Coffee Shops Essay Example for Free

Coffee Shops Essay Whenever I am in need to study or just want to find a place to hangout, what instantly springs to my mind is a coffee shop. There are many different coffee shops around me, but only one is my absolute favorite. My favorite coffee shop is Beca House. Beca House is a locally owned business and is only about twelve minutes from my house. It is the coziest little nook, where I usually spend my mornings before class eating breakfast and drinking my favorite espresso coffee drink. After all, coffee is the best way to wake up and get the body moving. As I walk into Beca House every morning, the strong bitter aroma of ground coffee beans drift through the air, soaking into my clothes as I make my way to the counter to place my order. The smell was circulating because the coffee bar is located near the left side of the shop. The first attraction for me was the baked goods. They are tidily placed in the transparent glass cabinet, lining up and waiting for me to eat them all. There were all different types of baked goods like muffins, streusels, cheesecakes, cookies, and biscotti’s. Up above near the ceiling of the bar, there were an assortment of coffee beans packed into brown bags. The barista takes my order, large campfire frappe, double espresso. On a cooler day, I order a hot vanilla cappuccino. The delicious smell of coffee generates from the espresso machines. There is also a blackboard on the counter near the menu with a quote written with chalk that will change from day to day. The barista hands me my custom beverage order, and I stroll back to the front of the coffee shop to find a place to get comfortable. All along the walls of the shop are strategically placed vintage paintings and inspirational quotes. Dim lights shine on the spaced out vintage furniture, making for a very soothing and quiet atmosphere. No two pieces of furniture are the same, big couches, small wooden chairs, dark colored pillows, and rustic end tables. I like admiring this type of environment: soothing and calming, yet still inviting. In comparison to most restaurants, coffee shops are by no means a noisy place. The sound of chatters and laughter blends together with the background music playing around the shop, and the volume is set at a medium tone. Coffee shops provide a comfortable, yet sociable gathering spot for people of all ages. I often find peers of my own studying for big tests, writing papers, or maybe just reading a new book and relaxing. The Beca House is my favorite part to my day. I cannot start without it. Even on days that I do not have class, I find myself getting my daily cup of coffee at the crack of dawn, just before work. Stopping at Beca House has become part of my daily routine, and I do not see it being cut out any time soon. I know I go there a lot when the barista’s know my order when I walk through the door. There’s something so perfect about it being just me, my thoughts, and my morning cup of coffee.

The Purpose Of Metro Rail

The Purpose Of Metro Rail The purpose of this report is to determine how managers at MetroRail can achieve ecologically sustainable management values and practices utilising planning and controlling methods, while running and maintaining a metropolitan rail network. 1.2 Scope This report will analyse initiatives higher level management at MetroRail can consider in order to achieve ecologically sustainable management, due to investment in new rolling stock and expansion of rail network. The report will look at strategies MetroRail can adopt to run an environmentally friendly transport service with minimal carbon footprint. 1.3 Methodology The information used in this report will use ecological sustainable management values and practices. To facilitate these value and practices, the use of tools such as management planning and organising will be used by MetroRail. 1.4 Assumption It is assumed that MetroRails environmental vision has been promoted to all employees. The policy statement is to establish MetroRails environmental commitments and provides the basis for setting our environmental objectives and targets. This policy will pursue policies that protect the global and local environment and those that are consistent with principles of ecologically sustainable development. 1.5 Limitations This report is limited by its focus on planning and controlling of ecological sustainable management values and practices to satisfy this reports requirements. In addition, only key elements within planning and control have been addressed. Organisational and leadership functions are also represented within MetroRail, however these will not be included in this report. 1.6 Background MetroRail is a state run corporation in the state of Queensland, providing passenger rail services covering suburban Brisbane and extending to south western, western, central west and northern regions of Queensland. MetroRail plans to expand its network as part of the Federal Government Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, with further investment in new rolling stock to cater for the growing demand for clean, reliable, passenger rail services. 1.7 Plan This report will first discuss the importance of ecologically sustainable management values and practices before discussing planning and controlling methods utilised to achieve their nominated functions. Several practical and theoretical concepts will be outlined to management on different proposals to be taken. A summary of recommendations and justification will be presented at the conclusion of this report. 2. Discussion 2.1 Importance of Ecologically Sustainable Management Values and Practices The introduction of new rolling stock and expansion of rail network raises the need for MetroRail to recognise the growing need for more ecologically sustainable management practices, Robbins, Bergman, Stagg and Coulter (2009). As a result, both state and federal Government have required MetroRail to review its environmental policies and strategies to be eligible for grant funding. Sustainability has become an important value in many corporate cultures, however implementing this concept has been very challenging (Esquer-Peralta, Velazquez and Munguia, 2008). This could be due to sustainability having various meanings according to the interest, needs, and values of different societies. 2.2 Planning Planning is an approach to establishing the long-term future of an organisation and then moving that organisation in an appropriate direction to achieve the future. (Bell, 2002). Through planning a strategy can be developed on the concerns about organisations impact on the natural environment (Robbins et al., p.175). By clearly outlining the ecological sustainable management values of the organisation it can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the company by providing focus and direction (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). 2.2.1 Goals Goals are specific, measurable outcomes that you want to achieve in the next week, month, year, and five years (Chang, 2005). As MetroRail is a government corporation, its goals are set by the state and federal governments. However as governments can change during election periods, MetroRail must be able to set its own goals. These goals must be measurable, an example of a rail company setting goals is CityRail in New South Wales of Australia. The 2009 Customer Charter outlines their specific goals for improving customer service over the next three years, coupled with tangible actions that will directly benefit customers over the next 12 months (CityRail, 2009). Within planning there are two major types of planning that affects a company. Strategic planning is a process of deciding in advance what kind of planning effort is to be undertaken, when it is to be done, who is going to do it, and what will be done with the results (Frank Harrison, 1999). Top level managers such as Chief Engineers, Chief Technology officer and the Department of Transport are usually involved in strategic planning for the corporation. Operation planning is the other type of planning. Manager at both middle and lower levels perform operation planning in order to define the specific tactics and action steps needed to accomplish the goals specified by top management (Morrisey, 1996). Management at MetroRail needs to set clear goals in regards as to how they will expand their current rolling stock, network, and maintaining its existing infrastructure. These goals need to be strategically planned along with operation planning to achieve realistic targets. An example of such goals is to ensure all future rolling stock does not consume more electricity than current rolling stock while featuring extra security features. One way to achieve such a goal is to ensure all new rolling stock is equipped with regenerative braking. This will ensure less wear and tear on brakes as well as less power consumption. 2.2.2 Strategy Strategic planning brings about an integrated perspective of the company, a foresight of the companys direction that is built upon experience and hard data from research (Schmetterer, 2003). Collecting these ideas as building blocks is instrumental to the development of strategic plans. Mintzberg (1994) insightfully said, The big picture is painted with little strokes. There are a number of tools to formulate an effective strategy. Research can be used to see how other companies go about tackling their ecological sustainable management practices. However research in the organisation itself is vital to understand if its current policies and missions are adhered to. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis helps identify where MetroRail is performing well in its environmental policies and where improvements need to be targeted at. Upon completion of a SWOT analysis, the three key points, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat must be carefully taken into account when setting up ecological management values and practices. A strategy on how to lower MetroRails carbon footprint must be developed with industry and community consultation. Management must set boundaries on available resources, such as human resources, budget and facilities before a strategy can be formalised. If MetroRail does not have the necessary resources to initiate environmentally friendly initiatives, it must find ways to implement the strategy with its limited resources. If it cannot allocate the resources to the initiatives, it may need to reduces its goals or form an alliance with key industry partners to get the resource it requires. A key strategy for MetroRail in ecologically sustainable management practices is to ensure the procurement of all equipment, services and resources have the environment in mind. An example would be to purchase a portion of energy to come from renewable sources. MetroRail is committed to becoming a carbon neutral company through policies the management sets. MetroRails environmental policy needs to be filtered through the company to ensure all employees continuously strive to improve its environmental performance. Many of the key strategies are developed by full time planners who would develop business strategies. Mintzberg (1994) points out, one of the key weaknesses of this approach was that the strategic planners, while being superior analysts of hard business data, were outsiders of various business functions. As such, many plans devised by these strategists were poor. In order to create the most effective strategic planning strategies, each specific business or activities is to be planned by those involved with the particular business and activities. Higher level management should only initiate policies and ideas. This paradigm shifts the decisions downwards to lower level persons who have direct knowledge and in-depth understanding of the subject matter at hand (Barney, 2002). 2.2.3 Plans Setting realistic plans is the next important activity once a strategy has been formulated. Planning is the process of establishing specific objectives, action steps, and a schedule and budget related to a predetermined program, task, or project (Kerzner, 2003). Planning helps to focus on critical areas that need attention and action. Short term plan needs must balance with long term plans. Different types of plans are needed to meet each specific department, as they require different methods to reach their goals. The strategic plans will be created by higher level management, while operational plans will be formulated by individual divisions. As MetroRail is a state government corporation, it is bounded by the governments vision. Higher level management at MetroRail will formulate the strategic plan for the whole organisation on how best to minimise environmental impacts. This is usually released as an organisation policy on the environment. An example of strategic planning, is all future rolling stocks must feature regenerative braking to minimise energy use. More specific operational strategic plans will stem from each division. These ecological sustainable management practices and values will flow into divisional employees to guide them and follow. Operational plans include, how to minimise energy with moving empty rolling stock between stations and stabling yards. These plans will be long term as they are on-going issues and are performed repeatedly. Both strategic and operational planning are important, because the success of MetroRail in its ecological sustainable management depends on creating new paths to the future as well as implementing short term operational plans (Noy, 2001). 2.3 Control The function of control process is taking a systematic approach to figuring out if what has been planned is has achieved or not (McNamara, 2008). This process occurs after the planning process. This allows managers to make decisions on whether to modify the plan as required. 2.3.1 Approaches to Control Setting standards specifies criterias by which work and results are measured and evaluated (Chang, 2005). Standards provide guidelines for measuring performance of ecological sustainable management practices. In order to make comparison on how well MetroRail is being measured on its ecological management practices, it will be benchmarked on technical, planning, perception against other corporations. Many of the high level controls put in places come from the strategic planning stage. These need to be measured to show the public and government MetroRail is committed to reducing its environmental foot print. Benchmarking, however has limitations, such as data not been available, and in such cases, estimates must be made. Managers may use techniques to study samples, ratings, data collection to measure the performance of the organisation (Dhillon, 1987). To evaluate performance is to evaluate work in progress, assess job completed and provide feedback. Example would be to control the roll out of new maintenance of pneumatic pressure gauges. This needs to be benchmarked to the old maintenance scheme to assess if the new system lowers leaks from the system, thus reducing waste on compressing air. To exercise control, manager can perform inspections, review progress and define and add variation to plans. Managers exercise control over projects when serving as project leaders (Katz, Light and Thompson, 2003). The main driving forces for the implementation of controls such as Environmental Management System and ISO 140001 in industry are to satisfy customer requirements, to ensure legal compliance, to improve risk management, to improve public image, and in a systematic way utilise the potential to save money and natural resource (Sammalisto and Arvidsson, 2005). 2.3.2 Types of Control There are three types of controls used by mangers, Robbins et al. (2009). The first is feedforward control. The essential feature of a feedback system is that performance is compared to a standard and this comparison becomes the basis for corrective action (Tadepalli, 1991). MetroRail must use feedforward control as much as possible. This comes mostly from the planning process, such as utilising the Environmental Management Plan. The second type of control is called concurrent control. Concurrent control involves monitoring and adjusting ongoing activities, Erdogan, Bauer, and Carpenter (2009). The best way to for managers to continuously monitor and adjust activities is to manage by walk about (MBWA). The final type of control is called feedback control. Feedback control provides managers with information concerning outcomes from organisational activities, Enz (2009). With feedback control, managers measure performance against targets set during planning. An example of feedback control is measuring the power consumption of the new trains to technical plans provided during the planning phase. 2.4 Conclusion Planning and controlling are essential tools in ecological sustainable management values and practices. Planning allows managers to forecast and to regulate plans for sustainable management. Planning to procuring new trains with regenerative braking and effective and efficient movement of trains between stations and stabling yards are sustainable solutions. Proper planning ensures the strategy and goals developed can be achieved. Control process is followed by the planning process. This link ensures plans are controlled to reach their set goals. Control ensures MetroRail is complying with applicable environmental legislation and regulations, and addresses government policy. In summary, planning and control process ensure MetroRail aims to achieve ecological sustainable management values and practices. 3. Recommendations Implement mandatory training on ecological sustainable management values for all employees. Provide an audit and review framework to achieve continual improvement in ecological sustainable management. Establish objectives, targets and key performance indicators to monitor environmental performance and drive improvement. Comply with applicable environmental legislation and regulations, and address government policy. Minimise use of natural resources. Adhere to the principles of ecologically sustainable development. Procurement policy to consider ecological sustainability practices and values. Word Count: 2488

My Educational Philosophy Essay -- Philosophy of Education Teaching

My Educational Philosophy Philosophy can be broken up into different components. The first being the purpose of education, second, the nature of knowledge the students has, third the nature of the student, fourth the method that is used when teaching, and last, but not least the curriculum that is taught in schools. I feel that the purpose of education is to create a better person as well as a better environment. Today, people need education more than ever, whether its preschool, middle school, high school, or even college. If a person has an education, they will have better job stability, which means that wouldn’t lose their job. Technology gets better day by day. Jobs that required manual work fifteen years ago are now using computers or machines to get the work done. For example: factory’s these days use computers and machines to do mostly all the work, unlike years ago when everything had to be done by hand. I do not know, nor do I want to know how it would feel to have a nonliving â€Å"thing† to take my job. This could cause a person to have some serious mental downfalls which brings me to Rousseau. I agree with him when he says people should be able to make their own decision and have the right to choose to be good, physically fit, and happy. These three important thi ngs can better a persons life. The nature of knowledge is what I want to talk about next. Knowledge to me is comprehension that sticks with a person eternally. I believe knowledge can be on inherited from other family members. Fortunate for some, not too fortunate for others. Most children are born with the ability to learn, but, how fast a pace they learn makes a difference. A perfect example is if a student goes to Harvard, more than likely has previou... ... will give me the opportunity to make these ideas I have into reality. I know that after few years of teaching, I will make a lot of changes and adjustments. Seeing the varieties of teaching styles of my co-workers as well as experimenting. eventually would like to be able to join groups with other teachers and professionals that will allow me to learn more about teaching. Well, there you have it, my philosophy of education. I am aware that there are many ways of teaching and I am going to experience the different kinds. I am going to be very open-minded about other teachers philosophies and not criticize them. The variety of people is what makes the work â€Å"go round† and that is why all the teachers have different ways of teaching. However, I feel that the importance of these five components need to be stressed throughout the classrooms in all types of schools.

Adult Education for Social Change :: Argumentative Persuasive Papers

Adult Education for Social Change Popular education is a form of adult education that encourages learners to examine their lives critically and take action to change social conditions. It is "popular" in the sense of being "of the people." Popular education emerged in Latin America in the 1960s-1970s; Paulo Freire is its best known exponent. However, its roots may be found in the French Revolution, in workers' education of the 1920s-1930s, and in such movements as the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee (Beder 1996; Jeria 1990). The goal of popular education is to develop "people's capacity for social change through a collective problem-solving approach emphasizing participation, reflection, and critical analysis of social problems" (Bates 1996. pp. 225-226). Key characteristics of popular education are as follows: everyone teaches and learns, so leadership is shared; starting with learners' experiences and concerns; high participation; creation of new knowledge; critical reflection; connecting the local to the globa l; and collective action for change (Arnold et al. 1985; Mackenzie 1993). This digest describes popular education methods, addresses challenges, and offers some insights for adult educators. The Popular Education Process Because it is strongly community based, popular education takes a wide variety of forms. However, the process usually follows a pattern or cycle described as action/reflection/action (Arnold and Burke 1983) or practice/theory/practice (Mackenzie 1993). Beginning with people's experience, the community initiates problem identification; then they reflect on and analyze the problem, broadening it from local to global in order to develop theory; next, participants plan and carry out action for change. Adult educators can facilitate the process by serving as democratic collaborators who ensure that learning takes place and leadership and self-direction develop in the group (Arnold and Burke 1983). Facilitators keep the group on track and encourage participation, but they should also try to foster a longer-term perspective on the problems addressed, helping the group place the issues in social, historical, and political context (Bates 1996). One important aspect of popular education is the way it often draws on popular culture, using drama, song, dance, poetry, puppetry, mime, art, storytelling, and other forms. Proulx (1993) distinguishes "popular culture" from cultural institutions often perceived as elitist and from instruments of mass culture such as the media, identifying popular cultural forms as those in which "working class adults recognize their life and their values" (p. 39). The use of these forms can enhance communication among audiences with

Women in Tibet Essay -- Birth Abortion Rights Inferiority Papers

Women in Tibet Although Buddhism embraces compassion as the means to end suffering, the Chinese occupation of 1949 used force and torture to manipulate the Tibetan people, despite the country’s strong pacifist beliefs. Chinese troops aimed to imprison anyone who demonstrates support for the Dalai Lama and often looked for excuses to make public mockeries of these people. In order to implement this idea of genocide in Tibetan culture, China used the practice of ethnic cleansing, or eliminating the Tibetan race; therefore, women were highly stigmatized because of their role in bearing children. Treating the victims as insects, the Chinese forced sterilizations and abortions upon the Tibetan women to ensure their extermination. Continuing to ignore all regulations to treat women as equal to men and to practice safe methods of birth control, China still sterilizes Tibetan women today, leaving them not only with the scar of their surgery, but also a lifetime imprint of the pain and suffering that the Tibetan people have endured for over fifty years. Although so much time has passed since Chinese troops first occupied Tibet, people around the world are starting to realize the horror of this situation as organizations have begun to take action against this dehumanization of Tibetans so that the suffering of these people can finally be eased. Throughout history, women have been viewed as inferior to their male counterparts; however, although Tibet claims to issue women equal rights, the gender gap vastly surpasses the differences seen in America. Even today, Western and Tibetan women are not officially recognized by the Tibetan government in exile, even though the Dalai Lama recently advocated the full ordination of women (Young, ... ...omen of the Himalayas: a journey of the heart, mind and spirit. Colorado Woman News, 13(5), 28. Ma, N. (1999). Tibetan women endangered. America, 180(1), 8-10. Nelson, S. (1999). Buddhist nuns delight crowd. Women’s View from Ethnic and Minority Press, 12(3), 12. Pinto, S. (1999). Pregnancy and childbirth in Tibetan culture. In K.L. Tsomo (Ed.), Buddhist Women Across Cultures: Realizations (pp. 159-168). New York: State University of New York Press. (1994). Tibetan women denied their reproductive rights. Women Envision, 9, 12. (1995). We are using the Beijing process†¦to make our voices heard. The Tribune, 53, 8. (1996). The world is still watching. Herizons, 10(3), 13. Young, S. (2000). Women changing Tibet, activism changing women. In E.B. Findly (Ed.), Women’s Buddhism, Buddhism’s women (pp. 229-242). Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publication.

Baby Bonus Scheme In Singapore Health And Social Care Essay

Many developed states face the challenge of quickly diminishing birthrate rates. One illustration of such is Singapore. Assorted attacks have been taken to seek to change by reversal this tendency, but with limited success. A major policy implemented in 2001 was baby bonus strategy. The chief end of this survey is to analyse the impact of babe fillip towards TFR and the position of the future coevals with respects to pamper bonus strategy. Primary and secondary informations were used to analyse the impact of the babe fillip. Secondary information was taken from the authorities records. In this survey, a study was conducted to place the position of immature coevals towards baby fillip. The sample was chosen by convenient sampling. Our findings show that from 2001 to 2010 babe fillip appeared to be less effectual because the TFR is still diminishing. However, it did assist in decelerating down the lessening. From the study consequence, we expect that baby fillip policy is improbable to hold a important impact on impacting the TFR in the hereafter. Based on our research, one possible suggestion to rectify the job of low TFR could be the authorities concentrating more on taking attention of the lodging and wellness facets of its people.1. IntroductionFor the last few old ages, aging population has been one of the chief concerns faced by several developed states. British Columbia is one of the states that faced an aging population. Much research was conducted in this state to work out the job. It was revealed that the chief cause of this state of affairs is the worsening of birthrate rate over decennaries [ 1 ] . Entire Fertility Rate ( TFR ) is defined as the figure of kids an mean adult female would hold presuming that she lives her full generative life-time [ 2 ] . Considered as a developed state, Singapore has besides faced a serious job of worsening TFR. With TFR of 1.16 in 2010 [ 3 ] , Singapore is ranked hundred-and-seventieth [ 4 ] in the universe and arguably one of the lowest TFR in the universe. Singapore authorities has implemented some policies to promote Singaporeans to hold more kids, and hence increase the TFR. The latest and most comprehensive policy to this terminal is the babe fillip strategy. However, the consequence of babe fillip is problematic. A group of research workers from Melbourne Institution of Applied Economics and Social Research investigated the consequence of babe fillip towards entire birthrate rate. Based on their theoretical account, Baby Bonus exerted a little positive consequence on birthrate purpose which leaded to a positive impact on birthrate rate. The consequence seemed to be stronger for 2nd and perchance higher-order numbered kids. In add-on the consequence showed that fillip consequence is lasting [ 5 ] . However this survey could non find that the consequence would be similar in local context, Singapore. Since there is no formal research particular on look intoing TFR and pamper fillip strategy, our research will concentrate chiefly on look intoing the impacts of babe fillip towards TFR and position of our future coevals with respects to this strategy. It will develop solutions in the signifier of suggestions that will function to better the effectivity of this policy. The expected consequence for our analysis is that babe fillip is less effectual in increasing Singapore ‘s TFR. Other factors such as the psychological-thinking and societal factors which may impact TFR will non be included in our survey. To do our research clearer and all-rounded, we introduce a subdivision under Singapore demographic form which describes about the worsening tendency of TFR from 1990 to 2000 and reappraisal of the factors impacting the TFR. The treatment of this paper will be separated into two chief parts, which is the method subdivision and consequence and treatment subdivision. The first portion will concentrate on explicating our study method and stuffs that we obtained from authorities records. Under the consequence subdivision, we will discourse our informations analysis utilizing, primary and secondary informations. The treatment focuses on effectivity of baby fillip policy in Singapore. Finally in the decision subdivision we will besides specify the background for future research to deduce better methods to cover with birthrate.1.1 Singapore Demographic PatternThe new way of policy since the 1990 ‘s is in stressing the importance of get downing a household and holding multiple kids to a successful and all-around life. New subsidy policies was implemented such as babe fillip strategy that was implemented in 2001. The effectivity of these new subsidy policies seemed less effectual. The TFR has continued to steadily worsen throughout the late ninetiess and early 2000s, despite these new policies. It has fallen by 0.43 from 1990 – 2000. This has rise concerns to the authorities as it might non be able to replace the current work force which leads to the alteration of subsidy policies in 2004. It still unclear that the new sweetenings implemented in 2004 will hold positive effects on TFR in future, the initial marks are non peculiarly positive.1.1A. Education derived function and alterations in political orientationEducation gives one a strong head of their ain in prosecuting their dreams that can include a stable and esteemed calling and buying epicurean goods. In other words, a twenty-four hours of 24 hours will be used to prosecute their dreams, go forthing m inimum clip for household planning and childbirth. Puting high value on work by both females and males are increasing the chance cost of holding kids. All these can explicate the falling tendency in TFR as noticed from above. 1.1B. Fiscal grounds childcare.JPG The mean net incomes of an employee are about S $ 4000 per month in 2010 [ 6 ] . Even as this figure has about doubled itself since a decennary ago, the lifting costs of life and holding babes are discouraging newly-weds from childbearing. If we were to take merely 2 most basic disbursals viz. child caring fees and hospitalization measures that are incurred during and instantly after gestating, we can cognize that fiscal load is an disposed account for the worsening TFR in Singapore. As shown, child care services are priced at S $ 776 and S $ 572 for mean full twenty-four hours and half twenty-four hours fees severally in 2010. From administrative informations, hospitalization fee for female parents after bringing in an mean ward of B2 fluctuates between S $ 1000 and S $ 1200 [ 7 ] . The entire charge for these 2 constituents of expected disbursals can amount to S $ 2000, which is already half of the wage of an mean worker in Singapore.A Such high degree of disbursement on one kid ca n so deter a important figure of newly-weds in holding kids, and our analysis is non even taking into history the changeless economy of financess for advanced acquisition and schooling in Singapore every bit good as day-to-day disbursals on nutrient and vesture for the kid. Clearly, childbearing is non an easy undertaking as it takes old ages of support from the point of gestating till the point of independency. Fiscal restraint can therefore be another ground and possibly one of the more of import grounds as to why there is falling TFR observed in Singapore.2. MethodThe mark of our study was NTU undergraduates aged from 19 to 26 and selected by convenience trying method. We restrict our sample on lone Singaporeans and Singaporean PRs because babe fillip strategy is more eligible to Singaporeans. The targeted size was 100 participants, 50 males and 50 females. The intent of carry oning the study is to happen out the position of our future coevals with respects to this strategy and t o happen the estimated entire birthrate rate in the hereafter. A pilot study was done preliminarily on the 50 respondents with our drafted sample study. We received feedback that our inquiries were insistent and ill-defined. Leading inquiries were besides heedlessly included. Some of the open-ended inquiries were left space, demoing that the inquiries discouraged participants to reply wholly. Consequences shown from this pilot study were inconsistent and hard to analyze accurately. To better on our research work, we conducted another study with freshly phrased inquiries which is simpler and more straightforward. At the start, we had inquiries aiming the figure of kids our respondents are be aftering to hold. The consequences here gave us a unsmooth thought of the TFR Singapore was to hold with its current subsidy policies in topographic point. Subsequently, we required respondents to rank the factors that are considered when they decide on the figure of kids they were to hold. The most highly-ranked factors can help Singapore in planing or revising constabularies for greater impact on Singapore ‘s TFR. Next, we had inquiries taking at proving the participants whether babe fillip had a say in their household planning. This was to find the comparative importance of babe fillip strategy. Relatively high importance placed by Singaporeans will let greater infinite for control over the population size. We besides suggested a superior system for Singapore ‘s authorities inducement strategy to happen out about the policy that authorities should concentrate on. Last, we welcomed suggestio ns from respondents to give them an avenue for showcasing their point of views sing the subsidy policies in inquiry.3. Result and DiscussionThe Baby Bonus Scheme is a two-tiered strategy, comprising of a direct hard currency gift from the authorities and a co-saving agreement in which the authorities lucifers dollar for dollar the sum parents put into a Child Development Account ( CDA ) , capable to a maximal sum. ( NEED CITATION )babe bonusTable 3.1 It is observed that holding a 2nd or 3rd kid can convey important pecuniary benefits for the parents from 2001. The Baby Bonus Scheme did assist to settle the concerns of twosomes who find the fiscal load of raising a kid excessively heavy to bear. Monetary wagess given out to parents can be used to subsidise the kid ‘s early old ages of instruction and medical demands. Figure 3.2 From figure above, we noticed that between 1997 and 1998, TFR dropped significantly by 0.15, compared to a twelvemonth before where the lessening was 0.06 from 1996-1997. A possible account is that Asiatic fiscal crisis had taken topographic point during the twelvemonth 1998 and this might back up the observation that fiscal factors are impacting the determination of twosomes to hold kids. The authorities may hold therefore decided to undertake the low TFR job from the fiscal facet by implementing of babe fillip in 2001. In this subdivision, the effectivity of baby fillip policy will be analysed from 2 pieces of informations, viz. primary and secondary informations.3A. Secondary informationsFigure 3.2 shows that after execution of the babe fillip policy, the TFR from 2001-2004 dropped by 0.15. In the span of 4 old ages ( 1997-2000 ) we observed that TFR had dropped by 0.20. Comparing these two Numberss, TFR still falls, but it is falling at a diminishing rate, this suggests that babe fillip is so effectual to a certain extent. There is a alteration of policy in 2004 because the declared end of returning birthrate to replacing has non been achieved. Under the new enhanced strategy ( refer to postpone 3.1 ) , the hard currency gift that parents receive from the authorities was increased for the first through 4th born kid, as was the cap of authorities part to the CDA. The first born kid nevertheless received no benefits under the co-saving strategy. Under the 2004 strategy hard currency gifts were disbursed Oklahoman, within the first 18 months, alternatively of the original 6 old ages when it was implemented in 2001. From 2004-2008, there was an overall addition of TFR by 0.02, there is a definite possibility that the alteration of babe fillip strategy was effectual. Further sweetening of the babe fillip was done in 2008. However looking at the TFR tendency, it shows a autumn of TFR by 0.06 from 2008-2009. Effectiveness of babe fillip is so problematic. However, in 2008, post-mortgage subprime crisis took topographic point in United States of America might hold affected the determination of people to give birth as there was rampant retrenchment. There is besides the issue of a possible important clip slowdown before the full consequence of the policy is revealed in alterations in birthrate rates of the population. In general, the execution of babe fillip is good in assisting to decelerate down the lessening in TFR but it was non able to change by reversal the tendency. Possibly pecuniary inducements entirely can non carry persons to alter their birthrate behavior.3B. Primary informationsThe consequences attained from our study was brooding of the younger coevals which would be more appropriate since the younger coevals would be more affected by the authorities policies and babe fillip strategy in clip to come. Entire Fertility Rate Figure 3.3 In figure 3.3 the highest figure of kids stated in our study is 5. This figure shows that 56 % our participants program to hold 2 kids, 20 % of them choose 3 kids. The per centum of people non be aftering to hold any kids is 10 % . This shows that the bulk of the respondents are willing to hold kids. TFR Gender Female Male Both female and male Average or average 1.76 2.3 2.03 Discrepancy 0.75755 0.98979 0.93848 Standard Error ( Deviation ) 0.87037 0.99488 0.96875 Table 3.4 To specify the entire birthrate rate more accurately, we will look into the different expected TFR for both genders. Our findings show that if male was the determination shaper, the TFR will be 2.3 and if it was female, the expected TFR is 1.76. We besides compute the discrepancy to see how much these values deviate from the mean. We noticed that the discrepancy was considered as broad, with 0.757551 for female and 0.98980 for male. We will use the interval appraisal method to acquire an accurate scope for the expected entire birthrate rate. We used 95 % assurance degree as our base. 95 % assurance interval means that 95 % in chance that the true value of this TFR is inside this estimated interval. We defined the interval as [ X-tn-1 ( I ± /2 ) * I?/a?sn, X+ tn-1 ( I ± /2 ) * I?/a?sn ] where N is the sample size, X represents the norm, I? is defined as standard mistake, and value of tn-1 ( I ± /2 ) is taken from the tabular array of t distribution. 1-I ± is set to be 0.95 ( assurance interval ) , therefore when n=50, t49 ( I ± /2 ) = 2.01 and when n=100, t99 ( I ± /2 ) = 1.984 for given I ± . The estimated interval of TFR when male was the determination shaper is 2.01720 a†°Ã‚ ¤ TFR a†°Ã‚ ¤ 2.58280 While the estimated interval of TFR when female was the determination shaper is 1.51259 a†°Ã‚ ¤ TFR a†°Ã‚ ¤ 2.00741 As the optimum TFR of the authorities is [ 8 ] , this can be seen that if female was the determination shaper, the TFR is below 2. However, in doing determination of holding kids, it is non up to one person merely but a joint determination by both male and female. Therefore, it will be more appropriate if we consider the norm TFR as our expected TFR in the hereafter. The expected TFR in the hereafter is between 1.83780 and 2.22220 utilizing the interval appraisal method. Ranking of factors Figure 3.5 The above information shows the figure of participants that gives the Rank â€Å" 1 † for the factor that they consider as the most of import. Consequences revealed that 58 out of 100 respondents chose fiscal factors, followed by calling with 19 out of 100 participants. This consequence supports our outlook that fiscal is the most influential factor with respects to be aftering for kids, therefore our research will be valuable in helping to better the entire birthrate rate. Baby bonus strategy Figure 3.6 Figure 3.7 Figure 3.6 shows that 90 % of the respondents know the babe fillip strategy and looking at figure 3.7, 50 % of their determination to hold kids is affected by the babe fillip strategy. This suggests that the people are cognizant of the babe fillip strategy. 50 % of the participant ‘s determination is affected by the babe fillip strategy. At first glimpse, this might propose that babe fillip is less effectual. Measuring it more carefully, without the strategy, the TFR that we calculated above has high likeliness that it is traveling to be lower. This is because half of the participants might make up one's mind to take down their figure of kids planned if babe fillip strategy has non been implemented. Hence, the effectivity of babe fillip could be subjective. Figure 4.8 I prefer non to hold any kids Childbearing and/or child-raising is are clip devouring I want to concentrate on my calling The subsidy is deficient Other personal grounds For the participants that find baby fillip is non impacting their determination, the bulk chose â€Å" vitamin D † as the ground for it. 24 out of 50 people chose the babe fillip subsidy is deficient. This shows that they are non satisfied with the current strategy. It is likely that if betterment were to be done to the babe fillip strategy, there is a high possibility that this strategy will be more important to increase the TFR. This is besides supported by the observation that babe fillip alteration in 2004 was effectual, as TFR increased by 0.02. Figure 3.9 The above information shows the figure of participants that gives the Rank â€Å" 1 ‘ for the authorities subsidy policy that they consider as the most of import. We can detect from the tabular array that there is important figure of participants that prioritise health care, instruction and lodging loan with 27 % , 26 % and 25 % giving it the value â€Å" 1 † . Merely, 9 % of the participants choose baby fillip policy as most of import, this shows that authorities should non concentrate their alteration of policies merely on babe fillip. The information suggested that there is an emerging tendency that people are more disquieted about their kid wellness attention, instruction and lodging affairs. Hence it is advisable that the authorities expression into this three subsidy policies in greater deepness to increase the entire birthrate of Singapore. Figure 3.10 Figure 3.11 If we separate our treatment into different genders, the impact of babe fillip strategy is greater on the males. Refered to calculate 3.10 and 3.11, 60 % of the males determination are affected by the strategy, while for the female merely 40 % is affected. Baby bonus strategy plays a larger function in act uponing the work forces ‘s determination. Uniting the findings, the expected TFR computed for female is lower than the optimum TFR. From the estimated interval calculated above, the TFR for female is below the optimum figure of 2, so this means we should aim the female group and seek to increase the figure of kids they would be after to hold to increase the TFR. As shown from the figure 3.5 above, the females considered fiscal factor as their precedence with 32 out of 50 female participants ranking it as figure 1. With this, focal point still should be given to fiscal factors, such as increasing subsidy or supplying pecuniary benefits to increase the willingness of adult females to hold more kids. However, 40 % of the female ‘s determination is affected by the babe fillip. We can deduce from this that, increasing the subsidy for babe fillip might be less effectual. As shown from the figure 3.9, greater focal point should be placed on other subsidy benefits such as health care subsidy, instruction and lodging loan.4. DecisionThis undertaking studied the impact of Singapore ‘s baby fillip policy on its entire birthrate rate. Based on our research findings, we conclude that this policy is non really effectual. From 2001 when it was foremost implemented to 2010, the TFR in Singapore has been worsening. However, credits have to be given to this policy as the worsening tendency is noted to be so at a diminishing rate. It is of import to observe that there are many other factors doing low TFR in Singapore. Some of it could be psychological thought, alterations in political orientation and instruction derived functions. One possible restriction of our undertaking could be found in our study sample. Due to the fact that the study is conducted within school compounds, we treated all Singaporean respondents as a homogeneous group of highly-educated forces. This is non representative for the whole of Singapore population. This determination is of considerable importance since it suggests that though the fiscal facet is so of import in one ‘s determination in household planning, baby fillip policy is less effectual in undertaking the job of falling TFR. We would urge future research to be conducted on a more heterogenous study sample so that Singaporeans of all backgrounds can be reached.

Jewellery Design Essay

The topic of this paper introduces jewellery design and development in Asia, and the problem which will be solved in this report is â€Å"why and how has Asian jewellery has changed over time and what has influenced its development?† Jewellery design is a relatively new industry although it derives from ancient activities such as goldsmith. Nowadays, jewellery design has been developed into a modern art that utilizes numerous skills. In this paper, Asian jewellery design will be researched and analyzed due to its unique style and different material chosen that attracts people all over the world. Specifically, the evolution of Asian jewellery design will be mentioned with a brief introduction of some jewellery in different period of time, while several design principles will be illustrated. In addition, the impact of the evolution and the reason why the evolution happens will also be discussed in the report. Moreover, some relevant content, such as famous designers and famous wearers, will be included, as well as the modern market trends. The research of the topic question will be conducted first by using library research, including analysis of historical records and documents. After gathering all data and information relevant to the topic, an analysis of the change and development of Asian jewellery design will be conducted in order to identify the evolution process and the impact of the Asian jewelry design. This paper itself has been divided into sections for ease of reading and explanation of the importance of cross-media promotion. In section 2, the research question will be completely introduced, and the literature review will be included in section 3. After that, the research method will be discussed in section 4, and an analysis and synthesis will be shown in section 5 and 6. In section 7 and 8, there will be research results and conclusion. Research Question This research paper was developed as part of CQUniversity’s Master of Creative Enterprise’s Arts Administration Research course requirements. The topic of Asian Jewellery is of particular personal interest to the researcher. This paper considers why and how has Asian jewellery has changed over time and what has influenced its development? It will also consider why people like or dislike certain styles of jewellery and the people and companies which design the jewellery. This paper also considers how jewellery has become an essential fashion accessory for the contemporary person. How it complements clothing and a person’s overall look. A comparison of styles and influences will also be undertaken. Different styles are also considered and as part of this topic, cultural influences (countries) and their effect on designs and style of every-day jewellery. Literature Review Generally speaking, jewelry may have several meanings, including status symbol, accessories, meaningful symbols, etc. People living in top class of a society normally wear many different expensive jewelries types every day, which can be considered as a status symbol showing other people how rich they are. In addition, normal people wear jewelries mainly as accessories in order to make them look prettier. Moreover, some religion will let their believers wear jewelries to show their faithfulness and to make them believe that they are totally blessed and prevented from any harmful things. In this case, jewelries can be also taken as a symbol of group membership. In Asia, specifically, there is thousands of years’ history of jewelry manufacture with several different uses among various cultures, especially in India and China. In ancient Asian cultures, jewelry was normally worn by women in order to show their status, beauty and wealth. It is recorded that the history of jewelry making can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago, which has been regarded as the longest continuous legacy in the area of jewelry. Jewelry making started in the Indus Valley Civilization which is located in the position of Pakistan at present. (REF) In China, jewelry making started around 5,000 years ago, the same period as India. However, it did not become popular until the spread of Buddhism 2,000 years ago. In China Material Speaking of material, in ancient China, silver was used more frequently than gold. In early Chinese jewelry, blue kingfisher feathers were introduced and were tied onto jewelry as a kind of decoration. Later, in jewelry design, blue gems and glass showed up, and they were added into jewelry. However, in terms of stone, jade was the undoubtedly most popular material. An ancient Chinese says like that: â€Å"gold is estimable, but jade is priceless.† The reason people favored jade is its quality, including hardness, durability, smooth, beauty, etc. The design of the first jade jewelry in ancient China was quite simple. However, the design evolved drastically as time goes on. Even, it is evident that compound milling machines were involved in the jade jewelry produced between the 4th and 7th centuries BC. Types There were numerous different types of jewelry in China. Surprisingly, very few earrings were found by modern archaeologists. The most common jewelry is amulets that normally cut with some traditional Chinese symbols or Buddhism symbols in order to keep the wearer safe. In addition, there are also differences between men’s jewelry and women’s jewelry. For instance, women’s head decoration is very detailed and complex, mainly made by gold and silver and other items such as jade, while men’s only decorative jewelry is the hat button, made by silver or gold that showed the man’s rank. Symbolize Moreover, in terms of the symbols cut on the jewelry, there were some common traditions in ancient China. For instance, the long (dragon) and Fenghuang (phoenix) were the symbol of power and the long (dragon) mean was the power of nature and universe, wisdom and longevity. Fenghuang (phoenix) was the King of Birds, that is a legendary bird, and it is meaning five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity. In Chinese history, normal people could not use the dragon symbols on their jewelry because the famous five clawed long (dragon) was the unique symbol representing the Chinese emperor. Also, the symbol of Fenghuang (phoenix), which is phoenix, was another royal symbol, representing the empress. Citizens were not allowed to use such symbols, or they would be sentenced to death.