Helping the Less Fortunate Essay

On the off chance that I were a leader of an association, that made a huge number of dollars every year; I would make an association inside my association that obliges the less lucky. My association would assist with evacuating individuals off of the roads and give them a spot to live, taking care of the destitute in soup kitchens while passing out dress, and furthermore financing the training of the individuals who can't bear the cost of it. I accept that removing irregular individuals from the roads and giving them a spot to live is significant. As leader of a million dollar a year business, I would give the destitute a spot to live. For instance, I would send individuals out into the avenues to scan for arbitrary vagrants. I would pay for inns for a solitary individual for a month and two for families in light of the fact that there are substantially more individuals to accommodate. I won't simply give individuals a spot to remain; I would likewise secure positions for them. The employments might be low paying, however it will assist the destitute with getting off of the lanes. This may not support everybody, except it will remove numerous from the boulevards. Opening a soup kitchen will build my connection with the â€Å"little people†. I believe that having genuine previous needy individuals serve the poor is the thing that will separate my association from others. I would do this since I realize that the servers will interface with the poor on an individual and passionate level. This will guarantee that the servers are extremely enthusiastic about what they are doing. As leader of the association, I would likewise by and by serve the destitute food while cooperating with them to cause them to feel great. I would guarantee that they have confidence that one day things will show signs of improvement. Additionally, I would gather dress and provide for the destitute while taking care of them. This will give them food on their stomach and garments on their back. The garments may not be in the best condition, yet something is in every case superior to nothing. My association would likewise pressure the significance of instruction. I ac cept that training is everything. I would guarantee that everybody that enters my program have an extremely lucky future. I would go into secondary schools and find that are underneath the destitution line. I won't pressure the GPA of a person. The individual may have needed to leave school for a while to help accommodate their family. Despite the fact that finding these people might be troublesome, I am certain the procedure will run easily with the assistance of the school staff. I would concentrate on understudies that have the drive to need to attend a university. I might be financing the training, yet I will require the student’s full participation. The individual’s should give archives demonstrating that the person is has little salary, or accepting no pay by any means. My organ will give financing to everything that an individual needs to go to school. This will incorporate educational cost, books, supper plans, lodging and whatever else the youngster requirements for school. These methods will be taken to guarantee that the understudies have no concerns while seeking after a training. It is critical to offer back to the â€Å"little people†. Giving, cover, employments, food, garments and training; will diminish neediness. This may not profit the larger part, yet it will in any event assist some with peopling out. Each vagrant that gets help checks. A million dollar a year association would evacuate numerous individuals at any rate a stage away from the destitution line.

Victorian Era

The Victorian Era During the Victorian Era, social classes of England were recently improving, and inciting. There was a stirring change of the old progressive request, and the white collar classes were consistently developing. Added to that, the privileged societies' sythesis was changing from essentially genetic gentry to a mix of respectability and a developing rich business class. The meaning of what made somebody a courteous fellow or a woman was, in this manner, changing at what some idea was a disturbing rate. Before the century's over, it was regular that a man of his word was somebody who had a liberal open (tuition based school) instruction, regardless of what his forerunners may be. There kept on being a huge and for the most part disappointed average workers, needing and gradually getting change and change. States of the common laborers were still terrible, however, as the century progressed, three change charges bit by bit gave the vote to most guys beyond twenty one years old. Differentiating to that was the terrible truth of youngster work which endured all through the period. At the point when a bill was passed specifying that youngsters under nine couldn't work in the material business, this not the slightest bit applied to different ventures, nor did it in any capacity check uncontrolled teenaged prostitution. The Victorian Era was likewise a period of huge logical advancement and thoughts. Darwin took his Voyage of the Beagle, and placed the Theory of Evolution. The Great Exhibition of 1851 occurred in London, praising the specialized and mechanical advances of the age, and walks in medication and the physical sciences proceeded consistently. The extreme idea related with present day psychiatry started with men like Sigmund Feud close to the finish of the period, and radical financial hypothesis, created by Karl Marx and his partners, started a second time of unrest in mid-century. The thoughts of Marxism, communism, women's liberation agitated and rose alongside all else that occurred. The dress of the early Victorian period was like the Georgian age. Ladies wore girdles, balloonish sleeves and crinolines in the center 1840's. The crinoline flourished, and extended during the 50's and 60's, and into the 70's, until, finally, it offered route to the clamor. The clamor stood its ground until the 1890's, and turned out to be a lot littler, going out and out by the unfolding of the twentieth century. For men, following Beau Brummell's model, smokestack pants were the style toward the start of the century. Their ties, referred to then as cravats, and the different ways they may be tied could change, the styles of shirts, coats, and caps additionally, yet pants have remained. Consistently, it was sleek for men to wear facial hair all things considered and portrayals. The clean shaven look of the Regency was out, and mustaches, lamb cleave sideburns, Piccadilly Weepers, full facial hair, and Van Dykes were the request for the day. Because of the absence of present day innovation that we have today, for example, TVs and the web, the Victorian period (the time wherein Queen Victoria ruled, this was somewhere in the range of 1837 and 1901 was eminent for celebrated for the short stories that the creators of the time composed. The introduction of the railroad additionally occurred during the Victorian time and as one would expect, numerous individuals utilized it for transportation over significant distances. There were no TVs so on occasion of fatigue and during these long train travels the individuals of the time relied entirely upon books and short stories for diversion. The Ghost story type end up being generally well known among the Victorian individuals. Toward the start of the nineteenth century in Britain, strict confidence and the sciences were for the most part observed to be in excellent understanding. This amicability among science and confidence, interceded by some type of philosophy of nature, kept on being the standard situation for most men of science straight up to the 1860’s, in any event. Be that as it may, it came under danger. Numerous researchers scrutinized the strict significance of the Genesis and restricted to the tyranny of sorted out Christian religion. Charles Darwin was the one, who with his Origins of the Species in 1859, demonstrated things that couldn't go on without serious consequences by the Church. It pulled in across the board enthusiasm on distribution. The book was questionable in light of the fact that it negated strict convictions that underlay the then present speculations of science, and it produced a lot of conversation on logical, philosophical, and strict grounds. Obviously a more extended period needed to go to acknowledge Darwin’s thoughts, yet it affected the Christian psyche, it raised inquiries concerning the organization of the Church. The qualities that depended on religion were shaken extraordinarily also and the foundations of the twentieth century’s scan for new qualities could be begun from here. Mentalities toward qualities and ethics in those occasions additionally relied upon, which social class an individual had a place with. As the populace expanded, the hole between the lower and privileged societies became bigger and furthermore the distinctions in social conduct. Lower common laborers battled with regular day to day existence, huge families frequently didn't have anything to eat, and youngsters needed to go working since the beginning. There, the ethics were attracted to the foundation. Despite the fact that, each lawful offense was rebuffed carefully, individuals frequently wound up taking, burglarizing and killing. Urban communities were loaded with ghettos, cleanliness was non-existent and the drinking water spread ailments. Among these conditions there was one guideline that existed: to endure the day! Contradicting the upper classes’ tidiness, prostitution and youngster work was not disdained as an occupation for the average citizens. Society overall, was called and regularly discussed regarding the Victorian Era, didn't support them, didn't do anything for them, just scorned them. Victorian qualities incorporated an exacting good code and a fixation on societal position. Privileged societies consistently preferred to lead their life in an excellent manner, respected the ethics profoundly and lived appropriately. Their occupation and social standing was to a great extent dictated by family foundation and social associations. We need to think about that the Victorian time was the one when taught and affluent individuals realized that the period they were living in is incredible and society, if everybody in it lived by the Victorian qualities, could be glad. In spite of the fact that by glancing back at the manner in which they treated these qualities, a large portion of them appear to be double-dealing. In their life religion, family, home, riches and demureness assumed a significant job and glad as they were of themselves of having a place with these incredible occasions, dismissed anybody whose life did not depend on these things. They were the fortunate ones that were taught and could without much of a stretch manage the cost of framing sentiments about the remainder of the general public, making references to ethics, making up their own and shaping the old ones too. The Victorian period got famous for utilizing small kids in production lines and mines and as smokestack clears. Youngster work assumed a significant job in the Industrial Revolution from its beginning, frequently realized by monetary hardship, Charles Dickens for instance worked at 12 years old in a blacking manufacturing plant, with his family in account holder's jail. The offspring of the poor were relied upon to help towards the family financial plan, regularly working extended periods of time in perilous employments and low wages. In England and Scotland in 1788, 66% of the laborers in 143 water-fueled cotton factories were portrayed as youngsters. Lithe young men were utilized by the smokestack clears; little youngsters were utilized to scramble under hardware to recover cotton bobbins; and kids were additionally utilized to work in coal mineshafts to slither through passages excessively restricted and low for grown-ups. Kids likewise functioned as task young men, crossing sweepers, shoe blacks, or selling matches, blossoms and other modest merchandise. 7] Some youngsters attempted work as understudies to decent exchanges, for example, building or as household hirelings (there were more than 120,000 residential workers in London in the mid eighteenth Century). Working hours were long: manufacturers worked 64 hours every week in summer and 52 in winter, while household hirelings worked 80 hour weeks, kids worked from 12 to 16 hours per day; they frequently started working at six years old or seven. Kids must be beaten to shield them from nodding off while at work; disregarding this, many neglected to keep wakeful and were ruined or murdered. Guardians needed to submit to the curse of these barbarities upon their kids, since they themselves were in a frantic situation. Experts had been tossed unemployed by the machines; rustic workers were constrained to move to the towns by the Enclosure Acts, which utilized Parliament to make landowners more extravagant by making laborers dejected; worker's organizations were unlawful until 1824; the administration utilized specialists provocateurs to attempt to get progressive estimations out of breadwinners, who were then expelled or hanged. Such was the main impact of hardware in England. Youngsters as youthful as three were given something to do. A high number of youngsters likewise filled in as whores.. In coal mineshafts youngsters started work at five years old and for the most part kicked the bucket before the age of 25. Numerous youngsters worked 16 hour days. As right on time as 1802 and 1819 Factory Acts were passed to direct the working long periods of workhouse kids in industrial facilities and cotton factories to 12 hours of the day. These demonstrations were to a great extent incapable and after radical unsettling. A regal commission suggested in 1833 that youngsters matured 11â€18 should work a limit of 12 hours out of each day, kids matured 9â€11 a limit of eight hours, and kids younger than nine were no longer allowed to work. This demonstration anyway just applied to the material business, and further fomentation prompted another demonstration in 1847 constraining the two grown-ups and kids to 10 hour working days. By 1900, there were 1. 7 million youngster workers detailed in American industry younger than fifteen. The quantity of youngsters younger than 15 who worked in modern occupations for compensation moved to 2 million out of 1910. The acknowledged thinking was th

23 Mental Health Apps for Stress, Anxiety, and More

23 Mental Health Apps for Stress, Anxiety, and More July 17, 2019 How Stress Impacts Your Health Overview Signs of Burnout Stress and Weight Gain Benefits of Exercise Stress Reduction Tips Self-Care Practices Mindful Living In This Article Table of Contents Expand Best for Meditation Best for Stress Best for Mindfulness Best for Depression Best For Anxiety Best for Productivity/Habits While most mental health practitioners probably wouldnt advise people spend more time with their smartphones, there are some apps that can turn screen time into time well-spent. These apps provide tools for people looking to improve their lives. Some are designed to help those struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, while others are based on positive psychology and aim to increase focus, happiness, and calm through mindfulness and meditation. If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to first seek help from a doctor, psychologist, or mental health practitioner. These apps are not meant to be a substitute for face-to-face care. But, they could be a great supplement to therapy, or a super-convenient strategy for someone looking to start new, healthier habits. Here, find some of the best apps in the mental health space. Best for Meditation Headspace Headspace is a great and simple app for both beginning meditators looking to learn as well as more advanced meditators who want to deepen their practice. It offers meditation series that address various topics, like anxiety, stress, sleep, and physical exercise. It has a wide array of features including “sleepcasts,” which are unique, soothing audio experiences to help you drift off, 2-3-minute mini meditations to help you quickly achieve a mental shift, “SOS” meditations designed to help you during moments of intense stress or emotion, and educational animations to clearly explain and demonstrate mindfulness and meditation topics. Cost: $12.99 per month or $94.99 for a yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Insight Timer More than six million people use the free meditation app Insight Timer. It offers courses on how to meditate, a fan-favorite meditation timer (for those who prefer unguided meditations), and more than 15,000 guided meditations (including for sleep) with renowned teachers like Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Kristin Neff. It will also track your progress and streaks with neat charts. What type of meditation works best for you is incredibly personal, and this app is great for people who are still figuring out what sorts of meditations they prefer and the types of voices and guides that are most beneficial to them.   Cost: Free or $9.99 per month for premium subscriptionDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Smiling Mind Smiling Mind was the brainchild of two mindfulness and meditation enthusiasts in Australia. They set out to make mindfulness and meditation accessible to everyone, whatever their budget, and wherever they might be. All you need is 10 minutes a day.  This app offers guided meditations for adults and kids, for use at home, at school, and even at work. Cost: FreeDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android INSCAPE INSCAPE has a brick and mortar meditation studio in New York City, but regardless of where you are in the world, with its app, you can focus on the areas in your life that you’re most looking to improve. Depending on whether you’d like to de-stress, sleep better, boost your confidence, or be more efficient at work, INSCAPE will suggest a practice that will be most beneficial to your goals. Sessions include breathing exercises, guided positive visualizations, meditations, and more. Cost: $12.99 per month/$58.99 per yearDownload  here for AppleComing soon  here for Android Best for Stress Stop, Breathe, Think This app was created by the folks at the nonprofit Tools For Peace, which teaches mindfulness and meditation to inner-city teens. Developed for adults, teens, and kids, it is perfect when for when you’re overwhelmed by intense emotions like anxiety, stress, sadness, or anger. When you notice intense feelings arise, you can turn to the app, and it guides you through the practice of stopping, calming your mind and body through breathing, observing your thoughts, and then participating in a short meditation. Cost: $9.99 per month/$59.88 per yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Calm An Apple Best of 2018 award winner, Calms offerings run the gamut from Master Classes (on things like creativity and holistic health) and guided videos on stretching, to sleep stories (think soothing bedtime stories for grownups) and meditation series that address specific areas in life, like anxiety, focus, self-esteem, and self-care. There are meditations for college students and meditations and sleep stories for kids as well. Each day, there is a new “Daily Calm” meditation with a different theme, and you can track the number of days and minutes you meditate. Cost: $12.99 per month/$69.99 per yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Aura This app pairs your current mental state with the best meditation or relaxation strategies to help you reduce stress and anxiety as well as increase happiness. Aura offers guided meditations, relaxing nature sounds, short stories to redirect your worrying mind, tranquil music, a place to note things you’re grateful for, and more. Cost: Free or Premium Membership for $11.99/month or $59.99/yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android PTSD Coach Created by the Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD and the U.S. Department of Defense National Center for Telehealth and Technology, PTSD Coach is designed to assist people who suffer fromâ€"or who may suffer fromâ€"post-traumatic stress disorder. It offers a self-assessment to help determine whether you may be suffering from PTSD, resources on how to reach out and get professional care, and tools to help manage the stresses of day-to-life. There are relaxation exercises and activities to help with anger management as well as positive self-talk. Cost: FreeDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Best for Mindfulness Happier Happier was created to be a “personal mindfulness coach,” and to help you observe and regulate your emotions throughout the day, while maximizing joy, peace, and happiness. It offers inspirational quotes, meditation exercises, a place to record things for which you’re grateful, courses on happiness and well-being, and an opportunity to communicate with likeminded people who are also using the app. Cost: Free, with in-app purchasesDownload  here for AppleThis app is not yet available for Android The Mindfulness App The aim of The Mindfulness App is to make the practice of mindfulness accessible to everyone. Research has shown that many of the benefits of mindfulness and meditation happen with a consistent practice, but many people struggle to remember or make time each day. This app offers gentle reminders throughout the day, guided meditations for both experienced and novice meditators (as well as those in between), and timers for those who prefer silent meditation. Cost: Free, or $9.99/month and $59.99/year for premium membershipDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android 10% Happier: Meditation This app, which claims to be “for fidgety skeptics,” was created by Dan Harris, a broadcast journalist and the author of the book,  10% Happier. The app aims to demystify meditation and offers simple hacks to help aspiring meditators follow through. There are how-to videos, guided sessions geared towards topics like anxiety and political stress, advice for how to maintain a regular meditation practice as well as how to apply the lessons learned in mindfulness throughout your day. Cost: Free or premium membership for $9.99/month and $99.99/yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Buddhify Instead of taking time out of your day to meditate, Buddhify aims to seamlessly weave meditation into your life wherever you areâ€"both physically and emotionally. All of the meditations offered, which range from just four minutes up to 30 minutes, are categorized so that you can find the perfect one for the moment you’re in. There are sessions that are great for walking or taking a break from work, others for when you may be feeling intense anxiety, and more still for when you are trying to go to sleep. There are also meditations that can be done with other peopleâ€"like friends, family, or coworkersâ€"and you can also send meditations to people who you think might benefit from one, even if they don’t have the app. Cost: $4.99, with optional membership at $29.99Download  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Best for Depression Happify Designed to help you “overcome stress and negative thoughts,” and “build resilience,” Happify helps you to identify patterns, become conscious of your thoughts and feelings, and begin to steer your mind and behaviors towards happiness. Based on positive psychology research, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy, Happify offers fun and interesting exercises, activities, and games that help train your mind and get you practicing patterns that generate positive feelings. Cost: Free, Happify Plus Membership is $14.99/month or $139.99/yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android What’s Up? This app, which is based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, was created to help people struggling with depression. It can also help those who are dealing with anxiety, stress, anger, and other issues, as it helps to identify thought patterns that lead to negative feelings and offers up alternate ways of thinking during tough times. It offers features like relaxing breathing techniques, a journal to keep track of thoughts and moods, guided exercises to help you feel grounded, and other inspirational materials. Cost: Free, but offers in-app purchasesDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Pacifica Based on mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy, this app is designed to help people dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress. Pacifica helps users to identify thought and behavior patterns that lead to negative feelings and then helps you to reframe those thoughts and change behaviors to help you live a life closer to the one you want. Through the app, you can track your moods, do breathing exercises and meditations, set daily challenges and long-term goals, connect with Pacifica’s peer support community, explore different self-help strategies, and track your progress. Cost: $8.99/month or $53.99/year  Download  here for AppleDownload  here for Android MoodTools MoodTools offers the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to help you determine if you are suffering from depression, and then track the severity of your symptoms over time. It offers activities to boost your mood, helpful videos (like TED talks and meditations), a place to record and keep track of your moods and feelings, as well as a feature that helps you develop a wellness and safety plan for times of crisis. Cost: Free, Pro-Mode Membership is $4.99/month or $29.99/yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Best For Anxiety Breathe2Relax Breathe2Relax teaches diaphragmatic breathing or “belly breathing,” a technique that encourages full oxygen exchange and has been shown to lower the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and help relieve stress. This type of breathing can help people who are experiencing panic, anxiety, PTSD, or anger. The app features videos, reading materials, and ways for users to track their progress. Cost: FreeDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Panic Relief Panic Relief is designed to help in the midst of high anxiety or a panic attack. Through short cartoons, the app guides you through the sensations that accompany panic and helps you to stay calm during an attack. The app offers various resources to help you to understand what is happening in your body during a panic attack as well as activitiesâ€"like breathing and relaxation exercises, as well as positive visualizationâ€"to help you to soothe and calm yourself, and in some cases, stave off some symptoms. Cost: FreeDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Brain.fm Depending on what type of mental state you are looking to achieve, Brain.fm uses auditory neuroscience to tailor a playlist of AI-generated tunes to help you get there. Whether you are looking to focus, fall asleep, meditate, or relax, the makers of this app say you will achieve the results you want within 15 minutes. Cost: $6.99 for 1 month, $15.99 for 3 months, $49.99 for 1 yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Best for Productivity/Habits Fabulous: Motivate Me Rated one of the best self-care apps by Apple in 2018, this app educates, motivates, and inspires you to achieve the goals you’ve set while tracking your progress. Through research on how to break unhealthy habits and establish healthier ones, this app claims to be able to help you reset your patterns and routines in 19 days. From struggling to pop out of bed in the morning to managing stress, focus, and establishing productive routines, this app is ready to help you ditch what’s not serving you and do more of what is. Cost: $9.99/month, $95.99/yearDownload  here for AppleDownload  here for Android HabitBull Whether you’re trying to break a caffeine habit or are trying to establish new, healthy patterns like exercising or meditating, HabitBull will help you track it. Once you are able to clearly see the patterns in your life, it will be easier to address them head on. With inspiring quotes, charts of your progress, reminder notifications, and easy-to-see streaks, this app helps hold you accountable to the goals you’ve set while motivating you to achieve them. Cost: Free, premium access for $4.99Download  here for AppleDownload  here for Android Productive Productive is a clear, simple app that helps you to set goals and routines and track your progress. It offers users help in breaking negative habits and forming new, healthier habits. Users can specify what time of day they want to partake in a particular activity, for how long, and how often, and the app shows users their successful streaks, sends them motivating reminders, and charts their growth. Cost: Free, but offers in-app purchases and upgradesDownload  here for AppleThis app is currently unavailable on Android Streaks This visually striking app won an Apple design award in 2016. With a clear and bold interface, Streaks helps you track the consecutive daysâ€"or streaksâ€"on which you successfully don’t engage in negative habits and do follow through with new, positive behaviors. Streaks monitors your progress and motivates you to continue on to reach your goals. Cost: $4.99Download  Here for AppleThis app is currently unavailable on Android

Essay School Life

School life has its own charm and a bunch of pleasures that only teenagers can truly enjoy. The point is that our life at high school is free from various anxieties, troubles and cares which usually fall to many common individuals. You feel free like a bird, ready to reach the sky and it feels like no sorrow or pain can ever pop up on your way. Both in the class and outdoors, the high school student receives the greatest amount of happiness from all sides of life. He can sleep a lot of time, play just a little, have never-ending talks with pals and class mates and study from time to time. Some of the students tend to avoid doing home assignments and never try to dive into the hard work. The only period they take seriously is the examination set. When the announcement of the exams comes, the student feels like he’s got electric shock. No more bullying the little kids, no more making fools of the poor teachers – time to read and revise! Extracurricular Activities – One of the High School Pleasures! Students like to take part in various activities – be it sports, French club, chess club, choir or drama. Getting involved is an interesting and fun way to meet new people, to learn something new and challenge yourself. So many choices can become pretty overwhelming, but the student has to make sure he knows what he is good at! These are the peculiar pleasure of the life in high school. High school Life: Duties Responsibilities High school life is impossible without duties and responsibilities. The point to it all is that next to home and parents, high school is the place, where our characters are polished and shaped day by day. This is where we get rid of our narrow-mindedness and rebuilt our priorities. We learn to be sympathetic and liberal. It is at high school that we find new pals and form forever lasting friendship connections. We fruitfully develop the spirit of mutual take and give deep inside of our mind. It is the high school that we learn the useful habits of self-control and compliance, which help us then in a grown up life routine. And finally, the high school years are the best time to product the virtues of careful use of time, punctuality, obedience, regularity in us. With that in mind, one can rightly state that an individual, who have skipped the high school â€Å"season† for a certain reason has definitely missed something very important in his (her) life! This was an example of the School Life essay, written by the writers of our custom writing service. To buy an essay on the necessary topic, please, fill in the Free Inquiry form in the top right corner of this page. Samples Download this sample Paper title: Five Paragraph Essay: â€Å"Simple Ways to Increase Happiness† Academic level: High school Discipline: English -101 Paper Format: APA Sources: 0 Pages: 3 Download this sample Paper title: Five Paragraph Essay: â€Å"Guarding Your Safety in Everyday Life† Academic level: High school Discipline: Sociology Paper Format: APA Sources: 0 Pages: 3 Download this sample Paper title: Five Paragraph Essay: â€Å"Pablo Picasso – the Legendary Painter† Academic level: College (1-2) Discipline: Art Paper Format: MLA Sources: 1 Pages: 2

Machinal By Sophie Treadwell - 1891 Words

Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a strangely riveting play so filled with unlikable characters that it makes one want to scream and throttle which ever one is closest to hand without prejudice as to which persona it might be as they are all equally detestable in their own way. Unfortunately, the infuriating characters are exactly what make the play so fascinating. Each of the characters in the play, originally intended to display that life is an inescapable machine, exhibits many disturbing psychological qualities, and the main character suffers a slew of near textbook psychological misfortune. Whether Sophie Treadwell created her play with this facet intentionally or not is unknown, but the examples are so perfect it is difficult to think†¦show more content†¦Helen would have also been more prone to abuse, and other effects of low self-esteem. Some of the narcissistic characteristics Helen’s mother exhibits are her utter disregard for everything Helen says, spe aking over her, her attention only engaged once benefits to her are involved, for instance: â€Å"Vice president! His income must be– does he know you’ve got a mother to support?† (Treadwell 17), and immediate overreaction to any criticism. Many children with narcissistic parents may have grown up in both neglectful and verbally abusive situations, but Helen’s situation would have been compounded beyond that as she seems to have grown up with only her mother as a parental figure. Helen’s father was revealed in the second act as, seemingly, long dead, leaving Helen alone to a single, powerful, influence. The Second character who exhibits the next most pressing issue is Helen’s husband, Mr. J, who proves himself to be a sexual predator. Helen’s physical repulsion such as when the Telephone Girl asks her â€Å"Why’d you flinch, kid?† (Treadwell 10) and her reactions to Mr. J touching her should really have been plenty of no tice for him to stop. In the beginning, Mr. J has both status and rank, as her boss, over Helen, and this puts the relationship on shaky and inappropriate grounds due to Mr. J’s power over her. That he constantly touches her, treats her differently, and makes her feel indebted toShow MoreRelatedMy Research Project Is On Machinal By Sophie Treadwell1575 Words   |  7 PagesMy research project is on Machinal by Sophie Treadwell. I will be focusing on the struggles that the Young Woman faces in the play, and how her behavior relates to mental illnesses. My approach is to create a scenario where half of the play seems like it is not real. I want to make the audience really think about what is real and what is being made up in the Young Woman’s mind. I will bring more awareness to the struggles that people with mental illness have to deal with to the theatre stage.Read MoreEarly 20th Century Dehumanization Through Theatrical Plays And Cinema2031 Words   |  9 Pagesnew, perhaps alien world. Whether it be through Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 play Machinal, Eugene O’Neill’s 1922 play The Hairy Ape, or Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 movie Modern Times, the thoughts of the dehumanization of the time cannot be denied. Through the theatrical plays and cinema of the time, authors of the 20th century believe that as technology has advanced, humanity has devolved into perhaps nonhuman states. Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 play Machinal puts this concept of dehumanization in the earlyRead MoreInto The Mind Of Machinal1800 Words   |  8 PagesInto The Mind of Machinal Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a strangely riveting play so filled with unlikable characters that it makes one want to scream and throttle whichever character is closest at hand, without prejudice as to which persona it might be, as they are all equally detestable in their own way. Unfortunately, the infuriating characters are exactly what make the play so fascinating. Each of the characters in the play, originally intended to display that life is an inescapable machineRead MoreSophie Treadwell’S Machinal Is A Strangely Riveting Play1796 Words   |  8 PagesSophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a strangely riveting play so filled with unlikable characters that it makes one want to scream and throttle whichever character is closest at hand, without prejudice as to which persona it might be, as they are all equally detestable in their own way. Unfortunately, the infuriating characters are exactly what make the play so fascinating. Each of the characters in the play, originally intended to display that life is an inescapable machine, exhibit many disturbing

Marxist Criticism Free Essays

Marxist criticism is a type of criticism in which literary works are viewed as the product of work and whose practitioners emphasize the role of class and ideology as they reflect, propagate, and even challenge the prevailing social order. Rather than viewing texts as repositories for hidden meanings, Marxist critics view texts as material products to be understood in broadly historical terms. In short, literary works are viewed as a product of work (and hence of the realm of production and consumption we call economics). We will write a custom essay sample on Marxist Criticism or any similar topic only for you Order Now INTRODUCTION Based on the socialist and dialectical theories of Karl Marx, Marxist criticism views literary works as reflections of the social institutions out of which they are born. According to Marxists, even literature itself is a social institution and has a specific ideological function, based on the background and ideology of the author. In essence, Marxists believe that a work of literature is not a result of divine inspiration or pure artistic endeavor, but that it arises out of the economic and ideological circumstances surrounding its creation. For Marxist critics, works of literature often mirror the creator’s own place in society, and they interpret most texts in relation to their relevance regarding issues of class struggle as depicted in a work of fiction. Although Marx did not write extensively on literature and its place in society, he did detail the relationship between economic determinism and the social superstructure in various texts, including Zur Kritik der Politischen Okonomie (1859), where he stated: â€Å"The mode of production of material life determines altogether the social, political, and intellectual life process. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but on the contrary their social being, that determines their consciousness. † Thus, although he did not expound in detail on the connections between literature and society, it is agreed among most scholars that Marx did view the relationship between literary activity and the economic center of society as an interactive process Marxism says that people in the world are organized into different groups or classes based on their relationship to how things are made. Most people are called â€Å"workers† because they work in factories or offices or farms for money. They belong to the â€Å"working class† (or â€Å"proletariat†). Another group, who are not as big as the working class are â€Å"capitalists†, because they own the factories, land and buildings that the workers have to work in and also own all of the tools the workers have to use. Marx calls Capitalists the â€Å"Ruling Class† because they live off of the work of all the workers. He also says that the Capitalists own the government, army and courts. In Marxist views, Capital is the â€Å"means of production† and money which the Capitalist can invest in different places of business so that they can â€Å"profit† or gain more Capital. How to cite Marxist Criticism, Papers Marxist Criticism Free Essays

jane eyre Essay Summary Example For Students

jane eyre Essay Summary Title: Jane EyreAuthor: Charlotte BronteGenre: fictional novelSetting: 19th century England, Yorkshire MoorsPoint of View: first personNarrator: Jane Eyre telling it as an adult flashing back to her childhoodCHARACTERS:Jane Eyre:Jane is the orphaned daughter of a poor parson and his disinherited wife. She livesat Gateshead Hall in the care of her aunt, Sarah Gibson Reed. She is lonely and depressedhere because she is abused emotionally and physically. She later enrolls at Lowood, aboarding school for poor, orphaned girls. There, Jane distinguishes herself in her classesand finds love and compassion through the kindness of Ms. Temple and Helen. Sheeventually takes a position as a governess to a little French girl, Adele Varens, the ward ofEdward Rochester, the master of Thornfield Hall. Jane and Rochester develop a mutualadmiration and love for each other. Their marriage plans are interrupted, however, andJane flees to Thornfield Hall. In the intervening years separation before their eventualmarriage, she establishes her independence. The two finally find happiness together andproduce a son.John Reed:The 14 year old who bullies Jane and is spoiled by his mother. He is violent andabusive and is condescending in his treatment in his treatment to Jane. Later in life, hereduces his mother to poverty and dispair by leading a dissipated life. At the age of 23, hedies and is rumored to have killed himselfEliza ReedThe older daughter of the Reed family. She is frugal to the point of being greedy. She keeps chickens, hoards her eggs and chicken money, and lends it to he mother at ahigh interest rate. When her mother lies on her deathbed, she cold-heartedly ignores herand devotes herself to religion. After Mrs. Reeds death she becomes a nun at a conventin Lisle, France, and eventually rises to a position of Mother Superior, leaving her fortuneto the nunnery. Georgiana:The vain, self-indulgent beauty of the Reed family. She is acrid and selfish (wontlet Jane play with her toys). She accuses Eliza for ruining her plans to marry Lord ErwinVere. She later goes to London and marries a wealthy man. Aunt Sarah Reed:The mean-spirited widow of Jane Eyres uncle who torments Jane at everyopportunity. She is hypocritical and feigns to Janes benefactress. Despite Janes attemptto make up for the past, Mrs. Reed rejects Janes reconciliation and dies alone, andunloved. Bessie Lee:The servant at Gateshead Hall who consoles Jane with treats from the kitchen,Gullivers Travels, and sang her songs when she was excluded from the family festivities,and visits Jane at Lowood. Bessie later marries Robert Leaven, the coachman, has 3children, and continues working for the Reed family. Miss Abbot:The servant at Gateshead Hall who treated Jane condescendingly and referred toher as a toad. Mr. Lloyd:The apothecary who treats Jane at Gateshead. He perceives Janes unhappinessand thinks of solutions to her problem: live with her fathers poor relatives or go toboarding school. Mr. Brocklehurst:The head of Lowood School who interviews Jane. His grim, hypocriticalevaluation of Janes shortcomings follows her to Lowood where he publicly labels her aliar. He is austere and preaches fire and brimstone; however, his wife and daughters areluxuriously dressed. Helen Burns:The 14 year old motherless child from Northumberland. She befriends Jane atLowood and offers encouragement by word and example as the two friends endure thehardships of school life. She is punished by Ms. Scatcherd to wear dirty clothes andslattern across her forehead. On her deathbed, she anticipates contentment with God anda reunion with Jane in heaven. .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .postImageUrl , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:hover , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:visited , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:active { border:0!important; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:active , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Resplendent Rivendel EssayMaria Temple:The superintendent and music teacher at Lowood. She positively influences Janeby showing her kindness and sympathy, and how to nurse her animosity. She later marriesRev. Mr. Nasmyth. Edward Fairfax Rochester:After Rowland, Edwards brother, receives the entire Rochester family inheritance,Edward is tricked into marrying an insane woman whom he barely knows. His love forJane rekindles love, although his wife is secretly locked up in a third story room ofThornfield. Following the death of his wife, the loss of his home to a terrible fire,blindness, and the amputation of his left hand, he is reunited with Jane at Ferndean,marries her, and recovers enough vision in one eye to see their son. Blanche Ingram:The shallow daughter of Lady Ingram who uses her glamour to lure Rochestertoward a marriage proposal. However, her enthusiasm for Edward fades when hediscloses that his fortune is not as large as he had thought. Celine Varens:The French mistress of Mr. Rochester. Edward, however, broke of their affairafter overhearing her ridicule him to another man. Adele Varens:The child of Celine whom Edward refuses to claim as his own daughter, but raisesher as his ward at Thornfield anyway. Her association with Jane Eyre, her governessesand friend, brings happiness to both of them. Bertha Antoinette Mason Rochester:The daughter of a West Indies planter who conceal her retardation and madnesscharacteristic of her mothers side of the family and marries Edward, a son of her fathersbusiness partner. After 4 years, Edward takes her to Thornfield and locks her in a roomunder the care of Grace Poole. She cleverly escapes from her keeper at intervals andcauses mischief. Aware that Rochester plans to marry Jane, Bertha ignites Janes bed,then leaps from the roof to her death. Richard Mason:A merchant and Bertha Masons brother. He visits Thornfield and suffers bitingsand stabbing from his sister. After learning of Janes engagement, he makes a second visitto Thornfield and halts the wedding by announcing Edwards intention to commit bigamy. Grace Poole:A trustworthy employee at Thornfield Hall whose position remains a mystery untilRochester reveals the existence of his wife. Graces fondness of gin gives Berthaoccasional opportunities to wander around Thornfield and harm its residents. St. John Rivers:The overly zealous minister of the parish at Morton He serves as the head of hisfamily after his fathers death and saves Jane from starvation. He attempts to repress hispassion for Rosamond Oliver, prepare himself for the mission fields of India, and forceJane to marry him, and serve as his missionary assistant. Jane refuses and St. John remains unmarried. John Eyre:Janes uncle; her fathers brother. He is a self-made man who attempts to locatehis niece, Jane, in order to leave her his fortune after his quarrel with St. Johns fathermakes it impossible foe him to leave his money to the Rivers children. THEMESPreternatural Motif: Things cant be explained according to nature or natural event. * the story that Bessie told of Gytrassh* The ghost of Mr. Reed in the red room* The recurring dream that Jane has of an infant wailing, laughing. This is supposed to bea bad omen as Jane recalls Bessies dream which results in the death of Bessies sister. After Janes dream, she hears of John Reeds death. * Jane has a dream of her mother who tells her to flee temptation She leaves beforedawn with 20 shillings. She then takes a coach to Whitcross. That was the farthest hermoney could take her. Realism: In literature it is a manner of presentation that stresses an accurate even perhapsfactual presentation Of subjetal manner. The emphasis is on the rational.It depictsaccurately the human condition. It also presents ills of society. Ex: treatment in schools-Brontes sister died because of thisIlls of Society:* prejudice against different classesThis is revealed in the servants and the Reeds condescending treatment of Jane. She is considered inferior since she is poor. This is revealed also when the apothecary iscalled in instead of a doctor when Jane is sickThe upper and lower class do not speak to each other. Mr. Rochester tells Jane tosit quietly and speak only when spoken to. .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .postImageUrl , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:hover , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:visited , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:active { border:0!important; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:active , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Academic Writing on Riders to the Sea Essay* child abuse and neglect (seen by Mr. B and Mrs. Scatcherd)Jane-punished to stand on a stool, called a liarHelen- wear dirty clothes, slattern* Mr. B orders Julie Saverns curls to be cut privation fosters the spirit* poverty* deprivation depriving people of the basic necessities ( food, clothing )* burnt porridge, chilblains, lack of medical attentionhypocrisy

Principles of Parenting in Psychology

A Guide to Using the TClientDataSet in Delphi Applications

A Guide to Using the TClientDataSet in Delphi Applications Looking for a single-file, single-user database for your next Delphi application? Need to store some application specific data but dont want to use  the Registry / INI / or something else? Delphi offers a native solution: The TClientDataSet component located on the Data Access tab of the component palette represents an in-memory database-independent dataset. Whether you use client datasets for file-based data, caching updates, data from an external provider (such as working with an XML document or in a multi-tiered application), or a combination of these approaches in a briefcase model application, take advantage of the  broad range of features that client datasets support. Delphi Datasets A ClientDataSet in Every Database ApplicationLearn the basic behavior of the ClientDataSet, and encounter an argument for the extensive use of ClientDataSets in most database applications. Defining a ClientDataSets Structure Using FieldDefsWhen creating a ClientDataSets memory store on-the-fly, you must explicitly define the structure of your table. This article shows you how to do it at both runtime and design-time using FieldDefs. Defining a ClientDataSets Structure Using TFieldsThis article demonstrates how to define a ClientDataSets structure at both design-time and runtime using TFields. Methods to create virtual and nested dataset fields are also demonstrated. Understanding ClientDataSet IndexesA ClientDataSet does not obtain its indexes from the data it loads. Indexes, if you want them, must be explicitly defined. This article shows you how to do this at design-time or runtime. Navigating and Editing a ClientDataSetYou navigate and edit a ClientDataSet in a manner similar to how you navigate and edit almost any  other dataset. This article provides an introductory look at basic ClientDataSet navigation and editing. Searching a ClientDataSetClientDataSets provide several different mechanisms for searching for data in its columns. These techniques are covered in this continuation of the discussion of basic ClientDataSet manipulation. Filtering ClientDataSetsWhen applied to a dataset, a filter limits the records that are accessible. This article explores the ins-and-outs of filtering ClientDataSets. ClientDataSet Aggregates and GroupStateThis article describes how to use aggregates to calculate simple statistics, as well as how to use group state to improve your user interfaces. Nesting DataSets in ClientDataSetsA nested dataset is a dataset within a dataset. By nesting one dataset inside another, you can reduce your overall storage needs, increase the efficiency of network communications and simplify data operations. Cloning ClientDatSet CursorsWhen you clone a ClientDataSets cursor, you create not only an additional pointer to a shared memory store but also an independent view of the data. This article shows you how to use this important capability Deploying Applications that use ClientDataSetsIf you use one or more ClientDataSets you may need to deploy one or more libraries, in addition to your applications executable. This article describes when and how to deploy them. Creative Solutions Using ClientDataSetsClientDataSets can be used for much more than displaying rows and columns from a database. See how they solve application problems including selecting options to process, displaying progress messages and creating audit trails for data changes.

Graphic Design research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Graphic Design research paper - Essay Example It is, therefore, not possible to use only one approach to all data variants. Effective communication begins with the right choice of the channel. Failure to choose wisely may result to misinterpretation and confusion. Cluttering of the piece also creates distortion and disrupts the smooth decoding of the information one wishes to communicate (Morra-Imas and Rist 478). The design used must accomplish a certain goal. In coming up with the design, the human emotion is taken into consideration. The designer or communicator aims at eliciting an emotion that allows the reader to follow the design and decode the meaning. Once data is available, the communicator lays out the available options for presenting it meaningfully to arrive at the most appropriate design. The design must take into account the target audience in terms of intellectual perception, age or even profession. A suitable design is a result of skillful coordination of elements. Often, how effectively information passes to th e reader depends on the appropriate choice of design. For a successful design, various principles gain consideration. As outlined by Resnick (24), the principles of design include; balance, emphasis, rhythm, unity, and contrast. Balance deals with distribution of design elements in the design. Balance occurs when the distribution is uniform. Two types of balance exist; asymmetrical, and symmetrical. Symmetrical balance occurs as a result of equal arrangement of elements on both sides of a composition. If elements become skewed to one side, an imbalance occurs. The choice of balance depends on the dynamic movement the designer wants to create. Emphasis is the element that gains instant recognition. Its purpose is to attract attention. It forms the most salient feature on the visual presentation. To achieve emphasis, a designer may make the element larger or bolder or code it in a contrasting or brighter color than the adjacent elements. Rhythm presents the way in which the elements i n the design direct the reader’s gaze. A sequence forms when the rhythm creates a reading order. Repeating elements create the impression of rhythm. Unity is another principle. A design achieves unity if the elements relate to each other to create an impression of completeness. Unity is essential in eliciting interest in a reader. Two approaches gain application in achieving unity. These are; grouping, and ground. Grouping happens by placing elements close together such that they appear as part of a group. Ground occurs when a viewer identifies an object distinctly from its base or background. The final principle is contrast. The principle emphasizes visual differences in terms of shape, size, and color of the individual elements. Contrast focuses the attention of the viewer to certain areas of information. Design-lib.com recognizes additional principles to those of Resnick (24), above. Proximity deals with elements arrangement on the page. The intention of proximity is the c reation of unity by placing like elements together. Alignment is the other principle that gains recognition. Alignment deals with the organization of the design, and the expression of the outlook. Lack of alignment gives an impression of sloppiness just as the same way that mixing too many elements. Distortion of alignment is, however, necessary when a designer wants to create an impr

Prison life and strategies to decrease recidivism upon an inmates Essay

Prison life and strategies to decrease recidivism upon an inmates release from prison - Essay Example In the US, the rate of recidivism is estimated to be approximately two-thirds of all released inmates (Andrews & Bonta, 1994). This means that at least two-thirds of prisoners released will ultimately be re-imprisoned within a period of three years. High recidivism rates impose immense costs with regard to public safety, as well as tax dollars utilized in arresting, prosecuting and imprisoning re-offenders. Due to these high costs, programs for inmates, as well as released prisoners, which reduce recidivism, can prove cost effective, even in the event of modest success (Perkinson, 2010). This paper will consider the US prison system, describing its aspects such as prison life, the existence and effectiveness of programs that reduce recidivism and programs aimed at reintroducing released prisoners into society. Purpose for Prisons in the US As an institution, the prison plays a critical role in the society. The US justice system bestows on prisons various roles. The first essential ro le is rehabilitation; prisons provide convicts with second chances to appreciate and learn from their misconducts and change. In essence, prisons help inmates reflect on their lives and search for ways through which they can coexist peacefully within the society. In addition, prisons offer inmates with learning environments in which they acquire new skills essential in enabling them earn decent livelihoods after their release (Armitage, 2002). Another critical role of prisons is deterrence and punishment aimed at discouraging inmates and others within the society from committing similar crimes. Forms of punishment vary contingent on the crimes committed, ranging from hard labor to the death penalty. Such punishment deters others in the society from committing crimes, thus ensuring peace and harmony within the society (Andrews & Bonta, 1994). Moreover, prisons provide justice to victims of crimes. Because law centers on justice and equity, victims of crimes receive justice through th e incarceration of those that harmed them. The incarceration of a wrongdoer provides closure to the victim of the crime. Lastly, prisons in the US protect the public from threats to security and safety as incarceration deters criminals such as serial killers and rapists from committing crimes within the society. Current conditions in US prisons The present condition of US prisons is less than ideal. Prisoners presently live in deplorable conditions characterized by extreme overcrowding. The situation in US prisons provides a viable environment for crime to thrive within prison boundaries. Perkinson (2010) poises that the California and Texas prisons, which are the biggest in the US, have, in the last thirty years, experienced an eight fold increase in the number of prisoners incarcerated. Despite the growing number of inmates, funding for prisons has barely increased, making it difficult to meet the needs of prisoners (Armitage, 2002). Inadequate funding makes it difficult for priso ns to teach prisoners effective skills to enhance their re-introduction into society. Although the US encompasses 5% of the global population, its prisons encompass 25% of the global prisoner population; this indicates the enormity of the issue. Increased congestion in US prisons is also attributable to increased levels of crime and recidivism in the US. This congestion diminishes the rehabilitative role of prisons as congestion makes it difficult

Molecular Docking: Experimental Techniques

Molecular Docking: Experimental Techniques Experimental techniques for the determination of three-dimensional structure proteins crystallographic and magnetic resonance protocols have contributed for the deposition of over 12,000 protein structures in the Protein Data Bank. Although the number of available experimental protocols is large and improving rapidly, the determination of the structure of all detected protein-molecule interactions experimentally at high resolution is still an impossible task. Hence, reliable computational methods are of increasing importance. Protein docking involves the calculation of the three-dimensional structure of a protein-molecule complex. The molecule can be another protein, a small peptide or other small molecule (e. g. ligand). Ligand docking is nowadays of great importance in the drug discovery area, with great scientific and commercial interest. The main goal of protein docking is to predict how a pair of molecules interact, predicting accurate ligand poses and evaluating the main existi ng interactions. It should be able to adequately search the conformational available space and calculate the free energy of each conformation to identify the minimum energy conformation. Goals and Steps Protein docking requires the structures of the elements that form the complex and aims to predict correctly the binding site on the target, the orientation of the ligand and the conformation of both. At the end, a rank of possible docking poses based on estimated binding affinities or estimated free energies of binding is given. To successfully predict a target/ligand complex three steps are needed: (1) have accurate structures of the molecules involved in the interaction, (2) location of the binding site, and (3) determination of the binding mode and evaluation. According to Gray, the best docking targets are single-domain small proteins with known monomer structures, with experimentally-determined micromolar or better binding affinity, and minimal backbone conformational change after binding. The docking problem becomes more complicated when one of the structures undergoes significant conformational changes upon binding , for proteins whose structure was solves by homology modeling or for molecules with high degrees of freedom. However there have been reported successful docking results with modeled targets. The second step depends on the algorithm behind the docking software. Some of the used algorithms will be described further on. The hypothesis behind docking predictions is that the structure of a complex is the lowest free energy state that is accessible to the system. In Nature a protein-molecule complex change their conformations to become more compatible to one another, shifting two equilibriums progressively from less compatible to most compatible conformations for both, located at the local minimum of their potential energy surfaces. However ligands do not always adopt their lowest potential energy conformations when binding to their protein targets. Combining these two facts, the results can be influenced by the previous knowledge of the system. If a ligand has to explore a large area of the protein surface to find an adequate docking location, there is a lower probability of find the energy minimum than in the case of docking to a well-defined binding site on the protein. If a putative interaction region has been experimentally determined, this information can be used as useful input to guide the docking algorithm. Several new techniques to locate putative binding sites based on physicochemical properties or evolutionary conservation have been developed in recent years and are reviewed elsewhere. However, a good docking algorithm has to be able to predict realistically the docking site and distinguish it from nonspecific and/or energetically unfavorable ones even when performing a blind docking calculation. The third step is the determination of the binding mode and it mainly depends on the atoms surrounding the docking site and the distance between suitable interacting pairs, as well as the specific conformation and orientation of the molecules of the complex. The resulting conformation is ranked according to its evaluation by the used scoring function. Docking Approaches The speed and accuracy of the docking results depends on the used docking approach. Two major docking approaches are used by the available docking softwares. Shape Complementarity/Matching Methods This is the most common docking technique. The molecules are described in terms of descriptors, which may include structural complementarity terms (solvent-accessible area, overall shape and geometric constraints) and binding complementarity terms (hydrogen binding interactions, hydrophobic contacts and van der Waals interactions). Taking these terms into account, a given molecule is docked into the protein target by matching features. A combination of different descriptors is found to be able to enrich the number of near-native solutions in the set of best ranked docking solutions. This is a fast and robust technique that has been used successfully to screen large compound databases. Its main disadvantage is based on the incapacity of modeling accurately large protein motions and dynamic changes in the conformations. Simulation Methods The second approach simulates the real molecular recognition mechanism, a more complicated and detailed process. According to this method, the two molecules from the complex are distanced by a physical distance and the ligand explores its conformational space and finds its docking site after a finite number of moves. These moves can be translations, rotations, torsion angle rotations or others, and each have a different contribution to the final total energy of the system. The advantages of this approach include a better incorporation of ligand flexibility and a physically closer approach to what happens in reality. However, as the ligand has to explore a large energy landscape, this approach takes longer to evaluate the best docking site. Grid-based techniques and fast optimization methods are being developed to overcome this disadvantage. Mechanics of Docking The success of a docking software depends on two components: (1) the search algorithm, and (2) the scoring function. The combination of these two components will dictate the overall results of the docking task. Search Algorithm All possible rotational and translational orientations, distortions, backbone and side chain flexibility and various degrees of freedom make it impossible to perform an exhautive sampling. To lower the possibilities, most docking programs account only for ligand flexibility (e.g. representing it as a ensemble of structures), maintaining the target rigid. Others attempt to insert some target flexibility by using rotamer libraries, or some degree of side-chain flexibility by using soft interfaces and scaling sterical interactions, or a further side-chain refinement stage. Some of the most used search algorithms are described below. Systematic or stochastic torsional searches about rotatable bonds Rigid body methods This searching method is based on a simplified rigid body representation of the protein onto a regular 3D Cartesian grid. Then it distinguishes grid cells according to whether the two molecules are near or intersect the protein surface, or are deeply buried into the protein core and the degree of overlap is scored. This method generates a large number of docked conformations with favorable surface complementarity. The disadvantages of this searching method are that it maintains the target protein rigid and it cannot find binding modes with a high degree of accuracy due to its inherent simplification of the complex. However, most rigid-body procedures result in good docked conformation if the used structure of the target protein used is obtained by experimental data. Molecular dynamics simulations In this approach the protein is kept rigid while the ligand explores freely the conformational space, obtaining a ensemble of states accessible to the complex. The generated conformations are docked and a determined number of minimization steps are performed, followed by an overall ranking. This is a computational complex method, although it does not need a specialized scoring function and it provides a useful tool to generate ligand conformations. In principle, it allows for full atomic flexibility or flexibility restricted to relevant parts of the complex during the docking task. Genetic algorithms These searching algorithms perform global conformational searches particularly well. Based on the language of natural genetics and biological evolution, their goal is to evolve previous conformations into new low energy conformations. Each spatial arrangement of the pair is represented as a gene with a particular energy and the entire genome is a representation of the complete energy landscape which will be explored. Similar to biological evolution, random pairs of individuals are mated using a process of crossover and there is also the possibility of a random mutation in the offspring. During each iteration, high-scoring features in the current generation are preserved in the next cycle. This approach permits exploring of large conformational spaces. The main disadvantages include requiring the target protein to remain fixed during the docking task and multiple runs to obtain reliable results, which makes it a poor candidate to perform large databases screening. Limiting the conform ational space to explore and the explorations of conformational changes at sites of interest can largely increase the performance of the docking task using this algorithm. Scoring Function In docking, the goal of a scoring function is to serve as a mathematical method to predict the strength of the non-covalent interaction between the two molecules. Usually, this value is represented as the binding affinity, and indicates how favorable the binding interaction is. An ideal scoring function should be able to recognize favorable native contacts and discriminate non-native contacts with lower scores, and rank a set of molecules, predicting the correct modes of binding. These scoring functions can be parameterized (trained) against a set of experimental data for combinations of binding affinities, buried surface areas, desolvatation and electrostatic interation energies and hydrophobicity scores of molecular species similar to the species in study. There are four classes of scoring functions, which are described below. Choosing a scoring function should always be based on the resolution of the search method. Most scoring functions are physics-based molecular mechanics force fields that estimate the nonbonded interaction energy of the docking pose. Affinities are estimated based on the total internal energy, which is estimated taking into account the strength of intramolecular van der Waals and electrostatic interactions and the desolvation energy. It is know that the free energy of binding is higly dependent on the system and it is often dominated by desolvation or electrostatic contributions. Other software also take into account the torsional free energy and the unbound systems energy as penalizing terms. At the end, a low (negative) energy indicates a stable complex, with a likely binding interaction. Empirical scoring functions define simple functional forms for interactions between the two molecules of the complex. Some examples include the number atoms in contact between ligand and receptor, change in the solvent accessible surface area, number of hydrogen bonds, conformational entropy, and hydrophobic and hydrophilic contacts. These provide a fast method to rank potential inhibitory candidates. Knowledge-based scoring functions are based on statistical analysis on intermolecular interactions and interactions distances extracted from large databases of protein-ligand complexes (e.g. PDB). This method is based on the assumption that there are intramolecular interactions between certain atoms that occur more frequently, which will be energetically favorable. If detected these interaction will contributed more to a favorable binding affinity. Hybrid scoring functions combined one or more features from the ones described above. There has is always a focus on the scoring function when developing a new docking program. Newly developed scoring functions are evaluated based on their ability to reproduce known ligand-binding patters for well-studied receptors. Despite the development of new and improved scoring functions, there is still a difficulty in identifying the best docking solutions from a list of false positives or decoys. Disadvantages of Molecular Docking Docking calculations can be hampered by a number of reasons: (1) the ligand binds to deep specific pockets of the protein structure; (2) does not consider the presence of solvent, which can be crucial to allow hydrogen bond interactions to occur; (3) if there is an attachment of the ligand to a solid surface (e.g. resin) via a spacer arm; (4) ligands with high flexibility; (5) weak interactions between the ligand and the protein; (6) large-scale motions of the peptide backbone. However, new optimizations and extensions are being developed into existing programs to overcome these drawbacks. AutoDock Autodock (version 4.0.1) was the program package that was used for the docking task in this work. It is used for automated docking of small molecules (e.g. peptides, enzyme inihibitors and drugs) to macromolecules (e.g. proteins, antibodies, DNA and RNA). It is a very complete software package, allowing a robust and accurate procedure and a reasonable computational demand. AutoDock which allows the use of ligand with fixed and flexible degrees of freedom. The searching function used by AutoDock is the Lemarkian Genetic Algorithm (LGA), throughly described by Morris et al. LGA is a hybrid searching algorithm that combines the advantages of the global search of the common genetic algorithms and the advantages of a local search method to perform energy minimization, enhancing the performance relative to genetic algorithms. The local search does not require gradient information about the local energy landscape, facilitating torsional space search and allowing to handle more degrees of freedom. The AutoDock scoring function (described by Huey et al is a semi-empirical free energy force field scoring function that evaluates conformations and calculates the ligand-receptor binding affinity. The force field was parameterized using a large set of complexes with known inhibition constants (Ki), structure and binding energies. It evaluates enthalpic contributions (e.g. repulsion, hydrogen bonding) using a molecular mechanics approach and evaluates de changes in solvation and conformational mobility through an empirical approach. At the end of the docking task, Autodock returns a set of the top ranked answers according to the input system and parameters. Each is accompanied by the information regarding the estimated Ki and estimated free energy of binding, which is decomposed into (1) final intramolecular energy (van der Waals, hydrogen bond, desolvation and electrostatic energy), (2) final total internal energy, (3) torsional free energy, and (4) unbound systems energy and estimated as: (1)+(2)+(3)-(4). Due to its technical characteristics, automated docking with AutoDock is not widely used to screen a large number of compounds. However, Park et al performed a benchmarking which showed the potentialities of this software for database screening, with a overall better average docking time and performance than other tested docking software. The vast conformational sampling, degrees of freedom, complicated steric and chemical complementarity still offer a challenge for the computational approach to molecular docking. The inclusion of all possible conformational changes during docking searches is still impossible, and it would be of particular importance where only homology modeled structures are available. Slight modeling inaccuracies can result in false negatives, weak binding or even wrong docking poses. Better insights into the nature of protein folding and binding, protein dynamics and biomolecular energetics will allow the development of better docking algorithms. Unilever Case Study Analysis: SWOT Unilever Case Study Analysis: SWOT INTRODUCTION: There are many kinds of business everywhere; where there are many issues related to the growth of the company and Different strategies will enable different companies to reach those goals. Unilever is a company started in 1930 formed of Dutch Margarine Company and British based lever brothers. Unilever holds a wide range of products which include food, personal care, beverages, canned foods, ice creams and many more which are worlds best consumer brands. The case study describes a lot of information regarding Unilevers business strategies, key elements of Unilevers path to growth, how they rejuvenated and restructured the companies slow moving performance to wide range of brands across the world. BRIEF CASE STUDY: Unilever was created in 1930 as an outcome of merger with dual chairpersons and headquarters one in Netherlands and other in United Kingdom. This is of one the giant and best competitors in the industry which holds wide range of products. The two chairpersons have launched a strategy in early 2000 to recover the companys performance which was said to be lackluster. With the new strategies the company showed a significant progress and has gone through many dealings over the next years, this made the company to open 20 new acquisitions worldwide and increased the sales of the company. Thus the companys business was restructured, renovated and improved through its acquisitions. Then their came companies likes nestle which effecting the growth of Unilever. Unilever then started efforts to attract and motivate young, talented and innovative managers from outside its company. TASK 1: SWOT : A planning technique which is used for summarizing the key issues and evaluates the Strengths (S), Weaknesses (W), Opportunities (O) and Threats (T) in any business is called an SWOT analysis. Analysis is the brief study of any case how they are going to be obtained, who are responsible for causing it and solving it by planning which involves internal and external factors of a business or an organization; internal factors are classified as strengths(S) or weaknesses (W) and external factors are classified as Opportunities (O) or Threats (T). Strengths are those characteristics of a person or a company that are useful to achieve the goals. Weaknesses are the characteristics of a person or a company that is destructive to achieve the objective. Opportunities and threats are the external factors that are helpful in achieving and damaging the business performance respectively. The figure1 show the illustrative diagram of SWOT analysis. The internal factors include personal, finance, manufacturing capabilities, etc and the external factors may include technological changes which may cause changes in products and processes that is inventing a new product or making the product better which include quality of the product and the consumer desire, market influences due to unemployment rates effect the company and price factors is one of the important thing to keep in mind , market place is one more thing which is very important that is the company or a business should be located in a convenient environment to the consumers to attract and the product should be user friendly. Another important factor is that its external appearance the packing and the name of the products should be eye catchy. At last he customer relations should be friendly and consumer satisfaction is very necessary. Other than these there are some more factors which may be changing due to econ omic and social factors and competitive positions which may create new opportunities or threats. SWOT analysis is useful in decision making when most wanted these include nonprofit organizations, individuals. It is the only method for classification and has its own weaknesses. A SWOT which produces no strategies is of no use whereas which generates important strategies is useful. Unilever had a very tough competition during that time when it was bringing about the changes it was probably at this stage that these companies had moved forward with there various strategies. Skills, assets, finance, facilities are the resources which are used in any business to compete in the industry. In the same way Unilever used their own resources to grow as giant company. They have implemented SWOT analysis and implemented new business strategies and rejuvenated their company from lack lust to significant progress in sales. It has concentrated on marketing and advertising its business and gained increased pricing with supermarket vendors. Unilever was lagging in sales when compared with nestle, Procter Gamble, Kelloggs etc its path of growth strategy which met considerable uncertainty which made Unilever to undertake a series of actions by cutting the companies profile to reach corporate goals and introduced 20 new acquisitions worldwide and restructured the company into two divisions one includes all food products and other household and personal care. Then started other two new businesses across the world. The external market factors such as technological changes, social factors, and other companies growth made a very big impact on the consumer preferences and Unilever had to cut its revenue growth. Later it continued to obtain more products across the world and these products gave managers to make their own decision making to set priorities by introducing new initiatives. Unilever has even motivated and attracted young talented managers from outside the company to join their company. According to Unilevers SWOT analysis the strengths of the company are recognized as it is a global company with strong brand profile with worlds best brands and maintains strong relation with its retailers. But coming to its weaknesses it has insufficient management of brands and doesnt not connect with customers. And inability to maximize acquisitions has reduced spending for R D. Thought it has got many opportunities by introducing many products by changing customer preferences and increase in productio n of quality goods. There are threats equally which cause decrease in revenues with high market competition, increasing the number brands and exchange rates. There are many growth expectations, risks, profit margins in food and house hold industry which is composed of many sectors and sub sectors by challenging the change of customers preferences with challenging rival firms to gain market shares. Then with competitive achievement by creating attractive products through acquisitions and with capability of growing sales of the brands which existed and improve margins. For all this the many key to success was advertising the products. By improving the profits of the company not only included shifting sales of the products but also boosting efficiency and unit costs. There were three factors which worried in 2000, the consolidation pressures in food industry which bothered were slower growth rates in food industries, rapid consolidation among grocery markets that is between branded manufactures and private manufactures for good self space in the grocery stores. In the United States for several years the food industry was miserable and was expected to continue for few more years due to more women working and decreasing house hold sizes, single parents and singles. But the food industry in Europe, Asia, Africa and other less developed countries were attractive. Thought the competition between branded and private manufactures was a never ending issue, private manufactures improved their quality of products by growing market shares. Then there came many giant super markets and gave an opportunity for private brands with attractive prices below branded products and even provided checkout scanners to help the customers know price difference which tempt them to BRIEF SWOT ANALYSIS OF UNILEVERS CASE STUDY STRENGHTS WEAKNESSESS Global company. Reduced spending for R D. Best Brands. Inability to maximize acquisitions. Strong relation with retailers. Insufficient management of brands. Dual Leadership. OPPURTUNITIES THREATS Increasing in need of quality products. Decrease in revenues. Changing customer preferences. Strong competition. Increase in brands. shift to the private brands. Due to the heavy competition among them manufactures had to cut down the costs of the products, number of versions of the products and weed out weak brands and concentrate on those brands which were popular among the customers and those could develop into global brands. Introducing dual headquarters by dividing the food industry which consisted of 6 categories and household industry which consisted of 8 categories there were many benefits such as improving food and household industry by focusing more on them regionally and globally. Accelerating decision making and successful integration of R D though there were some critics that Unilever has been paying more for some of its acquisitions such as acquire Amora Maille. Unilever as of then in 2003 had been seen as a growing organization which probably had all the necessary requirements to make it a force to recon with, during the Path to Growth strategy many aspects of the company had come out some of them included the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths, probably the biggest strength that the company had at that time was the correct selection of the brands and the products it had in store unilever had done many researches and had to make many decisions to get the right combinations products that where to be sold it also had the right ideas to increase the sales and all the leading brands to help its cause. Unilever was very good at that time even if the financial aspect was taken into consideration it could experiment with various aspects of its store cause had the financial backup which was required at that time to help it implement various ideas and deal with the market pressures, for any company to improve its sales marke ting always plays a very important role this was probably there biggest strength as the marketing strategy applied by them managed to grab peoples attention as they easy to be connected to and much more simplistic and realistic. Unilever did manage all its clients very well considering that during a phase when they where cutting on the brands it would have been a risk to out anything at that time but it was very well managed by the company. Mainly the fact that unilever was now looking to make the higher range or the brands which where more famous as there core brands which made it much easier for them to advertise considering that it is much easier to promote a very well known and a trusted brand rather than a normal or new brand to increase the sales. Weaknesses, though unilever had a very good policy and all the right objectives to make a difference in the industry it couldnt happen basically due to the lack of proper organization, it was actually much like a bureaucratic organization where things where divided between too many people and it had become difficult to get the ideas moving due to the lack of proper organization, it probably all started with the fact that the company had to deal with too many brands in the first place it would obviously have the impact when the Path to Growth strategy came up cause of the then 1600 brands only 400 brands where retained and rest all where either removed or replaced, that shows that due the lack of proper organization and too many brands being part of it didnt help it in making the changes it wanted to in a better and quickest way. The organization was probably one field in which the company was lacking because it was felt that at the top of the company as there were too many people mak ing decisions and these decisions had to be put forward and this delayed the process of improvement for the company. Opportunities, during this phase of development and renewing it content and upgrading of the stock it turned out to be very fruitful as it provided many working opportunities for people it was at that time that many people where starting to get full time work, during this phase a lot of acquisition also took place with the major brands which resulted in some alterations in plans to that which were planned. SlimFast which is a private company is another acquisition of Unilever after implementing path to growth strategy in 2000 the company bargained an agreement to purchase slimfast diet foods. It had strong sales and network and has a special space in every super market and drugstores these products were made from natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals to provide good nutritional profile. It also maintained a very good relationship with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies. Unilever has concentrated more on this Slimfast since the company was growing fast and attracted the customers to buy more of it for healthier and long living life .Management of Unilever utilized the opportunity to globalize the product in other countries like Europe, Australia due to increase in the percent of obese. According to the world health organization percent of the obese was increasing gradually. UNILEVERS TOP COMPETITORS ? Figure: Competitors Performance Comparison http://finance.aol.com/company/unilever-plc-amer/ul/nys/top-competitors Ben Jerrys acquisitions which produces one of the finest ice creams anywhere in pint cartons and wholesale at groceries. Their sales slogan was Vermont finest All Natural Ice cream. They never use any artificial flavors thought the cost is little more it is worth the price. According to the time magazine Vermont makes the best ice cream in the world with 29 flavors in pint cartons and 45 flavors in bulk cartons. There products were distributed throughout the world. On demand Ben jerry operated three manufacturing plants where Vermont plant produces super premier ice cream and frozen yogurts where as spring field produces ice cream, lot fat ice creams in bulk, pint cartons and half gallons. Dreyers and Haagen-Dazs were the two major competitors of Ben jerry and other competitors were Colombo frozen yogurts, Kemps ice cream and star bucks. Ben Jerry produces a wide range of ice creams products like sticks, bars, frozen yogurt pops etc. Though Haagen- Dazs was the global market leader followed by Ben jerry it had an insignificant market share in United States where as Haagen- Dazs was more significantly sold in foreign markets. Both Ben jerry and Haagen-Dazs produced ice creams with cookies and candies in it. Bestfoods was a global company across the world almost in 60 countries which was busy in manufacturing and marketing the food products. Bestfoods profits are almost from outside of the United States that is almost 60 percent of its profits. It is one of the best managed food companies among United States who has much number of employees working with in their company in which half of them were at non US locations. The company increased payments for 14 successive years has its revenues grow by7.8 percent annual rate and suddenly slow downed during the period of 1997 and 1999. Then the company introduced a strategy with four core elements. Globalization of the companys core consumers: Products which are new in the market are needed to be globalized that is the products which are less popular among the consumers, are needed to be advertised and market those products to increase its sales and profits of those products. Few such products are knorr product line, salad dressing and food service operations. The advertising of such kind of products was done very well in order to get those products globally recognized and be accepted among many big brands and soon they became household names. Improvement in cost effectiveness: With changing customer preference the quality of the products must be improved and therefore there should also be improvement in cost effectiveness as the quality improves cost increases. Cost effectiveness is nothing but it is a way by which you show to a customer that a certain is product is worth using or is better than other product or the money u spend on it is worth it. Cost effectiveness in simple would be defined as showing the worth of the product. Looking for new market opportunities: Extending the product sales all over the world via new product introductions and extending sales of the products which are existed in the market. It is very important for any company to be always alert and look for opportunities to extend the business to a large scale and see it in a bigger picture based on the opportunities it gets. Using free cash to make new acquisition: With expanding the products and brands company has created 60 acquisitions in the global market. After struggling a lot in June 2000 best foods agreed to be acquired by Unilever. Best foods were the largest acquisition undertaken by Unilever by as far as concerned and which makes a largest combination of food companies in 12 years. Management of Unilever believed that combining and assimilating bestfoods would result in pre tax cost saving, better efficiencies in business process, synergy in distribution marketing, reformation of general and administrative functions and improved economies of scale. By creating robust business in United States market, increasing strengths of Unilever and best foods in Europe, building of best foods in Latin America to speed up the growth of Unilever brands, by distributing strengths in Asia- pacific to grow and sped up Bestfoods brands and increasing the sales of Unilever products by food service channel of Bestfoods. The work culture was so casual to make the atmosphere fun and lively with communication between the management and employees. The company respected the employees suggestions and respected them even paid the employees a reasonable salary Finally Unilever has announced sale of Bestfoods Backing Company to Canadian food and super market group known as George Weston for $ 1.76billion though Unilever declared to divest Bestfoods Baking Company and Unilever other products and bakery products does not exit any more at Unilever. Bestfoods has 19plans across the United States with a strong management team and was entirely US based. It was one of the best distributing for delivering the baked products which are really baked fresh and sent directly to the retail stores. With its dedication and hard work Bestfoods sales has increased its profit margins by 8 percent. Later again Unilever announced to sell 19 Bestfood brands across North America to ACH food companies which is a supplementary of Associated British Food. By successfully combining the operations of bestfoods with Unilever by the year end of 2003 the two companies had been merged in 63countries across the world TASK 2: Path to Growth: Path to growth strategy was initiated in 2000 and was restructured for several years for better and significant results. The key elements of this Unilevers path to growth strategy were cutting down its brands from 1600 brands to 400core brands to achieve top line sales and increase profits by advertising the brands which are more popular and leading brands across the world and concentrating on R D. Another important key element was divesting underperforming brands and theirs companies and introducing more innovated things to enhance the internal development of the organization and making new acquisitions. Unilevers years of slow performance and its lack of corporate strategy in the competition industry with low number of brands and ordinary performance in growing markets with a little global presence made to create a path to growth strategy which was a 5 year growth plan which made them to concentrate on more brands and product innovations for internal and external growth of the company. And made the company to grow with acquisitions. According to FitzGerald and Bergmans path to growth strategy they predicted to manufacture double digit wages per share growth and superior positions. Focusing on the key brands by advertising and marketing made business grow higher and build brand value and increased brands prices. The case study shows Unilever as a global company according to SOWT analysis after introducing the path to growth strategy the company had really increased its sales and with introducing more number of acquisitions and cutting down the cost of revenues. As the acquisitions like Slimfast, Ben jerry and best foods were rapidly growing their market across the world building a very strong profile and providing customers attractive products and offers. Slim fast has 20%anual growth rate with strong sales and distribution all over the world and also maintained good customer relation. Where Ben jerry was worlds giant ice cream products and yogurt maker with strong brand equity. Bestfoods was USs 10 largest foo d products company with a strong global position. The two key elements of the Unilevers new business strategy was to cut down on the number of brands that were being sold or being marketed by the company, at that time Unilever was operating with as many as 1600 brands and much more products due to this the cut down on the number of products and brands was considered, the 1600 brands that where part of the company were cut down to as many as 400 core brands, the core brands mostly included all the famous and popular brands which are generally very popular among people, this idea came up as to make sure that the products where sold and by doing this it would not be much of a problem for the marketi8ng of these products as most of these brands where already day to day and very famous brands which people would generally prefer buying, which would mean that it would take much less an effort to connect to the people and more over the marketing was also done in such a way that people where able to connect to it very easily, the other key e lement of the unilevers strategy was to remove all the underperforming companies or brands and introduce some other new brands or companies in order to enhance the internal development of the organization and make new acquisitions which would enhance the sales of the company and make it more likable for the people this strategy was designed to increase the sales of the company and get rid of the companies which where not much in demand . Weaknesses according to SWOT analysis showed the company has dual leadership, insufficient management of brands and reduced R D after all this slow performance and small global presence the management has introduced path to growth strategy, which increased the company sales with cutting down it costs and introducing more acquisitions resulted in globalizing the company. As a result there were few expectations to achieve a double digit growth and securing a better position in global market for food and household products by increasing the quality of the product to gain pricing power and attract more customers. But according to the strategy plan the targets which were set was really high that is top line sales growth of 5-6 percent annually, increasing profits, and plan to complete by the end of 2004. If we look and analyze the path to growth strategy we can tell whether the strategy is working or not, we can say that it is working by its success rates and increase in profits and increase in brands and acquisitions that is the consumer preferences have changed due to which the products quality has changed and prices have changed the leading brands sales have increased from 75 percent to 93 percent. Food and personal care industry have increased its profits consistently. Operating assets have also improved by 9 percent. Acquisitions like slim fast, Ben jerry and best foods have gradually improved its growth and established its acquisitions all over the world. But the other side it is completely not yes, Unilever was gaining profits significantly after introducing new strategies but it was losing too yes it reported a net loss of $318M as the competitions was increasing and new brands were coming in to the market and rivals were introducing new strategies to compete Unilever. In th e year 2004 sales grew only by .4 percent leading brands by .9 percent so this proves that Unilever was lagging behind competitors in terms of innovation and advertising. Unilevers lack of advertising and marketing failed to improve sales. The company was small and not globalized. In this case Unilever attracted the new young talented manages to join their company with innovated ideas to increase its company profits by new methods of advertising and marketing. To justify Unilever strategies it maintained dual headquarters and dual chairpersons which reduced effective thinking and slow downed the decision making. Unilever is divided into Unilever Plc and Unilever NV. This made Unilever to focus on the needs of the customers and increase its sales profits in various industries like food, personal case, and household industries all over the world. As customers demand the products which are of the best quality and branded but at the same time convenient, cheap and attractive. The market for household products have been decreased its profits as the numbers of single parents have been increased and the rate of females working out have been increased and the demand for the healthy and high quality food has been increased. The consumers preference of the products such as its look, quality of the product and nutritional values has been increased by providing a strong competition against its giant competitors and private manufactures. This allows Unilever to focus on the need of its customers by increasing its sales. In 2003 Unilever executing its path to growth strategy by increasing its operating margins to over 15percent, but the sales of the leading brands growth as slowdown and raised questions among the investors and retailers that whether company brands could deliver some 5-6 percent of growth in revenues in the next coming years. TASK 3: Unilevers current business Strategies: Ever since the ‘Path to Growth strategy ended in 2005 there has been a 15% increase in the sales and development in the overall progress of Unilever. After the ‘Path to Growth came to an end a new process was developed by Unilever called as the Brand Imprint which helped the marketing teams in understanding how the business could face risks as well as opportunities from the social, economic and environmental issues. In this process each brand was scrutinized by a team looking into various aspects of it such as the direct as well the indirect impacts of the product, it also checked how the brand would go ahead in the future looking at the products possibilities of growth both from a customer and a stakeholders point of view. The outcome of the Brand Imprint is that the process has helped in making important decisions for the company keeping the future in perspective it also developed in addressing social missions, social and environmental issues. The Brand Imprint provided a perfect experience to find some systematic and measurable ways to explore different brands and improve the brands by addressing social issues, helping people the product well and reducing the environmental issues. When the S.W.O.T analysis was done on the ‘Path to Growth strategy many different aspects of the strategy where scrutinized using the SWOT analysis in which it dealt with many aspects such as the strength, weakness, opportunities and the threats that are being faced. After the analysis it came out that it had been very useful to determine the various aspects attached to it. Unilever for years had been a slow developing company, though the company had the right infrastructure and the capital but it couldnt utilize it properly that was basically the reason why the path to growth and various other strategies where starting to come up to help the company to increase the sales of the products and improve the business. Path to growth played a major part in the development of the company. The Path to Growth strategy did prove to be quite a useful thing considering the fact that during this period almost all of the unsuccessful brands where removed or replaced and the brands which where trusted and kept managed to increase the sales by 75% to 93%. Unilevers growth was considerably slow during this phase because the company was at that stage making very drastic changes and for these changes to come up and make a difference was something unexpected but the companys growth was obvious in certain fields thanks to the new strategies that had come in to improve the sales of the company so as to improve the business of the company. It was due to the fact that the company probably took way too much time u started and implement its plans that it caused the success to be not as higher as expected. Many business analysts and commentators felt that most of the strategies of the path to growth where working fine but there was always a speculation that what ever progress was talking place was happening too slow considering the competition the market was in with at that time, it was also felt that as the basic functionality of the business was spread among way too many people made the management way to complex and it would have been better off if it was simpler. It did work out fine when it came to the advertising of the product and getting it known to the people as it was more public oriented and it used the sources to the full extent to connect to the people. It did experience a drastic growth during that period as the analysis had proved that the company had the highest growth percentage as compared to any other company during that period it did bring in high profits to the company but looking at the whole picture it did prove to be a huge loss for the company considering the fa ct that they faced a countable loss in the revenue margin and that proved to be the difference, though it did have the right amount of sales and customers due to the slowness of there analysis to sort out and remove or replace the stuff did make a difference to analysis in the larger picture. But the company did grow during that time which might as well have effected the revenue cause many new store where started and large number of employees where starting to be employed on a full time basis. It did do quite well on the international market as well. By looking at the way the company had grown during this stage is quite remarkable many business analysts and commentators had felt that they probably had the right scheme of action because during that time they where handling 1600 brands and which was way too much and among those were quit few brands which hardly made any diff to the company so then the whole idea of brands cut based on the market outlook and sales reports was looked into to classify as to which of the products or brands where fast selling and which had the scope to sell more. It was that idea to cut down on the number of brands and start promoting only few brands which where much easier to be marketed and which where more likable by the people by which it would increase the sales and also make the marketing of these products easier cause when you are promoting bigger brands which are often very well known to public would mean that u don have to spend much on the marketing. Did the company experience growth during this period? Yes, would be the right thing to say voiding the minor things which might effect the outcome but it did see the light of success though slowly and there process and ideas where starting to get implemented in a better way and in a more successful way to deal with the growth of the company, the process of cutting down on the under selling companies was probably the decision that started to turn the tide for the company as it was when the losses where starting to be covered and it was mor