Environmental Science- make up a hypothetical disaster scenario Essay

Environmental Science- make up a hypothetical disaster scenario - Essay Example This plate is not static as it moves about ten centimeters annually hence forcing its way under the South America continental plate (U S library of congress n.p). Such telluric dislodgment resulted to the Trench in Peru and Chile thereby making the country prone to earthquakes as the Nazca plate causes high stress beneath Chile. Additionally, about 50% of the nation’s terrain is mountainous and the nation’s citizens mostly live near these mountains. In relation to the issue of possible contamination, water contamination and chemical contamination are possible (U S library of congress n.p). During this disaster, the country was subjected to sudden earthquake of about 9.0 richter scale. This earthquake was more than any other experienced in the area in the recent past. On this occasion, the earthquake was so great that the high stress beneath the land caused buildings to sink as soil liquefaction occurred. During such a strong earth quake, the water and the soil mix thereby making the ground very soft and act like a quicksand. Since the South American arc extends over 7000 km from the Chilean margin and the Panama fracture zone along a triple junction (Embassy of the United States n.p). This junction marks the plate boundary between sub-ducting Nazca plate and almost static South American plate. At this point, Nazca plate’s oceanic lithosphere and crust underlie the South American mantle hence causing earthquakes and active volcanic along the deformation. This form of an earthquake was recently experienced in Japan on March 11 2011 resulting to massive damage inc luding infrastructure and damage to several Nuclear power plants (U S library of congress n.p). The main role of public health professionals is to ensure that the negative consequences associated with such an event are minimized through evacuation, in a place around the site. In terms of health, gas leaks are a very likely either a natural gas or as gas used for

Interview Analysis Essay Example for Free

Interview Analysis Essay For the interview section of the group project, I decided to interview a twenty-five year old woman who resides in the San Francisco bay area in California. Choosing to have her personal identity remain anonymous, the interviewee has granted us permission to refer to her as the alias Mary. Mary is currently married to a thirty year old man and has one nine year old son. Surprisingly, Mary did not contract the disease by having heterosexual intercourse with her partner like so many other women have gotten HIV. She had obtained the disease through intravenous means. Mary’s husband and son are not HIV positive. Mary has been living with HIV for the past six years. Throughout the interview, Mary had a very wise and warm aurora about her. Her cheery and positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life was evident. I questioned Mary of her understanding of HIV/AIDS before and after her diagnosis six years ago. She had explained that since she was nineteen years of age, she has struggled with depression and turned to shooting heroin as a coping mechanism. Mary, like most adolescents, was completely unaware she could obtain the disease through sharing needles; she thought HIV was spread only through homosexual intercourse. When Mary had discovered she was in fact positive of having HIV, feelings of embarrassment and fear, and thoughts of suicide swam though her head. Questions such as â€Å"how can I tell my husband (boyfriend at the time)†, â€Å"what will my family think†, â€Å"will I be able to see my son graduate or get married†. However, after years of continued counseling, Mary has come to a brighter understanding of her diagnosis. â€Å"Having HIV is not a death sentence and I can still live a semi normal life. † By attending support groups, conversing with individuals living relatively normal lives after obtaining the disease, going to therapy and talking with doctors, Mary found solace. â€Å"Even my husband (boyfriend at the time) was very supportive. I thought he would have ran for the hills! † Mary said, chuckling. Mary’s family were also understanding. Her family sends money to help pay the medical bills and offers an aiding hand in raising her nine year old son. Stated earlier in the interview, after obtaining HIV, Mary has had a very warm and vibrant aurora about her. Since learning of her condition, Mary has learned that she is stronger than she had previously considered herself to be. â€Å"I felt that I (could) handle anything thrown at me. † I really commend and praise Mary for her courageous outlook on her life. That even after hitting this speed bump, she has taken on a positive attitude and confidence regarding life. When I inquired Mary about how she told her family, she said she told her husband first then her other relatives at Sunday dinner. Tears were shed but eventually her family initially stood by her side. What really stood out to me the most during this part of the interview was her son’s reaction to the news. â€Å"My husband and I told my son together and explained to him what mommy has. He asked if I was going to die and I told him not for a very long time. He then preceded to play with his Legos as if I had told him it was raining outside. After asking Mary if she had anything to say to the other women of the world living with HIV, she smiled and stated â€Å"For all those beautiful, strong women of the world living with this condition, do not pity yourself. Keep your immune system working by eating healthy and taking vitamins and taking your meds. I know sometimes life seems unfair but it’s worth living. You’re all strong and beautiful. Never believe otherwis e. † This was the most inspiring words and heartfelt words Mary has said throughout the entire interview. For the past four years, Mary has been completely clean of drugs and alcohol. For the past five years, Mary has been attending therapy twice a month and has recently stopped frequently going to the doctor because monetary issues and her insurance has dropped her from her coverage. Mary still receives standard antiretroviral therapy to suppress the HIV virus and to stop it from progressing to AIDS and practices safe sex by using a condom and dental dam. To wrap up the interview I questioned if Mary had anything she would like relatives or anyone else to know about HIV. â€Å"For the relatives, it takes a village to raise a child. Even though I was nineteen years old, a mother and living on my own, I was in fact still a child. After being diagnosed, I was especially vulnerable; it was like I was born again†¦For the others, don’t judge a book by its cover. You never know who is living with this disease and never know how hard the struggle is to live with this disease. † It was really a pleasure and a treat to talk to such a kind, strong, woman who has been through so much in her life yet achieved so much regardless the circumstances. Mary is a wonderful mother, an attentive wife and has earned her Associates degree and is now a receptionist.

Why students may choose Malaysia as a place to study

Why students may choose Malaysia as a place to study Introduction 1.0 Introduction Several research have been done on international students travel patterns, behaviors, motivations and expenditures. In 2008 the Higher Education Ministry Marketing and International Education Division director Dr Mohamed Nasser Mohamed Noor together with the immigration department did an observation on numbers of international students that came to Malaysia and found that the numbers has increased 30% from the previous year which is 65,000 compared to 48,000 in year 2006. The total number is the sum of international students that enrolled in both of the public and the private international institution of higher education. According to Ahmad Nazri (2005) by the year 2010 the government expected and targeted 100,000 international students further their studies in Malaysia and since then, numerous of study either on the travel patterns, behaviors, motivations or expenditures of the international students in Malaysia had been done by public and private university students. Dato Sri Ng Yen Yen, (2009) concludes that Malaysias tourism industry is the second (2nd) highest contributor to the country and it contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy. By importing and receiving more international students they will play the role as a domestic tourist and also a host to visiting friends and relatives (VFR) who came down visiting Malaysia. Studies have proven that the international students and their VFR spends a lot in domestically which will give an impact towards the country economy. For 2005, the Malaysian government estimated that the international students have contributed RM1.5 billion to the Malaysia economy. Tourism has a variety economy impacts. Either direct or indirect contributions. The most direct contribution towards the economy is using local transportation like bus, train or domestic flight and lodging to local accommodations. Other than that, tourist expenditure towards the attractions such as amusement park, museum, shopping complex and restaurants also been categorized as a direct contribution. All in all, Malaysia is still lacking of observation on this issues because other than promoting and expand the information on Malaysia being the international high education, the government didnt invest in anything to maintain and sustain the fact that there will be more than 100, 000 international students that going to enrolled in local and international institutions from public and private universities to public and private colleges. Table 1 as stated above shows the top 10 countries of international students in Malaysia in 2010. A complete draft of the top 10 countries of international students in Malaysia will be attach as Appendix A for future reference. From the table, it shows that, majority of the international students are from china. International students have their own motivation or intention on why they study abroad on certain country. These motivations can be clarified as multi dimension where it may attract by various factors. One of the various factors may involved push and pull motives in bringing them or taking them out of their comfort zone. It may not be the education factors that attract the international students to study abroad it maybe the destination itself. The attractiveness of a destination according to Metin Kozak on his comparative analysis of tourist motivations by nationality and destinations article is an important element that pulls the tourist in their decision making towards the destination. On the global scale as per mention by Weaver and Oppermann, domestic travelers is one of the biggest contributor to the country where there spend a lot compared to the international travelers. International students who stays in a particular country for more than a year and have still have their student permit is consider as domestic tourist. Therefore, whenever they are out vacation or spending in the country (40kilometers away from their resident) itself, there are call domestic tourist. There are numerous of factors in why the international students travel domestically during their study in a particular country. To add up, the Malaysian government has come out with holidays breaks or holiday seasons throughout the year not only for schools but also for working labors. This holiday breaks and holiday season more or less a direct and indirect motivation to all residents of Malaysia to go out and have their vacation and spend. Table 2 as stated below is the holiday breaks and holiday season in Malaysia throughout the year. 1.1 Problem Statement Based on the Ninth Malaysian Plan that Malaysia is becoming the hub of education due the unique education system, Malaysia has a range of qualifications and courses that has been provided in numerous institutions from public and private universities to public and private colleges. Currently more and more international students all over the world interested in studying in Malaysia. The main attractions that attracts the international students to study away from their home may be because of the affordable living cost and tuition fees. Other than that the well planned infrastructure and culture, language and heritage. There is a lot to inquiry in the matter on why or what influenced them to come and study in Malaysia. Majority of the international students that enrolled in the Malaysian institutions are from China and Indonesia and followed by the Middle East and the African countries. Other than that, Malaysia also received great feedbacks from Japan, India, the United States and the United Kingdom. Other than the country that listed, Malaysian government had planned to promote and expand Malaysian international High Education at more than 70 destinations worldwide. The impact that Malaysia will get based on the hub higher education is massive growth on tourism economy. The more international students that came for education are attempt to stay longer and at once making them a domestic tourist which have more spending power than the local residents that are also known as domestic tourist. For that reason, a findings should be compile on the international students expenditure, travel behaviors, travel patterns and motivations during their study period in Malaysia so that the government understand the trends, need and demand of the international students for future purposes. 1.2 Research study objectives This study is aimed to achieve the following objectives : To investigate why the international students chose Malaysia on pursuing their studies away from their home country To identify the motivations that persuades the international students to travel and spend in Malaysia during their study period. To review how often the international students travel (domestically) during their study period in Malaysia To do a research in what are the main activities and attractions were visited by the international students during their travel in Malaysia. To investigate how much do the international students spends during their travel in Malaysia (domestically) To identify on what did the Malaysian government did to maintain or to promote this blooming activity of absorbing international students to their country. 1.3 Research study question Based on the statement stated earlier, as per follows are the research questions : Why the international students chose Malaysia on pursuing their studies away from their home country? What are the motivations that persuade the international students to travel and spend in Malaysia during their study period? How often the international students travel (domestically) during their study period in Malaysia? What are the main activities and attractions were visited by the international students during their travel in Malaysia? How much the international students spend during their travel in Malaysia (domestically)? What did the Malaysian government did to maintain or to promote this blooming activity of absorbing international students to their country? Scope of study This study will only focus on the travel patterns, behavior, motivation and expenditure of international students in both of local and international institutions from public and private universities to public and private colleges in Selangor. The collection of data will be conduct at four (4) well known local and international institutions in Selangor, KDU University College (Damansara), Segi University College (Damansara), University Malaya (UM) and University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia. The four (4) listed institutions were picked out from a list of public and private local and international institutions in Selangor provided by the Ministry of Higher Education (www.jpt.mohe.gov.my). The four (4) listed institutions were picked out for this study is because of the location convenience and these four (4) institutions were believe as they are well establish institution in Selangor and were believe to increase the numbers of international students in Malaysia in the future. 1.5 Important of study Malaysia is becoming the hub of education as the Ministry of Education is aiming for the best and excellence education to attract the international students from all over the world to come and study in Malaysia. The intention of this study is to examine the contribution of international students towards Malaysia economy. By studying on the international students travelling patterns, behaviors, motivations and expenditure is important for the government and country where the government will know where the direct and indirect economic contributions came from and who or what are the major contributors to the country. By investigating the contributions and the contributor, not only the government but also the industry and the academic or education sector will attempts to understand the economic impact of the country that they had been brought in. Education sector for some country play a very important role on maintaining on their country economy. Generally education activities will lead to tourism activities and indirectly benefits the country economy. Nonetheless, by studying the motivations and the characteristic of the international students we could examine what are the key points of the attractions that attracted them so the government or the country could upgrade and maintain the attractions for future purposes. This is very important for Malaysian Tourism board to understand the international students markets towards Malaysia. With this study it will bring equal benefits to the Malaysia education and Malaysia tourism sector. This study will also help the government keep track on the numbers of the international students that came in achieving the target 100,000 international students by the year 2010. CHAPTER TWO Literature review 2.0 Introduction Literature review is needed in order to make this study relevant and applicable. Most of the literature review is from previous research and studies on international students travel patterns, behaviors, expenditure and motivations. In clarifying the research objectives and research question that was mention in chapter one, literature review is the utmost important component in this study. Various different sources were used in locating relevant information on this study. These includes library catalogue (Elib.kdu.edu.my, webpac.kdu.edu.my and elsivier-ebooks.com), online data based (bibliography, abstracts and dissertation, magazine and news) and most of related journal articles were reviewed from Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, Journal of Tourism Studies, Journal of Travel Research, Journal of Vacation Marketing and other relevant journal articles that are related to the studies. After reviewing most of the journal articles, it seems that literature review on this study is limited here in Malaysia which means this study was not taken into a serious discussion. Theoretical and conceptual framework is been analyzed in this study in order to identify the main theory or factors and also to identify limitation of the study. As per listed are the findings from all the literature and it has been summarized accordingly. The literature that related to international students travel patterns, behaviors, expenditure and motivations were put into 1) Push and Pull factors : Motivation on study abroad, 2) Push and Pull factors : Motivation on travelling domestically, 3) Pull factors : motivation in spending 4) Most of the theories were found help us to understand the research question that have been stated in chapter one as per below. The research questions : What motivates international students choose Malaysia on pursuing their studies. What are the motivations that persuade the international students to travel and spend in Malaysia during their study period? How often the international students travel (domestically) during their study period in Malaysia? What are the main activities and attractions were visited by the international students during their travel in Malaysia? How much the international students spend during their travel in Malaysia (domestically)? What did the Malaysian government did to maintain or to promote this blooming activity of absorbing international students to their country? 2.1 Push and Pull factors : Motivation on study abroad A number of theory that been studied on the motivation on students study abroad. Push and pull factors are the main factors in driving students to study abroad. Push factors is a intangible factor where its pushing the students to go out from home and study abroad and moving out from their comfort zone due to the socioeconomic, economic, political and other circumstances that involved in their home country while for pull factors is a tangible factor where a destination is pulling the students to study at this particular country maybe because the stable economy, politics, infrastructure and other benefits of the host country. In simple words, the relation of pull and push factors are link to the destination choice of the international students depending on the destination attractiveness, influence and satisfaction of the destination. The international students market in coming to a particular country will generate direct or indirect economy impact as it a growing global market trend nowadays. An investigation made by Jianvittayakit on the travel motivation as the factor of international students chose foreign university in pursuing their study saying that educational factor in particular country is the main motivation to the international students to come to that destination and not the destination attractiveness. With the 88.63 percent response rate on the research survey, it shows that the travel and academic push motivation are important for the student social life where these students have desire to travel to other country and experience a new life in learning a new culture, heritage and language and basically will gain more life and work experience. The results of the study also shows that the pull factors of the destinations and as following are the main motivations on why students are motivate to go to a p articular destinations. The first one is the financial issues is where the economy of the country is stabilize and followed by tourist attraction and safety security of the destination. The findings show that both pull and push factors does have its own factors in influence and motivate the students to study abroad. Table 3 as stated below are the framework on the study of push and pull factors. Table 3 Travel and academic Pull and Push factor motivation Source : Jianvittayakit, L (2010) An investigation of travel motivation as a factor in international students choice of a foreign university : A Thailand case study In order to understand tourist choice of leisure destination, an analysis on the motivation factor on what pull the tourist to the destination is needed. From the study of Zhang, J. Marcussen C.(2007) on Tourist motivation, market segmentation and marketing strategies stated that the pull factors of a particular destination is mainly about the cultural, heritage and the natural attractions of the destinations. The tourist characteristics also play the role in choosing a destination. Example city breaker is a term for tourists that like to travel in the city compared to nature beach is a term for tourists that like to travel where beach are involve. It will also involve the activities and the travel and spending patterns due to significant different between the two (2) characteristic. In the analysis also mention that the destination developer need to understand the needs, wants and demands. The pull and push factors that been highlighted in the study in showing what makes the touris t chose the destination is basically as same as the table that shown above. A study by Mazzarol, T. Soutar, G. (2007) on the Push-Pull factors influencing international students selection of education destination stated the results on why the international students chose particular destination on pursuing their study. The main push factors stated that, due to lack of higher educational program in their home countries made the international students study abroad. Other than that technology development and language also play a role in push factors. For the pull factors, Mazzarol, T. Soutar, G. (2007) stated that there are six (6) main factors that really pull the international students. Information on the host country is needed where the international students may have more knowledge and awareness on the host country. If the host country already been recognize with good reputation, it easily can be recommend by the family, peers and teachers. The cost issues are also one of the main pull factors. The cost issues include the living expenses, the travel cost, tuition fees and others. A cost issue is important to the international students because there have limitation on money. The next factor is the environment and the geography factors. Environment and geography factors cover the climate and safety and security of the destination. No one wants to go to a destination where there are natural disasters. Basically the push and pull factors can be define same as the table 3 shown above. To sum up the push and pull factors on students study abroad, it looks like the push factor may be the main reason or motivation for students to study abroad. The analyze shows that, the limitation of the home country such as higher education programs and economical and political wise makes them travel and expand their horizon to another country where it is more opportunity for them. 2.2 Push and Pull factors : Motivation on travelling domestically People travel to full fill their needs, want and demand such food, climate, family, health, education and others and travelling may be domestically or internationally. People have various and different reason on why they travel domestic or international. A study by Kozak, M (2000) on Comparative analysis of tourist motivations by nationality and destinations is mainly about exploring the differences between the motivations of those who are from different countries travelling to the same destinations and second, between the motivations of those who are from the same countries and travelling to two different destinations 2.3 Pull factors : Motivation on spending CHAPTER THREE Methodology 3.0 Introduction This chapter will have a clearer view on the travel patterns, behaviors, motivations and expenditures by the international students in Malaysia. This chapter will cover the research design, the research instruments, the population and sample and data collection. The time horizon that will be use in this study is cross sectional design where this study will take place only in year 2011. Cross sectional design is different from longitudinal design where cross sectional design only collects data at one single time compared to longitudinal design where the period of collecting the data is a more little longer. 3.1 Research Design In considering the research objectives and question, the quantitative methods will be using in this study in understanding the travel patterns, behaviors, motivations and expenditures by the international students in Malaysia. This study is using survey research method to get more understanding about the respondents. On the designing the study research, these following steps were involve. First is gathering all the literature that is strongly related and relevant to the study to get understanding about the subjects and to educate self. Next step is identify the research objectives together with coming out with the research question on the subject. After identifying both of the research objectives and question, the right research methods were selected to carry the study. Research and analyze on the research instruments will be develop as the online questionnaire survey. Moving on is the step where selecting the population and sample of universities and respondents who will involve in this study. When the population and sample together with the questionnaire has been approved, distributing of the online questionnaire survey to the sample stage will be handling. The results the online questionnaire survey will be collect and analyze for its reliability and usability. And the end stage of the research design is analyzing the data that have been collect and to interpret the result. 3.2 Research Instruments Online questionnaire survey and normal survey papers will be used in this study because it is more appropriate compared than interviews session. Using online questionnaire survey will save time and cost due to this survey will take place in four (4) local and international institutions in Selangor, KDU University College (Damansara), Segi University College (Damansara), University Malaya (UM) and University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIA) in short period of time. And the advantage of online questionnaire survey is, the respondents which are the international students will have own time on answering the survey. A structured online questionnaire survey will be given to respective lecturers for all four (4) institutions. The lecturers will be ask to give out the online questionnaire to the international students. The questionnaire was developed to compile data on international students travel patterns, behaviors, motivations and expenditures in Malaysia. The online questionnaire survey is in English where English is the language that be easily understand by the international students in Malaysia. The online questionnaire survey begin with a briefly introduction on the purpose of this study informing the respondents that all the survey information is will be only use by this research and all information that been share will be completely confidential. The online questionnaire survey is a close ended question and purposely made in three parts to avoid confusion during the surveys. Demographics characteristic question such as gender, age, country of origin, program studying in Malaysia is in part one of the online questionnaire survey and on the second part of the online questionnaire survey is measuring the on why the international students chose Malaysia in pursuing their studies, what motivates the international students to travel, how much the international students spend during their travel. Both were in close ended questionnaire. The last part of the questionnaire is scaling question. Five point scale range from 1 strongly disagree to 5 strongly agree which requires respondents to circle one (1) point for each question 3.3 Population and Sample This study will be conduct at four (4) well known local and international institutions in Selangor, KDU University College (Damansara), Segi University College (Damansara), University Malaya (UM) and University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIA) which will involve their international students. As per mention in chapter one (1), the four (4) listed intuitions were picked out from a list of public and private local and international institutions in Selangor provided by the Ministry of Higher Education (www.jpt.mohe.gov.my). The four (4) listed institutions were picked out for this study is because of the location convenience and these four (4) institutions were believe as they are well establish institution in Selangor and were believe to increase the numbers of international students in Malaysia in the future. Majority of the international students from each institution that stated above will be involve for this study. And from the list, 100 international students from each institution will be selected by using the random sampling method. Random sampling method were chosen because to avoid bias during the whole study. The 100 international students will be choose via the computer using the SPSS version 17 out from the sample frame which will be provide by the institutions. By performing this, each student will have the same chance of being selected meaning there will be no biased. The sample frame consists of all the international students that are studying in the institution. A copy of the online questionnaire survey will be attach as Appendix B for future reference. 3.4 Data Collection The data collection for all four (4) institutions will take place in early March 2011 where new semester will take place. In order to make the data collection of this study flawless, a visit to the administration office of all four (4) institutions will be made in order to secure permission in doing the online survey. An official letter also will be given to make it official. A copy of the official letter of performing the online survey will attach as Appendix C for future reference. According to all four (4) administration officer, the easiest way to reach for the international students in completing the survey is during their computer classes. The site or the URL of the online questionnaire survey will be given to the respective lecturer and the site or the URL will be given to the respondents at the end of their class. 3.5 Data Analysis In analyzing the data that will be collect, frequency analysis will be use in summarizing the data. Frequency analysis is one of the descriptive statistic components where it only can be computed by the computer. Analyzing by using the SPSS version 17, the summary of the data will be shown in histogram forms. Other than the frequency analysis methods, the chi square test also will be use to test the relationship between the demographics and the travel patterns, behaviors, motivations and expenditures of the international students. Correlation and regression also will be use in this data analysis. Both methods will be use in order to analyze two (2) variables whether they associated with each other or otherwise.

Total Quality Management Essay -- business, TQM, productivity, perform

Before diving into the ideology of Total Quality Management, we need to have an understanding of what the term Quality means. The term quality is frequently used to signify the level of distinction of a product or service. The term ‘Quality’ in some engineering organisations may be used to specify that a piece of metal conforms to a definite physical dimension and characteristics often set down in the form of a particular ‘compact’ specification. The motion of quality development generally and total quality management in particular have become very popular in America during the past three decades. The fierce competitiveness of the global market is the force that generates this motion. As the parallel rebuff of the American economy in the late 190’s became perceptible, many U.S industries started transforming the traditional way of doing business into an organisational approach paying focus on the continuous development so as to become comp etitive. America in the 1980’s embarked on the journey for the Quality development motion journey. The prestigious Malcolm Baldridge national quality award is the most distinguished symbol of America’s quality revolution (Hiam, 1992). Actually, quality has been one the private sector’s principal concentrations for a long time. The fact still remains so today. In the early years of the quality trend, the focus on quality was on quality circles (Barra, 1983), quality control and quality assurance (Ishikawa, 1991). The top plan of many organisations in the private sector’s to improve and develop on quality, productivity and competitive position is the drive for total quality management (TQM) (Hunt, 1992). Since the 1990’s TQM has started to be extensive beyond the private sector ... .... 2. Chartered Quality Institute (2013) Total Quality Management (TQM). [Online] Available from: http://www.thecqi.org/Knowledge-Hub/Resources/Factsheets/Total-quality-management/ Accessed on 21st Oct, 2013. 3. Prof. Bagad, V. S. (2008) ‘Total Quality Management’ in Total Quality Management. India: Sharniwar peth. 4. Tolsma, Denis (2011) ‘Total Quality Management’ in Macro-organizational factors. Switzerland: Geneva. 5. Rawlins, R. A. (2008) ‘Total Quality Management’ in Total Quality Management. Indiana: Bloomington. 6. Phu, V.H. (2011) ‘Historical Evolution of TQM literature’. Total Quality Management Approach to the Information Systems Development Processes: An Empirical Study. 1,2 : 10-11 7. Inc. (2013) Total Quality Management (TQM). [Online] Available from: http://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/total-quality-management-tqm.html/2 Accessed on 27th Oct, 2013.

Different parts of the oriental world

Different parts of the oriental world have been mentioned as the probable locality of the first appearance of the plague or pestilence known as the â€Å"black death,† but its origin is most generally referred to China, where, at all events, it raged violently about 1333, when it was accompanied at its outbreak by terrestrial and atmospheric phenomena of a destructive character, such as are said to have attended the first appearance of Asiatic cholera and other spreading and deadly diseases; from which it has been conjectured that through these convulsions deleterious foreign substances may have been projected into the atmosphere.But while for centuries the nature and causes of the black death have been subjects of medical inquiry in all countries, it remained for our own time to discover a more scientific explanation than those previously advanced. The malady is now identified by pathologists with the bubonic plague, which at intervals still afflicts India and other oriental lands, and has in recent years been a cause of apprehension at more than one American seaport. It is called bubonic – from the Greek boubon (â€Å"groin†) – because it attacks the lymphatic glands of the groins, armpits, neck, and other parts of the body.Among its leading symptoms are headache, fever, vertigo, vomiting, prostration, etc. , with dark purple spots or a mottled appearance upon the skin. Death in severe cases usually occurs within forty-eight hours. Bacteriologists are now generally agreed that the disorder is due to a bacillus identified by investigators both in India and in western countries. The first historic appearance of the black death in Europe was at Constantinople, A. D. 543. But far more widespread and terrible were its ravages in the fourteenth century, when they were almost world-wide. Of the dreadful visitation in Europe then, we are fortunate to have the striking account of Dr. Hecker, which follows.The name â€Å"black death† was given to the disease in the more northern parts of Europe – from the dark spots on the skin above mentioned – while in Italy it was called la mortalega grande (â€Å"the great mortality†). From Italy came almost the only credible accounts of the manner of living, and of the ruin caused among the people in their more private life, during the pestilence; and the subjoined account of what was seen in Florence is of special interest as being from no less an eye-witness than Boccaccio.Text The nature of the first plague in China is unknown. We have no certain intelligence of the disease until it entered the western countries of Asia. Here it showed itself as the oriental plague with inflammation of the lungs; in which form it probably also may have begun in China – that is to say, as a malady which spreads, more than any other, by contagion; a contagion that in ordinary pestilences requires immediate contact, and only under unfavorable circumstances of rar e occurrence is communicated by the mere approach to the sick.The share which this cause had in the spreading of the plague over the whole earth was certainly very great; and the opinion that the black death might have been excluded from Western Europe, by good regulations, similar to those which are now in use, would have all the support of modern experience, provided it could be proved that this plague had been actually imported from the East; or that the oriental plague in general, whenever it appears in Europe, has its origin in Asia or Egypt.Such a proof, however, can by no means be produced so as to enforce conviction. The plague was, however, known in Europe before nations were united by the bonds of commerce and social intercourse; hence there is ground for supposing that it sprung up spontaneously, in consequence of the rude manner of living and the uncultivated state of the earth; influences which peculiarly favor the origin of severe diseases.We need not go back to the ea rlier centuries, for the fourteenth itself, before it had half expired, was visited by five or six pestilences. If, therefore, we consider the peculiar property of the plague, that in countries which it has once visited it remains for a long time in a milder form, and that the epidemic influences of 1342, when it had appeared for the last time, were particularly favorable to its unperceived continuance, till 1348, we come to the notion that in this eventful year also, the germs of plague existed in Southern Europe, which might be vivified by atmospherical deteriorations. Thus, at least in part, the black plague may have originated in Europe itself.The corruption of the atmosphere came from the East; but the disease itself came not upon the wings of the wind, but was only excited and increased by the atmosphere where it had previously existed. This source of the black plague was not, however, the only one; for, far more powerful than the excitement of the latent elements of the plagu e by atmospheric influences was the effect of the contagion communicated from one people to another, on the great roads, and in the harbors of the Mediterranean.From China, the route of the caravans lay to the north of the Caspian Sea, through Central Asia to Tauris. Here ships were ready to take the produce of the East to Constantinople, the capital of commerce and the medium of connection between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Other caravans went from India to Asia Minor, and touched at the cities south of the Caspian Sea, and lastly from Bagdad, through Arabia to Egypt; also the maritime communication on the Red Sea, from India to Arabia and Egypt, was not inconsiderable. In all these directions contagion made its way; and doubtless Constantinople and the harbors of Asia Minor are to be regarded as the foci of infection; whence it radiated to the most distant seaports and islands. To Constantinople the plague had been brought from the northern coast of the Black Sea, after it had depo pulated the countries between those routes of commerce and appeared as early as 1347, in Cyprus, Sicily, Marseilles, and some of the seaports of Italy.The remaining islands of the Mediterranean, particularly Sardinia, Corsica, and Majorca, were visited in succession. Foci of contagion existed also in full activity along the whole southern coast of Europe; when, in January, 1348, the plague appeared in Avignon, and in other cities in the South of France and North of Italy, as well as in Spain.The precise days of its eruption in the individual towns are no longer to be ascertained; but it was not simultaneous; for in Florence the disease appeared in the beginning of April; in Cesena, the 1st of June; and place after place was attacked throughout the whole year; so that the plague, after it had passed through the whole of France and Germany, where, however, it did not make its ravages until the following year, did not break out till August in England; where it advanced so gradually tha t a period of three months elapsed before it reached London. The northern kingdoms were attacked by it in 1349; Sweden, indeed, not until November of that year, almost two years after its eruption in Avignon. Poland received the plague in 1349, probably from Germany, if not from the northern countries; but in Russia it did not make its appearance until 1351, more than three years after it had broken out in Constantinople.Instead of advancing in a northwesterly direction from Tauris and from the Caspian Sea, it had thus made the great circuit of the Black Sea, by way of Constantinople, Southern and Central Europe, England, the northern kingdoms and Poland, before it reached the Russian territories; a phenomenon which has not again occurred with respect to more recent pestilences originating in Asia. We have no certain measure by which to estimate the ravages of the black plague. Let us go back for a moment to the fourteenth century.He not only protected the Jews at Avignon, as far as lay in his power, but also issued two bulls in which he declared them innocent, and he admonished all Christians, though without success, to cease from such groundless persecutions. The emperor Charles IV was also favorable to them, and sought to avert their destruction wherever he could; but he dared not draw the sword of justice, and even found himself obliged to yield to the selfishness of the Bohemian nobles, who were unwilling to forego so favorable an opportunity of releasing themselves from their Jewish creditors, under favor of an imperial mandate.Duke Albert of Austria burned and pillaged those of his cities which had persecuted the Jews – a vain and inhuman proceeding which, moreover, is not exempt from the suspicion of covetousness; yet he was unable, in his own fortress of Kyberg, to protect some hundreds of Jews, who had been received there, from being barbarously burned by the inhabitants. Several other princes and counts, among whom was Ruprecht of the Palatin ate, took the Jews under their protection, on the payment of large sums; in consequence of which they were called â€Å"Jew-masters,† and were in danger of being attacked by the populace and by their powerful neighbors. These persecuted and ill-used people – except, indeed, where h

The Concept of American Dream in the Revolutionary Road

Over the years, many heroes and heroines especially from the West fought so hard in order to give people unlimited opportunities, freedom, material prosperity and individual happiness. The concept â€Å"American dream† as a national ideal is associated with independence and freedom as one individual fulfill his dream through fulfilling his innate passion and desires. This concept gives American citizens the expectations that their government should create a society that will reward drive and innovation or a society that will generate growth.But at the same time, one should be responsible for himself to develop as a full man and woman without the barriers of the older civilizations since this had already been slowly erected by the political leaders in the past. Initially the concept of American Dream considering its historical basis is described as a; â€Å"dream in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability o r achievement.It is a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth and position† (Garfinkle 206). In past years, American Dream is perceive as a promise that each human being has the freedom to make his own life according to his will or choices. This promise made the Americans dreamers, hopeful and independent wanting to take advantage of a freedom of self expression that not every culture has.But this established social structure has a profound influence over individual inner experiences. Contrary to the common impression of upward social mobility due to the â€Å"American Dream,† this mobility can lead to an inner struggle between socially and personally held values of the individuals. It is also inevitable to anticipate that upwar d social mobility will increase the likelihood of the experience of depression and frustration due to the resultant feelings of ambivalence.Due to the promises of American Dream, it is inevitable that American citizens will create mental expectations that if it fails they will have a feeling of depression and hopelessness. These feelings of hopelessness and depression due to unfulfilled passion and expectations are illustrated in the main characters of the film Revolutionary Road. The movie is an indictment of American life that focuses on how the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of April and Frank Wheeler, main protagonists and married couple, affected them emotionally and psychologically.The seemingly unrealistic and romantic expectations of April Wheeler illustrate tattered remains of American Dream that not achieving it will cause inner death. Though the couple experienced financial security in the middle class suburban America, does that guarantee a meaningful life? Even thoug h they are living comfortably, both believe that they are not truly free. They want a satisfying life free from suburban paralysis whose kind of lifestyle seems routinary. Fulfillment of passion, dreams and hopes with total freedom and independence is what American Dream is for April Wheeler.But financial security and practical opportunities paralyses and hinders her husband to leave America, and so the conflict begins. April wants to escape financial practicalities, routines and her simple role only confined in domesticity and motherhood. Determine to escape the mediocrity and suburbanites that surround them, the couple decides to move in Europe to develop and practice their artistic sensibilities, free from the consumerist demands of capitalist America.But their relationship is thrown into jeopardy because of their frequent squabbling, misunderstanding and unnecessary anxieties from their American Dream. The film is set in the 1950’s in the ordinary suburbs of Connecticut w here every family and employee seems to have the same routines everyday. Frank and April Wheeler, the main characters, are afraid to be like anyone else in their community who seems content and who are afraid to explore outside their comfort zone of financial security.So they believe that they are untypical middle class family living in the suburbs as they still attach in their youthful passion and still believes in life’s adventure. They have promised never to be dragged into the monotonous world of the people around them. But despite their wits, talents and good looks, the couple suddenly find themselves slowly becoming the individuals they swore never to be; a plain, unhappy housewife who longs for fulfillment; a man with a boring job and an existence as dreary as the rest of the neighborhood.April, a failed aspiring theatrical actress starts the novel in a local theatrical group. This experience of April in the initial part of the novel is embarrassing and is a disaster t hat sows the seeds of her discontent. She soon realizes how dull her life is, a life that is far from what she imagines her life will be with Frank Wheeler. Frank, a naturally dreamer, lost his direction and works at Knox Business Machines as an ordinary office employee, while April becomes a typical housewife looking after her two kids.The novel depicts April as a housewife frustrated and emotionally conflicted after being trapped in the suburban life. This given reality is such a discouragement for both especially for April and so she devises a plan to reverse their fortunes and present fate. April discusses plans to escape and leave everything behind in their suburban life to live in Paris where she will fulfill her artistic talents in performance and Frank will find out what he really wants to do with his life. Paris for her will give them opportunities to fulfill what they really wanted in life; total freedom, adventure and happiness.At first though hesitant, Frank agreed as he also wants to achieve the promises of venturing the unpredictability of life in Paris. When Frank gets promoted though, their much awaited departure is being stalled, and they find their marriage crumbling. Frank knows that his promotion is only a lifetime opportunity and somehow he doesn’t want to take it as a risk in a life (Paris) that is no guarantee yet. The perpetual squabbling of the couple is due to April’s strong desire to break out from the prison of bourgeois family life.Apparently Wheelers miss the culture and intellectual quiver of their youth. So when not arguing passionately, they drink a lot and often hang out with their friends and neighbors, the Campbells. But April strongly believes that as a bright, beautiful and gifted couple, their future has strong possibility of greatness if only they will take the risk. April’s depression and apparent desperation to escape her present life eventually made them betray each other and their very true self. April is being corrupted by her strong desire to depart herself to her monotonous life in Connecticut.As noted, April and Frank are not the usual suburban types, but people who consider themselves better than the people in their neighborhood; they mock people as they feel like their living their life half sleep. One of their frequent outside activities is to visit with another couple, spending few hours complaining about how unproductive everyone else is. Frank hates his white collar job and April just stays home with the kids but since they believe that they have potentials and resources, they know they can change their lives for the better.But what do individuals do when they are intelligent and high willed enough not to be satisfied with the conformity and blandness of their surroundings, but lack the drive to ever escape mediocrity, because they are, fundamentally, much more a part of their environment than they imagine? Frank, after hesitating whether going to Paris is a reaso nable and practical thing to do especially after he was being promoted made him somehow like everybody else who is afraid to let go of financial security and assurance. Perhaps Frank and April are not extraordinary and different as they would want to think.But nonetheless their character reflects American Dream—a life far from mediocrity and a life where one creates his own individuality and sense of identity. Moreover, their characters reminds the viewers to come face to face to their own mediocrity, challenges them to be honest with themselves and tries sincerely to know whether their aspirations fit their potentials and capabilities. Sometimes one’s ambitions and hopes are unrealistic. The promises of American Dream inspire the character to hope so much in the future and so that when those hopes are being unfulfilled, the character experiences great depression.â€Å"The problem with the society isn't necessarily that it's hypocritical or conformist or mediocre, but that it produces people with such a horrible gap between aspiration and capacity – it gives them the leisure and intelligence to want a fuller life while robbing them of the backbone to get it† (Yates xxi).But one can approach April’s character in this novel positively as she seems to know herself. She is taking concrete steps in order to accomplish her desires. She is a woman who wants to explore and find herself through her given talents and skills.She is confident that given a chance, she can prove herself in the world of arts. April definitely knows that this is the only way to find her self again and to eventually feel that her existence has a purpose after all—not just confined to being a mother and being a wife. While Frank though he realizes his vague ambition to be someone other than an office worker did not seek any alternative self. Instead after being identified and flattered in his mundane job, their plans to go Paris became unnecessary for h im. When April conceives their third child, their plan to leave America crumbles.When April discovers that she is pregnant, she is demotivated while Frank feels thrilled, not just for having the baby itself in the future but this will be his scapegoat to refuse Paris. April decided to abort the baby because she knows that this will greatly interfere her plans to go in Paris but Frank dissuade her and so they embark on a marital duel. April’s desperation becomes self destructive which is apparent when the latter has bled to death after attempting to induce a miscarriage. Frank on the other hand lacks will and boldness for change.His dream for financial security and the affirmation he acquired from his company because of his sudden promotion made him set aside his wife’s dream to escape the monotonous and boring lifestyle in America. Basically American Dream in this novel specifically in April’s character means fulfilling one’s passion and desires through s kills and talents. But for Frank American Dream is somehow based on practicalities, that is financial security and opportunities â€Å"all I want is to get enough dough coming in to keep us solvent for the next year or so, till I can figure things out; meanwhile, I want to retain my own identity†.But apparently he sometimes excites himself to try something new as he is a man who naturally loves adventure and in trying something not routinary, he might find his true self and his true identity. Frank’s acquisition of a higher position that assure his family’s financial security and his acquisition of affirmation from his company hindered April to fulfill her American dream for freedom of artistic self expression. At the end, it can be said that it is Frank who wins.But when April dies in her effort to fight the forces keeping her in her suburban housewife lifestyle, Frank due to pain becomes absorbed by the work he had once despised, and â€Å"dies† an inwa rd death. At the end both of them is being failed by their American Dream.Work Cited: Garfinkle, Norton. The American Dream Vs. the Gospel of Wealth: The Fight for a Productive Middle-Class Economy. Connecticut USA Yale University Press, 2007 Yates, Richard. Revolutionary Road. New York USA Vintage Contemporaries, 2000