Wikiash Essays - Northwest Coast Art, Native American Religion

Wikiash Native American literature is, in general, not to my liking. I find that it is very often too far-fetched for even my imagination. Most Native American pieces are more like childrens fairy tales, than serious accounts of Indian history. The tale of the first totem pole was no exception to this generalization. I found the piece very slow and quite far-fetched. However, I enjoyed the piece from a fictional literature standpoint. Wakiash and the First Totem Pole is a story about a man named Wikiash, who has no dance in his tribe and so, decides to go find one. He is taken to a house where he sees animals (who have taken off their animal skin to reveal human bodies underneath) dancing around the place. Wikiash befriends a small mouse and gets her to help him sneak up on the animals in the house, so that he can learn a dance. Eventually, he bursts into the house in the middle of a dance. The animals are so ashamed that he has seen them without their animal skins that they will give him whatever he wants. He chooses to make them teach him some dances. However, he also asks for the house, a totem pole that is out front, and a mask. It was unclear to me why he asked for the latter 3 items, but ultimately he got them and was happy about it. This story shows all the aspects of Native American religious and social beliefs. Firstly, the aspect of the circle of life, which is probably the most important part of Native American religion, is not directly mentioned in the story. I have come to the conclusion, after much reflection to symbolism in the that the animals with their skin off that look like humans, are probably dead people who were reincarnated as animals, or were somehow spiritually connected to each other through the earth and the environment. Other than that, the Circle of Life is not an important part of Wikiash and the First Totem Pole. The story shows the importance of dance in Native American culture. Wikiash was practically an outcast until he learned the dances from the animals, then he was loved by all. It is the Kwakiutl way of life to dance, and its an important part of all their ceremonies, if I understand the symbolism in the story correctly. Overall, the story of Wikiash was an enjoyable story, but, I would not like to read stories like that all the time. The story, on a good note, was lighter on the symbolism and complexly of ideas than other Native American literature that I have read. Despite relatively little symbolism in this story, the ideas and beliefs that the story was trying to portray about dance being important in Kwajiutl daily life was conveyed clearly and well. This story gives the impression of a childrens fairy-tale, rather than a serious representation of Native American mythology and the first totem pole. English Essays

The Children We See, But Dont See In the Foster Care System Professor Ramos Blog

The Children We See, But Dont See In the Foster Care System Gwenyth Witkowski Engl-101-04 The Children We See, But Don’t See In the Foster Care System The foster care system as it exists today, is inadequate for meeting the needs of the children it is intending to serve. In theory, foster care sounds like the next best option if parents are incapable of taking care of their children, whether it be due to mental illness, drug abuse, physical abuse, or even poverty. This, however, is unfortunately not always the case. More often than not, children who are removed from their homes are placed in foster care, or group homes. Both can be equally as damaging when the appropriate assistance is not received. The incredible importance of understanding the problems associated with the foster care system cannot be underestimated.   As a society, we must find solutions to these problems so that children who have already been through some awful experiences can be cared for appropriately, and not be further harmed by the very system that is supposed to help them. This is important not only for the children, but it is a reflection of the kind of society we have created. Do we value all of our members, or just the ones who can vote or pay money? Research indicates that children who have spent time in the foster care system have higher levels of problems such as low educational attainment, physical abuse, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, involvement in the juvenile justice system, running away, and homelessness. While these are social problems that affect other people who have not been in the foster care system, the rates for foster children are higher. Is there something about the system itself that is creating these problems, or does it have to do with early childhood trauma from abusive or neglecting parents, or is it from the trauma of being separated from parents that they love? The youth who are placed in foster care are significantly more vulnerable than those placed in group homes due to the fact that their foster parents are not supervised on a daily basis by others. And in almost every case involving the maltreatment of children in the foster care system, the foster parents were at fault (Morton, 207). While maltreatment is not always going to be at the hands of non-relative foster parents, it is more likely. When a foster youth is abused by their caregiver, typically one of the biggest signs to their case worker that there’s a problem, is their grades. This, however isn’t always enough to warrant a different placement. In another small study, 11 participants discussed their abuse while in the foster care system, and how difficult it was for them to receive help. You may ask â€Å"why don’t they just call the police? How about taking photos of any injuries or contacting their social worker?† These apparently obvious solutions do not always work, because all of them were in fact attempted by a few children in this study, yet they were sent back to their abusive placement. In this study, a girl named Tanya was being sexually abused in her placement. Yet despite being abused, she did her best to maintain her grades, giving her social worker no reason to question the safety of her environment. After being placed in multiple homes, enduring abuse in all of them, Tanya was severely traumatized. She was abused to the point where she didn’t begin speaking until she was six, developing her own form of sign language, enabling her to communicate with her sister and foster parents (Morton, 217).   Another girl named Emily, who was actually being physically abused by a family member, wasn’t removed for a year and a half, even after documenting her abuse with photos, as well as attempting to call law enforcement. It wasn’t until she walked around with a fractured cheekbone that she was taken aw ay (Morton, 218). Roberto, Dianna, Jennifer, Emily, Tanya, Byron: these were just some of the participants in the study who shared their abuse. Not only are these children affected physically, but they typically won’t perform well in class, and they become angry, as well as distrusting and more likely to run away. While it seems understandable that a child who is being abused will leave their placement, why leave and be on their own? And what happens when they leave? There is a multitude of reasons that lead to foster youth leaving their placement. Among those are abuse, neglect, abandonment, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and painful family conflict (Crossland, Dunlap, 1699). It was found in a study that collected data from 14,282 youth, that age and gender were in fact key risk factors that were associated with running (Crossland, Dunlap, 1699). The youth aged from 15-17 were more likely to run away than those under 15, but of those who ran away, 90% ran from home for the first time when they were at least 12. Girls were far more likely than boys to run away. It was also discovered that the probability of youth running away was the highest in the first few months of placement in the foster care system. When the youth do run away, the ramifications are severe. They will more than likely miss school time, if they haven’t dropped out, and they are at risk of becoming victims of sexual assault, abusing drugs, and taking part in criminal activity. They also fail to gain an employment history which damages their chances of finding a suitable place to live. This will in fact lead to homelessness (Crossland, Dunlap, 1699). Low educational attainment is a problem for many youths in the United States, but this is especially the case for foster children. A study was done (Hunter, 2014) involving 1,266 foster care youths in order to predict their academic attainment. This study found that those placed with a certified relative did better academically than those placed with non-relatives, benefiting from many opportunities because of their connections with their family. These youths not only performed better academically, but their self-esteem and confidence were significantly higher than those who were placed with non-relatives, making it easier for them to build trusting relationships with peers and teachers. The children placed with non-relatives were less likely to succeed. With some it was due to physical, sexual or mental abuse, which creates psychological problems that impair social functioning. For others, the lack of success was more than likely due to the fact that many of the foster parents, yout hs, and even social workers were not as knowledgeable of all of the resources that they have at their disposal. Said resources often go underutilized because not very many people know about the programs offered in their area (Hunter, 23). In addition to low educational attainment, youth in the foster care system are more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system than others. â€Å"Consequently, nearly half of all youths who age-out are arrested after they transition from foster care at age 21† (Osei, et. al, p. 34). Taking all the different types of foster care into consideration, of the three main types (traditional foster care, therapeutic foster care, and group care), therapeutic foster care seemed to prevent the largest number of crimes due to the increased counseling. Therapeutic foster care settings are typically smaller, with more staff on site to help the foster youths manage any problems they’re having. It is indeed important to find the most appropriate placement for at-risk youth to help them avoid entering the criminal justice system (Osei, et. al, pp. 43-44). As if the prior problems aren’t enough, teen pregnancy among the youth in the foster care system has proved to be an obstacle that prevents these young people from achieving their educational and employment goals. â€Å"†¦teen girls in foster care are two and a half times more likely than those not in the system to experience a pregnancy by age 19† (Bilchik, Wilson-Simmons, p. 16). It’s acknowledged that being removed from their homes and not forming any important connections with others to â€Å"anchor† themselves, can in fact result in early pregnancies due to a lack of guidance. These early pregnancies can result in the youth born to these young mothers being put into the foster care system themselves. Without the help and support that they need, young females in the foster care system will continue to suffer from this very difficult problem, along with the repercussions due to their already disadvantaged state (Bilchik, Wilson-Simmons, p. 17). This report has covered five major problems within the foster care system: abuse, running away, low educational attainment, involvement in the juvenile justice or criminal justice system, and teen pregnancy. Much research is being conducted on these and other problems, and some of the researchers have pointed to potential solutions not discussed in this paper with social scientific evidence that could support the development of evidence-based programs for foster youth to help solve these problems. It would seem that all we have to do is implement these solutions. However, foster care is notoriously underfunded, and local, state, and federal government agencies lack the resources to try these effective solutions. What is called for at this time is the political will among our elected officials to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable population: children without parental care. Bilchik, Shay and Wilson-Simmons, Renà ©. Preventing Teen Pregnancy among Youth in Foster Care. Policy Practice (19426828), vol. 68, no. 2, Apr. 2010, p. 16. EBSCOhost, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=f5hAN=49179396site=ehost-live Bilchik and Wilson-Simmons discuss one of the biggest problems that female youth in the foster care system face, presenting us with opportunities and preventative measures to take in order to avoid early pregnancies in the future. They discuss further what can lead to teen pregnancies among the youth in the foster care system. I will include this in my research report to illustrate yet another problem troubling the foster care system. Crossland, K. Dunlap, G. J. â€Å"Running Away from Foster Care: What Do We Know and What Do We Do?† Journal of Child and Family Studies, Springer Science+Business Media New York. Vol. 24, no. 6, June 2015, pp. 1697-1706. EBSCOhost, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=102426799site=ehost-live This article provides the audience with a detailed explanation as to what motivates the youth in the foster care system to run away from their current placement(s), how running is defined within the foster care system, as well as the ramifications of doing so. It will also touch on potential strategies to decrease how often the children run. I am going to use this in my report in order to help my audience as well as myself better understand why the youth placed in the foster care system feel the need to leave their place of residence at all. I am confident in the reliability of my source due to the fact that it is published by a company that is known for peer-reviewed journals in science, humanities and technical and medical publishing. Hunter, Dana R., et al. Understanding Correlates of Higher Educational Attainment among Foster Care Youths. Child Welfare, vol. 93, no. 5, Sept. 2014, p. 9. EBSCOhost, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=f5hAN=122411384site=ehost-live The article by Dana Hunter (and others) is a study done on a little over 1,200 youths in the foster care system, involving the academic success rates of children placed in the care of family members versus those who were not. This study was done in the context of social capitol theory, demonstrating that social capitol plays a role in educational attainment. This will be used in my article in order to draw attention to the importance of the caregiver in charge of the youth within the foster care system. This article is reliable because it is a child welfare journal. Morton, Brenda. Seeking Safety, Finding Abuse: Stories from Foster Youth on Maltrestment and Its Impact on Academic Achievement.† Child Youth Services, vol. 36, no. 3, Jul-Sep2015, pp. 205-225. EBSCOhost, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=110072124site=ehost-live This article by Brenda Morton focuses on the maltreatment of youth in the foster care system, and the effect that it has on their academic careers. She also goes over the rate at which the youth within the foster care system drop out of school, and the emotional and behavioral challenges that come with the trauma and abuse that they’ve endured. This will help in my research report, as it goes hand in hand with why the children who are being mistreated are less likely to remain at their out-of-home care placements. This article is reliable in the way that it was published by a global publishing company, which publishes academic books, journals about the humanities and social sciences. Osei, Gershon, et al. Delinquency and Crime Prevention: Overview of Research Comparing Treatment Foster Care and Group Care. Child Youth Care Forum, vol. 45, no. 1, Feb. 2016, pp. 33-46. EBSCOhost, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=112260689site=ehost-live The article by Gershon Osei (and others) discusses a small study that was done involving youth in the foster care system from ages 10-18. It explores the potential solutions to higher delinquency rates in the youth. I will use this article in my report to provide the audience with an understanding of what could potentially help youth in the system, should we put in the time and man power needed to avoid any children being overlooked or neglected in any way. This article is reliable because this is the same company that publishes peer-reviewed journals in science, humanities, and technical and medical studies. https://unsplash.com/search/photos/children

Definition and Evaluation of Holistic Grading

Definition and Evaluation of Holistic Grading Holistic grading is a method of evaluating a composition based on its overall quality. Also known as  global grading, single-impression scoring, and impressionistic grading. Developed by the Educational Testing Service, holistic grading is often used in large-scale assessments, such as college placement tests. Graders are expected to make judgments based on criteria that have been agreed upon before the start of an evaluation session. Contrast with analytic grading. Holistic grading is useful as a time-saving approach, but it does not provide students with detailed feedback. Observations Teachers who practice holistic grading refuse to break down a students essay into separate problems like punctuation and paragraphing, but base their grade on their immediate sense of the whole derived from a deliberately nonanalytical reading.(Peggy Rosenthal, Words and Values: Some Leading Words and Where They Lead Us. Oxford University Press, 1984)Holistic Grading and Peer ReviewIf the speed of grading is more important than detailed feedback, then  holistic grading is  more appropriate; it just means less feedback for the writer. Pairs or small groups can also evaluate one anothers work using this rubric. Called peer review, it gives them practice in evaluation, helps them internalize the criteria, and relieves you of the burden of grading.(Nancy Burkhalter,  Critical Thinking Now: Practical Teaching Methods for Classrooms Around the World.  Rowman Littlefield,  2016)Inductive Holistic Grading[Holistic grading] is relatively quick, efficient, reliable, and fair when ba cked by instructor experience, practice, and familiarity with the student performance range at the institution. In addition, it easily accommodates essays and assignments that demand higher-order thinking and have multiple respectable responses.With inductive holistic grading, which is suitable for small classes, you read quickly through all the responses or papers, rank each above or below the ones you have already read, from best to worst, and then group them for assigning grades. Finally, you write up descriptions of the quality of each group and then give them to students when you return their work. To personalize the feedback, you can add comments to each students sheet or highlight the most applicable parts of the appropriate description.(Linda B. Nilson, Teaching at Its Best: A Research-Based Resource for College Instructors, 3rd ed. Jossey-Bass, 2010) Advantages and Disadvantages of Holistic Grading- An advantage to holistic grading is that graders can evaluate many papers in a short span of time because they do not comment on or correct the students work. Advocates of this method also propose that it makes grading more objective, since students names do not appear on the papers and since the rater may not have had the student in a class . . ..Critics of the method have questioned its validity and reliability, arguing that holistic ratings are swayed by superficial factors such as length and appearance of an essay, that holistic ratings cannot be generalized beyond the group that designed the criteria for judgment, and that the agreed-upon criteria can limit the readers views on the merits of the writing they are evaluating . . ..(Edith Babin and Kimberly Harrison, Contemporary Composition Studies: A Guide to Theorists and Terms. Greenwood Press, 1999)- [H]olistic grading is  probably not the best tactic, even if it seems the ea siest and quickest. Assigning a single score, grade, or judgment leaves the student unsure about both quality and content. One simple approach is to give a composition one grade for content coverage and a separate grade for writing quality.(Robert C. Calfee and Roxanne Greitz Miller, Best Practices in Writing Assessment for Instruction.  Best Practices in Writing Instruction, 2nd ed., edited by  Steve Graham et al. Guilford Press, 2013) Holistic RubricsHolistic rubrics are the quickest way to score papers in any content area, requiring a teacher to read a paper only once. Teachers can develop rubrics by basing them on the content theyve taught and practiced; assess papers based on established criteria agreed upon by students and teachers; and give a single holistic score that indicates the quality level of the writing, ranging from deficient to competent to outstanding.(Vicki Urquhart and Monette McIver, Teaching Writing in the Content Areas. ASCD, 2005)

Dallas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dallas - Essay Example The city was under both the Spanish and French colonial governments before boundaries placed it under Spain. This adds to its great historical background and makes it unique and a tourist favorite. The planning of the city is done extremely well, with the buildings well arranged and the roads and streets offer easy navigation through the city. Although it lacks a navigable link to the sea, the scenery in Dallascity is just irresistible; the Trinity River winds itself through the city and serves as an ideal position to view the sunset either on the ferry or on the shores before it disappears into Houston (Hanson 68). Dubbed the romantic spot, couples always gather on the shores of this river and just sink into each other’s eyes while enjoying the beautiful environment around them. White Rock Lake is another beautiful area to visit in Dallas. It is a water reservoir where families go to spend their weekends and free time. Activities such as boating, rowing, jogging, and biking all serve as a means of entertainment to the people. There is also an Arboretum and Botanical garden located to the east shore of the lake that provide good relaxing places and serve as a tourist at traction sites (Hanson 21). Dallas has a humid subtropical climate, which favors most of the best outdoor activities. For instance, during the summer, the city records very high temperatures that range between 38 and 42 degree Celsius, which are favorable for swimming, and other water activities (Hanson 22). Winters in Dallas are mild warm with lots of snow rising up to 1.5 inches off the ground. Spring and autumn bring the most pleasant weather with the showing of wild flower that beautifully colors the environment (Hanson 22). A staple in Dallas is the Chilean Sea Bass on Lobster Risotto. This dish has gained recognition around the world due to its effect on the taste buds, and you simply cannot visit Dallas without paying a visit to one of the steakhouses

Cloning and Expression of the Peanut Allergen, Ara h2.02 in E.coli Thesis

Cloning and Expression of the Peanut Allergen, Ara h2.02 in E.coli - Thesis Example allergic reaction is influenced by some factors such as genetic predisposition (atopy), age, type of food allergen, nature of any food processing, environmental, and physiological conditions (Taylor and Hefle 2001). Sampson (2005) claims that exercise, medications, alcohol consumption, and asthma may increase the severity of an allergic reaction. The majority of severe and fatal allergic reactions to foods have appeared in adolescents and teens that were highly atopic and had a history of asthma (Sampson 2003b; Pumphrey 2004). In general, it is assumed that the history of severe allergic reaction indicates an increased danger of imminent severe reactions. However, a history of mild responses does not prevent the risk of a future severe reaction. Sicherer et al. (1998) note that mild reactions to peanut during childhood can be more severe during adulthood and later childhood. This may be caused by tendency of the children to develop asthma later in life (Sampson 2005). Pumphrey (2004) shows in his review article on anaphylactic fatalities in United Kingdom that 85 percent of fatal food reactions on the patient did not experience a severe reaction. The author also states that the severity of past responses is not a possibility for having a fatal reaction in nut allergic patients. Studies also implied that an individual that has a clinical history of IgE-specific food allergy may be inclined to anaphylaxis or severe reaction. Estimate shows that 35 percent of the children are affected by allergy III and IV and the most common signs of allergy in children are: (1) food allergy, (2) atopic dermatitis, (3) asthma, and (4) allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis. Allergic diseases are carried on in families. If the parents have allergies, the child has a 40 to 60 percent chance of developing allergies. Also, if only one of the parents has an allergy the risk is about 20 to 40 percent. However, if both parents do not have allergies, there still exists a risk for the child to

Interoffice Memo Essay Example for Free

Interoffice Memo Essay Yesterday, July 1, 1976, the ruling in the case of Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California was decided. The Supreme Court of California imposed a legal duty to psychotherapists, enforceable by a civil suit, to warn a person who may become a victim of a violent act by a patient or if the patient threatens to harm themselves. As professionals in the Human Service field it is necessary that we adhere to this when a client may threaten to hurt themselves or another person. With this ruling, and before any action is taken, we are reminded of our code of ethics. Human Service Professionals have guidelines in their responsibility to the client. The ruling of this case has affected our ethical decision making, in that, we also acknowledge that we need to not only assist our client but also, if threat is made, to assist and protect a potential victim. Once this threat is made, ethically, we have no option but to report it and to not do so, we break our code of ethics and the law. This case has made us aware of the fact that threats can and possibly will be carried out, therefore, threats should not and will not be taken lightly. Our Code of Ethics has changed slightly since this ruling was imposed and while we still protect our client’s confidentiality and privacy, there is now an exception. â€Å"If it is suspected that danger or harm may occur to the  client or to others as a result of a client’s behavior, the human service professional acts in an appropriate and professional manner to protect the safety of those individuals. This may involve seeking consultation, supervision, and/or breaking the confidentiality of the relationship.† (Woodside and McClam, 2011) References: Woodside, M., McClam, T. (2011). An introduction to human services (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.

Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath vs. Sinclair’s The Jungle Essay

Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath vs. Sinclair’s The Jungle The global appeal of the so-called American dream of happiness and success has drawn many people to the â€Å"promised land† for hundreds of years. Although the American government preached equality for all on paper, it was driven primarily by money. Both Upton Sinclair and John Steinbeck recognized this and used literature to convey the flaws of capitalism. Sinclair’s The Jungle satirized America’s wage slavery at the turn of the century and forty years later, Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath criticized the commercialism of American farming. These two books, often viewed as propagandistic, employ similar persuasive strategies: strong imagery, heavy symbolism, biting irony, and a proposal to correct the situation. Despite these parallels, however, the authentic diction and syntax of Steinbeck’s writing deviates from the inconsistent style of Sinclair. After considering how each author manipulates various stylistic elements, The Grapes of Wrath proves to be a more cogent tract. The most obvious rhetorical device in The Jungle is its powerful imagery. Sinclair offers repulsive anecdotes of work in the packinghouses. His description of the killing beds in winter vividly lingers in the mind of the reader. During winter, Sinclair says, the vicious cold of the beds caused the men to â€Å"tie up their feet in newspapers and old sacks.† By the end of the day, the frozen blood of slaughtered cattle soaked through their improvised boots so that â€Å"a man would be walking on great lumps the size of the feet of an elephant.† Sinclair also claims that when workers fell into the open vats on the floor in â€Å"tank rooms full of steam,† their absence passed unnoticed, often â€Å"over... ...beck describes them. Because the family concentrated on farming instead of schooling, their country phrases are fitting. Steinbeck’s convincing portrayal of Dust Bowl migrants grabs the reader’s emotions, producing a compelling argument. Overall, The Grapes of Wrath proves to be a more effective novel that The Jungle. Although The Jungle shares some of the same rhetorical devices, its unrealistic dialogue and long-winded sentences detract from its potency. Steinbeck and Sinclair both successfully use imagery, symbolism, and irony to persuade their audience. In both books, various symbols emphasize the deceptive nature of the American dream, and irony mercilessly illuminates the unjust aspects of capitalism. Ultimately, however, because The Grapes of Wrath is so genuine, Steinbeck proposes a solution for crooked capitalism more successfully than Sinclair.

The Five Essential Characteristics of Project Managers

Week 7– Case Study Tiantian Shi Keiser University Dr. Salas-Amaro Project Management February 23, 2013 Introduction In the case 4-1, Pureswing Golf prefers to promote voluntary and promising engineers to project managers because they are familiar with the company’s philosophy of competitive success and they can run new product projects well. However, because project managers are volunteers, the failure rate of projects is high to 40%. Pureswing Golf has realized this issue and wants to search high-performance managers in more scientific way.This paper focus on the positive personality traits of project managers which can contribute to project success and negative personality traits of project managers which would hamper the effective management of projects. The Five Essential Characteristics of Project Managers 1, Good interpersonal and communication skills The ability of communication is always one of the most important skill for effective management. Project managers need to know how to clearly and accurately present the right information to the right people in the appropriate manner (Rosenhead, 2012).For the external environment, project managers need to be able to explain the needs and decisions to a wide variety of stakeholders (Pinto, 2010). It is also necessary to convince stakeholders to keep focus on project benefits to get more supports. For the internal environment, project managers need to have a good interaction with team members throughout the project implementation process which include talking and listening concerns and potential problems of the project, giving the feedback and coach to team members, motiving team members keeping high-performances (Pinto, 2010).It is good to create an openness and directness communication environment for the project team. Obviously, a bad communicator cannot be a project manager. 2, Team-Building skills Because the team member come from different department of the organization, it is hard to make t hem from a group strangers to a single cohesive unit. Project managers must understand this progress and relevant requirements for the transformation (Rosenhead, 2012).In order to build a motivated team, project managers need to take time to understand each team member’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses (Barry, 2013). Meanwhile, project managers also need to have the ability to handle the conflicts. It is also necessary to provide the substance to hold team members together toward the project goals, such as to praise outstanding team members (Brown, 2012). 3, Leadership abilities Good leadership is commitment to ethical practices (Barry, 2013). Project managers create standards of ethical behavior for themselves and team members.The team living by these standards are responsibilities of project leaders. For example, project leaders should reward team member who exemplify these practices. Leadership based on integrity and a set of values, behavior consistent with values (Brown, 2012). In other words, the project leader earns trust from to do what he/she say. Good leadership requires appropriate reaction to changes (Barry, 2013). There are a lot of uncontrolled factors could affect project implementation. Under any of situation, project managers cannot be panic.A leader should show a positive image to the world and let everyone to see that he/she are not flustered by any sudden changes to the plan. â€Å"Being able to react in the right way and show everyone else that you are still in control is a tremendous attribute for any project manager (Rosenhead, 2012). † 4, Ability to Delegate Tasks Project leaders need have the ability to delegate tasks to team members, especially, there is a huge amount of work that need be done in a limited time (Barry, 2013).Trust is an essential element in the relationship of project leader and team members (Rosenhead, 2012). To delegate tasks to others is an action to prove the trust to team members. Some of pro ject leaders do not want to risk to let somebody else to do a poor-performances job, they almost do everything. However, this is a wrong perspective. The project leader often fail who are unable to trust his/her team members (Barry, 2013). It is important to allow team members to participate project tasks.Project managers have to delegate tasks to right people which depends on the understanding of each individuals’ level of skill or limitations (Brown, 2012). 5, Understanding and appreciation of differences As the word is becoming more global, the workplace is becoming more diverse, project leaders have to learn how to manage projects globally. Sensitively to deal project personnel who are from various ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds is critical to build an effective project team (Barry, 2013).Conclusion The characteristics of project managers have a great influence to the success of a project. How to choose right people to lead a project is critica l or the company. Basically, an effective project managers should have good interpersonal and communication skills, team-Building skills, leadership abilities, tasks distribution ability, and the understanding of multi-culture. References Pinto, K. J. (2010). Project management: Achieving competitive advantage, 2nd ed. Pearson Education Rosenhead, R. (2012).Can the personality traits of a project manager contribute to project success? Retrieved from http://www. ronrosenhead. co. uk/4630/can-the-personality-traits-of-a-project-manager-contribute-to-project-success/ Brown, S. (2012). Factors most critical to the success of a project manage. Retrieved from http://www. brighthubpm. com/resource-management/63002-factors-most-critical-to-the-success-of-a-project-manager/ Barry, R. T. (2013). Top 10 qualities of a project manager. Retrieved from http://www. projectsmart. co. uk/top-10-qualities-project-manager. html

Billing System Essay

1.1 Introduction As the world progresses on in this never ending chase for a time and wealth, it is undeniable that science has made astounding developments. Technology and computers are everywhere. Today, they are becoming the foundation of any development of society. The computer system is not a simple machine. It is like a very modern and highly complex calculator. It can do all the functions at a speedy rate and also helps us to search and progress in our homes and businesses. This is apparently complicated, but the vibrant outcome will make our work effective and efficient. Computer technology is very important especially in the business field. It can help to make work easier. Computer is a powerful tool, allowing you easily extract data in order to prepare reports and analyze the information. Computers can help a business stay in contact with its customers as well. Computers can help managers keep track of the financial status of the company on a yearly, monthly or even day-to-day basis. Companies can use their computers to print checks for payroll and expenditures, and can form a direct link to the company’s bank account. Computers through internet connection made business transactions easier and more convenient. As compared to hard copied data which is more prone to damage data saved in the computer is more secured. Thus, computer plays a big role and importance in the business field. Already computers have become such an important part of our lives—in airports, banks, railway stations and every well-equi ­pped modern office. As computer continues to proliferate in ever increasing numbers across large segments of Government, business and industry, the common man is beginning to believe hesitantly that computers can actually deliver a good part of the promise that they had offered. Society is  gradually accepting the fact that computers will indeed change the manner in which the things are done. For a water billing, which is complex, repetitive and has voluminous data computerization is recommended. Computerization overcomes many of the defects in the manual system, is fast and gives a control on the system. In our study entitled â€Å"Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks†, the researchers will give an extent or the effectiveness on keeping the consumers’ consumption information, and the establishment’s collection in more advance and effective ways. The proponent think that with strong desire and hope that advance development of this study would be more significantly help on the way to a good and efficient billing system which should lead to at least minimizing if not eradicating the negative and undesirable aspects of this proposed system. 1.1.2 Background of the Study On May 23,1981, the residents of Barangay Pansol voluntarily associated themselves to form an association whose primary purpose is to provide its members with adequate supply of potable water for domestic use at reasonable cost. A year later, Pansol BWP- RWSA Inc. was constructed jointly by the USAID/BWP – MILG and the provincial government of Batangas under the administration of Governor Jose C. Laurel. A contract was made and entered into by and between the provincial government of Batangas and the Association. It was represented by then President Mr. Juan E. Manalo, the duly authorized representative. The province lent to the Association 44.67% of the total project cost amounting to P 141,602. 30 to finance the construction of the Level II water system or communal faucet in Barangay Pansol. The loan is  payable within 20 years with interest rate 4% per annum. As the population grew, the necessity for household connections increased and it gave rise to the Level III project or the individual household connection. The Association consists of 948 active members as of January 25, 2015. Thru the dedication of its Board of Directors, they put up a separate fund to provide scholarship grants to poor but deserving students, of which the fund came from 100% of their per diem. But many have applied for the grants and the  Directors asked for the Waterworks Association’s counterpart for the continuance of its project. Now on its 12th year, the scholarship is still on- going. The other project was the summer Art Workshop which had 33 graduates and concluded in May 22, 2009. The Association also did its part in the constructionof the multi- purpose building which house the Barangay Waterworks Office, the Barangay Health Center and the Barangay Hall. Pansol Rural Waterworks has newly opened its Refilling Station to ensure the availability of clean and safe water at lower costs. As of today, there are 11 employees at Pansol Rural Waterworks who are truly dedicated in serving Pansolians, headed by a Board of Directors whom are all residents of Pansol, Padre Garcia, Batangas. 1.2 Statement of the Problem 1. 2. 1 General Problem This study seeks to find out the solutions to the problems encountered by Pansol Rural Waterworks and their consumers. It deals with the problem with their manual billing system which results to slow processing of transactions. 1. 2. 2 Specific Problems Slow processing of transactions on billing Inefficiency of calculations and recorded transactions Time wasting is the result of slow billing process 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. 2. 1 General Objectives This study aims to develop an organized and an effective billing system in terms of working capabilities. It will help to build an efficient system to minimize the processing period of transactions between the administration and the consumers. 1. 2. 2 Specific Objectives To avoid the slow processing of transactions due to manual transaction system. To provide an efficient and effective calculations and transactions between consumers and administration. To lessen the time and effort in processing billing transactions. 1.4 Significance of the Study The researchers are proposing the â€Å"Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks†. This will assure the institution’s development initiatives and faster billing transaction processing among administration and their consumers. If the proposed system will be implemented, this will be the conversion of the current manual system to a computerized one. The study would be beneficial to both administration and consumer. In view of the fact that this institution is currently encountering problems in their manual billing system, the proposed computerized system would be needed to eliminate or at least lessen such problem. The transaction can be done faster, easier and accurate which will result to less time and most burden of work load will be reduced. In addition to this, the proponents will also benefit from the study, because they will be able to meet the requirements and will also learn from their research. For future researchers, this study will serve as a reference material related to their own studies. 1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study The focus of the study deals mainly on the billing system of the institution. These include all necessary statement specifying the payment transactions including the receipt which will serve as the generated report of the billing transaction. This study clearly implies that the other aspects of the institution’s operation such as payroll and other unrelated system are not included in our study. The research is absolutely focused on the billing transactions of the company and it has nothing to do with any other unrelated transactions. 1.6 Methodology A series of interview was administered to obtain the needed and accurate information for this study. The researchers have had a board interview regarding the system’s requirement and the information to be encoded in the system. Internet is a great help in the fulfilment and completion of the documents for this study. Through internet browsing, the researchers found out several related  literatures and studies including foreign and local researches which was compared to the proposed system which is the â€Å"Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks.† Another means of research is library research in which the proponents found additional literatures and related studies. 1 .7 Conceptual Framework The design will seek and provide solution for the problems that are being encountered by the institution and it’s consumer. Through the use of this design, the billing system with all the necessary data would be successfully done and recorded during the billing process. This shows the fundamental basis of the proposed system. The inputs which are Meter Number, Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Address, Contact Number, Month, Due Date, Present Reading, Previous Reading, Consumption, Bill Amount and Penalty were presented here. Fig. 1: Conceptual Framework The figure shows the fundamental basis of the proposed system. The inputs which are Meter Number, Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Address, Contact Number, Month, Due Date, Present Reading, Previous Reading, Consumption,  Bill Amount and Penalty were presented here. This also shows that the process is the Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks, and the generated output of the process is the receipt. 1.8 Definition of Terms System- is a set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integratedwhole Billing system- is a combination of software and hardware that receives call detail and service usage information, groups this information for specific accounts or customers, produces invoices, creates reports for management, and records (posts) payments made to customer accounts. Computerization- involves the process of taking activities or tasks not previously done on the computer and shifting them to being done on the computer. Hardware – is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and so on, all of which are physical objects that can be touched (that is, they are tangible) Software- is any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer’s processor to perform specific operations. Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Technical feasibility- is one of the first studies that must be conducted after the project has been identified. Economic feasibility- is the cost and logistical outlook for a business project or endeavor. Operational feasibility- is a measure of how well a proposed system solves the problems, and takes advantage of the opportunities identified during scope definition and how it satisfies the requirements identified in requirements analysis phase of system development. Visual Basic 6.0- is a high level programming language which evolved from the earlier DOS version called BASIC. Windows- is a metafamily of graphical operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. It consists of several families of operating systems, each of which cater to a certain sector of the computing industry Microsoft Access- is a database management system from Microsoft that combines therelational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools. It is a member of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, included in the Professional and higher editions or sold separately. Database- is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter tends to discuss the related literature and study. This will show the distinction between the related studies of the other research to the proposed system. These write- ups were of great help to the proponent’ s  task of accomplishing their objective. 2.1 Related Literature As the researchers conducted their research, they gathered all this related literature. According to James A. Seen, author of the book entitled â€Å"Analysis Design of Information System† states that system development can generally thought of using as having two major components, system analysis and generally system design is the process of planning a new business system to replace or component the old. But before this can be done, we must thoroughly understand the old or present system and determine how computer can be used to make the operation effective. Just as the same with how the proponents started the system analysis for this study. The analysis started from analysing the existing or the old system of the company. From the author of the book entitled â€Å"Modern System’s Analysis and Design† that was written by Jeffrey A. Hatfer, Joey F. George and Joseph A. Valacich, the goal of 6000 design is to provide a system that is easy to read, easy to code, and easy to maintain. They define information system analysis and design of information system is based on the understanding of the organization , objective, structure and process. Information system can be developed through various methodologies and comprehensive multiple step approaches to develop a system. Techniques are particular processes that follow to ensure the study is well – through- out complete and comprehensive. The goal of information system for the organization is to respond and anticipate problems and opportunities through innovates uses of information. Like this proposed study, the proponents goal is to design a system that will help the company improve and innovate. According from an internet article by Pradeep Gokhale entitlted â€Å"Computerised Water Billing System†, Amaravati water supply scheme is the  only urban water supply scheme in Maharashtra which has been getting the facility of computerized water billing system continuously since 1991. The operating of the system has been outsourced. The software development has not been in a year or two, but it has been in process years together and proudly contributed by generously from meter readers, counter clerks, fitters, plumbers, clerical staff in the office, and auditors and accountants, to the higher officers, engineers at all levels, and most of consumers of the scheme. It has become most intelligent software in the country and now it is not only utility software but it is management software. It is in use in number of cities in Vidarbha and has to share the experience of managing more than 800, 000 consumers in the Delhi, the Capital city of the Country, since 1995. Following script has been included in the Maintenance Manual for urban areas. Water Billing and Revenue Management System is the most important aspect of any Water Supply Scheme as it governs the financial aspect, which is the most important factor. Irrespective of the basis of the Billing Metered/Unmetered, the Computerized Billing System needs three major databases: First is the master data, this is the data, which needs to be entered only one time when the Consumer/Connection is added into the database. This data is relatively static in nature and does not change time to time. Various data required   to be store dare: Consumer Number, Name of Consumer, Address, Type of Use, Type of Consumer, Tap Size, Date of Connection, Details of Feeder Line, Locality, House No., Ward No., No. of taps, No. of Families, Meter Make, Meter Number, First Reading, Ownership of Meter, Deposit Amount etc. Second is the data for each billing period, this data will be entered for every consumer for every round and will be used for calculating the demand of that billing round. Various data items required to be stored are ; Consumer Number, Date of Meter Reading/Period for which Billed, Status of the Connection and any changes in Master Data etc. And the third is the receipt data, this data will be the data related to the payments made by the consumers against the bill issued. This data will be entered on daily basis irrespective of the billing frequency. Various data required to be stored  are; Consumer Number, Date of Receipt, Receipt Number, Details of the collection Centre, Cash/Cheque (If Cheque- Cheque No., Bank, Branch) Part Payment/Adhoc Payment/Deposit, Account Head for posting etc. The article points out a step- by- step procedure of the system implementation. Like the proposed study, upon impklementation, there will be procedures to ensure the systems data efficiency. According to an anonymous author of an internet article entitled  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Principle of Water Rates, Fees and Charges†, if the utility billing system is computerized, the time required for the preparation of the bill tabulation may be relatively short, perhaps only one or two weeks. The computer staff may however be required to develop specific programs to extract and summarize data in the form required, and delays are often encountered because computer time is not readily available when needed. By the beginning the bill tabulation early in the cost of service study, the results should be available to avoid delay both in the design of rates and in the evaluation of the adequacy of proposed rates to recover allocated costs of service from customer classes. A bill tabulation shows the number of customer bills rendered at various levels of water usage during a specific period of time for each customer class served by the utility. The tabulation of bills for a historical period provides the basis for identifying typical customer- class usage patterns and aides in the development of rates recognizing such usage patterns. Rate schedules that are intended to be applicable throughout an entire year generally require a bill tabulation for a historical record. Slow processing is one of the problems that occur in the existing manual system, and like what was mentioned in the article, it is the researcher’s target to increase the speed of process and to lessen the delays of transactions. As said in an internet article entitled â€Å"Developing Effective Waterworks  and Collection Practices†, written by an anonymous author, improving billing and collection activities has an immediate impact on the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, encourage commercial and operational efficiencies for aiding the expansion and delivery of improved, reliable, and sustainable services. This note draws on national and international cases to explore what it takes to implement an effective billing and collection system. Effective billing and collection systems are a critical component for ensuring the viability of a service provider. Improving these has an immediate impact on the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, help in improving services. Effective billing and collection systems are a critical component for ensuring the viability of a service provider. Improving billing and collection activities has an immediate impact on the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, help the service provider in improving services. However, while effective billing and collection practices depend on many internal factors (including customer databases, the extent of metered and unmetered service provision, tariff and billing structures, delivery of bills, and facilities for customer payments), the institutional arrangements under which service providers operate and provide services determine whether such practices will remain sustainable in the long term. Efficient billing and collection practices can set incentives for the provider to effectively charge, and collect water bills while also fulfilling a commercial  orientation to services the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, help in improving services. This note draws on national and international cases to explore what it takes to implement an effective billing and collection system that encourages commercial and operational efficiencies for aiding the expansion and delivery of improved, reliable, and sustainable services. The note starts with an explanation of how poor billing and collection hurt the service provider, followed by the key principles of an effective billing and collection strategy, illustrated through national and international billing practices. The basic aim of the performance improvement series is to help water utilities and service  providers understand and adopt mechanisms that promote cost recovery and sustainable revenue strategies, as well as help achieve financially viable and sustainable improved services. The objective is to be able to focus not only on specific performance improvement areas by advancing technical, commercial, and operational efficiency—such as leak reduction, billing and collection, customer service, and tariff setting, among others—but also ensure that such improvements remain sustainable and viable in the long term through arrangements such as performance agreements, monitoring, and evaluation. The article focuses on the importance of effective billing and collection, the common pitfalls that their poor implementation have, and what some service providers have done to improve upon current billing and collection practices—through measures including robust recordkeeping and billing procedures, updating customer databases, outsourcing billing activities and using improved technology, and encouraging and incentivizing staff to undertake billing and collection functions more diligently. Like the study, the goal of desingning a computerized system is to generate an effective billing process in the company. According to http://www.cusi.com/water-billing-system.html, Just like with any business, having the right tools is critical to a company’s failure or success. One of the most critical tools for a successful utility company is having an efficient, yet effective water billing system. Having the right billing in system is place is important for a number of reasons. New water billing software helps utility companies to be more efficient in their overall billing processes, while helping them to boost productivity. New water billing technologies help utilities automate internal billing processes into a simple, effective, and easy to use system. If you’re looking to boost efficiency and productivity, while decreasing customer response times and increasing customer satisfaction, there is no one more trusted in the utility billing services industry than CUSI Utility Billing Solutions. CUSI provides complete personalized billing solutions for  companies with customer bases from 500 to over 500,000. Currently, CUSI has over 1000 companies using their billing solutions to manage their water, sewer, gas, electric, and waste  management operations. Also, CUSI currently offers CIS/Utility Billing solutions to help address challenges of utility companies both large and small. CUSI’s water billing system will offer a number of benefits to your utility company almost immediately. Just the same with the proposed study, the researchers aim to develop a system that will be beneficial to both management and consumer. According to an article entitled â€Å"Water Billing Software Runs the Business† from http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/ , for large commercial water customers with multiple units, like apartment complexes, the water billing software is capable of allocating a single meter reading into multiple bills according to square footage and occupancy. When your utility company outgrows the capability of your current water billing system, invest in the most advanced system to track every aspect of your utility business. Be prepared to update business processes to include the software inputs that will keep the office and field apprised of work activity and customer requests. Train the employees and monitor the ongoing effort to use the software effectively throughout the day. The initial investment in high-quality water billing software will improve your margins and reduce the monetary loss from unpaid accounts. Your customers and employees will be better informed, and the costs will be reco vered within an acceptable  period of time. The same with the proponents target in designing the system, the program will be effective and improve the company’s billing and collection. An article from http://www.waterefficiency.net/ entitled â€Å"The  Benefits of Automated Billing†, says that, by employing water billing software, utilities can reduce the size of their labor force, providing immediate savings. They won’t need as many utility employees to tackle billing issues if software is doing this job for them. And reducing the number of employees in the billing department doesn’t necessarily mean laying off talented workers. Utilities can train billing department staffers to take on other jobs, whether with the municipal utility or elsewhere in the utility. Water billing software also allows utility employees to focus their efforts on other tasks. They can spend more time in the utility’s customer service department answering resident questions. They can analyze the reports created by billing software to hunt for potentially costly leaks. And they can study these same reports to determine new ways to conserve water use and reduce the water utility’s overall costs of providing this water to its customers. Today’s water billing programs provide a host of reports and functions that stretch far beyond simply sending payment notices to consumers. Savvy water utility officials recognize this and use these reports to operate their utilities in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. The proponents study targets to lessen  the work load of employees and the fast processing of billing transactions in the company. According to an article with a title â€Å" Impact of Municipal Billing Systems on Revenue Collection†. The Manila Water Utility undertook a series of reforms between 2000 and 2003. The utility now employs 100 per cent metering on all service connections, which are read monthly. There has been an increase in new service connections, identification of illegal users, billing of unbilled services, and replacement of faulty meters. As a result, revenue has increased by 83 per cent while the average collection period has fallen from 86 days to 50 days . Like the research study, once implemented, the proponents look forward to effective billing and collection of payments in the company. Another article entitled â€Å"Baltimore Approved New Water Billing System† mentioned that, Baltimore officials approved on Wednesday a new water billing system that will bring the current 35-year-old system up to date. In the next couple of years, the city is updating more than 500,000 meters and launching a new billing system. The new system will be the brains behind the city’s new water meters and will allow customers to read bills online and get more information  about water usage. When UMAX launches, it will bill customers on actual usage, meaning no more minimum bills. â€Å"The new system known as UMAX will enable the city to move away from the existing minimum billing model toward a system that charges based on actual consumption,† Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said. Just like the research, it is needed to improve the company’s performance in terms of billing transactions. 2.2 Related Studies 2.2.1 Local Studies In the study conducted by Benipayo (1994), entitled â€Å"Study on the RM/GS Billing System of the Manila Electronic Hotline Telephone Company†, stated that billing system is an essential component of the revenue generating function of the company. Thus, failure to generate bill on the proper time would effect the retaliation in the collection of revenues. The billing update is actually the revision of the entry of the new accounts in the customer file. Failure to update customer state in the billing records shall in a â€Å"no billing† of the consumption and will ultimately cause a non-generation bill. Like the study, the researcher aims to be a  good innovation in the company’s billing process. Effective billing system means good revenue. According to the Casimiro Development Corporation Water Billing System, in March 2001, Bartolome, Alonde, Yanuaria and Atendido made a study about the development of Casimiro’s Water Billing System. Based on their study, the problem was that Casimiro Development Corporation water billing system operates 13 projects and approximately 450 units per project that run in a manual-based environment. To develop more accurate files, they created a well-structured database that lessened and speed up the works in computations in voluminous files with accurate and error-free files. According to the Trece Martires Water District Billing and Collection System. In March 2002, Cruto, Legaspi and Rosero made a study on Trece Martires Water District Billing and Collection System. Based on their study, the problem is that the Trece Martires Water District Billing and Collection System apply the manual processing of its billing and collection clerks and other office personnel. The records of the customers were record in paper works that are less reliable to keep those files. When a customer asks for his/her records, it will add up the workloads of the employees. To accurately keep those records, they developed an automated Transaction Processing System that speed  up the customer’s daily transaction, utilized efficient and safe storage of customer’s records and a more reliable and accurate computation of customer’s water bills. Accurate files is to be provided when this proposed study is implemented. In the study of Bartolome (2000), entitled â€Å"A Computer Water Billing System for Teresa Water Supply†, stated that in making a water billing computerized, numerous benefits can be acquired. One of the benefits is that it speeds up the current computation of the bills wherein the operators will not waste their time in computing the bills of every concessionaire because the system computers it automatically. Like the study, there are also several benefits that can be acquired like the fast processing of billing transactions. A study entitled â€Å"LAN-Based Assessment and Billing System for Camiling† by Angelica Pagaduan said that, the manual method of assessing and issuance of receipt during enrollment period at Camiling Colleges is prone to errors, tedious and most often misplaces records or documents. The people concerned could not accommodate more students because of the slow assessment and computation of fees to be paid, thus, causing inconvenience to both teachers  who are assisting in the enrollment and the students during enrollment. The proposed system will be designed to improve the current Assessment and Billing System of Camiling Colleges. In the study of Purification (1995), entitled â€Å"Billing System of Plaza Hotel†, states that due to probably of manual computation error, computerizing the system will be able to step this probability even it is very rarely experienced in the manual billing system. Like the study of Purification, the study also aims to eliminate or at least lessen the computation error in the billing system. A study with a title â€Å"The Case study of Manila Water Company† states that to maintain a sustainable structure for a world-class standard for water and wastewater services for Metro Manila, there is a need to ensure a balance between the interests of the consumers and the operators. Experience in the Philippines, however, indicated otherwise. The balance of interests was not easy to come by with regulatory regimes suffering from weak regulatory capacity. In order to avoid the same tendencies to repeat in the new contracts, the concession agreement adopted a â€Å"regulation by contract†26 framework. This framework laid down in a clear and detailed manner within the contracts the activities that would be regulated by an independent agency. The same with the study, the proponents aims  to design a system that will be beneficial to both management and consumer. The study entitled †Remote Automatic Water Meter Reading System using Global System for Mobile Communications† by Rainer N. Dita, Paolo Pedro C. Martinez, Chrish Adrian S. Miranda focuses on implementing a GSM based system for the automatic water meter reading in the Philippines. This will determine if there is a significant difference between analog water meter and the proposed system in data collection. Weather conditions and security issues regarding the GSM module will not be taken into account. Also, the network problem due to its provider is not included on the study. This study aims to develop an automatic water meter reading system that will enhance the Analog water meter data collection by utilizing wireless technology using GSM module system for data transmission to increase the range of data transmission. 2.2.2 Foreign Studies A Foreign study entitled â€Å"Irish Water Charges Plan† says that, this document represents Irish Water’s scheme of charges which are reflective of a number of Government and CER directions (some of which are being finalised currently) which in totality comprise the water charges plan. The scheme of  charges in this document are designed to ensure that Irish Water only recovers the allowed revenue approved by the CER over the period 1st October 2014 until 31st December 2016. Irish Water has been guided by principles12 associated with equity and non-discrimination; efficiency in use of Water Services; cost reflectivity; cost recovery; stability and simplicity in developing our scheme of changes. Simplicity of the system, this is what the researchers aim. Our study needs to be simple in order to let the user understand the system easy. The aim of this paper with a title â€Å"Water Label to Improve  Water Billing in Spanish Households† is to propose a new way to improve the contents in water bills by adding a new water label that allows for checking the efficiency of water use. The water tag provides information to tenants about their efficiency of water consumption. In case of houses with a special meter to obtain the domestic hot water consumption, an extra water label can be shown with the evaluation of this kind of consumption. Furthermore, this information is compared to the average consumption value of citizens from the same province. To go further in citizens’ awareness about this subject, some recommendations should also be included, which will help to reduce water consumption. This research takes a new step forward in terms of billing, since it evaluates, compares and gives recommendations with the purpose of improving the actual water billing system,  thus increasing the awareness of citizens and decreasing water consumption in Spanish housing. Although bills are only a means of transmission, considering that it is a receipt of a service, they are subject to certain legal restrictions that, in the case of Spain, are established by Royal Decree 87/2005 [42]. This document indicates the minimum data that bills should contain, such as the invoice number, name and surname, and so on. In addition, there is a part that is considered appropriated to give better customer service. Like the study, it also aims to provide a system that will bring improvement and innovation in the sompany. A study entitled â€Å"Smart Water Systems† present a new approach to promote water security with uncertain but significant future risks from population growth, hydrological variability and extreme events, and intensifying water allocation demands across water supply, agriculture, industry and ecosystems. Strategic and transparent water resource decision making is central for water security to be achieved. This is in turn contingent upon the accurate, timely and reliable collection and communication of information relating to water abstractions and use, and the primary resource base. With mobile networks expanding globally across national territories, SWS offer a mechanism to capture and communicate data  on water resources through hydro-informatic systems on abstraction from surface water and groundwater, soil moisture content, storage  levels and network leaks or theft. By generating accurate and reliable data, SWS deployed at scale can drive a step change in water sector accountability and transparency, thereby improving governance, reducing risk and ultimately creating a new business case for water sector investment. Partnerships across mobile network operators, water service providers, regulators and investors will be needed to realize the full potential of SWS and catalyse further innovations. In a study in India, the Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board introduced a spot billing scheme for billing its water connections. This helped reduce the billing cycle from three weeks to one day, which in turn resulted in increased cash flow (Agarwal 2008). The Board initially outsourced the billing function to a private party that had relevant experience. Through handheld data logger machines, staff employed by the private party can generate bills on the spot and deliver them to customers. The scheme has been in operation for about 70 per cent of the Board’s service area. In the long run, the Board aimed to hand over the bill generation activity through spot billing to its own meter readers. The Board undertook some restructuring of its current staff, and redeployment and rationalisation of their work schedules. Like our study, the aim of this proposed system is to improve the company’s performance, to lessen the problems and to provide an effective billing sytem.

The effect of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk The WritePass Journal

The effect of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk Abstract The effect of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk ) study argues that there is a direct benefit to the reduction of breast cancer by adding Vitamin D both before and after a cancer diagnosis.   Others cite the impact of Vitamin D on Breast Cancer as only negligible (Prentice, Prettinger and Jackson 2013).   Still others cite the early stage of research as an obstacle to fully embracing the value of Vitamin D (Yin, Grandi and Raum 2010).   Yet, further studies link Vitamin D and the method of ingestion as a pivotal issue (Prentice et al 2013). The goal of this study would be to further determine the role of Vitamin D in relation to breast cancer in women. 1.2 Aims and Objectives In this section, the research aims, objectives, and research questions will be outlined.   Firstly, the aim of this research is as follows: The following research objectives have been determined: What is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk? What is the vitamin D status, determined by 25-OH vitamin D levels, among women diagnosed with breast cancer?   1.3 Research Questions The research question is: What are the known associations with Vitamin D supplementation and breast cancer? What are the key factors that have been impacted by Vitamin D supplementation of cancer? Do the means of Vitamin D ingestion have an impact on effectiveness? What is the potential emerging research teaching? 2 Literature Review   2.1 Factors that contribute to Breast Cancer Deficiencies in all forms have long been credited with the increasing the probability for cancer of all varieties (Pearce and Cheetham 2010). Factors including the lack of Vitamin D have been linked to breast cancer diagnosis in women (Chung, Lee and Terasawa 2011). With lifestyle choices and long-term habits playing a pivotal role in a cancer diagnosis, the impact of a single element is debateable (Brasky, Lampe and Potter 2010).   Diseases including Rickets and osteomalacia are directly tied to vitamin D deficiency, making a breast cancer link plausible (Pearce et al 2010).   The presence of or lack of vitamins are argued to impact a breast cancer diagnosis. 2.2 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer supplementation in Women A wide array of professionals ranging across clinical applications, autoimmunity, cardiology and cancer fields agree that the Vitamin D supplementation is a benefit to the effort to increase breast prevention efforts (Souberbielle, Jeanjacques Body and Lappe 2010).   Yet, Prentice et al (2013), while maintaining the moderate value of the supplementation practice, argue that the reduction in breast cancer occurrence due to this factor is only suggestive, not conclusive. 2.3 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Prevention Option Wolff and Guiliano (2011) have found that Vitamin D as a supplement is superior to a dietary intake of vitamin D. This study charts a correlation between the incidents of breast cancer prevention and the dietary method of vitamin intake.   It is insufficient to rely on any single indicator in as a prevention mechanism (Thacher and Clarke 2011).   Further, the benefits of vitamin D are only at the observational stage and cannot be fully accredited (Ibid). 2.4Trends The combination of Calcium/Vitamin D is providing an avenue for research towards a diminished rate of breast cancer (Bolland, Grey, Gamble and Reid 2011).   Conversely, Brunner, Wactawski-Wende and Cann (2011) illustrate that there is no substantial reduction in breast cancer among their studies participants employing this combination. 3. Methodology   The methodology focuses on an explanation of the approaches considered: What is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk? What is the vitamin D status, determined by 25-OH vitamin D levels, among women diagnosed with breast cancer? 3.1 Approach Positivism, quantitative method, provides solutions resting in math, producing empirical data (Yin 2003). Interpretivism or qualitative uses the interpretive approach utilizing instruments like coding. Post-Positivism, a combination of the two is best suited to determine the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer in women (Bryan and Bell 2007). Both inductive and deductive approaches were considered.   Bryan et al (2007) view both approaches as ‘connected’ with distinct elements, but the connection are not fixed.   Therefore settled the use of a mixed method or post-positivism method was chosen as the best approach. 3.2 Research Strategy This study will collect and analyse empirical data (Biggam 2012).   The utilization of both primary and secondary research material will provide depth and fundamental clarity to the study (Yin 2003). The empirical research in this study deals with an in-depth review of breast cancer cases, survivors and relevant medical professionals.   Primary data will be accumulated through the creation and utilization of a survey directly transmitted to breast cancer survivors and oncological professionals (Ibid). Prior and existing case studies will be evaluated utilizing secondary sources alongside the application of a primary source survey issued to the breast cancer survivors and members of the oncologist community (Yin 2003).   This research strategy is best suited to facilitate a well rounded evaluation of issues that promote various perspectives in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the link between Vitamin D supplementation and breast cancer (Lock, Silvermand and Spirdus o 2010). 3.4 Data Collection Methods and Instruments The collection methods used in this study were: Primary data using Surveys from survivors and medical professionals (Saunders et al 2007). Secondary breast cancer data via journal and peer reviewed article The primary disadvantages rest in the limited capacity to check answers or develop further details. Further, obtaining primary data may be very high (Yin 2003). 7. References Biggam, J. (2012) Succeeding with Your Masters Dissertation. 2nd ed.Berks. McGraw-Hill Boll, Grey, A., Gamble, G. and Reid, I. 2011. Calcium and vitamin D supplements and health outcomes: a reanalysis of the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) limited-access data set.  The American journal of clinical nutrition, 94 (4), pp. 11441149. Brasky, T., Lampe, J., Potter, J., Patterson, R. and White, E. 2010. Specialty supplements and breast cancer risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort.  Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers \ Prevention, 19 (7), pp. 16961708. Brunner, R., Wactawski-Wende, J., Caan, B., Cochrane, B., Chlebowski, R., Gass, M., Jacobs, E., Lacroix, A., Lane, D., Larson, J. and Others. 2011. The effect of calcium plus vitamin D on risk for invasive cancer: results of the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) calcium plus vitamin D randomized clinical trial.  Nutrition and cancer, 63 (6), pp. 827841. Bryan and Bell, (2007)Buisness Research Methods Oxford. University Press Chung, M., Lee, J., Terasawa, T., Lau, J. and Trikalinos, T. 2011. Vitamin D with or without calcium supplementation for prevention of cancer and fractures: an updated meta-analysis for the US Preventive Services Task Force.  Annals of Internal Medicine, 155 (12), pp. 827838. Locke L. F., Silverman S J and Spirduso, W, W (2010, pg 198) Reading and Understanding Research. 3rd ed. Mohr, S., Gorham, E., Alcaraz, J., Kane, C., Macera, C., Parsons, J., Wingard, D. and Garl. 2012. Does the evidence for an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D status and breast cancer risk satisfy the Hill criteria?.  Dermato-endocrinology, 4 (2), pp. 152157. Pearce, S., Cheetham, T. and Others. 2010. Diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency.  Bmj, 340 p. 5664. Prentice, R., Pettinger, M., Jackson, R., Wactawski-Wende, J., Lacroix, A., Anderson, G., Chlebowski, R., Manson, J., Van Horn, L., Vitolins, M. and Others. 2013. Health risks and benefits from calcium and vitamin D supplementation: Womens Health Initiative clinical trial and cohort study.  Osteoporosis International, 24 (2), pp. 567580. Serrano, J., De Lorenzo, D., Cassanye, A., Mart\\In-Gari, M., Espinel, A., Delgado, M., Pamplona, R. and Portero-Otin, M. 2013. Vitamin D receptor BsmI polymorphism modulates soy intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation benefits in cardiovascular disease risk factors profile.Genes \ nutrition, 8 (6), pp. 561569. Souberbielle, J., Body, J., Lappe, J., Plebani, M., Shoenfeld, Y., Wang, T., Bischoff-Ferrari, H., Cavalier, E., Ebeling, P., Fardellone, P. and Others. 2010. Vitamin D and musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity and cancer: Recommendations for clinical practice.Autoimmunity reviews, 9 (11), pp. 709715. Thacher, T. and Clarke, B. 2011. Vitamin D insufficiency. 86 (1), pp. 5060. Yin, L., Gr, I, N., Raum, E., Haug, U., Arndt, V. and Brenner, H. 2010. Meta-analysis: serum vitamin D and breast cancer risk.  European Journal of Cancer, 46 (12), pp. 21962205. Yin, R. 2003.  Case study research. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS 8. Gantt Chart The effect of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk Abstract The effect of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk ) study argues that there is a direct benefit to the reduction of breast cancer by adding Vitamin D both before and after a cancer diagnosis.   Others cite the impact of Vitamin D on Breast Cancer as only negligible (Prentice, Prettinger and Jackson 2013).   Still others cite the early stage of research as an obstacle to fully embracing the value of Vitamin D (Yin, Grandi and Raum 2010).   Yet, further studies link Vitamin D and the method of ingestion as a pivotal issue (Prentice et al 2013). The goal of this study would be to further determine the role of Vitamin D in relation to breast cancer in women. 1.2 Aims and Objectives In this section, the research aims, objectives, and research questions will be outlined.   Firstly, the aim of this research is as follows: The following research objectives have been determined: What is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk? What is the vitamin D status, determined by 25-OH vitamin D levels, among women diagnosed with breast cancer?   1.3 Research Questions The research question is: What are the known associations with Vitamin D supplementation and breast cancer? What are the key factors that have been impacted by Vitamin D supplementation of cancer? Do the means of Vitamin D ingestion have an impact on effectiveness? What is the potential emerging research teaching? 2 Literature Review 2.1 Factors that contribute to Breast Cancer Deficiencies in all forms have long been credited with the increasing the probability for cancer of all varieties (Pearce and Cheetham 2010). Factors including the lack of Vitamin D have been linked to breast cancer diagnosis in women (Chung, Lee and Terasawa 2011). With lifestyle choices and long-term habits playing a pivotal role in a cancer diagnosis, the impact of a single element is debateable (Brasky, Lampe and Potter 2010).   Diseases including Rickets and osteomalacia are directly tied to vitamin D deficiency, making a breast cancer link plausible (Pearce et al 2010).   The presence of or lack of vitamins are argued to impact a breast cancer diagnosis. 2.2 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer supplementation in Women A wide array of professionals ranging across clinical applications, autoimmunity, cardiology and cancer fields agree that the Vitamin D supplementation is a benefit to the effort to increase breast prevention efforts (Souberbielle, Jeanjacques Body and Lappe 2010).   Yet, Prentice et al (2013), while maintaining the moderate value of the supplementation practice, argue that the reduction in breast cancer occurrence due to this factor is only suggestive, not conclusive. 2.3 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Prevention Option Wolff and Guiliano (2011) have found that Vitamin D as a supplement is superior to a dietary intake of vitamin D. This study charts a correlation between the incidents of breast cancer prevention and the dietary method of vitamin intake.   It is insufficient to rely on any single indicator in as a prevention mechanism (Thacher and Clarke 2011).   Further, the benefits of vitamin D are only at the observational stage and cannot be fully accredited (Ibid). 2.4Trends The combination of Calcium/Vitamin D is providing an avenue for research towards a diminished rate of breast cancer (Bolland, Grey, Gamble and Reid 2011).   Conversely, Brunner, Wactawski-Wende and Cann (2011) illustrate that there is no substantial reduction in breast cancer among their studies participants employing this combination. 3. Methodology   The methodology focuses on an explanation of the approaches considered: What is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk? What is the vitamin D status, determined by 25-OH vitamin D levels, among women diagnosed with breast cancer? 3.1 Approach Positivism, quantitative method, provides solutions resting in math, producing empirical data (Yin 2003). Interpretivism or qualitative uses the interpretive approach utilizing instruments like coding. Post-Positivism, a combination of the two is best suited to determine the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer in women (Bryan and Bell 2007). Both inductive and deductive approaches were considered.   Bryan et al (2007) view both approaches as ‘connected’ with distinct elements, but the connection are not fixed.   Therefore settled the use of a mixed method or post-positivism method was chosen as the best approach. 3.2 Research Strategy This study will collect and analyse empirical data (Biggam 2012).   The utilization of both primary and secondary research material will provide depth and fundamental clarity to the study (Yin 2003). The empirical research in this study deals with an in-depth review of breast cancer cases, survivors and relevant medical professionals.   Primary data will be accumulated through the creation and utilization of a survey directly transmitted to breast cancer survivors and oncological professionals (Ibid). Prior and existing case studies will be evaluated utilizing secondary sources alongside the application of a primary source survey issued to the breast cancer survivors and members of the oncologist community (Yin 2003).   This research strategy is best suited to facilitate a well rounded evaluation of issues that promote various perspectives in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the link between Vitamin D supplementation and breast cancer (Lock, Silvermand and Spirdus o 2010). 3.4 Data Collection Methods and Instruments The collection methods used in this study were: Primary data using Surveys from survivors and medical professionals (Saunders et al 2007). Secondary breast cancer data via journal and peer reviewed article The primary disadvantages rest in the limited capacity to check answers or develop further details. Further, obtaining primary data may be very high (Yin 2003). 7. References Biggam, J. (2012) Succeeding with Your Masters Dissertation. 2nd ed.Berks. McGraw-Hill Boll, Grey, A., Gamble, G. and Reid, I. 2011. Calcium and vitamin D supplements and health outcomes: a reanalysis of the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) limited-access data set.  The American journal of clinical nutrition, 94 (4), pp. 11441149. Brasky, T., Lampe, J., Potter, J., Patterson, R. and White, E. 2010. Specialty supplements and breast cancer risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort.  Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers \ Prevention, 19 (7), pp. 16961708. Brunner, R., Wactawski-Wende, J., Caan, B., Cochrane, B., Chlebowski, R., Gass, M., Jacobs, E., Lacroix, A., Lane, D., Larson, J. and Others. 2011. The effect of calcium plus vitamin D on risk for invasive cancer: results of the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) calcium plus vitamin D randomized clinical trial.  Nutrition and cancer, 63 (6), pp. 827841. Bryan and Bell, (2007)Buisness Research Methods Oxford. University Press Chung, M., Lee, J., Terasawa, T., Lau, J. and Trikalinos, T. 2011. Vitamin D with or without calcium supplementation for prevention of cancer and fractures: an updated meta-analysis for the US Preventive Services Task Force.  Annals of Internal Medicine, 155 (12), pp. 827838. Locke L. F., Silverman S J and Spirduso, W, W (2010, pg 198) Reading and Understanding Research. 3rd ed. Mohr, S., Gorham, E., Alcaraz, J., Kane, C., Macera, C., Parsons, J., Wingard, D. and Garl. 2012. Does the evidence for an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D status and breast cancer risk satisfy the Hill criteria?.  Dermato-endocrinology, 4 (2), pp. 152157. Pearce, S., Cheetham, T. and Others. 2010. Diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency.  Bmj, 340 p. 5664. Prentice, R., Pettinger, M., Jackson, R., Wactawski-Wende, J., Lacroix, A., Anderson, G., Chlebowski, R., Manson, J., Van Horn, L., Vitolins, M. and Others. 2013. Health risks and benefits from calcium and vitamin D supplementation: Womens Health Initiative clinical trial and cohort study.  Osteoporosis International, 24 (2), pp. 567580. Serrano, J., De Lorenzo, D., Cassanye, A., Mart\\In-Gari, M., Espinel, A., Delgado, M., Pamplona, R. and Portero-Otin, M. 2013. Vitamin D receptor BsmI polymorphism modulates soy intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation benefits in cardiovascular disease risk factors profile.Genes \ nutrition, 8 (6), pp. 561569. Souberbielle, J., Body, J., Lappe, J., Plebani, M., Shoenfeld, Y., Wang, T., Bischoff-Ferrari, H., Cavalier, E., Ebeling, P., Fardellone, P. and Others. 2010. Vitamin D and musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity and cancer: Recommendations for clinical practice.Autoimmunity reviews, 9 (11), pp. 709715. Thacher, T. and Clarke, B. 2011. Vitamin D insufficiency. 86 (1), pp. 5060. Yin, L., Gr, I, N., Raum, E., Haug, U., Arndt, V. and Brenner, H. 2010. Meta-analysis: serum vitamin D and breast cancer risk.  European Journal of Cancer, 46 (12), pp. 21962205. Yin, R. 2003.  Case study research. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS

A Study Of Shaka Zulu And His Influence On Modern Zimbabwe

A Study Of Shaka Zulu And His Influence On Modern Zimbabwe SHAKA ZULU AND ZIMBABWE TODAY I am just back from a trip of about 1 200 kilometres around Zimbabwe. Everywhere I went I saw the empty skulls of a people driven off their land. Farm homes without windows, windows without curtains, gardens overgrown and dying, staff quarters empty and lifeless. Croplands idle and overgrown with weeds. Farm equipment rusting in the broken down sheds, hungry cattle without water, vultures having a feast day. It reminded me of the mfecane of the Transvaal Highveld in the early part of the 19th century in South Africa. The greatest Zulu leader in history, Shaka, often termed the Napoleon of African history, was responsible. Out of a tiny minority of only 2 000 people, he crafted the Zulu nation crushing and absorbing into the ranks of his impis the youth of the tribes to the north and south of his home and completely destroying the tribal peoples of the interior. Only three groups the Tswana of what is now Botswana, the Sotho of what is now Lesotho and the Dhlamini clan in what is now known as Swaziland, halted him in his ambitions. His genius lay in a few simple military rules when a boy reached the age of 15 he joined a regiment or impi. Experienced and successful warriors, who passed on to their young wards the knowledge they had accumulated in numerous raids on other tribes, led the impi. Their reward was that they kept most of what they took by force, and although all cattle belonged to Shaka, they were allowed to use the cattle for their own ends. When Shaka felt they had proved their manhood, they were given the right to choose girls, to marry and establish their own homes. They were given land and the use of cattle to enable them to become established. Their bondage to Shaka was life long. They were utterly ruthless and it must have been quite a sight to see an impi on a mission running in unison, their feet thundering out in rhythm on the dry African veld. When I was a boy growing up in the eastern parts of the Matopo Hills, some of the older men in the villages still wore the ring in their hair to signify their status as ndunas or officers in the Zulu war machine. In the case of the people I lived amongst it was an offshoot of the Zulu empire the Ndebele of southern Zimbabwe who had come to Zimbabwe in about 1820 after completing the mfecane on the highveld of South Africa. What Shaka had ordered was that the people of the highveld be destroyed so that they could never again threaten the hegemony of the Zulu nation in the Natal coastlands. At his order, the impis of the Zulu clans moved up into what are today the Transvaal and the Free State and they murdered every man, woman and child they could find. Driving their cattle and other assets back to the Zulu heartland as gifts for Shaka and his senior chiefs. Only selected women were kept alive to be taken as wives on return at the pleasure of Shaka. It was ruthless and self-perpetuating so long as the Zulus could hold together and enforce discipline. Its success made the Zulus the dominant social, economic and political force in southern Africa. Its tentacles spread as far north as Tanzania and Malawi, as far south as the growing influence of the white man would permit. At the start of the 19th century, the Afrikaner Boers started the Great Trek northwards eventually stopping in Chimanimani in eastern Zimbabwe. When their wagons crested the escarpments that sheltered the hinterland across the Vaal and Orange rivers, they found nothing but empty kraals and dry skulls. At a recent meeting in Pretoria with their South African counterparts, the Zimbabwe Minister of Foreign Affairs told his South African hosts that the land reform process is over in Zimbabwe and they would not be taking any more land from white farmers. He then appealed to the South Africans to help them get compensation for the displaced farmers. In fact there is little left now on the highveld of Zimbabwe where the bulk of the countries 4 000 commercial farmers had once been. Perhaps some 15 per cent remain shell shocked and cowed, ready to run at the slightest hint that they are coming back. Like the tribes of the hinterland in South Africa there was no help in the face of overwhelming force, no rule of law to shield them from the loss of everything they owned and held dear. One interpretation of the word mfecane is forced migration or a pogrom. Can anyone deny that Mugabe has done to the white farmers and the people who worked for them, just what Shaka did to the tribal peoples of the South African highveld? The fact that he has done this at the start of the 21st century, 200 years after Shaka, 50 years after the formation of the UN and the Declaration of Human Rights. 22 years after the signing of an agreement and the introduction of a negotiated constitution designed to prevent these sorts of excesses. Now just to round off the exercise we hear the government is uplifting thousands of farm workers and their families and dumping them without food or shelter near the Mozambique border in the north and east. Its forced migration or another mfecane. What Shaka did not know at the time was that he was opening up the way for a new empire to become established on the highveld. An Afrikaner empire with superior weapons and great personal courage and determination. What he also did not know was that under the feet of his impis lay the richest mineral beds in the world and that one-day in the paths cleared by the Zulu warriors, new warriors would ride. Just as ruthless and cunning, using money as their weapon and trading their rights for privilege across the globe. Smuts, Rhodes, Beit, Oppenheimer, men who would influence world affairs for another 150 years. Perhaps in the same way, a new nation is growing up in Zimbabwe. Its path cleared by the ruthless and cruel actions of another African tyrant, Mugabe. The principles he is using are the same, the effects similar, the object identical. Perhaps the outcome too, will be similar, a new nation will rise up in place of that being destroyed and it will be better, richer and more permanent than the fragile hegemony that Shaka thought would last forever. Tyranny never survives its perpetrators one day, one day soon, Mugabe will be swept aside by the very forces that he seeks to control. Then we will get the chance to build a better life for everyone that remains on the highveld in Zimbabwe. The highveld in our case is not geographical its based on principle. The principle of a nation foundered on the rule of law, of a constitution to which our people hold universal allegiance as the highest law in the land. The basic right of every man, women and child to life, liberty and respect, a deep commitment to democratic principles and to the creation of an open and transparent society. A pipe dream? No it need not be would the people of the South African highveld ever dreamed that one day a third of the economic power of Africa would come out of the area known as the whitewater ridge in the Transvaal? No of course not, but within 100 years of the terrifying nights of the mfecane, this was already a reality and Shaka only a memory.