Monday, September 30, 2019

Educational Theories And Learning Styles On Teaching Practice

The procedure of thought and acquisition has proved to be absorbing and interesting for many philosophers, faculty members and scientists for centuries. Due to psychological and neurological research, grounds has been gathered about usage of intelligence and the encephalon ‘s operation. Learning, both formal and informal, occurs every twenty-four hours and there are many definitions depicting its procedure. These definitions vary harmonizing to theoretician ‘s ain positions and attacks towards larning ( Pritchard, 2009 ) . When acquisition, persons frequently choose to utilize or accommodate a preferable acquisition manner. There are many defined acquisition manners and one manner of happening out which manner is the 1 that an person prefers, is by replying and measuring a learning manner questionnaire. Depending on consequences, scholars are being described in assorted footings such as ocular, reflector, pragmatist and many more. Not all theories provide questionnaires or trials to place learning penchants. These theories, for illustration Gardner ‘s Multiple Intelligences, are, however, utile tools assisting recognise countries of strengths and failings. In this assignment I discuss assorted larning theories and how they are relevant to professional and personal pattern. I present a scope of larning styles/theories and sketch their chief points, for illustration Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Visual, Audio, Kineasthetic acquisition manner, Gardner ‘s Multiple Intelligences and Goleman ‘s Emotional Intelligence. I contrast assorted larning manners and look how they are implemented into the national course of study. I assess how realistic it is to use the acquisition manners in pattern and I besides reflect on my ain pattern and experiences. Learning manners and theories A acquisition theory, possibly more associated with grownup acquisition and staff employment, that identifies and classifies assorted personal types, is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ( MBTI ) . The theory originates from thoughts of Carl Jung and it identifies four penchant graduated tables, they are: Extraversion ( E ) / Introversion ( I ) , Sensation ( S ) /iNtuition ( N ) , Thinking ( T ) /Feeling ( F ) and Judgement ( J ) /Perception ( P ) . By uniting the four letters of each penchant the personality type is established. In entire, there are 16 whole types that describe single penchants ( Myers, I. Briggs, 1995 ) . Some critics of MBTI are speedy to indicate out that the descriptions of different personal types are excessively obscure, general and some convergence ( Bayne, 1997 ) . Additionally, assorted factors that can act upon persons when replying inquiries need to be considered, such as: Have they got old experiences of specific state of affairss when depicting their behavior and actions? How many experiences can they compare? How do they experience that peculiar twenty-four hours? Is at that place a possibility of a wages when falling into a certain class? ( For illustration publicity ) . Who is traveling to be reexamining questionnaires, employer or an outside bureau? Are consequences traveling to act upon any alterations in current occupation place? Are persons traveling to be stereotyped? Are they traveling to be encouraged to work with their strengths and non given chance to better their failings? Despite the defects, the MBTI enables people to derive a better apprehension of themselves and how other people think and interact with each other. It is besides of import to retrieve that each peculiar personal type is as of import and utile as the remainder of them, and that there is no right, incorrect or better type. Another theory, strongly promoted by the Department for Education and Skills ( 2004 ) , is the Visual, Audio, Kinaesthetic ( VAK ) larning manner. One manner of happening out which manner is the 1 that an single prefers is by replying and measuring a learning manner questionnaire. These penchants can be ocular, audile, kinesthetic, or sometimes a blend of two or three manners. The VAK acquisition manner is supported by many pedagogues who are provided with valuable apprehension of what larning manner is preferred by an person, which larning environment enables the pupils to spread out their acquisition and, which learning schemes provide a balance of chances for the pupils. However, there are besides many professionals who argue that formal VAK trials are misdirecting for instructors. Alternatively of pulling attending to how kids learn and how assorted facets can act upon their acquisition, the theory has led to pupils being labelled as peculiar types of scholars. Many theoreticians, including Dunn and Dunn and Gregorc, use the VAK attack. Although, Gregorc ‘s theoretical account was ‘theoretically and psychometrically flawed ‘ and both of their manners should non be used at schools ( Coffield et al, 2004, pp. 31, 33 ) harmonizing to the Department for Education and Skills ( 2004 ) , both theories should be considered by schools. The writers of the ‘VAK or VAK-uous? ‘ demonstrate, based on their study, that: Rubing beneath the surface of it all, we find a instead challenging universe of accelerated and brain-based acquisition, a universe of pseudoscience, psychobabble and neurononsense. ( Bowker et al, 2008, p. 311 ) Some of the theories take into history other intelligences apart from lingual and mathematical accomplishments. Howard Gardner ( 1993 ) recognises assorted intelligences, originally there were seven: lingual, logical/mathematical, musical, spatial/visual, kineasthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal. He is right to believe that intelligence is non linked with IQ but some of his ‘intelligences ‘ can be viewed as endowment. His theory encourages pedagogues to look beyond reading, composing and mathematics, and to reflect on and accommodate their patterns. Teachers are persuaded to concentrate on pupil ‘s countries of strengths, to detect their accomplishments, and utilize them to actuate and raise self-pride of pupils who are otherwise classed as ‘underachievers ‘ . The Department for Education and Skills ( 2004 ) recommends Gardner ‘s model of multiple intelligences to be applied to be after lessons and activities guaranting that they are inclusive fo r all kids, taking into history a scope of larning manners identified by instructors. However, Gardner ‘s theory lacks research and grounds to back up this. His critic John White ( 2006, pp. 82-83 ) openly says that because it is ‘backed by authorization of a celebrated Harvard professor ‘ does non intend that it is accurate and even Gardner himself admits that ‘it is merely by opportunity that he ( Gardner ) decided to name his classs ‘intelligences † . Another theoretician that focuses on intelligence separate from IQ is Daniel Goleman. In his work he speaks of Emotional Intelligence ( EI ) . EI has become omnipresent and is widely used in assorted countries, which proves that many grownups, every bit good as kids, can profit from utilizing Goleman ‘s rules in pattern every twenty-four hours. Goleman ( 2004 ) identifies five cardinal rules: ego and other consciousness, temper direction, self-motivation, empathy and direction of relationships. The term 'emotional intelligence ‘ is known worldwide and closely associated with working environment. Goleman ( 2004 ) argues that EI is more of import than IQ. For illustration when sing using a baby's room practician, emotional and societal accomplishments are more of import than academic accomplishments as the practician needs to be able to associate to parents, kids, co-workers and other professionals involved in a kid ‘s attention. Additional preparation, to guarantee t hat the practician has appropriate making, can be provided by employer or sought by an employee. One of the cardinal points of Goleman ‘s response to criticisms is that he is non showing a new theory but a topic that has been studied for old ages under personality research. The theory was originally introduced by Jack Mayer and Peter Salovey, whom Goleman seldom references in his work. He uses the term emotional intelligence excessively loosely as he besides includes facets of personality and behavior. Even so, many schools in the United States of America have successfully incorporated programmes on emotional intelligence in their course of study and have been running them for a decennary ( Gilbert, 2008 ) . Both, Goleman and Gardner, suggest that non merely academic accomplishments, such as authorship and reading, but besides other intelligences are portion of the acquisition procedure. They suggest the intelligences are every bit of import, and need to be considered when organizing inclusive acquisition environment for kids and grownups. With the Department for Education and Skills ( DfES, 2004 ) and the Office for criterions in instruction ( Ofsted, 2006 ) advancing personalised ‘tailored ‘ larning for all pupils and raising criterions, pedagogues are put under force per unit area to guarantee that larning demands of all pupils are met. DfES ( 2004, unit 19, p. 2 ) provinces that theory of larning manners is based on ‘tried and tested techniques and draws on academic research and the experience of rehearsing instructors ‘ . However, the unit 19 was withdrawn in 2007. Assorted larning theories offer their ain account of a learning manner, their point of position and frequently besides a formal trial or questionnaire. They all promise positive consequences and an account why a scholar prefers a peculiar acquisition manner. It is so up to a instructor to happen ways how to implement the national course of study that best suits the scholar. However, harmonizing to Susan Greenfield ( 2007 ) the pattern is ‘nonsense ‘ from a neuroscientific point of position and she stresses that after 30 old ages of educational research, there is no independent grounds that any learning manner stock list has any direct educational benefits. Evaluation of my pattern and past experiences For me, the most important facet of this assignment was the whole construct of larning manners and theories. Initially, I did non cognize much about the topic and I found it more and more absorbing as I continued in my reading. Previously, I realised that kids ‘s larning penchants can be monitored through elaborate observations and ratings, I was able to concentrate on kids ‘s strengths and failings. I think that observations are every bit of import as questionnaires but I besides realise that they are more clip consuming, which was seldom an issue for me as I have merely antecedently worked with little groups of immature kids. Having analysed assorted larning manners I now wonder how utile they are to my pattern. I realise that kids ‘s different attacks to larning demand to be recognised. However, I am non confident about benefits of assorted larning manners to kids ‘s acquisition, particularly after reading Coffield ‘s critical points of position that arose from his research. In my pattern I have ever believed that advancing empathy and positive attitudes amongst kids would understate unwanted behavior, hence, supplying a composure and exciting learning environment. As kids grow they become cognizant of their ain feelings and responses they receive when exposing a peculiar emotion. By furthering empathy, instead than sympathy, kids and grownups can derive a better apprehension of each others feelings and emotions, what triggers them, how to command and cover with them. I would non travel every bit far as stating that these facets should be classed as ‘intelligences ‘ , they are, in my sentiment, more associated with personal/social accomplishments and behavior, therefore holding an impact on larning attitudes. A theoretician who recognised empathy as an of import portion in kids ‘s acquisition and development was Carl Rogers. He identified that non merely kids but besides grownups need to experience valued, respected and treated with fon dness. Rogers ( 1989 ) speaks of unconditioned positive respect, intending that parents and others, who play of import portion in a kid ‘s life, accept and love a child/person for what they are no affair their actions and behavior. To make emotionally warm environment where all kids are accepted but besides going more effectual in interpersonal relationships, instructors need to expose empathetic apprehension and communicate openly and candidly. Learning manner questionnaires and my acquisition attitudes By finishing one of VAK self-assessment questionnaires I identified that my preferable learning manner was a ocular 1. On contemplation, I can see elements of this manner in the manner I learn and organise undertakings as I do work best from lists and written waies. I besides write down notes and slug points when reading, fixing lessons and activities for kids or be aftering staff meetings. I frequently use different symbols or colorss to associate up topics. I have discovered that seeing something written down enables me to do connexions quicker and retrieve information better. Harmonizing to MBTI on-line study my personality type codification is likely ESTJ or possibly ESTP. After carefully reexamining the results I agree with most of the consequences. I ever plan in front, I have got really good organizational accomplishments and I use them good in my professional and personal life. Although, I prefer undertakings to be done in a certain manner, I am besides willing to accept new suggestions ( see appendix A ) . Having analysed results of other trials I undertook, such as Belbin ‘s Self-perception Inventory and Honey and Mumford questionnaire, I discovered new facets of myself and I identified forms that are dominant in my personal penchants. Furthermore, it confirmed that I am efficient and dependable, and I like construction and modus operandi. However, I am introspective, I do non like role-play in forepart of looker-ons, I am loath to depute ( which was commented on in an assessments by my old employer ) and sometimes I do non react to new thoughts. Additionally, I do non like being rushed though I seem to work better under force per unit area. I besides stand by my determination or position if I am certain that I can back up it with a valid statement. The rating was helpful as it made me cognizant of my preferable learning mode but besides encouraged me to admit, see and develop other manners, as on many occasions I have expected people to portion my acquisition penchants. As a following measure, I need to utilize the cognition of my larning attitudes in my surveies and implement my ‘study program ‘ . I have devised a new structured timetable and monthly program, which enables me to clearly see my marks. I made certain that I allowed myself a sufficient sum of clip for library research, visits and reading and I besides took into history clip that I spend set abouting online research. Equally, I made certain that I took regular interruptions and I besides allocated clip for regular exercising. It has been a twosome of old ages since I completed degree three in Children ‘s Care, Learning and Development, and the return to instruction was exciting but besides a nervous measure. I was cognizant that the surveies were traveling to be more demanding. Rather than roll uping grounds and information, edifice portfolio and being assessed at work every bit required in the yesteryear, future surveies would be based on thorough grounds based research and personal and professional contemplations. Having acknowledged strengths and identified failings, I now feel that I can utilize them to my advantage. In the past I learned how to cover with unfavorable judgment, which I did non ever take good, but being cognizant of this encouraged me to work on my accomplishments. Now I use unfavorable judgment to my benefit and expression at it from a positive angle as a tool to better myself. Decision In decision, the chief rule that we are all different to each other, and that we develop and learn in a different manner is still core. The cognition of assorted larning manners provides instructors and practicians with utile information on how to heighten kids ‘s acquisition. The instructors are so able to be after lessons and organise activities suiting assorted larning manners that consequences in a lesson that engages all of the pupils in the category. Pritchard ( 2009, p. 43 ) provinces that ‘Learning manners are non fixed traits which an person will ever expose ‘ . There are many factors that can act upon scholar, therefore do a alteration of a learning manner. As this assignment shows, every acquisition manner and its theory have its dedicated protagonists and house critics. It is up to pedagogues to happen a balance and guarantee questionnaires and trials do non overpower kids. When utilizing questionnaires to set up acquisition manners, it is of import to retrieve that consequences are non one hundred per cent accurate and some questionnaires are easy to forge. Nevertheless, they are practical tools to assist persons happen out more about their strengths and failings. However, clip and resources should non be wasted on measuring consequences that may hold an insignificant or no impact on pupils ‘ acquisition. Besides there is a certain sum of hazard of kids being confused with assorted labels and attacks, which may alter as students leave school scenes. Alternatively, a broad assortment of learning methods and an apprehension of an person ‘s needs consequences in a category environment that is inclusive, appealing and that makes scholars aware of their ain qualities. Most significantly, kids should come out of a school system as whole ‘complete ‘ scholars able to dispute and accommodate assorted attacks to larning. They should derive an apprehension of what their strengths are and how to utilize them so they can maximize their possible, and be cognizant of their failings and how to better and better themselves.Word count: 2706

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Bathing an Infant and a Small Child

You may also choose a time of the day hen someone else Is with you to assist at least until you and your baby become more comfortable with the process. Free bath time of distractions no TV, loud music or phone interruptions this is not a time to update your Backbone. This will guarantee your focus is on only your infant and keeping them safe during their bath. I know that the first baths can be a memory you may want to capture on film, in this case make sure to have someone else to assist you by standing near and taking the photos.Remember things get easier with practice, bath time can be difficult at first your infant my hate the Idea of being stripped of their clothes and being placed In a tub of water but in time you will have confidence in yourself and you both will grow to enjoy bath time. In the first few months of life it may be easier to use the kitchen sink or an infant bath tub placed on the counter; you can use the large bath tub but until you are comfortable giving the ba th it maybe be awkward to kneel over the tub while hold your infant and washing them.If you do choose to use the bathroom tub using a bathing seat may make It easier. One last reminder NEVER leave your Infant unattended In the bath, not even for a second If you need to leave the tub area take your baby with you. Gather your supplies. These items should be gathered prior to starting to bathe your infant. Everything should be within an arm's reach to prevent you from having to stop, remove your baby and go fetch something just to have to reenter your little one in the water and start again.You bath items should include: A baby tub, or shallow basin to soak the infant in A small towel(washcloth) or sponge for washing Gentle liquid baby soap Monsoons and Johnson head to toe or lavender baby wash which works great to help soothe babies. ) A small plastic cup Two dry towels preferably one with a hood made for small children Clean clothes Clean diaper A warm blanket Baby lotion (optional) A bath thermometer (optional) Set up the areas. Lay out the towel without the hood on a flat surface in a warm place the counter, a changing table, on your bed or even the floor if it is warm enough and free of danger.Place the clean diaper, clothing, warm blanket and lotion if you choose to use beside the towel. This area will be where you bring your bathed baby to dry and dress after his or her bath. Now set up the bath location make sure your soap, washcloth and cup are all within your reach of the sink or baby tub. Prepare baby. The temperature should be about 92 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where a water thermometer comes in handy but is not necessary you can also use your inner wrists to feel the water. Lay out the hooded towel out near the bath. Get your baby ready to enter the bath.Make sure you have everything ready and in arm reach of the tub. And then Lay your baby on the hooded towel and strip him or her of all their clothes and remove the diaper and slowly lower your bab y into the water. Washing your infant. Before adding soap start with washing your babies face dip one corner of the washcloth in the warm water and wash one eye from the inner corner outward and then use another corner and repeat to wash the other eye. Make sure to use little to no pressure and if there are stunk on crusty spots dab then with the wet wash cloth to soften and they should wipe way do not scrub or use pressure.Wet the entire wash cloth and wash the rest of your baby's face, behind ears, and mouth and don't forget their neck where dripping milk likes to hide. After washing your baby's ace use a dime size amount of soap and begin by washing your baby's head if he or she has a lot of hair you can add the soap to your hands and rub it softly through their hair use the cup to rinse out the soap. If you infant doesn't have much hair or none at all you can add the soap to the washcloth and gently rub your baby's head and rinse with the cup. Always make sure to wash your infan t from head to toe.After the head is washed and rinsed move to your baby's tummy. You can wash around the umbilical cord if it's still in tacked and back. Thoroughly wash your child genital area f you have a little girl make sure to gently wash her folds if you have a boy make sure if he is uncircumcised to fold back the fore skin and clean well and if he is circumcised follow the instruction give to you by the doctor to cleaning the area each case is depended on how well your child takes to the procedure and how long it has taken your baby to heal from the procedure.Once the genital area is thoroughly clean wash your infants bottom, legs and toes. After your baby is washed. Rinse your baby of any remaining soap using the cup and warm water. Remove your infant from he water and lay him or her on the hooded towel and wrap them up and snuggle them keeping them close and warm while moving to the dry towel area you set up with his or her clothes and diaper. Drying and dressing.Remove yo ur infant from the wet towel to the new dry towel and pat your baby making sure to dry all their fold and not to rub them with the towel and simple Just pat away the moisture. Now would be the time to apply the lotion if you choose to, lotion helps assure to keep your baby skin moisturizer and soft but it is optional. After your baby is dry put on the diaper then dress in the clothes you have laid out. After your baby is dressed wrap them in the warm blanket and snuggle.Remember like all other new things you learn as a parent giving your infant a bath will become part of your normal routine and in time will become a fun and enjoyable for both you and baby. At first bath time may not be one of your baby's favorite times and them crying or even screaming is normal, removing their clothes getting the wet and chilled Just isn't pleasurable. But once you become comfortable with the step of bathing your baby it will get easier. Now enjoy snuggling your wonderful smelling little one!

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Predicitve Analytics

A secondary research paper on Predictive analytics; which is a mix of tools and techniques that support organizations to identify probability in data that can be used find out the future outcomes. The scope this study Is to identify the potential of predictive analytics to leverage advertising, marketing campaign and business development Initiatives thereby understanding the customer behavior. Customer preferences, change, attitudes, purchase behaviors and attaining a high degree of inference in their decisions about what to do differently for each segment, as potential moves have been â€Å"pre-tested. † effective Marketing Satellites + Higher Conversions = More Revenue = Growth & Success! In a tough competitive global marketplace, to have desired return on the marketing initiatives bib organizations are looking forward to have new avenues which could help them to make a better understand about their customer preferences, change, attitudes, purchase behaviors.Earlier the rese arch was archeological, looking at past customer choices and behavior. With the advent f a third-generation approach called predictive segmentation; BIB markets are able to resolve the challenges and take a competitive advantage. It Is a mix of tools and find out the future outcomes. It helps to tune insights about exactly which elements of the service or product offer actually drive customer behavior and thereby giving a high degree of confidence in their decisions about what to do differently for each segment, because potential moves have been â€Å"pre-tested. Predictive analytics technology Incorporates data collection, statistics, modeling and deployment capabilities, and drives the entire segmentation process, room gathering customer information at every interaction to analyzing the data and providing specific, real-time recommendations on the best action to take at a particular time, with a particular customer. The result is more effective customer relationship management st rategies, including advertising and marketing campaigns; upsets and cross-sell Annihilates; and long-term customer loyalty, retention and rewards programs.Current market situation Most BIB companies which tries to get deeper customer understanding and move segmentation beyond traditional way using selects from Industry, size, anemographic views of customers Is not reaching up to the standard. In a top business marketers in the United States, themes pressing concern identified by respondents was â€Å"finding a better way to expand understanding's their customer needs, market segments, and the key drivers of customer value. Companies which have traditionally relied on technological innovation to attain competitive advantage have come to realize that new technology or new product features are not good enough to attract more customers or increase revenues from existing customers. Major challenges 1 . Sales cycles are long and complex offerings. 2. Competitor's offerings and strategies shift so quickly that managers cannot reliably compare the impact of changes in a given marketing 3.Customer relationship management systems cannot easily capture the decisions and actions that led to success or failure with any particular account, because such information is largely anecdotal, not quantitative. The following table represents some examples of the types of challenges solved by predictive marketing for different types of digital marketers: Benefits or Strategic objectives Attained through Predictive Analysis The predictive approach not only produces forward-looking segments; it also gives users a high degree of confidence in their decisions about what to do differently for each segment.By scientifically testing how customers might respond to future offerings, channels, and pricing; companies know how to reach the right customer with the right offer at the right time, through the right channel. 1. Compete – Secure the Most Powerful and Unique Competitive Strong hold A predictive model distinguishes the micro segments of customers who choose your company from those who defer or defect to a competitor. In this way, your organization identifies exactly where your competitor falls short, its weakness. 2.Grow – Increase Sales and Retain Customers Competitively Each customer is scored for their behaviors like purchases, responses, churn and clicks. These scores drive the enterprise operations across marketing, sales, and customer and help the organization to have competitive advantage Aberdeen group in August 2011 (Predictive Analytics for Sales and Marketing: Seeing Around Corners) found that companies using predictive analytics enjoyed a 75% higher click through rate and a 73% higher sales lift than companies that did not SE this technology. Figure below shows the details of the research conducted among 160 test audiences. Source from:- Aberdeen group in August 2011 -Predictive Analytics for Sales and Marketing: Seeing Around Corners) r anking transactions with a predictive model dramatically boosts fraud detection. 4. Improve – Advance Your Core Business Capacity Competitively Whether offering a service or a product, enterprise's central function is to produce and deliver with increasing effectiveness and efficiency. By way of greater efficiency would be able to overproduces/services at cheaper prices. . Satisfy – Meet Today's Escalating Consumer Expectations By offering very targeted offers that have more probability of acceptance.Companies are able to accomplish their marketing objectives and set the customer expectation without increasing their marketing staff or budget. Business application of predictive analytics Most of the organization applies predictive analytics to automate operational decisions, across marketing, sales areas and beyond. Choosing the business application of predictive analytics depends on strategic question or type of decision companies choose to automate. Companies run vari ety of campaigns to accomplish specific goals, such as acquisition, cross-selling, and retention.Predictive analytics creates a range of models, parallel to their business application; table below shows some of the business application and the predictions that companies look forward. Business application: Predictions Customer retention customer defection/churn/attrition Direct marketing customer response Product recommendations what each customer wants/likes Behavior-based advertising which ad customer will click on Email targeting which message customer will respond to Credit scoring debtor risk Insurance pricing and selection applicant response, insured risk Supply chain optimization 1 .Supply chain visibility and cost to serve 2. Demand forecasting Optimization 3. Network optimization: is about analyzing total cost of ownership of a company's supply chain network. 4. Predictive asset maintenance: improving up times, performance and availability of manufacturing assets by predicti ng when maintenance or when a new part is required in order to avoid unplanned down time. 5. Spend analytics: understanding how much a company is spending on different recruitment categories, with which suppliers, and how a company can optimize their spending across all those categories. Invitational campaign approach In traditional campaign approach markets typically use a few basic selections to identify customer behavior while creating a campaign. It was mainly based on internal company processes, rather than focusing on the needs and preferences of its customers. Response to these types of conventional campaigns is generally low often less than one or two percent. Optimizing campaigns with Predetermination In order to optimize marketing campaigns, companies need to be able to answer the four crucial questions like Who should I contact?What should I offer? When should I make the offer? How should I make the offer? Predictive Marketing enables marketers to find the answers quickly , and to create and execute campaigns around this simple but effective process. First, marketing analysts create predictive models; as we have discussed earlier creating models depends on the business application or strategic question in hand companies. These models helps to efficiently find appropriate customers and discover the best timing,channel, and message for each customer.Then, arresters add business information such as contact restrictions, budget guidelines, and campaign objectives. Before sending the campaigns, they verify the projected size and cost of each campaign, as well as the expected response and revenue on each campaign. Finally, the marketers execute the approved campaigns. Select the right audience Using the model campaigner decides the right customer segments to send out the campaign; deciding the target segment using the model typically reduces campaign costs by 25 to 40 percent, while maintaining or even increasing response rate. Select the right channelAt t his stage of the campaign process, marketers determine how best to contact each customer. By using each customer's preferred channel, (based on channel preferences and predicted response) companies increase response rates. Select the right time Consumers today have many choices for meeting their needs. That's why it's critical to reach customers in a timely manner when their behavior indicates an unmet need or a risk of defection or attrition. Predictive Marketing continually scans customer databases for Just such events, and triggers specific campaigns when a need or risk is detected.Some companies increase the frequency of campaigns to improve the chances of reaching customers at an ideal time. These campaigns target fewer customers, but the customers they do target have a high likelihood of response. When the campaigns are finished, they use Predictive Marketing to compare actual results to the projections, and incorporate information that can improve the effectiveness of future campaigns. This process is accomplished in Predictive Marketing two main modules, the Analytic Center and the Interaction Center anticipate the needs and preferences of individual customers.The Interaction Center s used to create, optimize, and execute campaigns based on the customer needs predicted by models created in the Analytic Center. Together, the Analytic Center and the Interaction center enable companies to answer the â€Å"who, what, when, and how' of successful campaign marketing. Marketing analysts create predictive models of customer behaviors and preferences in the Analytic Center. The models are then used by marketers to create and optimize campaigns in the Interaction Center. New interaction data is sent back to the Analytic Center to refine and enhance the predictive models. Select the right offerWhen companies increase the number of campaigns they run, they risk alienating their customers by overloading them with offers. Conventional campaign management tools are not designed to address the potential overlap. Predictive Marketing, however, reduces this risk through a comprehensive campaign optimization process. Predictive Marketing evaluates all of the available campaigns and selects the one that best balances the customer's likelihood to respond with the profit potential of the campaigns. It also takes into account suppressions and contact restrictions, such as â€Å"do not call† or â€Å"do not contact more Han once every two months. This customer focus, combined with the ability to optimize campaigns around restrictions and preferences, has enabled companies to report a profit increase of between 25 and 50 percent. As companies transition from large, unfocused marketing campaigns to highly targeted, event- based campaigns across multiple channels, their marketing departments go through several stages Predictive Marketing enables companies to run more effective campaigns at each stage of the transition. Stage 1: Right customer 2: R ight channel 3: Right time 4: Right offer 1 . ObjectiveSelect the targeted customers For each campaign Select the best channel for each customer Contact each customer at right time Select the best offers for each customer 2. Enabling technology Predictive analytics Channel optimization Event marketing Campaign optimization 3. Strategy Predict who is likely to respond to a campaign and balance that information with against expected revenue Balance each customers channel preference against triggers to select customers Balance the customers likelihood to respond against the profit potential of each campaign 4.Benefit 25 – 40% reduction in direct marketing cost Decreased cost of Interaction Up to double the response to marketing campaigns 25 – 50% profit increase Assessing the impact of campaign decisions After marketers create campaigns, Predictive Marketing eliminates the guesswork of determining which ones to run. This helps marketers know in advance which campaigns are likely to be the most successful at reaching a specific goal, such as retaining at-risk customers or selling a particular product. It also shows which campaigns are not likely to be profitable.By running only the campaigns that have the greatest potential for success, companies achieve positive financial results. Monitoring and improving campaigns Feedback from campaigns enables the marketing department to measure the actual results of campaigns, as well as adjust in-progress campaigns when the initial results are not as positive as expected. Predictive Marketing stores all campaign interaction information, such as the offer made, the campaign used to make the offer, and the models used in the campaign.This enables users to monitor: Campaign-level performance, such as actual response versus expected response, so users can see which segments and groups performed well Customer performance, such as customer profitability, cross-sell ratios, and attrition risk Channel performance, such as expected load on a channel versus planned load, and channel effectiveness for each campaign Predictive model performance, assess which models to continue to use and which to revise or refine.Predictive Marketing uses data from recent campaigns to further refine its models. By tracking the performance of models and campaigns, companies create a â€Å"feedback loop† of information and refinement that enables them to create even more effective campaigns and achieve progressively better results. Integrating with social media Companies are making a transition from a method of listing to engaging in order to capture more value from social media.Among the wide network of customers, predictive analysis helps business to plan it strategically to maximize the value of their social media interaction. Using techniques from data mining and text mining, predictive analytics lets you analyses at historical patterns and make predictions about future behavior for specific individuals. By taking customer data that you hold internally and adding what people have said and done, you can map out what people are likely to do and engage them accordingly.Enhance social media efforts with predictive analytics If you've got a social media game plan for monitoring feedback and engaging customers, consider adding predictive analytics to help you respond to customers in more proactive, targeted ways. As an example, by classifying sentiment (customer's opinion, comments, suggestions or thoughts about the product) in social media data and tying that to customer data, you can predict people who are likely to be favorable prospects with special messages or offers.Here's one way you can get started: 1 . Capture 1,000 comments in the social media sites you monitor. You'll need to determine who to respond to, and how. 2. As its not feasible to respond to all comments, you can use text mining to classify sentiment, and based on the results; follow a 3-pronged response strategy: Send tha nk yoga's to positive comments – reinforce the relationship. Ignore comments with negative sentiment below a certain threshold – in some cases; it's more effective to focus on more receptive customers.For those in between, send an invitation to engage via one-on-one social interaction with a support or sales representative. You can engage customers â€Å"in social† through outworks such as Twitter, Linked or direct them to your online email portal or phone bank. 3. Next, you'll want to measure the effectiveness of your response strategy. After planning your responses, test different messages (A/B testing) for each response type to gauge effectiveness, analyze and understand response rates, and refine your messaging. This testing will inform the engagement strategy you deploy going forward.Adding predictive analytics to your social media efforts lets you capture more value sand ultimately, it can help you gain a deeper understanding of your customers o more effec tively engage them, increasing retention and loyalty A Microscopic and Telescopic View of Your Data Predictive analytics employs both a microscopic and telescopic view of data allowing organizations to see and analyze the minute details of a business, and to peer into the future. Traditional Bal was limited only to create assumptions and find statistical patterns to those assumptions.Predictive analytics go beyond those assumptions to discover previously unknown data; it then looks for patterns and associations anywhere and everywhere between seemingly disparate information. Predictive Analytics-The Future Business Intelligence The market is witnessing an unprecedented shift in business intelligence (81), largely because of technological innovation and increasing business needs. The latest shift in the Bal market is the move from traditional analytics to predictive analytics. Although predictive analytics belongs to the Bal family, it is emerging as a distinct new software sector.An alytical tools enable greater transparency, and can find and analyze past and present trends, as well as the hidden nature of data. However, past and present insight and trend information are not enough to be nominative in business. Business organizations need to know more about the future, and in particular, about future trends, patterns, and customer behavior in order to predictive analytics to forecast future trends in customer behavior, buying patterns, and who is coming into and leaving the market and why.Traditional analytical tools claim to have a real 3600 view of the enterprise or business, but they analyze only historical data, data about what has already happened. Traditional analytics help gain insight for what was right and what went wrong in decision-making. Today's tools merely provide rear view analysis. However, one cannot change the past, but one can prepare better for the future and decision makers want to see the predictable future, control it, and take actions t oday to attain tomorrow's goals.Case study Let's use the example of a credit card company operating a customer loyalty program to describe the application of predictive analytics. Credit card companies try to retain their existing customers through loyalty programs. The challenge is predicting the loss of customer. In an ideal world, a company can look into the future and take appropriate action before customers switch to competitor companies. In this case, one can build a predictive model employing three predictors: frequency of use, personal financial situations, and lower annual percentage rate (PAR) offered by competitors.The combination of these predictors creates a predictive model, which works to find patterns and associations. This predictive model can be applied to customers who are would be using their cards less frequently. Predictive analytics would classify these less frequent users differently than the regular users. It would then find the pattern of card usage for thi s group and predict a probable outcome. The predictive model could identify patterns between card usage; changes in one's personal financial situation; and the lower PAR offered by competitors.In this situation, the predictive analytics model can help the company to identify who are those unsatisfied customers. As a result, companies can respond in a timely manner to keep those clients loyal by offering them attractive promotional services to sway them away from switching to a competitor. Predictive analytics could also help organizations, such as government agencies, banks, immigration departments, video clubs etc. Achieve their business aims by using internal and external data.Conclusion It was found that with the help of predictive analysis, organization were able to resolve one of greatest challenge faced in business organization (to find out the customer expectation, needs, key drivers of customer value and market segments) by way of analyzing transactional and other data to pr edict the likelihood that customer segments will respond to marketing messages. Predictive analytics enables marketers to understand the key factors that drive customer value and loyalty, and attract more customers.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Smallpox and its History as a Bio-Weapon Research Paper

Smallpox and its History as a Bio-Weapon - Research Paper Example The primary method of spreading was through air vapor, meaning the disease was passed quickly among family members and individuals living or working in close proximity to one another. In addition the scabs that were formed as part of the disease were highly infectious, and clothing or bedding used by an individual with the disease was able to pass on the disease to another. The ability of the virus to survive in bedding and clothing provided the inspiration for use of the virus as a biological weapon (PubMed Health 2011). There is no direct treatment against the disease. When the virus was first prominent vaccination was an unknown technique. Instead, inoculation was used, which involved inserting the virus itself into the individuals being inoculated. The virus is much more virulent that what is used for vaccination, and it could cause sickness for many weeks in individuals inoculated (Adams, Adams and Shuffelton 1876). Vaccination was developed against the disease later on which helped individuals to create antibodies for the virus, protecting them against infection. Vaccination involves the injection of a lower virulence, homologous virus, which allows the body to raise antibodies against the virus without the large negative effects that inoculation has (PubMed Health 2011). . There are two forms of smallpox. Variola major is the more serious form and is life threatening in people who are not vaccinated. Variola minor is a milder form of infection that causes illness but rarely death. When the viru s first appeared, these strains could not be separated based on clinical form except during outbreaks, now they are able to be identified using virological identification .The virus was considered eradicated as a consequence of a program by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1970 . There are a large number of symptoms connected to smallpox including, excessive bleeding, fever, vomiting, severe headache, delirium and fatigue. One of the most noticeable symptoms is the appearance of a raised pink rash, which turns into sores that then become crusty over time. These sores or scabs are able to pass on the infection and the disease is infectious in an individual until the scabs fall off. While the virus has been eradicated from the general population, samples of it remain in laboratories that are used for government research . The virus caused a large number of deaths worldwide, and there are fears that the remaining samples may be taken advantage of as a bio-weapon, such as in a ter rorism attack. Effects if Released There are a number of organisms that could be used in biological warfare that causes widespread death and disease. Smallpox is one of the most serious of these. When the virus was prevalent, the death rate was 30%, and even now there is no specific therapy for infection . If exposure is known, then the vaccine can be given up to four days after exposure. This can prevent the disease or reduce the severity. However, once it has become symptomatic, there are no direct treatments available . Antibiotics are sometimes used to relieve secondary infections that are sometimes associated with the disease, but these have no effect on the progression of the disease itself . The smallpox virus caused widespread death and disease for a significant period of time, throughout the discovery of the New World and the American Revolution in particular. While inoculation was available, there were no treatments against the virus, and those infected were often isolated or killed to prevent the infection from being

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Policy-making process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Policy-making process - Essay Example At this stage, the makers select the policy tools to use to address the problem after the enactment (Birkland 26). The enactment implies the passage of the law and issuance of regulation that take a particular course to solve the problem. Reaching the formal decision leads the implementation stage. Publicizing the policy is critical in the implementation stage. The policymakers create statements that consist of clear parameters including the targets, conditions, and restrictions (Birkland 27). Evaluation is the last stage in the policymaking process, and results of the assessment provide feedback to the process. The members can decide to change or create a new policy. The Immigration Policy in the United States typifies the five stages of policy-making policy. The policy has attracted spirited debates, and key citizens, including the president call for changes in immigration policy. The formation of the Immigration Policy dates back in 1924 although various reforms have taken place after the evaluation stage of the policy-making process. The policy-makers identified that illegal immigrants of African and Asian origin were getting into the United States in enormous numbers (Renwick and Lee). The natives were extremely hostile towards the immigrants. Hence, the identification stage intended to control the influx of the immigrants. After the identification of the immigrants menace in US, the policymakers brainstormed on the methods to control the entry of the immigrants to the US. The proponents suggested that the immigrants provided cheap labor while opponents contended the aliens posed a threat to the job market. The policymakers set restrictions on the immigrants and established methods of banning the immigrants from the Asian continent. The policymakers settled for the enactment of the laws to govern the immigration. The best alternative imposed limits on the influx of immigrants, especially

The struggle between fear and freedom of Eveline in Eveline by James Research Paper - 1

The struggle between fear and freedom of Eveline in Eveline by James Joyce - Research Paper Example The family, as a social group, seems to be one of the key themes that Joyce presents, in this story. This is evident when Eveline decides to stay back at home and assume a mother’s roles as a promise she made to her dying mother (Joyce 1). Additionally, death is also presented as a significant theme, in this story. Joyce illustrates that a number of Eveline’s family members and friends have died, and this is evident from symbolisms such as painting of Mary Margaret Alocoque, a French nun, and dust collecting around the house, giving the readers a sense of loneliness and death surrounding Eveline (Joyce 1). The author also presents several issues that made Eveline break the promises she made to her mother, and elope with Frank. One of the key reasons, why Eveline decided to run away from their home, is because they were poor, and money was a precious thing in her life. In the story, Eveline expresses her love for money when she holds her purse next to her body as if she was protecting her own life while walking to the market (Joyce 1). The author also illustrates her family’s poverty status when Eveline is perplexed by the leather seats Frank books at the theater. This is because she was used to seating on the back seats due to lack of money to afford better seats (McCarthy 58). Apparently, Eveline perceives Frank as a new and exciting lifestyle she had never had the opportunity to experience since she took a mother’s role after her mother’s death. Her new lifestyle appeared comfortable because of its stability, and Frank was something spontaneous and new, in her l ife. It is also apparent that Eveline is only a materialistic lady, and she is not so much in love with Frank. She is only interested in the new lifestyle that she is anticipating, and one that contradicts all that she had earlier known and experienced (Joyce 1). Eveline falters at the station when it was time for her and Frank to leave. She becomes frozen and unable to make the final

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Case response Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Response - Case Study Example Chen’s contract is also running and offers him autonomy over operations in China and while he is willing to corporate with Denver on the required changes, he demands that change in his responsibility will need to be defined and Mia Foster has to decide on an action (Bartlett 1- 13). Foster has many options to consider but she should redefine Chen’s roles through a new contract and through mutual agreement with Chen. This is because of such factors as Chen’s willingness to work with the company, Chen’s commitment to success of the company, implications of Chen’s contract, demonstrated ability of Chen to ensure success of the business in China, and management competency of Chen to sustain the current stage of the company’s growth in China. Chen states that he is willing to continue working with the company, even after expiry of his current contract and this means a dedicated employee who should be retained, especially for his recognized output and to reduce possible costs of recruiting and training a new personnel, which may be a recurrent activity should a suitable replacement be hard to find. The fact that Chen has successfully spearheaded Levendary cafà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s expansion initiative also shows his commitment to the company’s goals and makes him an ideal asset. Denver’s office may not be comfortable with his initiatives but he implements these for the best interest of the organization and victimizing him for this would be unfair. With the realized success in China, noting that the company is almost breaking even in the region, Chen is likely to promote sustainability of Levendary in the region or in any other region and he should therefore not be forced out of the company. Chen’s contract als o grants him autonomy and this means that restricting his authority is a breach of contract. This entitles him to resign and take legal actions against the company and while apparent implications could

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Hacker Culture and Mitigation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hacker Culture and Mitigation - Assignment Example Since hackers as a collection are chiefly creative, people who describe themselves in part by rejection of normal values and operational habits, it has unusually rich and conscious tradition for global cultures (Gertz, 2012). The basis of hacker culture was born in the computer lab as a result of computer programmers doing all in their authority to request, scrounge or steel computing property. They spend hours working on a computer program while neglecting everything else. Computer network gives them a way to associate with other people with their same interest. Before the introduction of computers, hackers’ world set up and visited bullet board system, where an individual could host a bullet board system on his or her computer and let citizens dial into the organization to send message, share data among others (Pino, 2013). Not all hackers try to investigate prohibited computer systems. A number of users use their talents and knowledge to make better software and safety measures. In fact, numerous hackers who once used their power to smash into systems now put that information and cleverness to use by creating more comprehensive security events. In a way, the Internet is a combat zone among kinds of hackers. The bad guys or black hottest go through systems or multiply virus and the good guys boost defense systems and expand potent virus defense software (Holt, 2010). Hackers on both sides over powering open source software programs in which the basic code is accessible for anybody to study, share out and inform. With open course software, hackers can learn from other hackers experiences and assist each other to make programs function much in good health than they did before the introduction of the internet. Software might range from easy applications to more complex application system. Mitigation refers to the attempt to decrease loss of life and possessions by lessening the effect of a disaster. It is also taking action to ensure that the

Monday, September 23, 2019

Meeting to Improve Production Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Meeting to Improve Production - Essay Example Within the workplace, several examples of basic needs are rest periods, lunch breaks, and wages. Safety needs in the workplace can include job security, seniority, pensions, and medical and life insurance. A person must feel safe and be granted a freedom from fear. Only then can they continue to excel. Social needs are defined as the need for love, affection, and a sense of belonging in one’s relationships with other persons. Workplace examples of these needs include work groups, teamwork, and company outings. Friendships are beneficial to humans at home and in the workplace, but some employers do not realize the importance of this association. Research has shown that promoting social interaction among employees will increase morale and productivity. Self esteem needs are defined as the need for the esteem of others; respect, prestige, recognition, and personal sense of competence. Humans are egocentric, and everyone likes to be praised. A worker appreciates recognition for a job well done. This recognition will motivate them to continue working hard for the company. If the praise is lacking, the worker will begin to understand that doing quality work is unnecessary. The praise need merely be a few words of gratitude in the presence of their peers.The last level of Maslow’s hierarchy, the pinnacle of achievement, is self-actualization. This represents a lofty goal for an individual; the need to fulfill oneself; to grow and use one’s abilities to the fullest and most creative extent. The concept offers a variety of interpretations, because it differs with each person.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Nock’s Ideas on Education Essay Example for Free

Nock’s Ideas on Education Essay Education refers to a slow and gradual process of gaining and acquiring knowledge. Training is an organized and planned process of imparting practical and hands on skills (www. osh. gov). Training is what Nock would rather wish people undergo rather than the rigorous process of learning abstracts. Nock’s view on education though largely generalized is the basic and sad truth. We should strive to train our children towards specific topics and fields instead of continually pumping them with more and more abstracts. Whereas education imparts one with theoretical knowledge regarding certain concepts and phenomena, training focuses at the application of that knowledge to practically control that phenomenon. A locomotive engineering student gains knowledge on the mechanical components and rationale behind vehicles but a mechanic practically applies this knowledge to perfect the mechanical rationale and yet he may be of modest education. It is agreeable that education takes much of an individual time and narrows his/her thinking directing it to one channel. This is at the expense of exposing one-self to diversified interests and aspects that would be beneficial to ones life. A nuclear scientist might learn so much about nuclear science and lack understanding of how to manage his financial resources. Education for sure leads to very frustrated minds, although not all. It promises sometimes what cannot be delivered leaving one consumed by an unquenchable thirst and passion for things that life cannot offer. Although this is what leads to innovations and inventions, it leaves in its wake very frustrated people. However I find Nock’s generalizations and insinuations regarding the social life unacceptable. Being educated does not simply mean that one does not associate with people. Although one may not necessarily hang out with his/her childhood playmates, they still maintain close associations with those that they enjoy the same interests with. However, I find Nock’s view regarding education and training to be real and we should heed the advice and seek to train more than we educate.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

European Union Regional Policy

European Union Regional Policy After the Second World War, there had been attempts to re-unify the war-torn countries in Europe. However, there were many obstacles along the processes made. Problems still existed between rival countries such as between France and Germany, and economic situations in the European countries after the war was in a need of development. In order to cope with such problems of economy and relation between these countries, a community was created in 1951 by having first coal and steel as their central shared interests. This European Coal and Steel Community later developed in to the European Economic Community and finally in to the well-known European Union. This kind of community allows its member to improve their economic conditions through custom union and free trade, while advances their diplomatic relationship through their interactions. Efforts to integrate Europe can also be seen in 6 enlargements of the Union; allowing other states of Europe to join after they have accepted the co mmunity law. However, allowing other states to be members of the Union means there will be differences between the new and the old members of the union especially in economic terms. The most significant enlargement was the 5th enlargement in 2004 which was when the ten poor states in Europe decided to join the Union. In order to lessen the financial gaps between the members, the Regional Policy came in and played a major role in improving the economic disparities between states to allow their economy to grow. This paper will be focusing on the background of the regional policy, reasons why it is needed, main objectives, geographical eligibility, and who decides the funding. Background The idea of balancing the economic status of member states in the community has been there since the very early years of the European integration, or around 1950s. There were three sectors of financial support which were created during 1957- 1988; the beginning of the integration, to help funding the development missions of the European Community; the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In 1986, the cohesion policy was introduced after the agreement on the Single European Act with the objectives of re-uniting and developing the economy of member states all together. However, in order to achieve the goal of market development through support and competition between states, the members of the Union have to be equally strong or at least, the differences between countries shall not be very high in economic sense, or the poorer ones will not be able to survive within the Union. Reasons for having the European Regional Policy The European Union expansion has been achieved, but only in the number of members, not in economic and social development terms. Different countries have different financial and social status, but to unite them together and to improve their economic growth, these differences have to be reduced to the extent that they will not affect the countries with economic and social disadvantages in a negative way, but allow them to grow stronger together and compatible with the more-developed nations in the community. The enlargement in 2004 has included 10 poorer countries in Europe in to the Union; Poland, Cyprus, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania and other 2 later on in 2007; Romania and Bulgaria, in to the European Union; making its numbers increased to 27 members (the EUs 5th Enlargement, 2004). The population of the union has increased significantly by 20%, but there was only 5% increase in the GDP or the Gross Domestic Product of the Union. The problem here is that now the GDP per person is lower than the average level of the European Union-27 in the percentage of 25% (one in four regions); making it a need to diminish their differences (Regional Policy, 2009). It is an idea agreed by all of the Unions members that in order to improve the economy of each state and of the union as a whole, competition within the market is required. To survive in the competitive market and to improve its economy, a state needs to make itself capable of competing. The regional policy is there for financing the in-needed regions projects and helping the countries within the union to reach their goal of economic expansion, competitiveness, and solidarity. Ideas and technology can also be shared between states as in the process of development. Main objectives There are three main objectives divided by the Union; Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment, and European Territorial Cooperation, and three structural funds and instruments; the European Fund for Regional Development, the European Social Fund, and the Cohesion Fund. The policy for integrating and balancing the economic and social conditions in Europe is also known as the Cohesion Policy; whose current budget of 2007-2013 is 347.41 billion euro or around 35.7% of the overall budget of the European Union (Regional Policy, 2009). The Convergence Objective aims to promote economic growth and social development for the least-developed members of the Union in order to gain their ideal convergence. The areas of concern are environment, tourism, culture, transportation, energy, education, health, risk prevention, etc. The funding for this objective is consisted of around 282.8 billion euro (81.54% of the total Cohesion Policy funding) provided by the EFRD, ESF, and the Cohesion Fund [ibid]. The Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective helps supporting regions to toughen their economy by investing on the public and private sectors of the regional economy to emphasize on competition, attractiveness and employment. By doing so, they believe that it will provide more works with better standard for the people of each region which will also improve the regions economic and social conditions. This objective also has its aim on preserving the environment, improving transportation and communication system. The amount of funding for this objective is 55 billion euro (15.95% of the total Cohesion Policy funding) provided by EFRD and ESF [ibid]. The European Territorial and Co-operation objective is funded by the European Fund for Regional Development with the amount of 8.7 billion euro (2.52% of the total Cohesion Policy funding) [ibid]. This objective aims at improving the integrated regions social and economic conditions, transnational cooperation, and underlining the effectiveness of the Regional Policy. Geographical Eligibility The state members who are eligible for receiving the Cohesion Policy Fund are mostly countries from the 5th and 6th enlargements in 2004 and 2007, whose Gross National Income (GNI) are less than 90% of the average of the European Union. Regions which get this kind of funding are; Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia (Regional Policy, 2009). Spain is another country that fits in this category, however, for Spain it is a special case since its GNI was low enough for this category when EU had 15 members. In order to deal with this matter, Spain was put under the â€Å"phasing-out system,† so the country will not be much affected after the ten poorer states join the Union in 2004. The Convergence objectives funding is available for countries whose Gross Domestic Product per person is lower than 75% of the European Union average (Regional Policy, 2009). Examples of regions in this category (EU-25) are; the whole Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia, parts of Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Hungary, Italy, France, United Kingdom, and Portugal. For the phasing-out system; which was introduced to help reduce the effect it might have on the poor countries receiving this funding before the poorer 10 countries join the EU, which concerns countries who were eligible at the time when EU had 15 members are some regions in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objectives funding is available to regions who are not supported by the convergence objective, and until 2013- whose GDP is higher than 75% of the EU-15 average. Examples of these regions are those in Eire-Ireland, Greece, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Portugal, etc. The geographical eligibility for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective consists of cross-border cooperation; transnational and interregional cooperation- including regions within a distance of 150km. alongside of inner, outer land borders, and maritimes. Who decides funds? The European commission will discuss with its member states about the cohesion policy and the strategy for dealing with each states conditions in order to reduce the existing disparities between the more developed and the less developed regions within the Union. After come to an agreement, the Commission will draw out a proposal and hand it over to the European Parliament and the European Council who will take it into consideration and decide on the structural funds and their regulations. Conclusion The expansion of the European Union is going well throughout the decades; however, after accepting new members from the poorer regions, especially in the enlargement of 2004, the European Union has faced with a bigger problem of social and economic differences between member states. In order to cope with this matter, the Regional Policy has been emphasized on more than in the past to improve the newly-joined-less-developed regions and the old-less-developed regions economic and social status, so that they are compatible with the more developed countries. In order to improve the European Unions economic and social status, the market has to remain its competitiveness and solidarity, meaning that if the poorer countries are less capable, they may not be able to survive or improve their economy, but financially and socially fail. The Regional Policy helps improve the smaller bits of the member states in regional scale to make better environment for the future stronger economy of the cou ntries and strengthen their conditions, so that they will be able to compete in the domestic and international market, improve their social and economic situations and also those of the Union as a whole. References Regional Policy, 2009. Regional Policy. European Commission. [online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/history/index_en.htm [Accessed 20 March 2010]. The EU`s 5th Enlargement, 2004. The European Union in the World. Enlargement. [online] Available at: http://www.dellbn.ec.europa.eu/en/enlargement/index.htm [Accessed 20 March 2010]. Malais J. Haegeman, H., 2009. Analysis on the European Union Regional Policy. European Union Regional Policy. [online] Available at: http://www.iiuedu.eu/press/journals/sds/sds1_july_2008/07_SECC_03.pdf [Accessed 20 March 2010].

Friday, September 20, 2019

Benjamin Franklin: An Inspirational Self-Made Man Essay -- American Hi

Benjamin Franklin is one of the most influential and famous figures of all time. Ben Franklin if often referred to as the "self-made man," and his philosophies and principles in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, edited by Louis P. Masur, has served as a self-help book for millions around the world. Franklin's Autobiography is a prime example of the American dream, a rag to riches story that has inspired many people to think of themselves and the community in a different light. Franklin's moral and social philosophies are packed deeply into his Autobiography. Franklin believed that improving ones self was the key to success. Self-improvement, self-education, and self-discipline are the main factors of a self-made man. Improving yourself will ultimately improve the society as a whole. Franklin speaks of principality and inclination. His idea was to produce the principle man with the awareness of man's natural inclination. Throughout the text Franklin provides examples from his own life that contradicts his moral and social philosophies. These contradictions are mostly caused by natural inclinations. Franklin uses these contradictions to educate people to be aware of their natural inclinations and to try and overcome them. Franklin's realizes that improving oneself is a road with many imperfections. Not even the "self-made man" was completely perfect. A general theme in Franklin's writings is the differences between the private and public self and how the two interact. Parts One and Two of his Autobiography were written at different times and intended for different audiences. In Part One Franklin is speaking to his Son, (who was then the Governor of New Jersey) a public figure. It was started in 1771. Part Two was begun... ...ls. He says, ."..their Aim seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterian than good Citizens." (Pg. 94) Franklin felt as though individual study should be emphasized over dogma. Benjamin Franklin's moral and social philosophies inspired and continue to inspire millions around the globe. Becoming a "self-made man" is a long and arduous task. Improve yourself, which will in return improve the society. Contradiction is inevitable when trying to follow strict ideals. Franklin's purpose was to make people aware of their inclinations and to help them overcome the natural tendencies of man, which would limit our dependence on other people. Benjamin Franklin is an inspiration to us all. Works Cited Franklin, Benjamin, and Louis Masur, and Theda Perdue, and Frederick Douglass, and David Blight. Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 2e. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Personal Narrative: Death in a Dream Essay -- Narrative Essay Dying De

Dream a Little Dream My grandmother always said, â€Å"you cannot choose between life or death while sleeping†. When you are sleeping, your body practically doesn’t belong to you. Its almost as though you have no control over anything that might happen to you in your dreams, especially if it is something dangerous. When I ask people why this happens, they theorize that a powerful force or being has entrapped your body. You could end up dying in your dreams, thus leading to your death or illness in reality. It’s possible for someone to suffer a heart attack from what they dreamt, depending on how frightening the situation was. I’ve heard of people going to bed one night and, the next morning, waking up not remembering who they are or actually becoming insane. It is with these mysterious beliefs that one becomes afraid to dream anymore. I had never actually experienced a life and death situation while sleeping, at least not until recently. It was in early November of 2001, if I remember correctly, on a Thursday night, when I was just closing my eyes to enjoy a nice peaceful sleep. I could feel myself floating almost like someone was taking me from my room. I couldn’t feel anything, since I was literally out cold. Suddenly, I was awake with my eyes closed and my body unmoved. I tried to open my eyes, but they could not open, I tried to move my body, but I would not stir. My efforts were futile; I eventuall...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

American Based Media Corporations: Opening the Global Lines of Communic

Abstract The world is separated by many barriers that are today being overcome by technology. Leading the way in this explosion are American based media corporations. Earlier on many businesses saw investing in operations overseas as being a waste of money and time. Americans have had the tendency to think that the world revolves around them. This thought process has kept many companies from expanding into the international markets. The American culture dominance in regards to music, style and way of life is spreading like wildfire through out the world. Issue Paper American Based Media Corporations: Opening the Global Lines of Communication In the last twenty years technology has made expansion into overseas arenas much easier than ever before. Today American companies are relentlessly trying to capitalize on the popularity of the US culture in foreign markets. Media companies cross nationalism is no surprise in light of the fact that they have always been operating on the cutting edge. The media has a great deal of control over what people see, hear and read on a daily basis. Technology has benefited a great deal from media companies exposing new inventions and other advancements for the public to see. Media companies are also responsible for the spread of the American pop culture, which has endeared itself to many in different countries. The are several media companies capitalizing on the American pop culture boom, but the focus of this paper will be placed on three specific types of media corporations. The Associated Press, AT&T and YAR Communications deal in totally different areas of media but they all have one thing in common, they have intensely sought after the foreign market. The Associated Press In 18... ...In order to remain profitable in such competitive market a company must provide a product or service that spans the global in appeal. The vast media arena is ever changing as innovative young minds continue to find new ways to make success an inevitable fact. In essence the public will have the final say so in which business will sink or swim in the media global marketplace. The tough decisions are made on the streets and not in the boardroom. Over the years the streets have called for a more diversified aspect of the media. The companies mentioned above are leaders in this respective services they provide and will continue to play a major role in global media. Works Cited "The Associated Press." Website. http://www.ap.org/ anniversary/nhistory/past50.html. "AT&T Corp." Website. http://www.att.com/att/. "YAR Communications." Website. http://www.yar.com/en/.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

To what extent was the Crimean War (1853 †1856) ‘disastrously planned and poorly executed’ (Economist 2014)

Introduction This essay examines the claim that the Crimean War (1853-1856) was ‘disastrously planned and poorly executed’ (Economist 2014). The first section looks at the circumstances out of which the war arose, providing some background to the conflict while suggesting that from its inception the war was characterised by errors in judgment and miscommunication. The next section proceeds to discuss the many naval blunders that took place during the war, looking both at the Crimea as well as the less commonly discussed Far East. This is followed by a consideration of the land operations of the conflict, paying particular attention to actions of the British. The analysis then turns to the provisioning of the Allied and Russian forces, as well as the quality of services such as medical care. Finally, the last section briefly considers the consequences of the war for the parties involved. It is concluded that the Crimean War was characterised by an unusually large number of errors in t erms of planning and execution. Poor planning and organisation can arguably be seen from the outbreak of war. The desire to access the Mediterranean had been a long-standing ambition of Russia’s by the mid-19th century (Economist 2014; Lambert 2011). Thus the weakness of the Ottoman Empire in the period was seized upon, partially concealed, of course, by excuses about the persecution of Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire. The backdrop to this was a broader dispute about who should rule the Holy Land: Orthodox Russia or Catholic France (Clough 1964). The Turkish-Russian dispute included several lacklustre, abortive attempts at peaceful resolution through diplomacy, after which the Russian Army invaded Moldavia and Wallachia (parts of modern-day Moldova and Romania) on 2 July 1853, sinking the Turkish fleet at Sinope in 1853. This was followed by a Turkish declaration of war on 5 October of the same year (Economist 2014). However, the actions of Russia were to an extent the result of a miscalculation. In spite of a caustic public reaction in Britain and France, the Allied response to the invasion was a cautious one to begin with, characterised by dithering, uncertain diplomacy (Economist 2014). This ‘misled Russia into believing that it could continue its aggression against the Ottomans without consequences’, and Britain and France unexpectedly declared war in March 1854 (Economist 2014). The conflict then escalated when the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont joined the war against Russia the following year. A degree of poor coordination and misunderstanding can therefore be seen from the outset. For Britain and France, this took the form of confused, uncertain policy; for Russia, it was a misinterpretation of the likelihood that other parties would join the war (Lambert 2011). Clough (1964: 917) makes this point succinctly, arguing that war arose from ‘Napoleon’s search for presti ge; Nicholas’s quest for control over the Straits; his naive miscalculation of the probable reaction of the European powers; the failure of those powers to make their position and the pressure of public opinion in Britain and Constantinople at crucial moments’. For Clough (1964), therefore, the war was a disorganised, poorly planned shambles from the very beginning. It was the product not only of confusion but also of the hubris and inflated ambitions of the leaders of Europe at the time. It seems probable that the war arose out of somewhat chaotic circumstances and was therefore tainted from the start, but the question of whether this pattern continued remains. The actual combat side of the war appears to have been shambolic in many cases. This is suggested by the first events of the war. Despite being unyielding in the face of Russian aggression, it seems that Turkey was not prepared for the eventuality of conflict (Economist 2014; Bloy 2002a). When the Russian fleet arrived off Sinope on the southern coast of the Black Sea, the Turkish Admiral was unprepared for battle. His squadron was relatively weak, consisting of only 6 frigates, 3 corvettes, and two small paddle steamers. Additionally, his largest guns were only 24-pounders, and his troops were poorly trained and unready for war. By comparison, the Russian fleet under Admiral Nakhimov was ‘vastly superior in numbers, size and gunpower’ (Brown 1989). The full extent of the imbalance is revealed by the fact that with the exception of one ship the entire Turkish fleet, including 3000 sailors, was destroyed, with the Russians suffering negligible losses. The Turks were not prepared to defend their territories, and probably did not have the ability to do so in any case (Brown 1989). The dramatic outcome of this conflict was a great shock. Few in the navy or elsewhere had anticipated the devastating effect of shells on wooden ships, and as Brown (1989) notes, ‘Naval and public opinion showed surprise, shock and horror at the casualties’. Therefore, even at this early there is evidence of poor preparation and a lack of understanding of how the war would be conducted on the part of the Turks if not the Russians. The same cannot quite be said of the British and French. While many critics expressed shock at the event of Sinope, preparations had been made. The British had tested shells against the Prince George and the French had done likewise at Garve. Moreover, in response to the success of the Russian navy the French began the construction of heavily fortified armament batteries for coastal attack. That this was prior to the declaration of war suggests a degree of naval preparation on the part of the Allies (Lambert 2011). Nevertheless, there were serious shortcomings with the British fleet in particular that suggest both poor execution and planning. In the first place, it was wrongly believed that the Russian Baltic fleet might invade the United Kingdom, which turned out to be unjustified and stalled operations for over a year (Brown 1989). This was a strategic error and what it suggests about execution and planning can be debated. Additionally, when the British fleet went into the conflict it had problems with manpower. For example, admirals were promoted by seniority, which meant they tended to be older than was desirable. More importantly, many vessels were undermanned due to the poor pay and conditions on ships. When Britain declared war these problems had yet to be resolved, which indicates a distinct lack of preparedness (Brown 1989). In recent decades it has been argued by historians that Britain was guilty of extremely poor naval strategy, which would amount to a poor execution of the war on their part. Lambert (1990, cited in Fuller 2014) is among the most famous to put forward this thesis. He argued that ‘the real war could have been decided†¦in the Baltic, and won by the full might of a modern maritime power against a continental one’ (Fuller 2014: 2). When the strength of the British navy at this time, in terms of size and technology, is considered, this argument seems like a strong one. The British navy was notably ahead of its counterparts insofar as it included large numbers mortar vessels and ironclad batteries. Lambert believed that Cronstadt would definitely have fallen to the heavily armed British flotilla, and that the Russian realisation of this fact what forced peace in the end (Fuller 2014). Perhaps, then, the failure of the British to fully utilise its navy’s potential in the Baltic amounts to a strategic blunder. It is doubtful, however, that this part of the war was as poorly executed as Lambert argued. As Fuller (2014) notes, unilateral action (the so-called ‘Great Armament’) against Cronstadt might have alienated the French, who were on poor terms with the British. It might also have driven up the cost of the war to unsustainable levels, stretching the economy to breaking point. This much is suggested by a review in 1856 of the ‘Great Armament’, which noted that Britain could not provide any ‘proof of unabated strength and unexhausted resources’ (Fuller 2014: 38). This warning was echoed by Sir George Cornewall Lewis, Chancellor of the Exchequer in Palmerston’s ministry, who expressed concern that ‘our financial prospect is very bad, a declining revenue, rising prices, a large loan wanted which will be got on bad terms, and more money lent to Sardinia and Turkey’ (Fuller 2014: 38). The so-called missed opportunities in the Baltic, therefore, do not suggest poor planning and execution. Nevertheless, one might make the case that the poor financial prospect of Britain by the end of the war suggests a lack of preparation. Another line of argument, directed once again at the British, focuses on naval operations in the Pacific. Stephan (1969: 257), for example, describes the ‘tragi-comic nature of tactical operations in the Far East’. He notes that despite the overwhelming superiority of the Allied naval forces in around China and the Pacific, almost no headway was made in that sphere. Indeed, the Allies had twenty five ships of war, including six steamers, while the Russians could muster only six which were later reduced to four (Stephan 1969). Poor execution and planning in this case manifested in two ways. In the first place, there was little coordination between the China and Pacific squadrons and the British and French fleets in the area. As Stephan (1969: 258) notes, ‘at the outbreak of war†¦the British Commander-in-Chief of the China Squadron, Rear Admiral Sir James Stirling, was sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong. The rest of the squadron lay scattered among the Chinese treaty ports such as Shanghai, Amoy, and Canton.’ This arose from the folly of dividing command of the fleet, as well as a lack of information about the location of both friend and foe. Indeed, Stephan (1969) suggests that Stirling (who rather tellingly was only appointed Commander-in-Chief on 4 March), probably did not even know the location of Russian warships. There is relatively clear evidence that naval operations were fairly shambolic on the part of both the British and the French. The same is true of events on land. The Battle of the River Alma on 20 Sept 1984, for example, saw the British forces charge headlong against a fortified Russian position, the result of a ‘lack of information and lack of reconnoitre’ which meant that a number of easier routes went undiscovered. The British forces only triumphed because such an imprudent move was considered too unlikely to prepare against. The aftermath, moreover, saw poor execution insofar as the cavalry did not pursue the routing Russians, allowing them instead to fortify Sevastopol and thus draw out the war. This was further compounded when disagreements between the French and British commanders delayed the march to Sevastopol by several weeks, after which the city was heavily defended. The most famous of the blunders was, of course, the Charge of Light Brigade during the Battl e of Balaclava on 25 Oct 1854, in which a brigade of 670 cavalry under Lord Cardigan attacked an extremely heavily fortified Russian redoubt. The now famous calamity during which much of the Light Brigade was destroyed was the product of a simple miscommunication but reflects deeper issues with the British forces related to internal divisions, inexperience, and the unwillingness to question absurd orders. All of this translates to poor execution in warfare. In examining the conduct and organisation of the war more generally it is obvious that there was little sophisticated coordination or planning (Sweetman 2001). At every level of the Allied war effort this was true. Within the British army, for example, the artillery and engineers were commanded by the Master-General of Ordinance while the infantry and cavalry were commanded by the Commander-in-Chief at the Horse Guards, Lord Raglan, which made coordinated planning difficult (Sweetman 2001). Then, of course, the Royal Navy was a separate branch of the military, answerable only to the Lords of the Admiralty. This chaotic set-up hindered the Allied offensive at Sevastopol, as Raglan could not coordinate the British forces on land and sea without undertaking time-consuming and inefficient communications (Sweetman 2001). This is not to mention the fact that there was no overall commander with the authority to coordinate the various national armies of each Allied nation, as had been the ca se during the Peninsula War with the Duke of Wellington. Thus, ‘the entire ramshackle structure palpably lacked coordination’, and it is important to appreciate ‘the constraints that this put on drawing up strategic plans or executing tactical operations’ (Sweetman 2001: 16). The Russians were less culpable in these terms, although there were many shortcomings in their preparations. Urry (1989) has noted how the Russian land forces suffered severely from poor provisioning, something which became particularly damaging in the summer of 1854. By September, there were 50, 000 Russian troops in the Crimean Peninsula, but the Provisions’ Commission was comparatively small and badly managed. Place this in the geographical context and it appears even more serious. Most of the Crimea was barren and sparsely populated, which meant that the troops and animals in the region were more reliant on their supply chain than usual (Urry 1989). The infrastructure necessary to support the Russian war effort was also inadequate in many cases. Roads were of poor quality and transport networks were badly run and unreliable, which contributed to the problem of supplying the troops. Even those supplies that did arrive had often spoiled because of the excessive time it took to transport goods. This situation was improved somewhat when the new Russian Commander, General Prince M. D. Gorchakov, saw the reorganisation of the supply system, but much of the damage was already done (Urry 1989; Curtiss 1979). This is a clear example of poor preparation on the part of the Russians. Poor planning in terms of supplies was also a major problem for the Allies. The most striking example of this occurred on 14 November 1854 when a ‘Great Storm’ sunk 30 ships in Balaclava harbour and destroyed ?3 million worth of supplies, coinciding with the onset of the harsh winter. The Allies, however, had only prepared for a summer campaign, and the results were catastrophic. As Bloy (2002a) put it: ‘The Allies†¦had to make do with summer equipment: tents, light clothes and so on. It took months to re-supply them. Men died of exposure, disease, starvation.’ The situation was compounded by poor organisation and management in the aftermath, as well as the natural barriers of substandard roads and communication networks (Bloy 2002a). As poor as the organisational side of the war was for all sides, the Russian war effort was comparatively impressive. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the Russian were operating under very difficult conditions. Firstly, the defence of Sevastopol was an inherently problematic affair. The size of Russia required a wide distribution of troops, especially in the Baltic to prevent the Allies landing there (Urry 1989). Then there was uncertainty regarding the neutrality of Prussia, and especially Austria, which meant that troops had to be stationed along Russia’s lengthy western border. The barren nature of much of the Russian territory, moreover, especially in the south, was an unfortunate barrier that hampered supply, communication, and the movement of troops (Urry 1989). As Urry (1989) argues, these factors contributed to difficulties experienced by the Russians, and in many cases even good preparation and execution would have made it difficult to overcome such facto rs. On the other, one might argue that the decision to start a war in the face of so many natural barriers should be regarded as a major strategic failure (Jones 2013; Bloy 2002a). One area in which all parties lacked planning was medical provision. The low quality of care afforded to wounded soldiers in British hospitals has become notorious primarily because of Florence Nightingale’s work as Scutari. The quality of French medical care was supposedly slightly better, as is attested by William Howard Russell: ‘Here the French are greatly our superiors. Their medical arrangements are extremely good†¦ and they have the help of the Sisters of Charity†¦. These devoted women are excellent nurses.’ Nevertheless, even this relied on volunteers (Curtiss 1966: 98). The Russians likewise had to rely on volunteers, who operated under the aegis of the Exaltation of the Cross (Curtiss 1966). Testimony from the brace medical volunteers in the Russians forces reveals the shoddy set-up in place, especially with regard to the convoy system designed to transport wounded soldiers. This was supposedly poorly supplied with blankets, had few good driver s, and little in the way of food and water (Curtiss 1979; Curtiss 1966). The Crimean War was concluded peacefully at the Treaty of Paris on 30 March 1856 after the fall of Sevastopol, probably to the advantage of all parties. The conflict itself was of little obvious benefit to any nation, with the possible exception of Turkey, which had captured possessions restored to it by Russia (Bloy 2002a; Seton-Watson 1988). In turn, regions captured by the Allies, such as Sevastopol and Balaclava, were restored. Territories were thus redistributed to the participants in much the same way as before the war had begun. One of the most important effects of war was that it prohibited both Turkey and Russia from establishing a naval or military arsenal on the Black Sea, which weakened the Russian position. However, this turned out to be unenforceable and a few decades later Russia had violated the agreement (Gorizontov 2012; Seton-Watson 1988). The conflict did have important long-term implication insofar as it permanently weakened the position of Tsarist Russia, and sa w the ascendency of the France as the preeminent power in Europe. It therefore saw the end of the Concert of Europe, the balance of power that had existed since the Congress of Vienna in 1815 (Bloy 2002a, 2002b). In conclusion, the Crimean War was both poorly planned and poorly executed. This essay has outlined the numerous strategic, tactical, and logistical failures perpetrated by all sides, but especially by the Allies and Britain in particular. However, as important as these moments were in defining the nature of the conflict and solidifying its reputation, it was problematic from the outset. As Clough (1964: 917) puts it: ‘it was not the result of a calculated plan, nor even of hasty last-minute decisions made under stress. It was the consequence of more than two years of fatal blundering in slow-motion by inept statesmen who had months to reflect upon the actions they took.’ Ultimately, while there are many mitigating factors, moments of triumph, and cases of heroism and coordination – especially in the medical sphere – this is a reputation well-deserved. References Bloy, M. (2002a) The Crimean War: ‘Britain in Blunderland’, The Victorian Web http://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/blunder2.html [Retrieved 10/06/2014] Bloy, M. (2002b) The Crimean War: comment on attitudes in Britain, The Victorian Web http://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/attitude.html [Retrieved 10/06/2014] Brown, D. K. (1989) The Royal Navy in the Crimean War: Technological Advances http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14517 [Retrieved 04/06/2014] Clough, S. B., ed. (1964) A History of the Western World. Boston, Heath: University of Michigan Press Curtiss, J. S. (1979) Russia’s Crimean War, Durham, N.C: Duke University Press Curtiss, J. S. (1966) Russian Sisters of Mercy in the Crimea, 1854-1855, Slavic Review, Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 84-100 Fuller, H. J. (2014) Could Have, Would Have, Should HaveEngland’s ‘Great Armament’ during the Crimean War, the proposed naval assault upon Cronstadt’s defences and the Peace of 1856: Re-examining the evidence, University of Wolverhampton Gorizontov, L. E. (2012) ‘The Crimean War as a Test of Russia’s Imperial Durability’, Russian Studies in History 51 (1), pp. 65–94 Jones, H. P. (2012) Southern Military Interests in the Crimean War, Journal of Slavic Military Studies, 25, pp. 35–52 Lambert, A. (2011) The Crimean War: British Grand Strategy against Russia, 1853–56, Farnham: Ashgate Publishing Seton-Watson, H. (1988) The Russian Empire 1801–1917. Oxford: Clarendon Press Stephan, J. J. (1969) The Crimean War in the Far East, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 257-277 Sweetman, J. (2001) The Crimean War: 1854-1856, Oxford: Osprey Publishing The Economist (May 2014) What the original Crimean war was all about, Economist http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/03/economist-explains-5 [Retrieved 11/06/2014] Urry, J. (1989) Mennonites and the Crimean War, 1854 – 1856, Journal of Mennonite Studies, Vol. 7, pp.10-32