Alison Bechdel Essay

Female comic creators made a great impact on the comic industry although they are not so many. They gained recognition since they have beginning to create comic novels. Women creators have worked an every genre from superheroes to romance, westerns to war, crime to horror. Their subjects of discussion have expanded as women’s role in society has changed. They are on pressure in the society because the model of women is determined by the society and they have to write like that. However women comic creators still have found mainstream or underground success telling the stories they want to tell. This underground comic movement attracted women artists, as it allowed more mature themes and personal work than the commercial newspaper and comic book industry of the time. Underground comics are the self-published comics which are socially relevant and satire in nature. The underground market allowed for a more open depiction of sexuality and in the 70’s and 80’s openly lesbian and bisexual artists told their stories in comic book form, such as Alison Bechdel’s Dykes to Watch Out For and graphic novel Fun Home. Alison Bechdel is an American cartoonist who was born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. She interested in the underground comics and she began to write in this field. She is lesbian feminist artist and her works consist of the feminism and lesbianism movement. Her work, Dykes to Watch Out For, was one of the earliest ongoing representations of lesbians in popular culture. The strip mainly follows the life and times of a group of lesbian friends in an unspecified location in the USA. But as time passes, some straight and male characters are also introduced. The strip focuses on a wonderful group of counterculture friends, most of whom are lesbians. And this book gathers a rich collection of the strips spanning from 1987 through 2008. This book also contains an introduction, also in comic form, about how Alison Bechdel came to spend her career writing this incredible comic. In the book, Bechdel Test is introduced which is used to identify gender bias in fiction. Many award-winning collections of Dykes were published in book form by an independent feminist press, and were translated into several languages. According to Bechdel, her strip was â€Å"half op-ed column and half endless, serialized Victorian novel†. The op-ed column refers to the fact that they’re all highly engaged with the social and political issues of their time. The central character Mo Testa is a lesbian feminist who is always complain everything and Mo looks like Bechdel herself. The characters are political activist who rarely miss LGBT demonstration. LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. They debate how to combine their ideals and their lively days. They constantly analyze race and gender and how these impact their lives. They work at domestic abuse shelters, or alternative bookshops, or as college professors, or as environmental layers. They feel betrayed when one of them gets involved with a man and then realize that this reaction goes again everything they believe in. They write theses on how literary representations of hypersexual lesbians and women of color contrast with their actual experiences of desire. And whatever else they’re doing, they never lose the ability to laugh at themselves. This work seems as a lesbian feminist novel, it is actually how very universal and how human it is. Anyone who struggles to be the best person they can be and to live according to their ideals. They will probably be able to relate to these characters and their conflicts. Bechdel says in her introduction that her goal in writing the strip was, first of all, to make lesbians visible; and secondly, to â€Å"explode essentialism† by portraying them as complex and diverse human beings. She succeeded brilliantly Mo and company is nothing if not completely human. Her other work is Fun Home which is an example of underground comics. It is a graphic memoir which chronicles the author’s childhood and youth in rural Pennsylvania, United States, focusing on her complex relationship with her father. The themes of work are sexual orientation, gender roles and family life. It includes photographing herself in poses for each human figure. Bechdel combine comics and memoirs in this book. Fun Home has been both a popular and critical success, and spent two weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. It was nominated for several awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award and three Eisner Awards. The memoir focuses on Bechdel’s family and the relationship between Alison and her father. Her father was a funeral director and English teacher. The book’s title comes from the family nickname for the funeral home. Her father’s two occupations reflect in the work focus on death and literature. Her father had homosexual relationship in the military and the high school. Her father was killed in the Sunbeam Bread truck however Alison Bechdel concludes that he committed suicide. She writes this novel as an autobiography and she tells everything about her father, their relationship and his death. She keeps to the reality and she does not escape to telling the realities. She mentions her father’s homosexual aspect and she does not conceal this. The story is also deal with Alison Bechdel’s struggle to find her own sexual identity. She realizes that she is a lesbian and her coming out to her parents. The memoir frankly examines her sexual development, including transcripts from her childhood diary, anecdotes about masturbation, and tales of her first sexual experiences with her girlfriend, Joan. She and her father share their ideas about this situation and both of them express their dissatisfaction with their given gender roles. In the Fun Home, there are so many themes but the biggest theme is sexual orientation. Bechdel tells her journey to finding her own sexuality in this book. Alison is not alone choosing her partner because her father is also homosexual. Bechdel and her father are in the same situation. One of them is lesbian and the other one is gay or bisexual. In the book, her mother discovers her husband’s situation and this makes the book as a tragedy. They have problems because of her father’s situation. Bechdel shows how people encounter some difficulties when they identify their sexuality. However Bechdel and her father’s conversation reflect their respects to find the sexual identity. The other theme is death in Fun Home. Bechdel family always encounters the death because of the father’s job. Alison Bechdel reflects the death in the novel and she believes that her father’s death is not an accident. According to Alison Bechdel her father commits suicide because of his own sexuality or Alison’s sexuality. This is not clear in the book; it remains as an unclear death. Bechdel shows the death in two different aspects. One of them is the job of her father and the other one is causing of her father’s end. The job combines with her father’s death. Moreover she combines his death because of his own sexuality. Being a homosexual causes her death and she does not believe his death as an accident because of this reason. She examines his death in the book and she reflect her views about his death in Fun Home. She uses some allusions in the novel and these allusions come from the Greek mythology and visual arts. The events of Bechdel’s family life during childhood and adolescence are presented through these allusions. Bechdel questions whether her decision to come out as a lesbian was one of the triggers for her father’s suicide. Bechdel closely examines the connection between her father’s closeted sexuality and her own open lesbianism. Bechdel, as the narrator, considers her relationship to her father through the myth of Daedalus and Icarus. As a child, she confused her family and their Gothic Revival home with the Addams Family seen in the cartoons of Charles Addams. [43] Bruce Bechdel’s suicide is discussed with reference to Albert Camus’ novel A Happy Death and essay The Myth of Sisyphus.

Deadly Unna

Teaching in Action Indicators How did the teacher achieve this?Importance of Teaching Focuses classroom time on teaching and learning Links teaching to real-life situations of the learners Time Allocation Follows a consistent schedule and maintains procedures and routines Handles administrative tasks quickly and efficiently Prepares materials in advance Maintains momentum within and across lessons Limits disruption and interruptions Teacher's Expectations Sets clearly articulated high expectations for self and learners Orients the classroom experience toward improvement and growth Stresses student responsibility and accountability Teaching Plans Carefully links objectives and activities Organisms content for effective presentation Explores learner understanding by asking questions Considers learner attention span and learning style when designing lessons Develops objectives, questions & activities that reflect higher & lower level cognitive skills as appropriate for the content & the learners. Monitoring learning progress & potential HomeworkClearly explains homework Relates homework to the content under study and to learner capacity Monitoring Learner Progress Targets questions to lesson objectives Thinks through likely misconceptions that may occur during teaching and monitors learners for these misconceptions Gives clear, specific and timely feedback Re-teaches learners who did not achieve mastery and offers tutoring to learners who seek additional help Responding to Learner Needs & Abilities Suits teaching to learner's achievement levels and needs Participates in staff development Uses a variety of grouping strategies Monitors and assesses learner progress Knows and understands learners as individuals in terms of ability, achievement, learning styles and needs Observing Lesson Content Focusing activity: Lesson sequence: Logical progression: Flow between lesson parts: Culminating activity: Objectives met? Evaluation of learning: Other: Personal – Enth usiasm – Initiative – Teacher presence – Relationship with class – General comments: Deadly Unna Novel Study – Deadly Unna? TASK: Choose a main character from the film and predict what you think happened to them after the film. During the book and the movie, Pickles Mickles has been a snarky child with behavioral problems. He has obviously had a rough time at home and has strong racist views, constantly referring to the Aboriginals as ‘boongs’, ‘abos’, ‘nungas’. He is an underage drinker and smoker, even taking up drugs, and is portrayed as though he would not get very far in life. I personally believe that this is certainly the case.In my head, I picture Pickles dropping out of high school and robbing local stores. He would be a sleaze, getting around with any girl that would take him yet be afraid of commitment. During his teens, I see him spiraling further down into a pit of despair; trying to forget about his home life, barely talking to his mother, sneaking out, getting into fights. He never seemed to be the kind of person to ge nuinely care about anybody or anything except himself and his own beliefs. I think he is a very selfish, nasty person. Read this â€Å"The Secrets of Haiti’s Living Dead†He would have many fake friends – all trying to stay close to him so that he wouldn’t fight them. Once Pickles hit his early twenties, I picture him hitchhiking through Australia to get to Sydney, trying to make it big as an electric guitarist. He wouldn’t get anywhere of course, and end up on the streets trying to sell drugs to earn money. He is uneducated so it’s impossible for him to get a job somewhere decent and earn any money to live. Pickles would get sick, probably by some kind of sexually transmitted infection, or maybe he’d end up getting it by sharing needles.I think he is the type of person to have a high addiction to lethal drugs like heroin, crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy. And of course marijuana, as the movie already shows us. By the time Pickles hits thirty he will still be living on the streets of Sydney, rummaging through restaurant trash cans and industrial bins for food scraps to live off. At this point, he would be going half mad demanding for money off pedestrians on the streets, struggling to keep his addictions under control, not being able to pay for his ‘booze’. Maybe it’s a little exaggerated, but it could happen.The rest of his life could play out two ways. Either one, he decides to pick up his act and get a job, go to university, get a degree†¦ Or he continues to be a homeless wreck spinning uncontrollably into madness, either getting into trouble with police and getting put in jail or dying alone; perhaps alcohol poisoning, overdose, or a shooting or stabbing, or being hit by a car and getting critical injuries. It sounds horrible, sure, but that’s how I’ve envisioned Pickles’ life playing out since watching the film of Deadly Unna. He is a crude person who, with his attitude, will not get far at all.

Exterminate All the Brutes Summary

Lindqvist has written more than thirty books of essays, aphorisms, autobiography, documentary prose, travel and reportage.. [4][3] He occasionally publishes articles in the Swedish press, writing for the cultural supplement of the largest Swedish daily, Dagens Nyheter, since 1950. [5] He is the recipient of several of Sweden's most prestigious literary and journalistic awards. His work is mostly non-fiction, including (and often transcending) several genres: essays, documentary prose, travel writing and reportages. 4] He is known for his works on developing nations in Africa and the Saharan countries, China, India, Latin America and Australia. In the 1960s, partly inspired by the works of Hermann Hesse, Linqvist spent two years in China. He became fascinated by the legend of the Tang dynasty painter, Wu Tao Tzu, who, when standing looking at a mural of a temple he had just completed, â€Å"suddenly clapped his hands and the temple gate opened. He went into his work and the gates clo sed behind him. [6] His later works, from the late 1980s, tend to focus on the subjects of European imperialism, colonialism, racism, genocide and war, analysing the place of these phenomena in Western thought, social history and ideology. These topics are not uncontroversial. In 1992, Lindqvist was embroiled in heated public debate, when his book Exterminate all the Brutes was attacked for its treatment of the Second World War and the Holocaust. 4] Opponents accused Lindqvist of reducing the extermination of the Jewish people to a question of economical and social forces, thereby disregarding the impact of Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism and what they viewed as the unique historical specificity of the Holocaust. [4] Some of the harshest attacks were launched by Per Ahlmark, who declared Lindqvist to be a â€Å"Holocaust revisionist†. This prompted a furious response by Lindqvist, who considered it a defamatory smear — at no point had he ever called into question the N azi responsibility for, or the number of dead in, the Holocaust.Regarding the original dispute, Lindqvist retorted that his main argument was correct: the Nazi quest for Lebensraum had at its core been an application of the expansionist and racist principles of imperialism and colonialism, but for the first time applied against fellow Europeans rather than against the distant and dehumanized peoples of the Third World. [4] However, he agreed that the long tradition of anti-Semitism in European and Christian thought had given the anti-Jewish campaign of the Nazis a further ideological dimension, and amended later editions of the book to better reflect this. [4]

Socio-Cultural Effect on International Students Dissertation

Socio-Cultural Effect on International Students - Dissertation Example .. 6 2.1. Background literature †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 7 2.2. Focal literature †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... 7 3. Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 9 3.1. Provisional research questions †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 13 3.2. Research design †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 13 3.3. Sa mpling †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 14 3.4. Data collection instruments †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... 14 3.5. Data collection †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 14 3.6. Data analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 15 3.7. Time frame †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 15 3.8. Ethical and Legal Considerations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...16 4. CONCLUSION †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... 16 5. References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. ... countries for many reasons, and when they go to their new country, they have to deal with new beliefs, practices, mannerisms, and other components of the new culture. Some of the reasons for emigrating include work, school and marriage among others. However, the most challenging of these reasons for change is education. This is primarily due to the demands of day-to-day school life including getting decent grades to fulfil one’s dreams or sustain a scholarship, or the challenges of interacting with native students who may have pre-emptive misconceptions about foreigners. Moreover, the student is under pressure of learning more than the course content; for instance, one has to adopt the normal behaviours of natives, some of which may not be in line with their beliefs. In addition, the students have to familiarise with the native language and work on their accent when using English, which are the main language barriers and principal subjects of ridicule against foreign students. Finally, these students have to learn new places, including where to find utility services, go shopping, go for classes, and entertainment places among others. Canterbury Christ Church University has programs for helping foreign students settle in the new country including clear guidelines on requirements, process for course application, acquisition of student visas and others. However, the extent to which these forums help international students is not clear as many studies just focus on their availability. Background Information General According to BBC.co.uk (2009), the number of international students in United Kingdom universities has been on the rise, with over 48 per cent increase between 2000 and 2006. Moreover, students for beyond the European Union nearly doubled in a decade to

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 31

Case Study Example The answer to all of these questions is in fact quite simple. It is the respective company’s attitudes towards the employs that work for them that help to define the way the company is viewed in the marketplace and has certainly heavily contributed to the runaway success that they have been able to earn. All of these companies websites make it very clear on their careers panel that the very heart and soul of their business model rests on the thousands of employees that contribute to the larger enterprise. Far more than lip service, the success of the company combined with the marginally higher level of pay that they give to their employees as compared to their competitors help to make each of these firms into the success story that they engender today. Sadly, these cultural aspects of employment do not always correspond to the remainder of the marketplace. I distinctly recall working for more than 1 retail store that treated their employees as a disposable good. In this way, the loyalty of the employees was severely diminished and the moral that was necessary to implement many store policies was all but

Foundations of Accounting 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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Human behavior as it relates to safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Analysis of Dunkin Donuts Company Research Paper - 1

Analysis of Dunkin Donuts Company - Research Paper Example The franchise system acted as a profitable cooperate management strategy for the company mainly due to benefits gained from the independent restaurants (Whetten and Cameron, 2011). The franchise system has remained operational since 1950 in all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and it encompasses small and large business associates. However, the franchise system has faced several complaints and court issues. Franchise systems that have existed in Dunkin’ Donuts Company have benefited various foreign business people in the United States. Most of the individuals in franchise system operational under Dunkin’ Donuts network consist of Asians. It is essential to note that nearly 90 percent of all newly established Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants results from the company’s franchisees (Sniegowski, 2014). Most importantly, the growth of Dunkin’ Donuts company remains attributed to the hardworking and determined entrepreneurs that have heavily invested in company restaurant chain. Despite the immeasurable success that the company has realized from its franchise system, various problems have arisen. Dunkin’ Donuts Company plans to out-compete Starbucks, its closest revival in restaurant service by establishing new stores through the United States. However, the fundamental problem remains that Dunkin’ Donuts depends on its franchisee to establish new restaurants. Consequently, the company has decided to form a corporate strategy that would foster its growth with an aim of being at a competitive advantage in the market. According to Gluck, 2008 the company’s adopted cooperate strategy involves eliminating single-store owners while constituting multiunit franchisees that have the potential of fast growth. The cooperate strategy has resulted in various court cases between the company and its franchisees. Apparently, the cooperate strategy aimed at fast expansion favors only the multiunit chain stores.  Ã‚  

Technologies Contribute in High School Education Research Proposal

Technologies Contribute in High School Education - Research Proposal Example From the discussion it is clear that  today, many high schools do not have enough computers, this being a major shortcoming to the utter integration of technology in learning initiative; equally, the utilization of the resource available is to a minimum. In fact, top-level management sees no need of increasing the technology resources since the teachers or students put in a little effort in making use of the laptops and computers present; additionally, most of them make random excuses for this, the main being the aspect of time.According to the study findings  meaningfully, teachers’ abilities and awareness play a significant role in the depth at which the technology resources apply in the learning of high school students today. Most of the teachers, who have taught for a long time, are more reluctant to applying technology as compared to new recruits; mainly because of the advancements that are there in their training. All institutions and teachers require taking consider ation of technology as a factor of edification since most students show interest with most of them purchasing laptops and tablet computers that are clear indication that they are willing to use them.  The main objective is proposing ways to improve education and learning for high students through technology, and utilizing the available resources such as schools’ computers and students’ laptops. However, availing these resources is not enough and additional factors require consideration i.e. teachers skills and incentives to engage in the same.

Vietnam War from 1945 to 1975 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Vietnam War from 1945 to 1975 - Essay Example The implications of US involvement will also be presented, including the domestic response which followed. This paper is being carried out in order to establish a more vivid understanding of the US and its involvement in the Vietnam War, taking note of all the controversies and the implications of the War. Body The Vietnam War came about because of the conflict between France and Vietnam in 19501. France occupied the Indochina region during the mid-1800s and went on to rule the region until 1954 when it was defeated in the first Indochina War. China then recognized the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the government of which was declared by Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam was later divided based on the provisions of the Geneva Convention and North Vietnam was supported by the Soviet Union and China and South Vietnam by the US2. President Eisenhower at that time utilized South Vietnam to counter communism and with American funding with the military leader Ngo Dinh Diem using such funds to abuse t hose who opposed him and his victims included college students, monks, and suspected communists3. Diem also claimed that North Vietnam was trying to take over its territories and this resulted in conflicts and violent confrontations4. North Vietnam was very much determined to fight until the opposition lost the will to fight. During Kennedy’s term, guerrilla tactics were also employed by the US military along with the deployment of US troops and helicopters into the region. Diem was later overthrown and caused much chaos in South Vietnam. The war continued to escalate under Johnson’s term with additional troops deployed and bombing raids carried out5. Communist Vietnam was also persistently supported by China and Russia with both parties determined to drag out the war. This caused division within Vietnam, with anti-war and pro-war factions creating a greater momentum for the communist parties. Possible negotiations between parties were further halted when Nixon ordered even more aggressive attacks via air raids6. North Vietnam was also persistent in its fight and the war raged on until 1975 when Saigon was captured and Vietnam was reunited under communist control. The US pulled out its troops in 1973, but still persisted in aiding South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon. In 1975, after 25 years of fighting and significant losses on both sides, the war ended7. The primary reason for US involvement in the Vietnam War was its concern on communist countries expanding their territories and possibly having more power in Asia8. For this reason, arrangements were set up with France, for the latter to establish a non-communist rule in the south9. Due to American influence, national elections in the south were stopped because of fears of a communist win. This angered Ho Chi Minh who then launched a guerrilla war in the south, but the US knew that it did not have the power to intervene due to international law restrictions with Russia naturally vetoing the U S10. Support for the south was then made through military equipment and troops, but the Vietcong proved to be more effective in its guerrilla warfare. The government of South Vietnam was about to collapse when the US decided to send in its troops11. The US used the Domino Theory to justify its actions. Based on this theory, one communist victory would likely lead to a communist takeover in the Indo-China region and in other parts of Southeast Asia where the US had political and

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 10

Business - Essay Example Hence, some members of the society have organized NGOs, non-profit, voluntary organizations which seek to promote social justice by protecting the right of human beings and by providing basic social services to them (Koehn, 2002). Since NGOs have a growing impact on the society, it is important to determine and assess their roles. This paper evaluates the role of NGOs in international development through different development theories and by studying specific cases. Ultimately, this paper aims to determine the extent to which society needs NGOs. Development is a complex process which experts attempted to explain through theories. Modernization theory is among those. This theory states that development should aim for economic growth, equity, democracy, political order and stability, and autonomy (Princeton University, 2006). When it comes to economic growth there is but very little, if not absolutely nothing, that NGOs can contribute. However, NGOs can play a huge role in the attainment of the other goals of modernization that Huntington proposed, especially when it comes to equity. People who unite to form NGOs can help in minimizing wealth inequality, which is often manifested by the lack of access by some individuals to basic social needs and services. NGOs may not be able to promote equity in the whole society but they can do so within smaller communities. An excellent example of this is the case of one Romanian NGO called the Association of Former Baragan Deportees of Timisoara, Romania. Under the leadership of Adam Balmez, the NGO united thousands of deportees who lobbied for reparations for their suffering caused by the cruelty of the communist regime. The NGO also helped in bringing to public the suffering that more than 40,000 people had endured because of communist brutality. The Association has not limited its actions into legally advancing the rights of deportees. It has also provided its members with basic social

Ethnic differences essay Essay Example for Free

Ethnic differences essay Essay ?Asses the claim that â€Å"ethnic differences in educational achievement are primarily the result of school factors† Most studies found that overall ethnic minorities tend to do less well than other members of the population when it comes to educational achievement. Many factors which occur inside the school are the cause of educational achievement however other factors contribute. The expectations of teachers on ethnic minorities have caused differences in educational achievement. Bernard Coard believes that teachers expect â€Å"Black† children to fail therefore labelling the child as a failure. Interactionalists are concerned with how teachers â€Å"pigeonhole† students this is the labelling theory, this is where the teacher makes a judgement of the child based on the child’s appearance, behaviour, previous family members and relationships with other students. However most labels are based on stereotypes rather than evidence, the reality is that once a label starts it is difficult to get rid of and this can cause problems for a student’s educational achievement. Teachers will discuss the students label in the staff room and other teachers will attach the same label to the child and this can lead to the child not being allowed to attend school trips. If a student is labelled as a failure by a teacher then the teacher is likely to put the student into a lower tier exam thus the pupil can only achieve a maximum of a grade C and can’t achieve to the best of their ability. When a student is labelled as a failure the student can begin to believe that the label is true and begin to make it part of their part of their identity, become a failure this is known as the self-fulfilling prophecy thus creating ethnic differences in educational achievement within the school system. David Hardgreves argues that anti school sub cultures can be formed as a result of negative labelling. However Maureen Stone and Swann both indicate that those who are labelled may not accept their labels. However many sociologists argue that it is external factors that affect ethnic differences in educational achievement. Cultural Deprivation is the term used to describe serious inadequacies in the socialisation process and its effects on educational achievement. Poor parenting means children underachieving in education. Many sociologists argue that ethnic minorities tend to be more fatalistic meaning that parents tend to have low aspirations and expectations for their child meaning less emphasis is placed on doing well in education. Whereas â€Å"White† middle classes would have high aspirations and high expectations. Socialisation focuses on the values, expectations and norms transmitted from parents to children. Children from Ethnic backgrounds tend to focus on immediate gratification where they try to reep their rewards at the earliest opportunity such as leaving school at 16 to earn money. Whereas â€Å"White† middle class children aim for a bright future described as deferred gratification which is putting off short term rewards to gain better rewards in the future. Cultural Deprivation can affect the way parents prepare their children for school. Working class children would sit and watch T. V. whereas middle class parents would take their children to museums. Driver and Ballard state that high achievement in Asian groups may be linked to the fact that they live in close knit families that can help each other. Price highlighted a high rate of single parent families in black Caribbean communities which may explain high underachievement. Nevertheless, some sociologists argue that it is internal factors which affect ethnic differences in educational achievement. Institutional Racism within schools can lead to educational achievement and the differences it causes within ethnic minorities. The â€Å"Swann report† found that a small number of teachers are consciously racist however there are a great deal of teachers who are â€Å"unintentionally† racist. Bernard Coard states that the British educational system makes children become educationally subnormal he states that â€Å"West Indian children are told that their language is second rate and unacceptable† he states that within the British educational system the word â€Å"White† is associated with â€Å"good† and the word â€Å"Black† with evil. Coard also states that the attitudes portrayed in the classroom are reinforced by the pupils outside of the classroom. Many sociologists would also argue that the mispronunciation of student’s names and not learning them can be classed as racism within the school system. Cecile Wright found that majority of staff are committed to ideals of equality but despite these ideals there are still considerable amounts of discrimination in the classroom. Asian children were often excluded from discussions and teachers expressed an â€Å"open disapproval of their customs and traditions†, these comments from teachers made Asian children feel more isolated from other pupils. Martin Hammersley found that racist comments in the staffroom did not lead to racism in the classroom. J. Taylor found that â€Å"most teachers are concerned to have a fair policy towards the treatment of black pupils†. Mac an Ghaill studied 25 afro Caribbean and Asian students studying A levels. He found that â€Å"although they disagreed over the extent of racism within education, this did not directly determine their attitude to education and their levels of academic success. The way that students responded to schooling varied and this was influenced by their ethnic group†. This could eventually lead to the formation of anti-school sub cultures. These are pupils who have rejected some or all of the values and rules set down in the school ethos. Peter Woods identified 8 different groups ranging from Ingratiation total conformity to Rebellion outright rejection of school rules and values. This can cause ethnic differences in educational achievement within the school system. However other factors such as linguistic skills affect this achievement. Linguistic Deprivation is the ability to use appropriate language which is an important factor in educational success. Bernstein came up with two codes of language Restricted and Elaborate codes. The Restricted code is used in casual situations. This is limited vocabulary and Simplistic grammar which can only be understood if you are aware of this topic. The Elaborate code is used in formal situations. This is sophisticated grammar and vocabulary and can be understood if aware of the topic. Bernstein found that White middle class children had the ability to switch between the two codes whereas children from ethnic minorities were limited to using the restricted code. This means they are severely disadvantaged in education where the language is all formal. In conclusion, it is probable that a number of factors work together in producing the lower levels of achievement found in some ethnic groups. The Swann report concluded that racial discrimination inside and outside school along with social deprivation were probably the main factors. Others would add that cultural factors also play some part in explaining the differences.

Crime and Punishment | Character Analysis

Crime and Punishment | Character Analysis In the novel Crime and Punishment, the author Fyodor Dostoevsky creates a character in Raskolnikov who is plagued with dueling personalities. One side of Raskolnikov is caring and sensitive, often sharing what little money he has with others, while the other side is dark and indifferent, eventually leading him to commit the murders of a pawnbroker and her sister. These personalities create an inner-conflict that progressively grows worse and drives Raskolnikov insane until he is forced to confess his act. Dostoevsky introduces the conflict within Raskolnikov early in the first chapter. Raskolnikov is contemplating some mysterious thing that is not announced to the reader and simply referred to as that. In his mind, he continuously goes back and forth over whether he is truly thinking of doing that or if it is just a thought going around in his head. As he is finishing his thoughts, he attempts to shake off whatever that is by telling himself, It is not that serious at all. Its simply a fantasy to amuse myself; a plaything, but after a short moment he ends with, Yes, maybe it is a plaything, (Dostoevsky, pg. 2). In this quotation the maybe allows a reader to assume that Raskolnikov may, in fact, be considering this thing. The conversation Raskolnikov holds with his self, as he goes back and forth over this issue, shows that he his mind is conflicted. This thought so early in the novel lets us see Raskolnikov is already thinking to himself but is not even sure of his own thoughts. Such indecision over what it now an unmentioned matter sets the tone for this inner-conflict that he struggles with throughout the novel and that nearly consumes him. When the truth of what that is comes out, readers grasp the extremity of the inner-dual of Raskolnikov. That, the murder of an innocent woman, is something truly unimaginable by, what society considers, a rational person. Raskolnikov is endlessly at odds with whether or not this is just an idea formed in his head or if he is willing to commit such an act. In a dream he sees the brutal torture of a horse, which leads to its death. After the dream Raskolnikov wonders how he could even contemplate murder and cursed the thought of it saying, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦My God! Anyway I couldnt bring myself to do it! I couldnt do it, I couldnt do it! (Dostoevsky, pg. 54). Such adamant renouncement of the act is suddenly and easily altered as he strolls upon a conversation where he discovers that Alyona Ivanova, the woman he is thinking of murdering, will be home alone at a certain time. Raskolnikov sees this as fate and completely forgetting about his dream once again alters his mindset and decides to commit the crime. The plot thickens and the clash continues inside the mind of Raskolnikov, as what was once just a plaything grows into a reality. Throughout the novel the reader is able to see the tremendous amount of unsupported pride Raskolnikov holds for himself. Although he lives in what seems to be a slum in St. Petersburg, does not pay his rent, and he has recently dropped out of school, he believes that he is better than those around him. In spite of the level of pride he possesses he is still content to leave his house dressed as though he has no regard for his appearance. With that said, in explaining an article that he wrote, he says, I simply hinted that an extraordinary man has the rightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that is not an official right, but an inner right to decide in his own conscience to overstepà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦certain obstacles, and only in case it is essential for the practical fulfilment of his idea, (Dostoevsky, pg. 226) whatever that idea may be. He feels that he is so superior to others that he even has the right to take the life of another human being, though he adds, sometimes, perhaps, of benefit to the whole of humanity, (Dostoevsky, pg. 226). He attempts to validate his point by saying that it is more reasonable for a superior being to break the law when the act benefits all of society. This allows the reader to see that his mind is clearly mixed up. He believes that he is superior, though he does nothing to prove it. His sole claim to fame is this article that was published in a newspaper and that does not contain his signature, only his initials. One of the most significant views of Raskolnikovs dueling personalities can be seen through his interaction with others. The moral-psychological traits of his character incorporate this antinomy between instinctive kindness, sympathy, and pityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Unkown). Theses are the words of a law student who explains that when acting on instinct Raskolnikov is kind, sympathetic and has pity for others. While he can often be extremely compassionate for those around him his admitted feeling of superiority over others leads him to the mistreatment of them as well as his delusional ideal mentioned in his article On Crime. The compassion he shows is frequently counteracted, because after performing an act of kindness Raskolnikov is often upset at himself for doing the deed. What a stupid thing Ive done, they have Sonia and I want it myself, (Dostoevsky, pg. 23) Raskolnikov says this after he leaves some money, which he does not have much of, for a friend and his poor family. This shows h is feeling of regret for doing what is clearly a good deed. Later, he shows regret after protecting a drunken young girl who is being pursued by an older man. The fact that Raskolnikov is not able to make what he sees as quality decisions in spur of the moment situations can be attributed to the confusion at play in his mind and the insanity it is causing. His personality is always at odds and Dostoevsky uses the continual shifting in his characters head to show this. Raskolnikovs idea that he is superior is disproved not by his actions but by the regret he has for making decisions that seem to be rational. In the weeks following Raskolnikovs crime his mental condition deteriorates even more. After many days of sick sleep he is surrounded by many of the people he knows and some he does not know. Raskolnikov finds that he actually feels he is wrong for what he did. The conflict in his head shifts from the decision of whether or not to take the life of the pawnbroker, to whether or not he should confess to his crime. However, Raskolnikovs beliefs are undermined by the guilt and illness he experiences after the murder, creating a split in which he desires to alleviate his guilt and also desires to affirm himself as extraordinary, (TheDoctor). This new split in his mind grows out of the original conflict. His guilt is something that is not completely shown, but it is present. Raskolnikov believes, even as a convict in a Siberian labor camp, that his crime would have been something understandable had not the pawnbrokers innocent sister walked in and seen him. Raskolnikovs guilt grows due to those he is closest to. Sonia encourages Raskolnikov to confess his crime because it is the only way he could be redeemed. Even with the one he loves most telling him to confess, Raskolnikovs pride is still present and he possesses a need to prove that he is truly a superior being. With all these desires going on in his head Raskolnikov does not know how to swallow his pride and accept that the only way he can exist is through repentance. In his insanity Raskolnikov is driven to do many fanatical things as he abandons his sister, mother, and best friend, and nearly lets the truth, that he committed the murders, slip out. He is once again alienated from everyone, except Sonia. The relationship between Raskolnikov and Sonia grows strong and he learns to trust her. In the books final scene Raskolnikov finds himself in a state of near delirium at the police station, and he confesses his crime, (Unknown). This quotation explains Raskolnikovs mental condition as the story is coming near to a close. Raskolnikov is so taken by his insanity that he wonders through the city in an attempt to publicly confess. He is so horrified by the crowd that he cannot bring himself to do the confession publicly. His mind could barely function as he walked into the police station where he would finally declare his guilt and own up to his crime. When he hears of the suicide of someone he knows he becomes so confused that he walks out of the po lice station. His mind is now so weak that he can be sidetracked easily. He reenters the station when he sees Sonia, the one who has finally convinced him to confess. It seems as though she has to actually control his mind in the final scenes in order for him to have enough strength to confess. Crime and Punishment, as a novel, contains many ideas of the author Fyodor Dostoevsky. Nearly everything in the book revolves around his character Raskolnikov. Raskolnikovs inner-struggle accounts for a majority of the novel. From his love for his family, to his devotion to his friends, and even his willingness to risk his life for strangers, he can be considered good. Due to his selfishness and pride, which he allows to alienate him from society, he may be considered just the opposite. When these multiple personalities mix with the ideals he has created during his extended periods of separation from others, it generates a man whose mind is torn into many directions. Raskolnikov is unable to choose his own direction and allows chance to control his actions. He is close to going completely insane and he probably would have if not for the relationship formed with Sonia in which she takes the place of chance and guides Raskolnikov in the direction of redemption. Impact of Television: The Kennedy Nixon Debates Impact of Television: The Kennedy Nixon Debates Why were the Kennedy-Nixon debates in 1960 so important for the political influence of American television? Introduction The debates between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the last days of the 1960 presidential campaign have become both famous (in the American public’s imagination) and influential (in determining the nature of subsequent political campaigns, not only in America but in other western democracies as well). These debates were watched by more than 70 million viewers in America (and millions more listened on the radio). However, before the start of the campaign, it was by no means clear that Kennedy would win. At the beginning of 1960, President Eisenhower was still a popular candidate, and would have won had he been allowed by the constitution to stand for a third term. Lyndon Johnson had a regionalised support based in the South, Kennedy seemed far too young and inexperienced, and Vice-President Nixon did not have the confidence of the electorate.[1] These television debates (the first time that a presidential debate had been televised) were therefore crucial in winning the elect ion for John Kennedy, and for securing the defeat of Nixon, though the television (and the image created from being on television) had never before played such a pivotal role in an election campaign. How did this come about? Television as crucial to Kennedy’s campaign Kennedy formalised his declaration for the presidency on 2nd January 1960, which some professional politicians felt was too early to begin a presidential campaign. Kennedy realised that he had a problem, but he was forced both by his own inexperience (he needed more time to prove himself) and by the hostility he faced from senior members of the Democrat party. In order to stand any change of being nominated, Kennedy needed to make his campaign open and public, and importantly, to use television to create a good public image, to attract the public, and to excite the voters by presenting himself as the candidate best qualified to take America forward into this promising new era, embodied by hope and optimism.[2] Kennedy also had to overcome several problems that would have had a hugely negative impact on his public image: he suffered from chronic poor health and he was promiscuous, despite his prominent and public marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953 at a society wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, in front of a crowd of 3,000. It is notable that Kennedy managed to keep this aspect of his personal life quiet only because the media paid no attention the private lives of those in office, but this was in 1960, and before Kennedy was about to remake politicians as television celebrities. Kennedy managed both to overcome these detractors to his image, and to create a positive image despite others’ criticisms of his ability to hold office, by appealing straight to voters, via the new mass media technology of television and television marketing; this was a remaking of American politics.[3] The medium is the message It is the nature of the medium of television, with its combination of visual and audio clues, and its instant, mass communication, that a great many people can come to an instant judgement of a candidate based not only on what he says, but also on how he says it. The first presidential debate was key; all three subsequent debates were based upon the Kennedy’s initial television success. It is interesting to compare the television with the radio debate for an example of how influential the television debate was, and for how it would secure the primacy of the medium of television over radio, something which has not yet been changed in the modern age of political electioneering. Radio listeners rated Nixon the victor in these debates, while television viewers believed that Kennedy had won. If there was such a clear difference between views on different media, then it must be the case that the nature of the media is the explanation. On television, viewers could see a Kennedy who w as well-dressed, handsome and articulate (in other words, a political celebrity) against a poorly presented and badly dressed Nixon. Neither candidate had in actual fact any great difference between them in terms of their political policies; Kennedy was just incredibly successful at emphasising his dynamism, youth, vigour and optimism, in other words, a triumph of style over political substance. The voter turn-out of the election shows just how good Kennedy was at stimulation the interest of the electorate via his good image-presentation. The turn-out (in terms of percentage of adults of voting age casting votes) was the highest it had ever been in the history of American politics, especially among African American voters, whose vote Kennedy had managed to secure by his high-profile association with the civil rights movement.[4] President as celebrity: the focus on image The television debates greatly advanced the popular image of Kennedy. For example, many people had thought that Kennedy was too young (he was the first American president to take office born in the 20th century, at age 43)[5] and too inexperienced to take office. This would have been a serious criticism of the would-be president, and in fact, this was only dispelled by his appearance on television, something that Kennedy himself later admitted: â€Å"We wouldn’t have had a prayer without that gadget†.[6] He came across as cool, calm and collected, with poise and knowledge enough to endure the responsibility of holding presidential office.[7] It was these presidential debates in 1960 that really propelled Kennedy to power, on the back of the positive public image he had generated. In fact, so successful was the careful management of presidential appearance on television, that the image of Kennedy as youthful, dynamic, optimistic and able to ‘seize the momentâ€℠¢ was never lost after his election to office. Instead, Kennedy went on to embody the nascent optimism and expectancy of early 1960s America (and the image of Kennedy as glorious and heroic was established all the more firmly by his assassination on 22nd November, 1963).[8] This was a time when great social plans and movements could be won (the civil rights movement), a time when new frontiers were being expanded and explored (the space race) and a time when many dreamt of increased affluence and economic prosperity.[9] The lesson learnt No one more than failed presidential candidate Nixon was aware of how important creating a positive image on television (and radio) was: â€Å"Looking back on all four of them, [television debates] there can be no question but that Kennedy had gained more from the debates than I.†[10] It is clear that these television debates were crucial for securing electoral success; Nixon failed to win the presidential campaign in 1960, and he attributed this directly to the way his image was managed (especially on television): â€Å"I recognized the basic mistakes I had made. I had concentrated too much on substance and not enough on appearance.†[11] Nixon never made that mistake again. In 1968, when he again ran for president, he made sure that his appearances on television were closely controlled and timed, in order to appear cool, calm, and collected; in other words, just as Kennedy had so successfully appeared in 1960. It worked. Nixon became president in 1968, though he often tried to deny that he was one of the first presidents to realise that image (most easily communicated via the mass media of TV) was crucial to electoral and thence political success: â€Å"I don’t worry about polls. I don’t worry about images†¦I never have.†[12] This, of course, was not true. Nixon expended a great deal of energy into maintaining a good public image,[13] something which no president had done to quite the extent before, and something which has also set a precedent for all subsequent western political campaigns: they have learnt Nixon’s 1960 presidential lesson never ignore the importance of appearing well on television. Conclusion By looking at the Kennedy-Nixon debates of 1960, we can see that they were important because they set the precedent of television having an enormous political influence, in terms of setting up and disseminating an instant and successful public image. The lesson of the importance and influence of television is one that no candidate for office has ever been able to ignore, either in America or wherever television has a widespread hold on mass-media communications. Bibliography Barnouw, E., The Image Empire (New York, Oxford University Press, 1972) Havel, J.T., US Presidential Candidates and the Elections: A Biographical and Historical Guide (New York, Simon Schuster Macmillan, 1996) Nixon, R.M., Six Crises (London, W.H.Allen, 1962) Paper, L.J., The Promise and the Performance: The Leadership of John. F.Kennedy (New York, Crown Publishers Inc., 1975) Rorabaugh, W.J., Kennedy and the Promise of the Sixties (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2002) 1 Footnotes [1] Rorabaugh, 2002, 6. [2] ibid., 2002, 7. [3] ibid., 2002, 13. [4] Rorabaugh, 2002, 17. [5] Havel, 1996, 318. [6] Barnouw, 1972, 169. [7] Paper, 1975, 300-301. [8] Havel, 1996, 318. [9] Rorabaugh, 2002, x. [10] Nixon, 1962, 384. [11] ibid., 366 [12] From a rare interview with Nixon conducted by Barbara Walters in March 1971 on the â€Å"Today† programme on NBC television. [13] For example, the highly stage-managed presidential visit to China in 1972, in which Nixon was concerned to impress upon the electorate’s mind the image of a presidential diplomat, succeeding in establishing good relations with a country who had been an outspoken critic of America for over 20 years. He did this, of course, via a carefully controlled media campaign, which often seemed like a campaign for some new consumer item. Genotyping ApoE Variants: For Early Diagnosis of ARC Genotyping ApoE Variants: For Early Diagnosis of ARC Neven Abushaban Genotyping ApoE variants:  Predictor of rare cancer in young adults According to Yamashiro (2017), The rare ApoE related cancer (ARC) occurs in mostly in young adults with 80% of all cases being in people between the ages of 20-30 years old. ARC is unbiased to gender and there is evidence that it is a hereditary disease linked to the inheritance of eight variants of the gene Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), that are spread out through the gene, including two that are in intronic sequences. These alleles seem to be recessive with some of them that when they are recessive homozygotes being strong predictors of ARC. It was also sometimes found that when there is heterozygosity of two recessive ApoE alleles, one being ApoE4, can act as recessive homozygotes. However, ApoE4 has the weakest association with cancer at less than 2%, but when another ApoE allele is present the ApoE4 allele pairs as a normal ApoE gene (Yamashiro, 2017a). The ApoE gene encodes for the apolipoprotein E which combines with fats in the body to form lipoproteins (US National Library of Medicine, 2017). The ApoE lipoproteins are responsible for maintaining normal cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and the brain by transporting cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream and assisting deposition of amyloids and the clearing of deposits from the parenchyma of the brain (Garg Roth, 2015). The allele ApoE4 has the weakest link to ARC, less than 2% and when it pairs with another recessive ApoE allele they seem to be equivalent to a normal ApoE gene (Yamashiro, 2017a). Some variants of the ApoE gene increase the risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimers diseases (AD), and ARC. Compared to the other alleles ApoE 4 increases the risk for AD and it was also found to be a risk factor cerebral amyloid angiopathy, dementia, and multiple sclerosis (Zhong, et al., 2016). Tests for Genotyping ApoE Variants Early detection of ApoE alleles that are high-risk factors for ARC is necessary for the most effective treatment of the cancer. It is essential to use rapid and cost-effective tests to genotype all 8 recessive alleles of ApoE to determine carrier status of the recessive alleles and homozygosity of the recessive alleles that will most likely lead to ARC development. There are several test methods for ApoE genotyping and this case study will focus on RT-PCR, Oligonucleotide Microarrays, and Next Generation Sequencing. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which was conceptualized by Kary Mullis in 1983 and it has the ability to amplify specific nucleic acid sequences exponentially in a short amount of time. PCR amplification is achieved through multiple cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension in a thermocycler that controls the temperature for each cycle (Kuslick, Chul, Yamashiro, 2008). In the denaturation step the reaction mix (which contains the DNA template that will be amplified, a pair of primers, Taq polymerase, the four building blocks of the DNA which are the deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dATP, dCTP, dGTP,and dTTP), a salt with Mg2+ (a divalent cation), and a buffer) is heated for some time to cause the double-stranded DNA to dissociate in preparation for hybridization of the primers onto the DNA template. During the annealing step, the temperature is brought down in order for the primers hybridize on each DNA strand. Finally, in the extension step, the thermostable DNA polymerase, the Taq polymerase synthesizes the DNA strands with the primers to make new complementary DNA strands (Kuslick et al, 2008). The amplicons, which are the amplified double stranded deoxyribonucleic acids, are visualized as bands by agarose gel electrophoresis. Conventional PCR is useful for DNA amplification; however, it has a time-consuming procedure and data analysis of the results as each marker needs to be investigated separately by PCR, thus taking a long time to get to a final diagnosis (Irshad et al, 2016). Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) is a PCR technique that allows for visualization of the DNA while it is amplifying by the addition of a fluorescent primer/probe to the reaction mix and running the reaction under ultraviolet light with a video camera recording each cycle, and translating the data into an amplification curve (Valasek Repa, 2005). RT-PCR has the capability of genotyping all eight ApoE gene variants through SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) genotyping using TaqMan technology by amplifying each variant in a separate tube using a forward and reverse primer specific for each target sequence of the alleles. TaqMan is an RT-PCR system from Roche and utilizes a primer/probe with a reporter dye and a quencher dye attached, for visualization and follows a similar protocol to that of conventional PCR. The difference is, however, when the Taq polymerase is extending the DNA it encounters the probe and a 5-3 exonuclease activity will cleave the probe which in turn untethers the reporte r dye away from the quencher dye releasing the signal from the reporter dye and the signal is then measured by the equipment that the reaction is being conducted in (Zhong, et al., 2016). Some advantages of SNP TaqMan RT-PCR are that it is a closed reaction system which reduces the risk of contamination of amplicons, has very little labor in the protocol, and takes less than a day to get to a final diagnosis. A disadvantage is that requires an RT-PCR machine that can read data at real time rather than using a fluorescence reader used for conventional PCR (Geyer, Reisbig, Hanson, 2012). Non-technical Parameters. When designed optimally the primers for RT-PCR can be very accurate with high specificity and sensitivity of the results. There are many companies other than Roche, like Thermo Fisher Scientific that offer a variety of TaqMan assay formats for real-time PCR such as singles, 96-well plates, 384 microfluidic cards, and openArray plates (Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2017). The cost per assay for TaqMan can be from around $3 and goes up to $350 (Science Exchange, 2017a). Oligonucleotide Microarrays DNA microarray technology was originally designed to measure the RNA transcriptional levels of genes in a genome. With this technology, it is now possible gene expression patterns for studying diseases, disease progression, detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and identification for drug targeting. Microarrays use single stranded DNA sequences as probes just like in PCR to form complementary hybrids with the target DNA sequences to measure the expression of multiple genes. Thousands of DNA probes for the target sequences are bound, synthesized, or spotted to a silicon chip wafer similar to those used for computer microchips. There are two main types of DNA microarray chips methodologies and it depends on the type of probes that are to be spotted (Trevno, Faclciani, Barrera-Saldaà ±a, 2007). One type was developed by Affymetrix that is adapted from the manufacturing of semiconductors and synthesizes short single-stranded oligonucleotides, about 22 nucleotides in length, in situ onto the wafer (Trevno et al, 2007) (Yamashiro, 2017c). The second type uses reverse transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) to get complementary DNA (cDNA) for the cloning of the double-stranded DNA gene sequence, and then amplification of the open reading frames using PCR. The cDNA are the probes bounds to the wafer. A limitation of the cDNA method is that there is an uneven melting temperature due to the differences in the CG- content of the large open reading frames or cDNA sequence probes. There is also non-specific hybridization from overlapped genes, related sequences, and variations in splicing. The oligonucleotide method i s designed in such a way that overcomes that of the cDNA probes, by designing the oligonucleotide probes to be complementary to the target sequence and redundantly detect the target segments (Pastinen, et al., 2000) (Trevno, 2007). The extracted nucleic acid sequences are labeled with fluorescent dyes and are hybridized onto the DNA array through incubation and afterward, non-specific hybrids are washed off. The fluorescent dyes are detected through a laser in a confocal scanner that excites them and then produces a digital image of the microarray. Special software is used to analyze the image that assigns a final reading of a value that is relative to concentration in each spot of the probe of the target sequence being measured. There are some microarray methods that are competitive two-dye assays that uses two types of fluorophore dyes, one for the target sequence and the other for the reference sample (Trevno, 2007). The microarray reading assigns a ratio of the two dyes equal to the amount of the target sequence to the reference sample. This method is suitable to for measuring a small number of genes (Trevno, 2007). Frequently the oligonucleotide microarray method is used for large scale multiplex genotyping of multiple alleles, mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and it would be the method of choice for genotyping the ApoE alleles (Pastinen, et al., 2000). Chromosomal microarray is a type of oligonucleotide microarray, that is commonly used in clinical laboratories as a genetic test for analyses of genomic copy number, SNP, karyotyping for visualization and analyses of chromosomal rearrangements like gains and losses (Miller, et al., 2010). Each ApoE variant sequence would be identified using two to three oligonucleotides for the sense and antisense strands. The array would have data points for the sense and antisense primers for analyses in order to reduce the occurrence of false positives. A genotyping software would then identify the variant sequences in each patient tested (Schrijver, 2005). A downside of microarrays is that for some genetic carrier screening, such as Cystic Fibrosis carriers, a second tier of testing is often required to prove carrier status. The second tier is usually a more comprehensive test such as differential gradient gel electrophoresis or denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, followed by direct DNA sequencing to characterize the mutations identified by scanning techniques (Schrijver, 2005). Non-technical Parameters. A con of oligonucleotide microarrays is that they can take from a week to a month to get to a diagnostic result, but they do, however, have 80 98% analytical sensitivity and specificity. A pro is that the test can cost anywhere from $25 to $800 per sample, but still more expensive that TaqMan (Science Exchange, 2017b). Next Generation Sequencing DNA sequencing is the gold standard when it comes to genetic tests, however, its high costs make it difficult for routine use (Schrijver, 2005). In recent years there have been advances in DNA sequencing through Next Generation technologies (NGS), as they afford higher throughput and speed. There are three common NGS platforms, which are Roche 454, Illumina, and AB SOLiD. They are similar in that they measure and analyze signals that are emitted through a second strand of DNA to sequence the DNA. The way the second DNA strand is generated is where these platforms differ. Template DNA is split into smaller pieces, amplified, and then attached on a surface before sequencing (Pabinger, et al., 2014). In the Roche 454 platform, DNA sequence fragments are ligated onto oligonucleotide adapters on beads that go through emulsion PCR that amplifies the DNA to amplify the copy number of the DNA fragments. The beads are diluted, then a single bead is dropped into each microwell of PicoTiterPlate. Pyrosequencing is then conducted by adding enzymes for sequencing and triphosphate nucleotides bases that release pyrophosphates when the bases encounter complementary bases on the DNA sequence that are on the beads. This produces light that is recorded detected by a CCD camera that denotes the triphosphate nucleotide base type in the DNA sequence in each well. This method is error prone as it misidentifies the length of nucleotides with identical bases (homopolymers) (Hodkinson Grice, 2015). The Illumina approach is the most widely used NGS platform because of it allows a large amount of data to be generated, with a low error rate and is cost effective. This method avoids homopolymers by using a sequencing by synthesis method that uses reversible dye terminators with one nucleotide per sequencing cycle (Hodkinson Grice, 2015). The dye terminators are washed over a flow cell that has the oligonucleotides immobilized on it and had been hybridized with the DNA fragments. After the dye terminator has attached, the unbound nucleotides are washed away and the flow cell is imaged. Since the dye terminator is reversible it can be washed away after each cycle to get the identity of the next base pair. Illumina sequences shorter fragments, about 35 100 base pairs and uses a special program that uses an algorithm to determine the sequence (Hodkinson Grice, 2015) (Yamashiro, 2017d). The AB SOLiD platform is similar to 454, in that it starts with emulsion PCR but uses a sequences-by-litigation approach (Hodkinson Grice, 2015). The DNA libraries are sequenced by by 8 base-probe ligation which contains ligation site (the first base), cleavage site (the fifth base) (Liu, et al., 2012). Di-based probes that are fluorescently labeled with four dyes, ligate to the DNA sequence and produce a fluorescent signal that is recorded. The sequences are read in multiple cycles since at least the first two bases are read with high confidence. This redundancy of this method reduces its error rate (Liu, et al., 2012) (Yamashiro, 2017d). Non-technical Parameters. To cut time and money anyone of the NGS platforms could be used to only analyze chromosome 19 since that is where the ApoE protein is located. Roche 454 is the most expensive of the three starting at $8000 per sample and Illumina the cheapest with tests starting at $35 per sample. An advantage of the NGS technologies is the amount of data it can generate like mapping parts of or the whole genome of the individual and can be more sensitive to detecting rare sequences among related sequences (Hurd Nelson, 2009). Genotyping Methodologies Methods Cost per sample Time to result Analytical Sensitivity Analytical Specificity SNP TaqMan RT-PCR $3-$225 >98% >98% Oligonucleotide Microarray Chip $25-$800 1 week 1 month 80-98% 80-98% NGS platforms: Roche 454 $8,000-$9,797 1 day Illumina $35-$2,950 2-3 days >98% >98% AB SOLiD N/A > 1 week 80-98% 80-98% Results The SNP TaqMan RT-PCR test method would be the system of choice for genotyping the ApoE alleles. It has the highest analytical sensitivity and specificity and the most cost efficient. Although it does not give as much information as the NGS platforms in terms of epigenetics and genome mapping, it does get the job done within a reasonable amount of time. Microarrays and NGS need specialized software to perform bioinformatic analysis of the results to get a final diagnosis (Liu, et al., 2012) (Miller, et al., 2010). Whereas with SNP TaqMan each reaction tube has specific forward and reverse primers for each ApoE allele and can be visualized in real time, making it the easiest to use and fastest to get to a result (Zhong, et al., 2016). Table 1 compares the different technologies explained earlier for genotyping methods. Illumina is the only other technology that can compare to SNP TaqMan RT-PCR in terms of sensitivity and specificity, but it takes a bit longer and the cost can easily g o up to thousands of dollars (Science Exchange, 2017b). Validation. In order to develop the TaqMan RT-PCR assay, primers for each ApoE allele are designed through a software through a software such as Beacon Designer 7. An analysis is then done using sequences submitted to a database like GenBank on the primers/probes sequences to evaluate their ability to anneal to the target variants, by means of a BLAST analysis (Geyer et al, 2012). The primer/probe sequences that annealed with a 100% specificity to the target variants only, are chosen and are labeled with a different reporter fluorophore dye (e.g. FAM, TET, HEX) at the 5 end and a quencher dye (e.g. TAMRA) at the 3 end (Geyer et al, 2012) (Kutyavin, et al., 2000). The probes are then ordered from a company that manufactures probes for TaqMan such as Bioresearch Technologies in Novato, CA (Qu, Wanner, Christ, 2011). The next steps would be to optimize the PCR assay by testing the parameters of the different components that get put into the master mix, the concentrations of MgCl2, primers/probes, DNA template, dNTPs, Taq polymerase, and buffer concentration. These are tested using a thermocycler that is equipped for TaqMan PCR, where the temperatures and timing for each step in the cycle are also adjusted to get optimal annealing, hybridization, and amplification of the DNA. The Ct value (cycle threshold) which is the number of cycles in a run that crosses the threshold is determined. Anything above the threshold is a positive indicator that the allele being tested is present (Qu et al, 2011). For validation of the ApoE TaqMan PCR assay, the results are compared to results from a DNA sequencing analysis. The ApoE fragments are amplified by PCR with the designed primer/probes and then the products purified and sequenced by a DNA sequencer like the ABI 3730XL DNA Sequencer by Applied Biosystems (Zhong, et al., 2016). Discussion Eight ApoE alleles are linked to ARC disease and it has been determined the TaqMan RT-PCR would be the best assay to test for these alleles. Screening for ARC related alleles before cancer develops is very beneficial for early treatment before the disease develops or progresses too far and will result in greater longevity (Katsanis Katsanis, 2013). Testing for ARC may lead to the diagnosis of a highly likely predisposition to AD because of its strong link to the ApoE4 allele. With the ApoE4 gene the mean age to develop AD is 68 with a 91% chance for homozygotes, 76 years old with a 47% chance for heterozygotes, and 84 years old with 20% for people who do not carry the allele (Zhong, et al., 2016). There is an ethical dilemma when it is revealed that a patient has the ApoE4 allele, since exposing genetic risk is a complex issue, as it not only shows risk for the patient but also to the patients family member who may also have the allele. They would have to reveal to their relatives t hat they have the ApoE4 allele and that they should also get tested. The cost of testing for the just one allele would be low since it would not require a large amount of DNA sequencing, a simple PCR test would be sufficient. It also reveals to the patient that they may pass on this gene to their offspring, which might become a burden on them from having any future children. If they are not in a relationship they would also feel pressure that they have to reveal that they are carriers to future partners (Arribas-Ayllon, 2011). There is no clear benefit to early disclosure of the predisposition of getting AD to young adults because there is no medical intervention available. The psychological harm from the revelation of being a carrier of the ApoE4 allele outweigh the benefits of disclosure. Clinicians may feel that they dont need to need to reveal to a patient their risk of AD when they have a genotypic test for ARC. As of now, there are no guidelines for clinicians on deciding whether the association between a gene and disease have sufficient clinical validity and usefulness to justify disclosure (Green, et al., 2009).   References      Ã‚   Garg, S., Roth, K. S. (2015, February 21). Alzheimer Disease and APOE-4. Retrieved from Medscape: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1787482-overview Geyer, C. N., Reisbig, M. D., Hanson, N. D. (2012). Development of a TaqMan Multiplex PCR Assay for Detection of Plasmid-Mediated AmpC ÃŽÂ ²-Lactamase Genes. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 3722-3725. Hodkinson, B. P., Grice, E. A. (2015). Next-Generation Sequencing: A Review of Technologies and Tools for Wound Microbiome Research. Advances in Wound Care, 50-58. Hurd, P. J., Nelson, C. J. (2009). Advantages of next-generation sequencing versus the microarray in epigenetic research. Brief Funct Genomics, 174-183. Irshad, M., Gupta, P., Mankotia, D. S., Ansari, M. A. (2016). Multiplex qPCR for serodetection and serotyping of hepatitis viruses: A brief review. World J Gastroenterol, 4824-4834. Katsanis, S., Katsanis, N. (2013). Molecular genetic testing and the. Nature REviews, 413-426. Kuslick, C. D., Chul, B., Yamashiro, C. T. (2008). Overview of PCR. Current Protocols Essential Laboratory Technique, 10.2.1-10.2.31. Kutyavin, I. V., Afonina, I. A., Mills, A., Gorn, V. V., Lukhtanov, E. A., Belousov, E. S., . . . Hedgpeth, J. (2000). 3à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ²-Minor groove binder-DNA probes increase sequence specificity at PCR extension temperatures. Nucleic Acid Research, 655-661. Liu, L., Li, Y., Hu, N., He, Y., Pong, R., Lin, D., Law, M. (2012). Comparison of Next-Generation Sequencing Systems. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 11 pages. Meistertzheim, A.-L., Calves, I., Artigaud, S., Carolyn , F. S., Paillard, C., Laroche , J., Ferec , C. (2012, 5 15). High Resolution Melting Analysis for fast and cheap polymorphism screening of marine populations. Retrieved from Nature: http://www.nature.com/protocolexchange/protocols/2383/uploads Miller, D. T., Adam , M. P., Aradhya, S., Biesecker, L. G., Brothman, A. R., Carter, N. P., . . . Ledbetter, D. H. (2010). Consensus Statement: Chromosomal Microarray Is a First-Tier Clinical Diagnostic Test for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities or Congenital Anomalies. The American Society of Human Genetics, 749-764. Pabinger, S., Dander, A., Fischer, M., Snajder, R., Sperk, M., Efremova, M., . . . Trajanoski, Z. (2014). A Survey of tools for variant analysis of next-generation genome sequencing data. Brief Bioinform, 256-278. Pastinen, T., Raitio, M., Lindroos, K., Tainola, P., Peltonen, L., Syvanen, A.-C. (2000). A System for Specific, High-throughput Genotyping by Allele-specific Primer Extension on Microarrays. Genome Research, 1031-1042. Schrijver, I., Oitmaa, E., Metspalu, A., Gardner, P. (2005). Genotyping Microarray for the Detection of More Than 200 CFTR Mutations in Ethnically Diverse Populations. American Society for Investigative Pathology and the Association for Molecular Pathology, 375-387. Science Exchange. (2017a, 2 19). TaqMan assays. Retrieved from Science Exchange: https://www.scienceexchange.com/services/taqman-assays Science Exchange. (2017b, 21 2). Science Exchange. Retrieved from Affymetrix DNA microarray: https://www.scienceexchange.com/services/affymetrix-dna-microarray Science Exchange. (2017c, 2 21). NGS Platforms. Retrieved from Science Exchange: https://www.scienceexchange.com/services/illumina-ngs Thermo Fisher Scientific. (2017, 2 19). Why Choose TaqMan Assays. Retrieved from Thermo Fischer: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/pcr/real-time-pcr/real-time-pcr-assays/why-choose-taqman-assays.html Trevno, V., Faclciani, F., Barrera-Saldaà ±a, H. A. (2007). DNA Microarrays: a Powerful Genomic Tool for Biomedical and Clinical Research. Molecular Medicine, 527-541. US National Library of Medicine. (2017, February 14). APOE gene. Retrieved from Genetics Home Reference: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/APOE Valasek, M. A., Repa, J. J. (2005). The power of real-time PCR. Advances in Physiology Education, 151-159. Yamashiro, C. (2017a, February 14). Course Project. Tempe, Arizona, USA. Yamashiro, C. (2017b). Unit 3, Real-Time (RT) PCR or Quantitative (qRT) PCR. BMD 598 Molecular Diagnostics. Yamashiro, C. (2017c). Unit 3, DNA microarrays. BMD 598 Molecular Diagnostics. Yamashiro, C. (2017d). Next Generation Sequencing. BDM 598 Molecular Diagnostics. Zhong, L., Xie, Y.-Z., Cao, T.-T., Wang, Z., Wang, T., Li, X., . . . Chen, X.-F. (2016). A rapid and cost-effective method for genotyping apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism. Molecular Neurodegeneration, 1-8.

Causes of the Construction Defects

Causes of the Construction Defects Construction defects are very common and often arising or spot in the construction project, especially in the project which has poor management or supervision in the construction site. Construction defect can be known as a major problem in the construction industry that could cause the value of a building decrease eventually. For the question of what is construction defect there is no direct or short answer or explanation to answer the question of what is construction defect. Construction defect in the construction project normally can be arise from two mains factor which is defect cause by workmanship and land movement. Some of the example for the common construction defect can be defective concrete of frame, cracking of slab; wood structural attack by termite, leaking in the building and etc. other than that, construction defects in construction project due to the reason of land movement could be underground water, settlement, improper compaction during earthwork stage and inadequa te of drainage. Every construction project is always involved and appears the term of construction defect for the reason of there is no a building or project without defect occurs. In order to study the further detail information of causes, effects and methods to minimize construction defects in construction project, this dissertation would be carry out for the purpose of study in deep of construction defect. 1.2 Research Background Climatic of Malaysia are change aggressively, therefore all of the buildings in Malaysia are expose to the aggressive environment all the time. Because of this, majority of the building in Malaysia will have the defects occurs in the buildings after the building is occupant a period of time. The purpose of conduct this research is to study the common construction defect in the construction project. Once the defects study, it is also necessary focus on the effects of the construction defects that will occur, since defect is precedent of effects of the construction defects. In additional, in order to minimize the construction defects, an evaluation on methods to minimize the construction defect will also be focus on this research. 1.2.1 Causes of the construction defect A construction defect can be known as a component in the building are built by the contractor or design by professionals not according to the specification, plan, not comply with the construction code that established by the authority( Calvin Cal E. Beyer, 2011). Construction defects can be also defined as that will make the project dangerous, unsafe, causes the user of the building to be injured or dead (Michael S. Poles, GC, CM, RCI, DABFET, ACFE, 1995). It can be occurs during the construction process and cause the project costly rework, project not complete in time and affect the overall performance of the building. Construction defect can be classified as 2 types, which are Patent Defects and Latent Defects. Patent Defects can be detected by the normal inspection or testing and apparent to naked eye, for example roof leak or a foundation crack. However, Latent Defects are hidden and cannot discoverable by normal examination or testing which will appear itself after a period of time (Anon 1, 2007). According to the researcher from the University of Florida, construction defects can be various types and influenced by many factors in the construction industry. The common types and the causes of the construction defect can be included (Calvin Cal E. Beyer, 2011): Improper design Poor workmanship that leads to poor finishing quality Improper means or methods of installation Improper or poor quality of the materials Defective material or poor material performance Missing or inadequate protection from weather or environmental condition in the construction site. Soil subsidence, movement and settlement Base on the few studies of researcher, the effects of the construction defect can increase the overall construction cost and the final quantity of the project (Zietsman, R., 2004) and a survey conducted by the Building Research Establishment in the United Kingdom, it found that 35% of the defects were arise from faulty construction(Assaf, Al-Hammad, Al-Shihah, 1995). It can be  due to the reason of bad workmanship, inadequate supervision and substitution of poor material, components or fixings. Beside those common type and the causes of the construction defect has stated above, the 35 most frequent defects was identified by the Building Research Establishment. The causes of defects that were identified which is (Assaf, Al-Hammad, Al-Shihah, 1995): Lack of inspection Making use of inexperienced, unqualified inspectors Avoiding and ignoring inspection completely Non implementation of corrective actions during the construction process Inaccurate measurement Making use of defective or damaged formwork Excavations to close to an existing building and exposing the foundations Non-conformance with waterproofing specifications Inability to read and understand/interpret drawings Insufficient concrete cover Improper construction of cold joints Loss in adhesion between materials Stripping formwork too early Unacceptable soil compaction procedures Inadequate curing procedures Lack of communication Non-compliance with specifications Inability to read and understand/interpret drawings Insufficient site supervision Lack of communication between the owner, architect/engineer, project manager Employing unqualified supervisors Speedy completion of certain activities specifically where equipment is on hire Unqualified labor force Multinational construction experience Defects resulting from the wrong selection of materials Using materials unsuitable for the climatic conditions Using cheap materials Making use of expired materials Inadequate storage facilities Misuse of equipment Equipment not performing to specification Lack of the proper equipment Cross referencing and detailed referencing on drawings lacking Conflicting details on drawings Details of sections on drawings lacking According to Marianne (2005), these 35 defects listed above can be grouped in to 4 categories which are: Design deficiencies Material deficiencies Construction deficiencies Subsurface/geotechnical problem 1.2.2 Method to minimizing the construction defect In construction industry, there is varying of the methods to minimizing or reduce the construction defects. According to Alice M. Noble-Allgire (2008), improving quality control can be known as a method to minimize the construction defects occurs. A quality control programs can be set up by the builder and use to reduce the construction defects. Besides that, structuring their contract with certain of the rules that can ensures that the parties take responsibilities on the defects that created under his works. Construction defects can be also minimizing by the improved oversight, for example builder can improve their building inspection practices in all the way. Other than that, if there is insufficient for improve the quality control, it also can through licensing, certification, and education requirement to improved the quality control. For example, a contractor which intended to select, the contractor must be register with the Construction Industry Development Board know as CIDB. With the registration, that can ensure the quality of contractor and the works. 1.2.3 Effect of the construction defect Construction defect can decrease and affect the value of the buildings. According to Atkinson, (1999), defects are developments in construction that reduces the project`s value instead of adding to it. Other than reduces the project value, where the construction defect apparent, It also can cause the project totally delay which mean not complete with in the period state in the contract. Cost overrun can be known as one of the effect when the construction defects happen in the construction site. Construction defect will also affect society at large due to possible danger posed and result in direct and indirect cost in repairs, abnormally high maintenance dispute and possible loss of building. 1.3 Problem Statement Construction defect in the construction project is very common. It is because buildings are exposing to the inclement weather especially in the climatic country such as Malaysia. Construction defects can be arising due to inadequate design, poor workmanships in the construction and lack of maintenance. The defects that in the construction project can become worst and worst due to the reason of invisible defect that not discover by the builder or the occupants. Construction defect can be also bringing negative impact to the occupant, builder, and country. Therefore it may affect the appearance of the building, health and safety of the occupant, country economic, reputation and etc. Thus, this problem can cause occupant unhappy eventually. 1.4 Research Aims and Objectives 1.4.1 Aim This research was aimed at identifying and studies the causes and effect of construction defects in the construction sector. Besides that, the other aim of this research is to study the methods of minimizing the construction defects in construction projects. 1.4.2 Objectives In order to achieve the aim of this research the objective has been listed as follow: To determining and understand various types of construction defects in construction projects. To identify the causes and effects of the construction defects in construction projects. To analyze the methods used to minimizing the construction defects in the construction projects. 1.4.3 Key Question What is construction defect? What are the effects of construction defect can be occurs in construction projects? What is the solution or methods to minimize the defect? 1.5 Importance and Benefits of Study This research will have benefits of to prevent the construction defects occur. Thus, this thesis will study the causes, effects and the methods to minimize the construction defects. Besides that, this study can also enhance the knowledge of the builders or any participants involve in the construction in order to increase the quality of the buildings. 1.6 Scope of Study Various types of construction defects will be study for the purpose of understanding the construction defects. The main scope will be the causes of the construction defects will be study in depth and identify the most common causes that cause the construction defects occurs in the construction project. Followed by the effects from the various construction defects that occur in the construction project will be study. For the last, the method to minimize the construction defects will be analyzes. 1.7 Methodology of Research In order to obtain the useful information for this dissertation study purpose, there is few methods to collect the data and information. Since the type of the data to be collecting having not been deciding therefore there is a consequence stage to follow. Stage 1: Literature Review Literature review is the Initial stages of the methodology, because some of the information that is useful for setting out the questionnaire. There is numbers of way or method for carry out literature review to obtain information for this dissertation: Magazines Journals Articles Books Newspaper Internet (www.google.co www.yahoo.com) Stage 2: Choose of suitable data collection method There are 2 types of the methods to collect the data had been choose for this dissertation, which categories in 2 types. Only one of the methods will choose for this research to collect the data among the 2 methods. Quantitative Questionnaires A set of questions will be form base on aim, objective of this study and the information that I found in the literature review. Target groups: experience contractor and the site supervisor. Reason: personal financial and able to obtain the data in short period. Qualitative Case study Observation and investigation (site visit). Targeted Place : construction sites, occupied buildings Identify the common defects in the construction project and some of the photo will be taken. Stage 3: Data analysis Once the data collected, in this chapter will analysis the data that collected from the questionnaire and case study by either method of SPSS, table method or bar chart. Analysis will include: Respondent age Collected data for Cause of defect in construction project Find out the major cause Collected data for the effect of defect in construction project Find out most worst effect Collected data for the method to minimize the defect in construction project Analysis which method most effective Details of the construction site or building Comparison of site or building Major defects arise in construction from the case study data Stage 4: Conclusion and Recommendation Conclusion Result of analysis will be conclusion. Judgment for the result will be including in the conclusion. For example which common cause of the defect in the construction project. Most effective method to reduce the defect in construction project will conclude. Recommendation A further scope of study will be recommended. Most effective methods as remedial action for construction will be recommended. Some of the field for study in depth will recommended. 1.8 Summary of chapters 1.8.1 Chapter 1 Introduction In chapter 1, information regarding the research topic will be discussed in brief in the introduction. Other than that, background in this chapter will further study in depth the causes, effects and method to minimizing the construction defects. For example, defects can be categorized in 2 types, which is patent and latent defect. In additional, the research aim and objective will also include in this chapter follow by research methodology, which is how the data be collect and analyze. 1.8.2 Chapter 2 Literature Review In chapter 2 Literature Review, the causes of the construction defects will be discussed. Once the causes of the construction defects is discussed, the effects of the construction defects will also be discuss follow by the methods to minimize the construction defects. In additional, ways of obtain information for the purpose of conduct Literature Review will be from the articles, journals, internet, reference books and etc. 1.8.3 Chapter 3 Research Methodology In Chapter 3 Research Methodology, structure of questionnaire will be form and the procedure of the case study will be plan. (If case study method is choose). Once the information obtains from the questionnaire, it will be listed in this chapter. Example for the structure of questionnaire: Improper design Poor workmanship that leads to poor finishing quality Improper means or methods of installation Improper or poor quality of the materials Defective material or poor material performance Missing or inadequate protection from weather or environmental condition in the construction site. Soil subsidence, movement and settlement This questionnaire is base on the Likerts scale of 5 ordinal measures from 1 to 5 according to level contributing. For example: = strongly Agree (4) = Agree (3) = moderate (2) = Disagree (1) strongly disagree Example of the case study procedure: Step 1: Selecting the sites Step 2: Meet up with sites manager and get approval Step 3: Conduct case study Observation Take necessary photo Step 4: Gather all the data Step 5: Analysis the data 1.8.4 Chapter 4 Data Analysis Once the data successful collected from the questionnaire or case study, the following step is to analysis the data in this chapter 4. The methods use to analysis the collected data can be SPSS, Bar Chart or table method. For example the data can be analysis included: Respondent age, collected data for Cause of defect in construction project, collected data for the effect of defect in construction project, details of the construction site or building, major defects arise in construction from the case study data. 1.8.5 Chapter 5 Conclusion and Recommendation In this chapter a conclusion will be conduct to conclude the whole research including the result from the analysis that carry out through the SPSS, bar chart. Besides that, most effective methods to minimize the construction defects will be recommending base on the result of analysis in order to fulfill the research aim and objective. 1.9 Summary In Chapter 1, general information regard this Research will be discus in the introduction such as definition of the construction project and defects. Some of the further information from other resource such as internet, articles, books, magazines and etc will be discuss in further in the Research Background. For example, causes of the construction defects, methods to minimize the construction defects and effects of the construction defects in the construction project will be discuss in more detail. Identifying and studies the causes, effects and methods to minimize the construction defects is the aim and objective for this Research. In additional, the Methodology of this research will include literature review and data will be collect from either questionnaire or case study. In this chapter, the aim and objective include identifying and studies the causes and effect of construction defects in the construction sector, and the methods to minimizing the construction defects in construction project.