality dominated by powerful unconscious phantasies involving frighteningly destructive and magically benevolent inner figures or objects (Klein, 1952/1985). Children didnt simply re-enact actual, interpersonal relationships, th ey re-enacted relationships between themselves and their unique unconscious phantasy objects. In spontaneous play, children were dramatising and seeking to master or domesticate their own worst fears and anxieties, she believed. Kleins thought has changed the way transference is viewed in adult psychotherapy, too. If transference involves not simply the temporal transfer of unremembered historical beliefs into the present but the immediate transfer of phantasies, in the here-and-now, which are active in the patients mind, handling transference becomes a matter of immediate therapeutic concern: one does not have to wait until a contingency in the present evokes an event from the past, nor for the patient to make direct references to the therapist in her associations, because a dynamic and constantly shifting past is part of the present from the first moments of therapy in Kleinian thought. For example, Segal (1986, pp.8 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 10) describes a patient opening her f irst therapy session by talking about the weather à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" its cold and raining outside. Of all the issues a patient could choose to open a session à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" the latest political headlines, a currently active family drama, a dream, a quarrel with a work colleague, and so on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" it is always significant when a patient happens to select a particular theme; for Segal, following Klein, this selection indicates the activity of unconscious phantasy objects. Transference is immediate: Segal asks whether the patient is actually exploring, via displacement onto the weather, her transferential fear that the analyst may be an unfriendly, cold, and joy-dampening figure. Countertransference, its development and its use by different schools of therapy The foregoing has focussed on transference but implicit throughout has been the complementary phenomenon of countertransference, from Breuers shocked withdrawal from Doras transferential love to Freuds distress at being abruptly abandoned by Dora who, he later realised, was re-enacting a revenge scenario. Intensely aware that emotions could be roused all too easily in the analyst during a psychoanalytic treatment, Freud was exceptionally circumspect about any form of expression of these feelings to the patient. In his advice to practitioners, he suggested that the optimal emotional stance for the therapist was one of impartially suspended attention (Freud, 1912b/2002, p. 33). He did not, however, intend this to be a stable, unfluctuating position of constantly benevolent interest; he urged therapists to be as free of presuppositions and as open-minded as possible to their patients spoken material, to be willing to be surprised at any moment, and to allow themselves the freedo m to shift from one frame of mind to another. But he was unambiguous in his advice about how the therapist should comport him- or herself during analysis: For the patient, the doctor should remain opaque, and, like a mirror surface, should show nothing but what is shown to him. (Freud, 1912b, p. 29) As his paper on technique makes clear, Freud considered the stirring up of intense emotions on the part of the therapist as inevitable during analytic work; but he also considered these responses to the patient an obstacle to analytic work, the stirring up of the therapists own psychopathology which required analysis rather than in-session expression. The analyst had an obligation to remove his own blind-spots so as to attend to the patients associations as fully and prejudicially as possible. By the 1950s, psychoanalysts were beginning to explore countertransference as a potential source of insight into the patients mind. As Ogden (1992) draws out in his exploration of the development of Melanie Kleins notion of projective identification, Kleinian analysts such as Wilfred Bion, Roger Money-Kyrle, Paula Heimann and Heinrich Racker began arguing that it was an interpersonal mechanism rather than an intrapsychic one (as Klein had intended). Patients, they believed, could evoke aspects of their own psychic reality, especially those aspects they that they found difficult to bear, inside the mind of the analyst by exerting subtle verbal and behavioural pressures on the therapist. Therapists should not, therefore, dismiss such evoked emotions as purely arising from their own psychopathology, but as a form of primitive, para- or pre-verbal communication from the patient. As Ogden (a non-Kleinian) puts it: Projective identification is that aspect of transference that involves the therapist being enlisted in an interpersonal actualization of (an actual enactment between patient and therapist) of a segment of the patients internal object world. (Ogd en, 1992, p. 69) Countertransference, in other words, when handled carefully and truthfully by the therapist, can be a resource rather than an obstacle, and as such it has spread well beyond the Kleinian School. For example, while advocating caution in verbalising countertransference effects in therapy, the Independent psychoanalyst Christopher Bollas (1987) suggests that the analysts mind can be used by patients as a potential space, a concept originally developed by Winnicott (1974) to designate a safe, delimited zone free of judgement, advice and emotional interference from others, within which people can creatively express hitherto unexplored aspects of infantile experience. Bollas cites the example of a patient who recurrently broke off in mid-sentence just as she was starting to follow a line of associations, remaining silent for extended periods. Initially baffled and then slightly irritated, Bollas worked on exploring his countertransference response carefully over several months of analytic work. He eventually shared a provisional understanding with her that came from his own experience of feeling, paradoxically, in the company of someone who was absent, who was physically present but not emotionally attentive or available. He told her that he had noticed that her prolonged silences left him in a curious state, which he wondered was her attempt to create a kind of absence he was meant to experience. The intervention immediately brought visible relief to the patient, who was eventually able to connect with previously repressed experiences of living her childhood with an emotionally absent mother (Bollas, 1987, pp. 211 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 214). Other schools of psychoanalytic therapy such as the Lacanians remain much more aligned with Freuds original caution, believing that useful though countertransference may be, it should never be articulated in therapy but taken to supervision or analysis for deeper understanding (Fink, 2007). References Bollas, C. (1987). Expressive uses of the countertransfeence:notes to the patient from oneself. In C. Bollas, The Shadow of the Object: Psychoanlsyis of the Unthought Known (pp. 200 235). London: Free Associations Books. Breuer, J. (1883-5/2004). Fraulein Anna O. In S. Freud, J. Breuer, Studies in Hysteria (pp. 25 50). London and New York: Penguin (Modern Classics Series). Fink, B. (2007). Handling Transference and Countertransference. In B. Fink, Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Technique: A Lacanian Approach for Practitioners (pp. 126 188). New York and London: W.W. Norton Company. Freud, S. (1905/2006). Fragment of an Analysis of Hysteria (Dora). In S. Freud, The Psychology of Love (pp. 3 109). London and New York: Penguin (Modern Classics Series). Freud, S. (1912/2002). Advice to Doctors on Psychoanaytic Treatment. In S. Freud, Wild Analysis (pp. 33 41). London and New York : Penguin (Modern Classics Series). Freud, S. (1912/2002). On The Dymanics of Transference. In S. Freud, Wild Analysis (pp. 19 30). Londona nd New York: Penguin (Modern Classics Series).Freud, S. (1915/2003). Remenbering, Repeating and Working Through. In S. Freud, Beyond the Pleasure Priciple and Other Writings (pp. 31 42). London and New York: Penguin (Modern Classics Series). Jones, E. (1953). The Life and Work of Sigmund Freud: The Formative Years and the Great Discoveries, 1856-1900 Vol. 1. New York: Basic Books.Klein, M. (1952/1985). The Origins of Transference. In M. Klein, Envy and Gratitude and Other Works (pp. 48 60). London: The Hogarth Press The Institute of Psycho-Analysis. Likierman, M. (2001). Melanie Klein: Her Work in Context. London and New York: Continuum. Ogden, T. (1992). Projective Identification and Psychotherapeutic Technique. London: Maresfield Library. Segal, H. (1986). Melanie Kleins Technique. In H. Segal, The Work of Hanna Segal: Delusion and Artistic Creativity Other Psycho-analytic Essays (pp. 3 34). London: Free Associations Books/Maresfield Library. Spillius, E., Milton, J., P., G., Couve, C., Steiner, D. (2011). The New Dictionary of Kleinian Thought. East Sussex and New York: Routledge.Winnicott, D. W. (1974). Playing and Reality. London: Pelican.

Mudslinging s Dampening Effect On American Democracy Essay

Sharvil Patel Mrs. Haga Humanities 9 November 2016 Mudslinging’s Dampening Effect on American Democracy The 2010 Supreme Court case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, created national discord with a new discourse over money’s role in politics; in the 5-4 verdict, the Supreme Court affirmed the 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, which considered limits on political spending the equivalent of limits on first amendment rights. Corporate lobbyists viewed the decision to allow unlimited political expenditures as a victory for the Constitution, while grassroots organizations foresaw the wealthiest corporations and individuals transforming American democracy into a corporatocracy. Unfortunately, the critics’ predictions materialized and crowded out any benefits to small donors. Because Citizens United allows unlimited, anonymous spending from corporations and wealthy interests, special interest groups exponentially increased electoral expenditures, holding politicians hostage to their wealthy donors’ interests and hijacking American democracy in the process. Th e corporate takeover of representative politics specifically manifested in negative advertising because campaigners believed in negativity’s efficacy in influencing the electorate (Gordon). Moreover, the allowance of external spending encourages candidates to perceive spending towards mudslinging as less attached, and thus harmful, to the candidate. The effect of Citizens United’s precedent is demonstrated in the

Madness in Hamlet Free Essays

DRAFT- NOT MLA-LACKS FORMATTING/REFERENCES Hamlet-Melancholy, Madness and Sanity Hamlet, a play by William Shakespeare, is as much a mystery as a tale about depression, madness and sanity. Shakespeare reveals how the scourge of corruption and decay rapidly spread; and the emotional consequences that follow. Insanity, madness and depression are as intolerable as corruption and deceit; and just as intertwined. We will write a custom essay sample on Madness in Hamlet or any similar topic only for you Order Now The play makes one ponder if it is possible to be sane in an insane world full of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption? By examining the themes of melancholy, madness and sanity in Hamlet, Shakespeare details his character’s descent from depression to madness. Additionally, Hamlet’s psychological state can be analyzed by utilizing modern psychological diagnoses, in order to understand his mental state. Throughout the story, Hamlet exists in a melancholy state, â€Å"essentially not in madness, / But mad in craft† (3. 4. 204-205). Hamlet states to Horatio â€Å"as I perchance hereafter shall think meet/ To put an antic disposition on† in order to deceive the king that he is insane (Act I, Scene V, Line 190). However, was Hamlet acting or was he already mentally disturbed? Did Hamlet go mad in the end, or was Hamlet insane from the start of the play, and his mental condition only worsened as the play unfolded? The world in which Hamlet existed appears hostile. The king is a murderer; his mother the queen lusts after her deceased husband’s brother; friends spy and deceive one another; and Hamlet’s lover Ophelia literally loses touch with reality. Hamlet believes that only suicide can free him from his misery. Hamlet is not the only person struggling with depression. From the beginning, Francisco says, â€Å"’Tis bitter cold, / And I am sick at heart†. Marcellus states that â€Å"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark† (). Fear is spread by the ghost of King Claudius wandering the city streets. Reoccurring themes of corruption result in Hamlet stating â€Å"The dram of evil / Doth all the noble substance of a doubt / To his own scandal† (Shakespeare 51). One evil person can contaminate an entire kingdom. As the kingdom decays, emotional trauma increases. Hamlet concludes that the world â€Å"’Tis an unweeded garden / that grows to seed. Things rank and gross in nature / Possess it merely ( ). The weeds represent decay in a world of evil and sin. The â€Å"things† are symbolic of man and his temporary dominance over himself, his fellow man and nature. Pessimism permeates the screenplay and the reader is led to connect the dysfunction with the resulting mental states of depression that infect Hamlet. Hamlet’s psychological status can also be analyzed from a modern perspective. Today we have the diagnostic tools to identify and treat the disorders that afflicted Hamlet. Though Hamlet presents as melancholy throughout the play, there are three additional disorders that afflict Hamlet including post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar depression. Three traumatic events contribute to Hamlet’s descent into madness: the death of his father, the incestuous marriage between his uncle and mother, and the discovery of his father’s murder by Claudius. These emotional traumas contributed to Hamlet suffering from what we would now diagnose as Post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the inability to properly construct emotional appropriate responses to situations and an emotional blunting. Throughout the play, Hamlet had issues with people in his social circle. Hamlet becomes enraged with Laertes because of his dramatic sorrow over the death of Ophelia (Act V, Scene I). Soon thereafter, Hamlet realizes his reaction to Laertes was inappropriate and later apologizes to Laertes. Hamlet demonstrates impulsive behavior and lashes out at people without considering the ramifications. In addition to Laertes, Ophelia, Hamlet’s beloved, is also not immune to his rage. Hamlet is susceptible to highly reactive emotional responses, and suicidal ideation is mentioned throughout the play. Symptoms of PTSD often include changes in self-perception, relationship stressors, and frequently revenge fantasies. Hamlet’s emotional state deteriorates over the duration of the play. These changes include increased helplessness and the inability to make decisions as he becomes more ill. Hamlet exhibits other PTSD symptoms. Hamlet feels inferior to Fortinbras and Horatio, and in his attempts to kill Claudius. Hamlet also isolates himself and becomes more paranoid as the play progresses. Not that being paranoid would be an inappropriate emotional response to the environment he is in, but his paranoia takes over. Eventually Hamlet becomes obsessed with revenge after he is compelled by his father’s ghost to avenge his death. Symptoms of schizophrenia also present in Hamlet. The symptoms of schizophrenia can include hallucinations, isolation from others, a loss of reality and paranoia. While berating his mother about her rapid remarriage, suddenly Hamlet begins addressing an invisible specter. â€Å"What would your gracious figure? [QUEEN] Alas, he’s mad! † (Act III, Scene IV, Line 116-117). Hamlet has visions, or hallucinations, of his dead father’s ghost. The ghost was seen once by Horatio and some guards at the start of the play, but not by anyone else. The appearance of the ghost may have been reality or a hallucination. However, the second ghost to appear, tha t only Hamlet could see and hear, was confirmation of Hamlet’s insanity. Schizophrenia is often symptomatic with visual, but more commonly auditory hallucinations. After the death of Hamlet’s father, Hamlet began to withdraw and became reclusive in nature. He didn’t combat be forced to leave to boarding school, he spent less time with Ophelia, and he became very isolated. Hamlet appears to have been in the initial stages of schizophrenia where the real and unreal become blurred, but he is not yet incapacitated by his disorder prior to his murder. Perhaps if he didn’t die young the disease would have progressed. Even Polonius questioned Hamlet’s state-of-mind when he said, â€Å"How pregnant sometimes his replies are – a happiness that often madness hits on† (Act II, Scene II, Lines 213-215). Throughout the play, evidence of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is identified. It is hard to distinguish if Hamlet is bipolar or having a schizophrenic break since both diseases have common behavioral features. Bipolar disorder is known for manic or escalated behaviors coupled with severe depression when the mania recedes. Manic behaviors include pressured (or rapid) speech, grandiose beliefs, insomnia, and hyper or frantic behavior, followed by periods of extreme anergic depression that is emotionally and physically debilitating. Hamlet escalates between periods of excitement and kinetic activity to states of absolute misery and unproductivity. Hamlet procrastinates, but it may be due to the depressive period he cycles in and out of. Hamlet’s soliloquies all contain themes of suicide and hopelessness (depression), but his manic states are more difficult to define. Hamlet creates a plan to prove Claudius’s guilt while justifying his own rage and revenge. When Hamlet discovers that the players are coming to the castle, he rapidly goes from melancholy to a state of over-excitement. He becomes highly focused and implements a detailed plan to kill Claudius. Hamlet quickly abandons his plan and slips back into his depression (sparing Claudius). If Hamlet was able to execute all of the schemes and plans he devises, the play would be chaotic. Another incident suggests another bipolar episode when Hamlet, on the boat to England, facilitates the execution of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern; and also plans an attack on a pirate ship for revenge. Grandiose thoughts are a common feature while in a manic phase. Hamlet quickly forgets or fails to follow through with his plan and falls back into a depressive state. Hamlet’s manic depression is referred to as rapid cycling because the mania and depressive states change quickly. Ultimately, Hamlet may not be procrastinating at all like is assumed throughout the play. Hamlet may be incapable of fulfilling his grandiose plans while in a depressive state. In Hamlet’s time people had no concept of mental illness or mood disorders. People believed that behavior was deliberate and labeled unacceptable behaviors as character defects. Hamlet was a deeply disturbed individual. Author Gertrude Morin suggests that a cognitive approach be used to understand Hamlet. Hamlet, Morin says, is â€Å"a portrayal of a tortured, depressed young man who loses his way in the labyrinth of his negative thoughts. He not only suffered from negativity, mania and depression; the environment in which he lived was highly dysfunctional for anyone’s mental health, let alone an ill man. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is depressed but the events that develop during the play exacerbate his descent into madness. Not many people in the Kingdom of Denmark escape the toxicity of the world in which they lived. Ophelia may have suffered the most, and was also tormented by Hamlet’s illness, and eventually by saw no other option but to end her life. Depression and despair seemingly became as contagious as the small pox- and just as untreatable. Hamlet’s mental state and the events in his life may have finally drove him to madness. The reader may first believe that Hamlet is faking his dementia, when in fact, his mental dysfunctions were both organic (of biological origin)and very real. Among the mentally ill it is common to see a mentally vulnerable individual succumb to the pressures of his environment. That person may have been able to keep their illness in check in a stable environment, but when external stressors mount- they may not have the coping behaviors to cope and they escalate out of control. Suicide, in our modern world, is often a result of life stressors the vulnerable person could no longer manage. Had Hamlet not been murdered, his suicidal impulses may have caused him to self destruct. Psychiatry was just emerging as a science during the time Shakespeare wrote Hamlet. Robert Burton, the most famous author on melancholy from the Renaissance, first published his Anatomy of Melancholy in 1621. Burton, who was afflicted with melancholy himself suggested treatments â€Å"from taking hellebore to boring a hole in the skull to let out the ‘fuliginous vapours,’† while adding his consolations (Burton ). Had Hamlet received the services of Burton, it is probable that if the hellebore didn’t work, the hole in the skull would have left Hamlet disabled or dead. In conclusion, the question persists: Is it possible to be sane in an insane world full of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption? It appears that the majority of people is somewhat resilient and can cope with adversity to a certain degree. However, there are people like Ophelia and Hamlet who are vulnerable to chaotic conditions. These people tend to internalize the trauma and don’t have the coping mechanisms to deal with intense emotional situations. It is fascinating that Shakespeare had the insight to connect intolerable conditions with states of mental vulnerability. ‘Madness’ was a catch-all term for all mental disorders in Shakespeare’s time, but through his dialogue and scenery, he was able to identify numerous mental states of dysfunction- centuries before we had terminology to describe these illnesses in diagnostic terms. Shakespeare’s acuity in describing a mentally-ill prince is why Hamlet has endured over time. The issues, diseases, desires, fears and dreams remain constant over time among humanity. To be, or not to be’ will always be relevant in more ways than life and death. Our views on mental illness and physical ailments that relate to Melancholia are endless, and therefore so is our application of each possibility to Shakespeare’s work of Hamlet. Sources: Diagnostic Manual DMV-IV Burton, Robert. The Anatomy of Melancholy. Ed. Floyd Dell and Paul JordanSmith, NewYork: Tudor Publishing Co. , 1941. Morin, Gertrude. â€Å"Depression and Negative Thinking: A Cognitive Approach to Hamlet. † Mosaic: A Journal for the Interdisciplinary Study of Literature 25. 1 (1992): 112. How to cite Madness in Hamlet, Essay examples

International Journal Emerging Technology -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The International Journal Emerging Technology? Answer: Introduction This report is all about Headspace which is an organization that works with various youth ranging from 12 to 25 who have a mental ill health (Ameller et al.,2012). Depression and anxiety are most common type of health problems. Initially they are thinking to build a system which the easily capture the story at the first time it told. This will ultimately help the various professionals so that various case notes and story can be easily upgraded and young person can be treated in a better way. In this report various parameters like non-functional requirement, strength and weakness of cloud based solution, SDLC approach has been discussed in brief. Non-functional requirement consists of various parameters like critical system qualities, interface of requirements and system constrain has been discussed in brief. Use of FURPS that is functional usability, reliability, performance and security, comparison has also been discussed (Tiwari Mishra, 2012). Three comparison and contraction between non-functional and functional requirement has been discussed. Discussion Non-Functional requirement in software system engineering is nothing but software requirement which does not describes the function of software on the contrary it stresses on the fact that how the software will perform the work (Filieri, Ghezzi Tamburrelli, 2012). It focuses on certain areas like performance requirement of software, External requirements of software, design constraint and quality of software attributes. It checks the usability and efficiency of the entire system. It defines many system attributes like security, reliability, performance, maintainability, scalability and usability. Non-Functional Requirements Critical system can be either complex integrated system or small subsystems which refers to the quality and performance of which are critical and performance of a large system. System Interface The ultimate goal of system is to transform input into output. Inputs must come from any system that generally comes from other system and similar the output is generally made into other system and so interface can be defined as the collection of inputs and outputs of a system. User interface requirements A user interface is nothing but a part of physical product, system or designed software which shows the detail implementation of product, system and requirements of software. Design of user interface in one of the biggest activity that is being carried out in the definition of requirement. FURPS+ FRUPS many stands for Functionality, Usability, Reliability, Performance, and supportability which is provided over the period of time. FURPS is a useful technique which is required to check the basic requirements after making a clear view of the needs of the client. F in the FRUPS checks the features of different product that are familiar with the business domain of the solution that is developed. Functional requirement includes certain function like auditing, licensing, reporting, security and management of the system. Usability focuses on certain areas like capturing and relating the requirements on the interface issue of user. It emphsizes on certain areas like accessibility, interface and consistency (Ameller et al.,2012). Performance involves certain things like information through system, response time of given system, recovery and start up time. Supportability in the part where a number of other requirements such as testability, adaptability and many other factors. The plus s ign in FRUPs refers other parameters like design, implementation, interface and physical constraints. Non-functional requirements vs Functional Requirement Functional requirement specifies the function of a system or in other words it describes the particular requirement of function of a system when certain conditions are meet (Tuteja Dubey, 2012). Typical functional requirement includes business rules, administrative function, authentication, authorization, external interference and historical data. Non-functional requirements specify on the system can perform a given function. Non-Functional requirement describes the behavior of a system and limits its functionality (Blackwell, Lucas Clark, 2014). Nonfunctional requirement focuses on certain area that is performance, capability, maintainability, regulation and data integrity. Strengths and weaknesses of cloud based solutions There are certain advantages for using cloud computing for the storage of mental health data for this organization that is headspace (Bibi, Katsaros Bozanis,2012). Headspace is an organization that works for the youth whose age ranges from 12 to 25 and they experience a mental illness. The advantages are cost effective, usability, bandwidth, accessibility, data recovery during disaster. There are certain disadvantages also like usability, Bandwidth, accessibility, data security and software. Now the advantages will be discussed in brief that usability of cloud storage provides a wonderful option to the various user to easily drag and drop various files between cloud storage and their local storage (Khan et al., 2016). Cloud storage provides a wonderful option like various employees of head space can easily email the link of the patient file to the respective professionals and therefore it reduces the burden of uploading and sending the whole file. Employees of this organization can easily access the required patient file from any device through an internet connection. Cloud storage provide a option of disaster recovery in which it can act as backup plan in case of emergency for this organization that is headspace. Cloud storage will be cost effective for headspace as cloud storage cost about three cents per gigabyte for internal storage of data and there is no requirement of internal power for the storage of information. On the contrary it has some disadvantages of using cloud storage that is the employees of Headspace must be careful about the fact while using drag and drop option as this will permanently move the document from original location to cloud storage location (Balaji Murugaiyan, 2012). In this way some important files of various patients can be easily lost. Headspace must look for cloud service providers that provides unlimited bandwidth as there are certain cloud service provider that charges a certain amount of money if they cross the given limit. The biggest disadvantage that this organization will face is that it cannot access important files on cloud storage without a proper internet connection (Chung, Nixon Mylopoulos, 2012). Employees of Headspace need certain software if they want to access important files through multiple devices. Security of data is an important factor as there are many cases of data breach in cloud storage on the contrary cloud storage promises to provide se curity of important data. Data can be easily stored and can be kept secure in cloud storage and if their certain third-party products then it will not affect the laws of Australia as there are certain third-party application that will protect the given data from authorized use, reproduction, external distribution or publication and it will also prevent the usage of data which is manly used for identifying person. Various third-party application ensures that the data which is stored on cloud is only accessible to more than two individual or employees within provided health network (PHN). SDLCApproach SDLC stands for System Development Life Cycle or Project life cycle and it consists of eight steps that is initiation, planning, analysis, design, construction, QA testing implementation, support. Predictive approach to a given project are those in which an individual can assume the steps and the user is needed to take and after that a plan is made on it (Elliott, Huizinga Menard, 2012). The most common type of predictive method is Waterfall and its pros and cons has been discussed below. Predictive approach checks on sequential planning of phases and then execution of it with little or no overlap. Adaptive approach is related to the scope of project it can change as per the needs or requirement of the project. The most common type of adaptive approach is Agile. Pros and cons of Predictive approach Pros of Predictive approach is that Waterfall model are on managed projects waterfall model can be proved to provide more confidence to team to the team members and it reduces the burden of team members to be co-located (Mahalakshmi Sundararajan, 2013). Waterfall model can be useful for managing interface and dependencies which are merely present outside the development of product as this model have certain tools for managing the models. Cons of Predictive approach is that many organization and people cannot find the requirements of the project and made assumptions may be flawed (Modi et al., 2013). Risk in this approach can be higher in waterfall model as it has invalid assumptions in it. Waterfall projects are made up of teams within team and this factor can be considered to be the major disadvantage of Waterfall. Pros and cons of Adaptive approach Pros of adaptive approach is that agile has some practices that are suitable of the developers for current development. Agile model helps the developers and clients which ultimately helps in getting proper feedback (Ameller et al.,2012). This model help is reducing the silos which exits in teams working on the project and which can damage the projects. Cons of adaptive approach is that although agile model is very simple to understand on the contrary it is very hard at first attempt (ODriscoll, Daugelaite Sleator, 2013). This model has less prediction of what is delivered as the end result. Agile model requires a high level of collaboration and regular communication between developers and user of the product. From the above discussion it can be stated that Predictive approach of SDLC is better for the given project (Rao, Sasidhar Kumar, 2012). Predictive approach of SDLC that is waterfall model is better for this given project. Waterfall model is good for any project related to information technology and this is IT of Headspace organization Conclusion From the above discussion it can be concluded that the report emphasizes on non-functional requirement, review of cloud based solution and approach of SDLC. The beginning of the report is all about qualities of critical system, interface of system, user interface requirements, FRUPs and comparison of non-functional and functional requirement. The next part of the report is about the strength and weakness of cloud based solution and sensitive nature of mental health data and its security has been discussed. The last part of the report provides a brief description about the pros and cons using predictive SDLC, pros and cons of Adaptive SDLC and proper recommendation for this project is also provided. All the above-mentioned factors are being related to the Australian mental health organization that is Headspace. References Ameller, D., Ayala, C., Cabot, J., Franch, X. (2012, September). How do software architects consider non-functional requirements: An exploratory study? InRequirements Engineering Conference (RE), 2012 20th IEEE International(pp. 41-50). IEEE. Balaji, S., Murugaiyan, M. S. (2012). Waterfall vs. V-Model vs. Agile: A comparative study on SDLC.International Journal of Information Technology and Business Management,2(1), 26-30. Bibi, S., Katsaros, D., Bozanis, P. (2012). Business application acquisition: on-premise or SaaS-based solutions?.IEEE software,29(3), 86-93. Blackwell, D. L., Lucas, J. W., Clarke, T. C. (2014). Summary health statistics for US adults: national health interview survey, 2012.Vital and health statistics. Series 10, Data from the National Health Survey, (260), 1-161. Chung, L., Nixon, B. A., Yu, E., Mylopoulos, J. (2012).Non-functional requirements in software engineering(Vol. 5). Springer Science Business Media. Elliott, D. S., Huizinga, D., Menard, S. (2012).Multiple problem youth: Delinquency, substance use, and mental health problems. Springer Science Business Media. Filieri, A., Ghezzi, C., Tamburrelli, G. (2012). A formal approach to adaptive software: continuous assurance of non-functional requirements.Formal Aspects of Computing,24(2), 163-186. Khan, F., Jan, S. R., Tahir, M., Khan, S., Ullah, F. (2016). Survey: Dealing Non-Functional Requirements at Architecture Level.VFAST Transactions on Software Engineering,9(2), 7-13. Mahalakshmi, M., Sundararajan, M. (2013). Traditional SDLC Vs Scrum MethodologyA Comparative Study.International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering,3(6), 192-196. Modi, C., Patel, D., Borisaniya, B., Patel, H., Patel, A., Rajarajan, M. (2013). A survey of intrusion detection techniques in cloud.Journal of Network and Computer Applications,36(1), 42-57. ODriscoll, A., Daugelaite, J., Sleator, R. D. (2013). Big data, Hadoop and cloud computing in genomics.Journal of biomedical informatics,46(5), 774-781. Rao, N. M., Sasidhar, C., Kumar, V. S. (2012). Cloud computing through mobile-learning.arXiv preprint arXiv:1204.1594. Tiwari, P. K., Mishra, B. (2012). Cloud computing security issues, challenges and solution.International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering,2(8), 306-310. Tuteja, M., Dubey, G. (2012). A research study on importance of testing and quality assurance in software development life cycle (SDLC) models.International Journal of Soft Computing and Engineering (IJSCE),2(3), 251-257.

Farming and Animal Consumption

GCSE Maths Coursework Essay Example

GCSE Maths Coursework Essay Example GCSE Maths Coursework Essay GCSE Maths Coursework Essay I will then investigate the diagonal difference of a 44 grid, 33 grid and 22 grid the numbers for these grids will be taken from the 88 grid above.The way to investigate diagonal difference is shown in the example:Sarah writes down a 33 grid from the above table.101112181920262728She notices that when you multiply the opposite corners the difference between the products is 32For example:10 x 28 = 28012 x 26 = 312The diagonal difference is 312 280 = 32.What I think will happenI think that the diagonal difference will always be 32 with a 33 grid.I think that the diagonal difference for a 22 grid will be 8 each time.I am also going to investigate the diagonal difference of a grid sized 44; I think the difference will be 72 each time.I came to these conclusions by doing a series of preliminary investigations.Preliminary InvestigationsFor a 33 grid:123910111718191 x 19 = 193 x 17 = 5151 19 = 3246474854555662636446 x 64 = 294448 x 62 = 29762976 2944 = 32For a 44 grid:2627282934353637424 344455051525326 x 53 = 137829 x 50 = 14501450 1378 = 721234910111217181920252627281 x 28 = 284 x 25 = 100100 28 = 72For a 22 grid:4445525344 x 53 = 233245 x 52 = 23402340 2332 = 83334414233 x 42 = 138634 x 41 = 13941394 1386 = 8What I will Measure/ObserveI will measure the diagonal difference from a 44 grid, a 33 grid and a 22 grid. I will take these grids from a table of 88 numbers ranging from 1-64.I will find the diagonal difference by taking the four numbers from each corner multiply them by the number in the apposite corner and then I will take away the two numbers found as a result of multiplying the four opposite diagonals. This will then leave me with my diagonal difference.Examples of the type of measurements I will be gathering are found in my preliminary investigations.How I will Carry out any MeasurementsI will measure the times value of the corners of the 44 grid, 33 grid, and a 22 grid then I will minus the two answers given for each grid and find the diagonal diff erence.How many Times I will Repeat the MeasurementsI will produce four sets of results for each of the 44 grids, 33 grids and 22 grids.I will take the numbers for my smaller grids from the original 88 grid of numbers.I will gather the numbers for the smaller grids, as If I were to place the smaller grid sizes on to the 88 grid taking the right number range for the suitable grids.Taking this amount of readings provides me with broad range of results enabling me to have a more conclusive view of the investigation and it will also help me when concluding the investigation.What I will be Altering in order to make ComparisonsI am altering the sizes of my grids from 44 to 33 and then to a 22 grid size.I can then compare these grid sizes to the original grid size of 33.How I will carry out these AlterationsI will carry out these alterations by reducing the size of my grids which I will be taking the diagonal difference from.What Range of Values will be compared?I will collect four sets of results for all of the three grid sizes.I will then compare the diagonal difference values.I will then analyse these four sets of results by putting them into tables and formatting them in charts, this ill then enable me to make comparison between the diagonal differences of each grid size.What I will keep the same to make it a Fair TestI will keep the initial 88 grid the same; this is where I will gather my numbers from for the other smaller grid sizes.The 88 grid will range from 1-64 in numerical order I will always keep this the same.What Safety Precautions will need to be taken?I will not have to take any safety precautions for this investigation as no safety hazards will occur as a result of this investigation.What graphs and calculations do I intend to do?

Press Release Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Press Release - Essay Example e standard elements or components, to wit: â€Å"( 1) Company Letterhead, Name, Address, Phone Number, Web Address; (2) PRESS RELEASE in all caps; (3) Contact Persons Name; (4) Immediate Release or Release Date(all caps); (5) HEADLINE or TITLE in BOLD/CAPS; (6) BODY-Date/City-who, what, when, where and why; (7) Catchy Text; (8) Sum it up...; (9) Basic Font, Double Spaced, Page Numbers, and ###; and (10) Action Plan/Calendar† (Aten, n.d., par. 9). All crucial elements are easily identifiable and readily available making preparation and implementation stress-free. Since the purpose of the press release is to enhance public awareness of an organization’s product, services, or activities, the structure and presentation format needs to contain all the elements identified above. At the same time, the message must be timely, catchy, and attractive enough to encourage the potential viewers’ interests and promote commitment to one’s cause. Various organizations opt to use press releases as a tool in public relations to increase awareness of the organization’s vision, direction, or focus at some point in time: either in the introductory stage, during promotional or campaign periods, and as strategies designed to spur productivity and growth. Hollis, New York – November 11, 2010 – Good news to all commuters vying the subway area along the city of New York, a newly opened food store targeting businessmen, students, senior citizens, and various professionals from all walks of life is now the solution to your hunger pangs. Benjamin Smith, the owner and proprietor of Healthy Snacks Alternative is now open for business with several food stall along the subway. Healthy Snacks offer subway sandwiches with a variety of fillings from cold meat, tuna, vegetables, cheese, eggs and other healthy fillings one can think of – at the most affordable price and readily available for take-out or dine-in, as needed. There is an array of beverages, likewise, available on

To what extent does islam impact women's rights in saudi arabia Essay

To what extent does islam impact women's rights in saudi arabia - Essay Example All women, in spite of their age must have guardian. The guardian has the responsibility over, the woman in several aspects of civil life. Legal responsibility of guarding the women is experienced in varying degrees and involves major aspects of the life of the female (Seiple, Hoover and Otis 277). This system is said to originate from collective conventions, including the significance of protection of the women, and from Islamic religious perspective on travel and owning a family, even though the requirements were perhaps confined to some specific situations. The guardian gave the woman the permission for marriage and separation; travel, employment; education and opening a bank account. Gender roles in Saudi culture are derived from the Islamic law and ancestral culture. The Islamic (Sharia) law is based on the teachings of Mohammed. These laws are mostly not written and leave the judges with important unrestricted power, which they habitually implement in favor of ethnic customs. Women have to cover their body parts that should not be exposed. In much of the Islamic communities, womens faces are not considered awrah (not supposed to be exposed) but in the country and some other Arabian states, the entire body is considered awrah apart from the hands and the eyes. For that reason, most women are supposed to wear the head covering full black cloak and a face-veil (Nouraie-Simone 296). Consequently, sex segregation is expected within the community. Social interaction is minimal amongst men and women. Most of the offices, banks, and institutions of higher learning in the country have separate entrances based on gender. According to the law, there ought to be physically and visually distinct sections for the males and female at all gatherings including weddings ceremonies and funerals (CQ Researcher 156). Public transport is segregated and places such as recreational centers and delight parks so that the male

Final reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Final reflection - Essay Example With the help of my tutors I have been able to assess my progress in both learning and writing depending on my improved efficiency in terms of creating texts from what I learn. In the thought of Earl personal assessment helps a student gauge their strengths and weaknesses in their education system (56). My writing process has been significant in my experience and an active learner. My writing has shifted from simple writing to a much complex form of writing based on the complexity of the content. The content in my texts have grown significantly showing that I have been able to be an active writer based on the skills and experience in acquire in class. Apart from the content, the creation of words and texts in my texts can now be related to mature student. My performance in writing has been steady and exceptional since my first inducement in writing. The same sentiments can be shared in my active learning process. Based on attentiveness, the ability to apply skills taught, completing tasks effectively and relating to activities in class to real world experiences. According to Earl, learning is measured by the way in which an individual completes test that involves the application of learned materials (77). My experience in close reading and contextualization has grown significantly since I have acquired more efficient reading and text analysis skills. The ability of a student to read and analyze texts effectively is based on their prowess in their reading skills and comprehension skills which is acquired through active learning. Working with peers in my active learning and writing process has been helpful is sharpening my skills working with my peers has greatly increased my communication skills. My ability of creating studying and professional relationships has also been increased by my involvement in working with my peers. In an argument by Earl, learning systems should have peer based tools to help boost the studying ability of all students though a related a nd appropriate support (87). In my relationship to my class I have learned a lot in the practices and activities the class have been involved in. I have been participating in numerous class activities including groups activities based on tasks provided by instructors. In group tasks I have led different groups towards completion of requirements such as reading and writing assignments, creating projects outlines, completing research projects and engaging in oral contests. Apart from learning from these activities, groups’ activities in class enhanced my relationship in thus class in terms of having the will to learn and being happy in my learning environment. According to Earl, in active learning the type of perception a learner creates in their class /environment is important in their quest for education (123). Additionally, other participations in my class revolved around completing different forms of assignments. For instance, I completed annotated bibliographies, research assignments, oral and practical exams, projects, interviews, text critiques and final exams and continuous assessment tests. These assessment tools increased my level of concentration and participation in class activities. At the beginning of my class, I had poor writing and learning skills. I did not have the ability to create visual creations of what I acquired in class. This was only to change if I had to create an effective relationship with

Desert Industry

Desert Industry INVESTIGATING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGEIN THE SMALL SCALE DESSERT INDUSTRY IN SOUTH WALES. 1. INTRODUCTION: Financial Success often depends on marketing ability of a firm. Finance, operations, accounting and other business functions cannot help unless there is sufficient demand of products and services of a firm in the market. Hence, the focus of the firms today is totally on the customers (Kotler and Keller, 2006). In broader sense, the whole marketing process can be defined in the following diagram: In every stage of the marketing process, a firm not only has to keep its focus on the customers but also have to keep the efforts to be ahead of its competitors. Hence, in each stage of the marketing process, a firm tries to be ahead of its competitors by gaining a competitive advantage over them. In order to do this, certain competitive strategies are followed. These strategies involve taking offensive or defensive actions to create a defendable position in the industry. The best competitive strategy for a firm is unique and dependent on the challenges that the firm is facing. However, it is not possible for a firm to enjoy a competitive advantage in the market over a same strategy for long term basis. So, with the change in the external environment and competitors strategies, the competitive strategies of a firm, too, has to undergo certain changes. The project proposes to study competitive advantage for small firm in desserts industry, which has created a niche segment for itself in the competitive dessert and bakery market of South Wales. It also aims to study the importance that such small firms give to competitive advantage and the way they evolve with time. 2. FOCUS 2.1 Aim: By considering the above mentioned facts, the aim of the project has been narrowed down to: â€Å"To study Wales dessert market taking into consideration the prominent players in the industry, thereby, identifying the evolution of its competitive advantage and strategies over a period of time and the possible opportunities and threats in the coming time†. 2.2 Objectives: 1) To study Wales Dessert market and evolving competitive strategies of prominent players of industry with time. 2) To carry on a comparative study on the competitive strategies of the prominent players of wales dessert market. 3) To identify the upcoming threats and opportunities, hence, making recommendations in terms of how players can gain competitive advantage over its competitors. 3. CONTEXT: The concept of gaining competitive advantage forms the thrust of marketing activities in an organization. Working on a project using a study on competitive advantage would be a great value addition to me as a student of marketing specialization. This is because of the reason that Competitive advantage encompasses almost all major aspects/fields of marketing ranging right from the conception of product development through product promotion to product launch and strategies for its sustenance in the market. The reason for choosing not too developed dessert market was that information about the competitive advantage and strategies of large firms and MNCs is well talked of in books, articles, news, journals. Even while compounding theories and frame works related to competitive advantage and strategies, theorists have given major consideration to large corporations and MNCs. The Focus of project on such small segment industry is to understand the perspective and dimensions of the concept of competitive advantage and strategies at a small scale. 4. LITERATURE REVIEW: 4.1 About the Conceptual framework: Competitive advantage: The Concept The concept of Competitive Advantage was compounded by Michael E. Porter in 1985. In order to create a defendable position in the market or in order to survive successfully in the presence of various competitive forces so as to generate high returns on investments, it is important for a firm to take either offensive or defensive strategies (Porter, 1998). Resource Based Theory The major contribution of the resource-based view of the firm to date has been as a theory of competitive advantage. It argues that it is very important for a firm to develop a sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) within so as to successfully survive in highly competitive market. According to the theory, achieving a SCA allows the firm to earn economic returns over its investments. Also, it lays emphasis on how firms achieve and sustain competitive advantages. The theory puts forward the idea that in order to gain competitive advantage, possession of certain key resources that have unique features like value, barriers to duplications and appropriability, acts as an effective stimulus. The theory also stresses upon effective deployment of the resources in the market to maximize returns and on the appropriate strategic choice of the firm (Fahy and Smithee, 1999). A customer should see any competitive advantage as a customer advantage. For example, if a company sells fresh food than its competitors, this will not be a customer advantage if customers do not value fresh food. Companies must concentrate on building customer advantages because only by focusing on customer advantages, high customer satisfaction and vale can be assured which further leads to repetitive purchases that are i.e. A loyal customer base and ultimately higher market share (Kotler and Keller, 2006). Resource-Based Model of Sustainable Competitive Advantage : Source: (Adapted from Fahy and Smithee, 1999) Porters Generic Strategies: These are the Basic approaches to strategic planning that can be adopted by any firm in any market or industry to improve its competitive performance. For an organisation to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage Michael Porter suggested that they should follow either one of three generic strategies: 1) Cost Leadership 2) Differentiation 3) Focus These strategies are applied at the business unit level. They are called generic strategies because they are not firm or industry dependent. Each generic strategy implies different skills and requirements for success which commonly translates into differences in organisational structure and culture. Cost Leadership A firm is said to be following the strategy of cost leadership if it is able to deliver a product with same features and quality as its competitors but at a comparative lower cost to the customer. For a business to achieve such a strategy, it is important to achieve low cost of production and distribution. In short, the strategy emphasizes on charging lower price than competitors to gain more market share (Kotler and Keller, 2006) (Dibb et al, 2006) and (www.quickmba.com). Differentiation The differentiation strategy, unlike cost leadership, lays stress on delivering products with the benefits exceeding the same products produced by the competitors in the market. According to the strategy superior performance of the product is valued by a large part of the market (Kotler and Keller, 2006) (Dibb et al, 2006) and (www.quickmba.com). Focus The focus strategy is also known as a niche strategy. This strategy is adopted when a firm is neither in a position to implement cost leadership nor differentiation strategy. In this strategy the focus in terms of efforts and resources is confined to on a narrow and defined segment of a market. A niche strategy is often used by smaller firms. A company could use either a cost focus or a differentiation focus. A firm using a focus strategy often enjoys a high degree of customer loyalty, and this entrenched loyalty discourages other firms from competing directly (Dibb et al, 2006) (Kotler and Keller, 2006). PROS: 1) Porters generic strategies model achieves to reduce the strategic alignment of the organisations between cost and differentiation. The model successfully indicates that differentiation strategy is equally effective as cost leadership. 2) The selection of a generic strategy provides direction to management and staff that helps them acquire internal consistency between management style, reward system, recruiting policy, etc. so as to shape its internal structure as per the choice of strategy of the firm. CONS: 1) The concept of porter generic strategies is mostly focused on large multinational companies with multiple business units although the strategy can be implemented on small organisations too, but the tools employed in the strategies are too complex to add optimum value to them. 2) Porter stated that competitive strategic analysis needs to happen on an ongoing basis. But even when a quantitative/economic change in the industrys conditions is detected, the reaction is frequently too late to realign the company. Most change occurs bottom-up, intuitively and creatively, and can be detected early using soft data rather than hard data Porters Five Forces: Michael Porters Five Forces of Competitive Position model provides a simple perspective for assessing and analysing the competitive advantage or strength and position of a corporation or business organization. Industry structure and positioning within the industry are the basis for models of competitive strategy promoted by Michael Porter. The â€Å"Five Forces† diagram captures the main idea of Porters theory of competitive advantage. Source: (Adapted from Ankli , 2007) Bargain Strength of Supplier: Since a powerful customer always has the discretion of forcing supplier for discounts, delay payment or preferred services, later, sometimes have to partly finance the former, so the supplier has to partly finance them. As for examples, Enormous bargaining power is enjoyed by huge Supermarket chains that have huge, concentrated buying power (C Murphy, 2005) (Thompson and Strickland, 2004). Bargain Strength of Customers: The bargaining power of the customer depends on the range of choice of suppliers that it has with him/her. In a situation of monopsony, where one customer has the choice of many suppliers, the bargaining power of customer is high to an extent where he himself sets the price. Whereas for a situation where customers are poorly placed, their bargaining power is negligible and hence they have to accept the terms offered by the suppliers (Ankli, 2007) (Aaker and McLoughlin, 2007) (Thompson and Strickland, 2004). Potential Entrants: The firm has to be alert from not only the competitors but the new entrants in the market pose equal threat of market share being snatched. The possibility is even higher if there are minimal barriers to the entry and exit to business entities in the market. However, in reality, the industries have the policies that protect the financial interests of existing firms in the market and restrain additional rivals from entering the market (Thompson and Strickland, 2004) (Ankli, 2007). Substitutes: Another set of competitors that may pose threat to the market share of a firm are the firms that produce the products that can be substituted against the existing product of the firm. This threat is of high intensity if there is high willingness among the customers to switch from the use of current product to its substitute. Some major factors that may stimulate the willingness of customers to switch to the use of substitute can be use of breakthrough technology in substitute, Steep price difference between the existing product and the substitute (C Murphy, 2005) (Ankli, 2007). Industry Rivalry: The intensity of competition is directly proportional to the structure of the industry. What matters here is the number and capability of your rivals if you have many competitors and they offer equally valuable products and services, then in this situation you will have little power. If you are doing the same thing what others are doing i.e. suppliers and buyers are not happy with your deal, theyll go elsewhere. On the other hand, if you do that no-one else can do, then you can often have tremendous advantage and strength (Thompson and Strickland, 2004) (Ankli, 2007). According to Obasi Richard, with the use of the concept of Competitive advantage and strategies, it would be easier for the firms to have a better insight in business situations and the appropriate strategies pertaining to these situations. Also, the managers would be able to make tactical decisions rather than relying on their intuition, experience, or trial and error alone (Akan et al, 2006). 4.2 About the Chosen Sector: The desert industry of UK is although small industry however it is growing at a good pace. Since last few years many new players have entered in this segment and have been using competitive marketing strategies like Online Marketing, Customisation etc to sustain and do well. According to the website of British baker magazine there is an increase in the cake and cake bars market by 7% in the year 2008 as compared to 2007 to reach GBP 1.52 bn. According to research from Mintel out of the whole only two-third of the consumers only consume the cakes, frequency of use and penetration level is declining. Report also stated that the market is likely to grow between 2008 and 2013 by 26 % (www.bakeryinfo.co.uk). According to Reuters the UK biscuit and the cake market in the year 2007 was approximately to be worth GBP 2.96bn, a boost of 13.6% since 2003. It is likely to see a rise in the biscuit and the cake market between 2008 and 2012, even though this may be largely driven by rise in input cost. Biscuits and cakes are getting a tough competition from other alternatives such as fruits and savoury snacks but its value growth is maintained due to some added value activities (www.reuters.com). It can be seen that the dessert industry is growing and considerable research can further contribute to aspiring small desert industries which is my intention. 5. Research Methodology: 5.1 Research Paradigm: The research paradigm which will be used in the dissertation is Phenomenology. Phenomenological approach to research is so called because it is based on the way people experience social phenomena in the world in which they live. Phenomenologists are concerned with what things mean, rather than with identifying and measuring phenomena. They are particularly interested in the idea that human experience is a valuable source of data, as opposed to the idea that true research or discovery lies in simply measuring the existence of physical phenomena. 5.2 Research Approach: Since the project aims to find out competitive advantage and competitive strategy, so the findings of the project would be qualitative in nature. 5.3 Research Methods: Different research methods used for primary data are: * Surveys * In Depth Interviews Different research methods used for Secondary data are: * Self study from internet * Books * Research articles and journals 5.4 Sampling: For the analysis, two samples are considered, namely: a. Consumers b. Players in the Dessert Industry The consumers would be taken from all age groups, geographic locations and lifestyles. Similarly, players too would range from the biggest players in the market to the small organizations involved in the same business. 5.4.1 Sampling Criteria: For the analysis, two samples are considered, namely: a. Consumers b. Players in the Dessert Industry The consumers would be taken from all age groups, geographic locations and lifestyles. Similarly, players too would range from the biggest players in the market to the small organizations involved in the same business. 5.4.2 Number of Respondents/Participants: For Customers: 125 150 For Players: 10-15 5.4.3 Sampling Technique: The probability Technique will be used. The probability sampling is also known as random sampling. It gives each member of the target population an equal probability of selection. 5.5 Methods to analyse Primary Data: The study would use MS excel for the analyses of the primary data and text analysis as well. 6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION AND ISSUES: Ethical considerations towards respondents: * Proper information about the study * Anonymity of the participants * Freedom to choice Ethical considerations for self: * Clear communication with respondents * Use of authenticated data * Proper interpretation of data 7. REFERENCES: MURPHY, C. 2005. Gathering, Analysing and putting it to work 1st edition. Aldershot, Hants: Gower Publishing Limited Doyle, P., Stern, P. 2006. Markeing Management and Strategy 4th edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited Dibb, S., Simkin, L., Pride, W., Ferrell, O. 2006. Marketing Concepts and Strategies 5th edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company Thompson, A., Strickland, A. 2004. Strategic Management Concepts and Cases 13th edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Aaker, D., McLoughlin, D. 2007. Strategic Market Management 7th edition. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley Sons, Ltd Kotler, P., Keller, K. 2006. Marketing Management 12th edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited Porter, M. 1998. Competitive Advantage Creating And Sustaining Superior Performance 11th edition, New York, NY: The Free Press QuickMBA. 2007. Competitive Advantage [WWW] http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/competitive-advantage/ (15th Nov, 2009) Bakeryinfo.co.uk. 2008. cake market on the up but trends are changing [WWW] http://www.bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3879/Cake_market_on_the_up,_but_trends_are_changing.html (13th Nov,2009) Reuters. 2008. Fahy, J., Smithee, A. 1999. Strategic Marketing and the Resource Based View of the Firm. Academy of Marketing Science Review, 10, pp. 1-20 Ankli, R. 1992. Michael Porters Competitive Advantage and Business History. Business and Economic History, 21, pp. 229-232 Akan, O., Allen, R., Helms, M., Spralls, S. 2006. Critical tactics for implementing Porters generic strategies. Journal of Business Strategy, 27(1), pp. 43-53 8. TIME PLAN In 6 months of the dissertation 2 weeks will be dedicate to introduction 1 month will be dedicated to Literature Review. 2 months for data analysis. 1 month for research methodology. 1 month for conclusion

Comparison of Leonardo and Tintorettos Last Supper Paintings Essay

Comparison of Leonardo and Tintoretto's Last Supper Paintings The Last Supper by Leonardo is very different to Tintoretto’s representation of the same incident. The last supper is one of the most important occurrences which took place in the Christian religion such an important event that many have seen the need for the event visually recorded through art the two most famous of these representations are by far Tintoretto’s and Leonardo’s works. The Last Supper by Leonardo was created during the renaissance period and is a simple symbolic work with little emotion. Tintoretto however chose to represent the event in a surrealistic manner to give full impact; A way in which was typical of the art period in which he painted the work, the Mannerist period. The two works although essentially containing the same subject differ immensely. This difference is strongly evident through the artists contrasting use of colour, light, realism, technique perception and focal point/s. Leonardo’s version of the Last Supper was painted El fresco depicting the scene passively without emotion. The work has the supper table horizontal across the lower third and Jesus and his twelve disciples dining behind it, before a backdrop of both man made structure and natural landscape. The artwork is un-cluttered and simple. The lighting is subtle and non-dramatic. Colour is conservative and dull this is partly due to the limited paint available and the technique and decay of fresco painting. The wor...