Balanced Scorecard versus Bottom

Balanced Scorecard versus Bottom In recent years, managers within the hospitality industry have witnessed a proliferation of expectations that must be met for businesses to remain relevant in the current competitive environment (Jones Lockwood 2002). Hotel and resort managers, in particular, are often called upon to balance between the service expectations of customers and the financial expectations of the hotel owners.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Balanced Scorecard versus Bottom-line Approach in Resort Hotel Operations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The balancing of priorities has led managers to adopt a plethora of performance measurement models, including the balanced scorecard and the bottom-line approach (Phillips 2007). The present paper purposes to demonstrate the suitability of the balanced scorecard in assisting hotel and resort managers to balance their priorities, hence refuting the claim that adopting the bottom-line approach is the way to go for these managers in balancing service quality expectations and financial demands of the owners. Extant management literature shows that the balanced scorecard evaluates an organisation’s performance through four perspectives namely â€Å"financial, customer, internal operating processes and learning and growth, and lays emphasis on the comprehensiveness and integrity of evaluation† (Wang et al 2013, p. 25). The bottom-line approach focuses more on an organisation’s net income and financial reports to determine its strengths and weaknesses (Jones Lockwood 2002). Owing to the increasing competitive phenomenon of the hotel and resort industry (Lau et al 2005), an effective and efficient measurement tool must draw on both qualitative and quantitative perspectives (Phillips 2007). More importantly, such a measurement tool must have the capacity to expressively assess service quality attributes (Namkung Jang 2008), as well as the financial performanc e based on the fact that financial management is the backbone of any business (Tsai et al 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this light, the balanced scorecard is better placed to assist hotel and resort managers balance the service expectations of their customers and the financial expectations of hotel owners as it employs multiple perspectives not only to measure organisational success but also to assist in the implementation of effective strategies for future success (O’Fallon Rutherford 2010). Unlike in the bottom-line approach which deals with a single indicator to measure operational success (Jones Lockwood 2002), all the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard can be used to assist hotel and resort managers deal with the conflicting priorities that are largely predicated upon customer service expectations and the financial expectations of hotel owners. For instance, under the financial dimension of the balanced scorecard model, hotel and resort managers should be able to know what types of financial performance they should provide to hotel owners and other stakeholders so as to be successful financially (Evans 2005). Under the customer perspective, managers should be able to develop customer and service quality standards that enhance the vision and strategy of their respective service organisations (Cruz 2007). Again, under the internal business perspective of the balanced scorecard model, managers must have the capacity to develop and implement business processes that will enhance customer satisfaction and service quality. Lastly, under the innovation and learning perspective, managers must develop strategies that will not only ensure the organisation’s ability to change and improve, but also its capacity to enhance service quality offerings and the attainment of financial expectations set by stakeholders (E vans 2005). Available management literature demonstrates that excellent service quality within the hospitality industry not only enables an organisation to differentiate itself from its competitors in the marketplace, but also to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage and promote customer repeat intentions (Ladhari 2009). Arguably, therefore, the bottom-line approach cannot be used by firms within the hotel and resort industry to evaluate these qualitative values since it concerns itself with measuring quantitative (financial) attributes at the expense of service quality attributes (Jones Lockwood 2002).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Balanced Scorecard versus Bottom-line Approach in Resort Hotel Operations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although the measurement tool has received praise for capturing the financial performance of an organisation, hence effectively serving the interests of owners (Tsai et al 2011), it is one-dimensional and backward-looking for its lack to include other performance indicators such as service quality and customer satisfaction (Evans 2005). In the hotel and resort industry, it is imperative for any performance measurement tool to effectively illuminate the service quality and expectations of customers. Available literature demonstrates that â€Å"the benefits of service quality include increased customer satisfaction, improved customer retention, positive word of mouth, reduced staff turnover, decreased operating costs, enlarged market share, increased profitability, and improved financial performance† (Ladhari 2009, p. 308). The customer dimension of the balanced scorecard effectively measures five core variables that are intrinsically related to service quality, namely â€Å"customer satisfaction, customer winning, customer retention, customer profitability, and market and customer shares in the target segmentation† (Wang et al 2013, p. 2 6). In contrast, the bottom-line approach has no capacity to measure service quality attributes despite the fact that they are immensely important in the hotel and resort industry, especially with regard to the factors and benefits mentioned above. To conclude, it is important to underline the argument that the balanced scorecard is a more suitable measurement tool for hotel and resort managers, hence this paper refutes the claim that the hotel and resort industry is becoming increasingly bottom-line focussed. While the bottom-line approach is only able to fulfil the financial expectations of the owners through its financial measures, the balanced scorecard takes into account the financial expectations as well as a host of other qualitative indicators, including service quality and customer satisfaction.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reference List Cruz, I 2007, ‘How might hospitality organisations optimise their performance measurement systems?’ International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 19 no. 7, pp. 574-588. Evans, N 2005, ‘Assessing the balanced scorecard as a management tool for hotels’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 17 no. 5, pp. 376-390. Jones, P Lockwood, A 2002, The management of hotel operations, Cengage Learning, Stamford, CT. Ladhari, R 2009, ‘Service quality, emotional satisfaction, and behavioural intentions: A study in the hotel industry’, Managing Service Quality, vol. 19 no. 3, pp. 308-331. Lau, PM, Akbar, AK, Fie, DYG 2005, ‘Service quality: A study of the luxury hotels in Malaysia’, Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge, vol. 7 no. 2, pp. 46-55. Namkung, Y Jang, S 2008, ‘Are highly satisfied restaurant customers really different? A quality perception perspectiv e’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 20 no. 2, pp. 142-155. O’Fallon, MJ Rutherford, DG 2010, Hotel management and operations, John Wiley Sons, Hoboken, NJ. Phillips, PA 2007, ‘The balanced scorecard and strategic control: A hotel case study analysis’, The Service Industries Journal, vol. 27 no. 6, pp. 731-746. Tsai, H, Pan, S Lee, J 2011, ‘Recent research in hospitality financial management’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 23 no. 7, pp. 941-971. Wang, YG, Li, YM, Jan, CL Chang, KW 2013, ‘Evaluating firm performance with balanced scorecard and data envelopment analysis’, WSEAS Transactions on Business Economics, vol. 10 no. 1, pp. 24-39.

Problems In Remote Sensing †Graphic Arts Essay

Problems In Remote Sensing – Graphic Arts Essay Free Online Research Papers Problems In Remote Sensing Graphic Arts Essay The predicaments in most remotely sensed data is affected by several common factors, such as error, uncertainty and scale. â€Å"The goal of remote sensing is to infer information about objects from measurements† (Curtis Woodcock,2002) from various â€Å"locations†, however the process is not always perfect as â€Å"there is an element of uncertainty† concerning data results. Remote sensing studies have always shown various discrepancies as researchers have always identified errors and uncertainties in image interpretations. It also highlights that these properties can be human induced due to mis-interpretation of the data, miss handling of equipment (calibration problems, poor decision making in when to take data, if cloud problems. However, these issues can be technological problems in the sub-orbital and orbital craft; wrong flight path, poor sensor range. The objective of this essay is to highlight the certain types of errors, the causes of uncertainties and scale problems in remote sensing. The extent of this area of terms is substantial in terms. Background Error Error, according to Heuvelink(1991) is defined as â€Å"the difference between reality and our representation of reality†. Error produces ramifications, as â€Å"error is a bad thing†. However Heuvelinks definition does not account for subtle and random errors â€Å"in a statistical way†. The concept of error is illustrated by Jensen’s belief that error is based on two factors internal and external geometric error. Jensen (2005) backs this up by stating it is important to recognize the problem sources of internal and external error, â€Å"whether it is systematic or nonsystematic†. Apparently, geometric error of the systematic approach is generally easier to define and correct. The problems of internal geometric errors are caused by the Earth’s curvature characteristics and remote sensing system being used. Jensen breaks down where internal geometric errors happen 1. Skew 2. Scanning system 3. Relief Displacement Skew Skew effects happen because of the remote sensing data being affected by the earth’s rotation on the axis and the remote sensors orbit of the planet whether it is phased, sun synchronous or geosynchronous. This combination of factors causes the image of the IFOV being examined to be skewed, this was based on using the LandSat enhanced thematic plus using its linear array of 16 lines, which scanned 3 times. This skew effect could be the result of a faulty scanner. Jensen (2005, states if the image is not deskewed, the data will be displayed incoherently. The belief is that the image is skew in an eastwardly approach. The deskewed images being scanned will have an abrupt change on the pixels being read by the scanner. Every orbital sensor that collects image from the Earth will incur skewed images due the spectral curve of the land and also because of the overlaps in images. Scanning Systems Since a large amount of data is retrieved from various scanning sensors aboard orbital and sub-orbital craft. Jensen makes the comparison that multi-spectral orbital craft have minimal distortion to multi-spectral sub-orbital craft. This distortion is reduced in orbital craft because of their nadir equipment, altitude and IFOV in the terms of swath. Jensen(2005, p 227-235) places the problems of geometric distortion on aircraft because of there AGL and their operating height. The only way that this distortion is reduced is only by using the central 70% of the swath width, because scientists noticed â€Å"ground resolution elements have larger cell sizes the farther way from the nadir† Relief displacement The use of aerial photography illustrate that photographs are exposed to perspective geometry , where all the objects are displaced from their plan metric positions outwardly from the principal point. The greater planimetric distance the greater, the reliefs distance(Jensen, 2005, p 227-235). The displacement occurs because of the direction that is perpendicular to the line of flight of each scan. The problems of one-dimensional relief displacement cause objects from their terrain to be displaced from their true position. This causes maps created from imagery to contain plainimetric errors. External Errors Externals errors happen because of unexpected ramifications â€Å"in nature through space and time†. The widely known errors of this are; altitude alterations and attitude changes, which can be yaw pitch and roll. Altitude changes The majority of remote systems operate well above AGL so that images can produce a uniform pattern. If the orbital or suborbital craft changes any of its orbits along the designated flight path, this will result in the scale of the image to change. Jensen(2005, p 227-235)), points out that these changes happen due to the elevation of the aircraft and the terrain. The only ways these issues are corrected by are the use geometric rectification algorithms. Attitude changes The problem of sub-orbital craft are that they affected by issues of turbulence and wind. This happens when sub-orbital craft are collecting data and have to contend with up and down drafts, cross, tail and head winds. This results in the aircraft changing its flight path by rotating its various axes (roll, pitch and yaw. This intern causes geometric distortions to image by introducing compression and expansion of the image. Most satellite and aircraft used in remote sensing have gyro-stabilization equipment to offset these errors in their flight paths. The problem can also be located in mishandling of equipment, as sensors can be miss-calibrated for recording information. Uncertainty The remotely sensed data can attribute to uncertainties in the processing outcomes, which in turn can affect the sound decision-making. Uncertainty pertains to areas of inference and prediction (May,2001). Researchers often confuse these terms in remote sensing. Uncertainty plays a large part in remote sensing as it causes problems especially the classification of land types, Measurement of Sea Surface Temperature, Image interpretation, Image mapping and many other areas of remote sensing. Uncertainty comes from many sources such as ignorance, â€Å"through measurement of prediction†. Uncertainty relates to being not 100% sure of something. The problems in uncertainty are that sometimes it is the most exciting in remote sensing. This is where remote sensing can explored â€Å"to find things so that a base is made for better understanding of how the world operates. The problems of uncertainty can be located in AVHRR data used for measurements of vegetation can have levels of i naccuracy. The best example where uncertainty can cause calamities was the Kyoto protocol in 2000, which collapsed due to high levels of uncertainties in the measurement and understanding of carbon emissions. Woodcock(2002) relates uncertainty to three areas Accuracy Accuracy is often described as the closeness of results, observations that correspond to values being accepted as being true Bias Bias is often seen as an over-estimation of a true value. Bias is often model based. Precision Precision is often the exact value expressed whether the value is right or wrong. These three terms are often seen in projects of measurement of changes in ice sheets, Tropical forests and land classification. Grant Leavenworth (1988) emphasis â€Å"during the life cycle of remotely sensed data, uncertainties are introduced and propagated in an often unknown way†. By constructing a listing where an uncertainty occurs provides the factors of how uncertainty is found in remote sensing. The sensor system. Using the landsat as an example, the velocity of the scanning optical mirror, the number of spectral bands, orbit and altitude height are, parameters that determine the signal noise and â€Å"goodness† of the measurement. In addition to this, all these factors are translated in the terms of resolution; spatial, spectral, temporal. The data gathered from the sensor are affected by these characteristics. This happens in multi temporal systems, especially tropical regions, where there is high cloud cover, this results in incomplete data sets. Coverage Area The problem relates to a sensor trying to correctly capture areas with high complexity. The detection of objects in mixed classifications can be difficult with areas of land and urban together. These objects can affect the area being examined as spectral influence could offset sensors reading in IFOV, although this can be improved by high spatial resolution. In all, this causes the image to become fuzzy and results in uncertainty if the pixels values in the image do not correspond to the classification structure, as two pixels of different values represent the same type of land cover. Geometric and atmospheric distortions. Jensen (2005) illustrates that geometric cause many errors in raw data interpretation especially when affected by the height and altitude of a sensor or by the ground control points(GCP). The concern with atmospheric distortions is that electromagnetic radiation interaction with the atmosphere can diminish information signal of a sensor. This happens, as radiation is subjected to back scattering and absorption. This causes some uncertainty in capturing a truly perfect image of a flat representation. Image distortions The processing of data causes a lot of uncertainty as the amount uncertainty allowed in data is based on Success of the radiometric and geometric corrections The loss of data during conversion Scale Scale variations have long been a thorn in remote sensing, as scale can be constraints for detail in which information needs to be observed and analyzed. Altering the scale in image causes the representation of patterns to differ from the actual size. Scale (Maher, 1997) is used as a basis for measurement as a scale of 1:1,000 means for every one unit on the map, you would need to measure one-thousand of those units on the earth. For example, 1mm on the map represents 1,000 mm on the ground and 1 metre represents 1,000 metres. Although these relations of unit measurement can cause problems as some users may miss-interpret a measurement unit, as 1:10000 is a large scale in comparison to a 1:100000(l. Lillesand(2004, p 617-622) belief is that scale can be very problematic in remote sensing as the definition and understanding varies from researchers. Lillesand breaks down scale in to two areas temporal and spatial. In remote sensing scale is an ambiguous term and is often defined as the relationship between the size of feature on a map or image to the corresponding dimensions on the ground. However ecologists understanding of spatial scale is based on two factors, grain (finest resolution of data) and extent (area under observation). Other problems of spatial scale are the understanding of large and small scales in an image. This is evident as small scale represents coarser spatial objects while large scale represents clearer objects, however individualist (ecologists) reverse the meanings of small and large scale for image analyzing. The only way ensuring the scale of the image is correct for research is using the three principles that Lillesand(2004,p 622) created. 1. Spatial resolution of the sensor 2. The spatial area under observation 3. The nature of information sought in any given image processing operation These key factors should always be relevant in deciding which type of sensor to be used for image analyzing of an area in spatial scale. However, scale varies have changed since the deployment of imaging systems on satellites. Sabins (1997) show this. Small scale 1:500,000 as 1cm= 5km or moirà © These descriptions are different from the aerial photography. However, Harvey and Hill (2003) see that detailed large-scale date extracted from aerial photography was superior as similar scale data could not be extract from the Landsat TM, SPOT XS satellite. This was due to errors of spectral data found in the classification for different vegetation covers. The best available photographic data are panchromatic and at scales of 1:25 000 or 1:50 000. It is generally believed that all environmental processes are scale dependent. The different scale measurements manifest a homogenous side to one scale and a heterogeneous to another side(Atkinson Tate,2000). This can be evident as scale dependence on spatial variation can be problematic in the processing of data, as the techniques of averaging, smoothing and extrapolation can be dangerous for replacing missing datasets. In spatial scale it is often desirable to focus on the particular scale of spatial variation (mean and sample of data), as not all scales need to utilized for specific process(Atkinson Tate,2000). However that can problem if using a specific scale such as the drainage basin scale to represent contours on a topography map, however it would be useless for sheet flow on a hill slope. The general belief is, that it is widely accepted that scales of measurement are determined by the sampling strategy, the sampling generally refers to spatial pattern of the sample obse rvation. Unfortunately, all samples of spatial data are not stationary and can affect the spatial scale of the area under study(Atkinson Tate,2000). That is the fundamental reason for the continuing interest in scale in remote sensing is that spatial resolution is the primary scale of measurement (Atkinson and Aplin). Discussion Zhou Liu(2004) says that classification of land produces errors in multi- temporal data acquisition. The use of classification causes many problems in mapping of land and urban areas which results in uncertainty of accuracy. Using spatial resolution, a decrease in pixel size can cause major ramifications in an image being inferred for a prediction model (H. Liu Q. Zhou). This is evident as pixels being inferred in a spatial swath may represent more than one classification. This can found by comparing different satellites spatial resolution. As landsat TM uses a 30 * 30 metre resolution that is acceptable for some classifications, however if the resolution was needed for small buildings (5 x5 metres), it would fail. This also highlights that uncertainties can enter in to classification of land types as distinguish uncertainties can happen (Atkinson Foody), Page 14). The occurrence of ambiguous definition of classes The problems of land transitions over period due to rapid changes of building into new land types. There also more sources of uncertainty that can occur during the post classification stage as different users can create different conclusions from the IFOV under observation. This is a result of their map reading skills, understanding of raster information and the ability to distinguish significant objects. Neels (2005) defines that uncertainty is found in most of the big ice sheets. This happens due to poor observation of spatial coverage of measuring their variable changes in changes in surface elevation. This was due to the implementation of the budget method. This method is insufficient because of the fluctuation changes in ice sheet volume are determined by the snakk residual alterations in the large terms. This causes temporal and spatial fluctuations, which then cause uncertainty in measuring the ice sheet volume. Not all these measurements in high accuracy and dense data can provide a reliable estimate of ice sheet volume and this highlight errors in analysis of the surface elevation measurements. It also manifests the scale problem of obtaining this volume of data. However Harvey and Hill (2003) notice, that errors are common in image acquisition in remote sensing studies of wetland areas. They believe that spectral overlap may cause a reduction in the utility of imagery collection of a certain season, although spectral classification can be enhanced by image optimizing. This is manifested by their work in tropical wetland environments, as tropical wetlands have large variations in the nature of rainfall. These factors can affect the overall classifications and cause various errors to the image been inferred. Errors can be found in most areas as Czaplewski (2003) questions the methods used in remote sensing especially in monitoring the of global deforestation trends. He manifests this by agreeing with the arguments of Townsend and Tucker over the 10% stratified random samples used by FAO to estimate tropical deforestation. These samples are quite questionable as tropical deforestation is spatially concentrated. The belief here is that these samples can have significant problems for estimations for the FAO. This was seen in study models of dense tropical regions and showed that some regions are less spatially concentrated. Therefore this provided that sampling errors from Landsat sensor scenes in these studies are higher that other regions. In Rajeev and Saxena (2004) argument, they conclude that large scale soil mapping of different scales are dependent upon the requirements of the user. However the uses of satellite have being problem for large scaling mapping because of their coarse resolution. The only way this scale of operation was feasible was to employ conventional methods, which were costly and time consuming. This has changed with the introduction of high resolution PAM and LISS III data from IRS-1C/CD satellite. Although scale is seen mostly as a measurement, scale can be used as a term in remote sensing as the area of data to be analyzed .This was seen with the central America dataset as the scale of coverage was 619 048km2 and includes the countries of Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. However the assessment of this scale of mapping proved to be difficult, as it show the limits of AVHRR data for classification of NDVI in comparison to Landsat TM data, which has higher classif ication accuracies (Friedl et al, 2000). It also evident that the temporal scales of these studies have been relatively short (days, weeks, months), and few studies have exceeded years in duration. Despite this, researchers are now being called upon to lengthen their studies to longer temporal scales. Conclusion The use of these terms illustrate the problems that are found in remote sensing and highlights the problems they cause to images being taken from orbital and sub-orbital craft. It demonstrates the issues of pixel classification of data in images for the representation of land, woodland, urban and water classes. It also raises the concern about the understanding of these terminologies in remote sensing as some individuals lack the true meaning of what these terms are. That is why Woodcock (2002) states that â€Å"where relevant, adopt the terminology used within statistics and otherwise should adopt terms that convey clearly the authors meaning.† Scale apparently has being problem for researchers as they are concerned in deciding which scale will provide the most accurate measurement in spatial. The problems of uncertainty and error is also seen as new techniques such as using different types of sensors, prediction models are still not capable of yielding the trends of ice sheet mass balance, unless decades of observation are made. Error can also be human induced to poor understanding and misinterpretation of data, technology and the area of observation. It appears that it is by far unfeasible to assess all errors , uncertainties and scale problems as they will always appear in studi es, observations and new types of equipment in remote sensing, as nothing can be 100% perfect in any environment. Finally the biggest concern is the constant changes of electromagtic radiation as this causes major problems to remote sensing when attaining information on a large scale region of interest. these changes in the spectrum will cause uncertainties for the researcher and the scientist. References Books Sabins F Floyd, 1997, Remote Sensing Principles and Interpretation (Third Edition), W.H . Freeman and Company, New York. Jensen R John, 2005, Introductory Digital Image Processing, Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Lillesand M Thomas, Kiefer W Ralph, Chipman W Jonathan,2004, Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, The Lehigh Press, United States of America. Atkinson M.P Foody M.G, 2002,Uncertainty in Remote Sensing and GIS: Fundamentals, John Wiley Sons Ltd. Journals K. R. Harvey and G. J. E. Hill, Vegetation mapping of a tropical freshwater swamp in the Northern Territory, Australia: a comparison of aerial photography, Landsat TM and SPOT satellite imagery, int. j. remote sensing, 2001, vol. 22, no. 15, 2911–2925 Reeh Niels, Mass balance of the Greenland Ice sheet: can modern observation methods reduce the uncertainty, int. j. remote sensing, 735-742 H. Liu, Q. Zhou, Accuracy analysis of remote sensing change detection by rule-based rationality evaluation with post-classification comparison, int. j. remote sensing, 10 MARCH, 2004, vol. 25, no. 5, 1037–1050 Czaplewski R. L., Can a sample of Landsat sensor scenes reliably estimate the global extent of tropical deforestation?,International Journal of Remote Sensing, vol 24, no 6, March 20, 2003, 1409-1412. Rajeev Saxena, Technique of large scale soil mapping in basaltic terrain using satellite remote sensing data, int. j. remote sensing, 10 March, 2004,vol. 25,no. 5, 1037–1050 Friedl M. A., Woodcock C., Gopal S., Muchoney D.,Strahler A. H., Barker-Schaaf C,A note on procedures used for accuracy assessment in land cover maps derived from AVHRR data, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 20 March 2000,vol 21, no 5, pp. 1073-1077(5) Atkinson M.P Tate J Nicholas, Spatial Scale Problems and Geostatistical Solutions: A review, Nov 2000, No 4, 607-620. Websites May Robert, Risk and Uncertainty, nature, 21 june 2001,vol 41 Grant Leavenworth,Heuvalink, library.uu.nl/digiarchief/dip/diss/1903229/c4.pdf#search=Uncertainty%2C%20remote%20sensing Visual Exploration of Uncertainty in Remote-sensing Classification, 1997, Frans J.M. van der Wel, Linda C. van der Gaag, library.uu.nl/digiarchief/dip/dispute/2001-0226-133022/1997-29.pdf Research Papers on Problems In Remote Sensing - Graphic Arts EssayIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalResearch Process Part OneRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanThe Project Managment Office SystemBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseOpen Architechture a white paperMind Travel

Coursework in Internatial Human Resource Management Essay

Coursework in Internatial Human Resource Management - Essay Example After analyzing the positive factors, the firms will or should have to analyze the challenges that may impede its entry. There will be country specific challenges as well as industry specific challenges in those foreign markets. For example, the Asian country of China has some distinct aspects, which will surely act as advantages as well as challenges for the new firms, who are planning to enter it. So, this paper will analyze and asses the advantages and challenges in China. In the earlier decades, the cheap Chinese products only entered various countries’ markets. But, now seeing the potential of the Chinese economy and the market, many foreign firms or foreign invested firms have instead entered or entering the Chinese markets. This two way flow creates a multi-pronged business system benefiting China. That is, Chinese are benefiting when they manufacture Chinese products and export it to foreign countries and also when the foreign countries enter it, make investments and give them employment. The other thing, which is enticing the foreign firms, is the huge population, which translates into the biggest market of the world. â€Å"Most of the world’s major global firms are desperate to grab a slice of the world’s largest and most rapidly growing emerging market† (Gamble, 2006). With the huge population becoming financially better off, the purchasing power of the prospective customer is also optimizing, thus providing foreign firms good opportunities. Apart from the above discussed two important aspects (high economic growth and huge market), the main thing that allows the foreign firms to enter China is the relaxation of many restrictions imposed by the Chinese Government. China being a Communist country functioned behind an â€Å"Iron Curtain†, restricting the foreign firms and multinational companies to protect the home-grown firms. This continued for major part of the 20th

Challenge of treatment low to medium strength municipal wastewater Dissertation

Challenge of treatment low to medium strength municipal wastewater from ambient to low temperature by using UASB reactors - Dissertation Example A, Boncz 2001, "Anaerobic Digestion Congress." Belgium. This book expounds on the ninth world congress. It gives a detailed study on the anaerobic digestion with reference to the proceedings in that congress. A, Charlier C 1994, Water Science Technology. Washington DC: Sage Publishers. This book is rich on data regarding the challenges prone in urban water management. It informs on municipal wastewater treatments by provide basic and necessary guidelines. Augusto, Carlos, and De Lemos Chernicharo 2007, Anaerobic Reactors. IWA. This books covers on several aspects regarding anaerobic reactors. It gives details on the principles of anaerobic digestion, biomass in the anaerobic systems along with designs in anaerobic reactors. Barbosa 1995, Wastewater Examination. Washington DC: Sage. Barbosa gives an account on waste and wastewater analysis. This is through providing details with physical analysis, sampling, instrumental analysis, chemical analysis, floatable analysis, organic analysis , statistical analysis and treatability analysis. Bhat, P., M.S. Kumar, and S.N. Mudliar. Biodegradation of tech-hexachlorocyclohexane. The authors give an account on biodegradation and biological treatmensts. Elsevier, 2006.Biological Wastewater Treatment in Warm Climate Regions. International Water Assoc. The author gives an account on wastewater treatment, characteristic and disposal in warm climatic regions. He gives details on water pollution and water quality before giving an account on waste water systems. C, Forestor F, and Chacin F 1997, Bio-resource Technology. New York: Maccmilan. Chacin and forester provide a very significant an easy to use management and applications of biotechnology. The book gives a state to art research on biotechnological inventions and innovation, especially for commercial exploiting. Chaggu 2004, Modified Pitlatrines. Wageningen : Wageningen University. This book is based on anaerobic treatments with fish processing in the wastes. It defined the a naerobic hydrolysis of lipids and proteins in fish processing on wastewaters. The author also gives an account on the use of ammonia and sodium chloride in the anaerobic treatment of lipids and proteins. Chernicharo, Carlos Augusto de Lemos 2005, Biological wastewater treatment in warm climate . IWA Publishing. The author gives an over view on sludge disposal and treatment in the perspective of slid concentrations, levels and flow. D, Mavinic S 1994, Water Environment. Wageningen : Wageningen University. Mavinic gives a detailed study on the climatic changes and their implications on water environments. He addresses this aspect from a wide range of approaches inclusive of the geographic and temporal and geographic perspectives. Lisa, Orphan, and Blaszcyk Kosaric 1999, UASR Water Science Technology. New York: New York University Press. The book by Lisa and Kosaric describes different ways in which technology has been used in the development of all aspects of UASR especially when rela ted to water and raw sewage. M, Kato T 1994, Low Strength Water Treatment. Wageningen: Press Publishers. Kato’s book has identification of the different water and sewage treatment using both low strengths. This book shows the different interactions of water strength as well as how these operations are useful in the treatment of sewage. Mara, David Duncan 2004, Domestic Wastewater Treatment in Developing Countries.

Company Law shareholders Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Company Law shareholders - Case Study Example Remedies available to Samantha are bringing action section 994 (old459) of the Companies Act meant for Minority Shareholders' petitions against the directors' misrule etc. and also a derivative action. From time immemorial, minority shareholder has been discouraged to take action against the directors on the grounds of company being run on majority concept and on the basis of action if any should be taken only by the Company on the directors and not the shareholder in individual capacity. In Foss v Harbottle1, it was observed by the court that minority should rather take necessary action through the internal forum of company meetings. Wigram VC stated that in view of the majority rule, any unlawful conduct of the directors was capable of being ratified by the majority and that it was not possible for the court to intervene. The only exception to the rule as observed by Jenkins LJ in Edwards v Halliwell(1950)2, could be that the minority shareholder should show that the directors accused of fraud were actually in control of the company rather than merely maintaining that majority could not lawfully ratify the wrong acts of the directors.3 In Ebrahimi v Westbourne Galleries Ltd4, th e minority shareholder Ebrahimi sued on the basis oppression of minority and winding up on just and equitable grounds. The second one was accepted by the court holding that individual's rights should be respected and the rights were not necessarily submerged by the artificial corporate entity context. The minority shareholder Samantha is of the opinion that the purchase of the property of Pastry Products for 450,000 by Filo Ltd is prejudicial to its interests and now she has learnt that both the directors are together holding 44%(each 22%) of shares of that company and the proceeds of the sale of the property have been used for payment of that company's dividends. Regulation 81(a) of Table A of Articles Filo Ltd has adopted, governs removal of directors along with other regulations from 81(b) to (e). Regulation 81(a) says "the office of a director shall be vacated if-(a) he ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Act or he becomes prohibited by law from being a director"5 Besides, a director enjoys immunity as per regulation 118 which indemnifies every director against liability incurred by way of defence to any civil or criminal proceedings in case of judgment or reliefs in his favour. On the other hand a person conducting shareholder litigation has to meet costs from his own sources in case of the derivative claim being rejected by the court. As per the new Act's section 172 which came into force from October 1, 2007, directors must "promote the success of the company for the benefit of the members as a whole"6 as against the earlier parallel provision that they should act "in the best interests" of the company. Government has clarified that "to promote the success" means "long-term increase in value" though this is subject to being confronted by a competing definition from potential litigants. Under Section 175 of the new Act, director has duty to avoid conflict of interests. There should not be a situation involving exploitation of any property, information, or opportunity whether or not they are advantageous to the company. The acquisitioning of the property by Filo Limited from Pastry Products in which both of the directors hold 44% of shares falls under this section. Further it has been stated that

Zancolli Classification Hand Function Scale

Zancolli Classification Hand Function Scale Zancolli classification hand function scale was formed by Eduardo Zancolli in 2003. He first used this scale in assessing the children with cerebral palsy who underwent reconstructive surgery. In this scale he explained about the grasping and release patterns between the wrist and fingers and hand appearance of the spastic children. He explained the hand appearance in degrees and that, degrees of extension can be measured using goniometer. The responses of the scale was scored as 0, 1, 1a, 2a, 2b and 3. Scoring: 0: Patients can extend the wrist more than 20 0 with the fingers extended. 1a: Patients can extend the wrist between 0 and 20 0 with the fingers extended 1b: Patients can extend the wrist between -200 and -10 with the fingers extended 2a: Patients can extend the wrist with the finger flexed. The fingers can also be extended, but with more than 20 0 of wrist flexion. 2b: Patients cannot extend the wrist with the finger flexed. The fingers can be extended, but with more than 200 of wrist flexion. 3: Extension of the fingers and wrist is impossible. Interpretation: Maximum score is 3 Minimum score is 0. The lowest score indicates no deformity and highest score indicates severe deformity. 3.8.3. Cryotherapy: The term cryotherapy comes from the Greek word cryo means cold and the word therapy means cure. It has been around since the 1880-1890s. The ancient Greeks knew the secrets of wellness Cryotherapy (Greek cryo cold, therapeia cure) is a term used for treatment based on exposing the human body to very low temperatures for brief periods at a time. Cryotherapy came into broad use in the care of sports injuries during the 1970s. Articles Needed: 1. A plinth to position the subject 2. Ice Packs 3. A stopwatch 4. Towels 2 5. Bowl with cotton ball 6. Spirit 7. Goniometer Procedure: Step 1: Explain the procedure to the care giver Step 2: Arrange all the articles Step 3: Prepare the child by removing the clothing from the elbow to fingers Step 4: Level of spasticity and hand function is assessed using Ashworth scale and zancolli classification hand function scale. Step 5: Wrap the ice pack in a wet towel. Step 6: The area is cleaned with spirit cotton and the upper limb of the child was positioned on pillow. Step 7: Place the wrapped pack on the flexor compartment of the forearm Step 8: Leave the pack in place with dry towel Step 9: After 5 minutes assess for any adverse effects like rashes. Step 10: The ice pack was applied for 20 minutes and then removed and dried Step 11: Make the child comfortable Step 12: Replace the articles Step 13: Level of spasticity and hand function is measured after 10 days. 3.9. HYPOTHESES H01: There is no significant difference between experimental group and control group in the level of spasticity and hand function before cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy. H1: There is a significant difference in the level of spasticity and hand function before and after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. H02: There is no significant difference in the level of spasticity and hand function before and after intervention among children with cerebral palsy of control group. H2: There is a significant difference between experimental and control group in the level of spasticity and hand function after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy. 3.10. PILOT STUDY Pilot study was conducted to find out feasibility and practicability, validity and reliability of the study. The study was conducted at Aashirwad special school for a period of 6 days. A total of 6 samples were selected for the study in simple random sampling technique. Personal information was collected. A pre assessment was done using Ashworth scale and Zancolli classification hand function scale followed that cryotherapy was administered by the researcher for 30 minutes daily for each child for a period of 6 days. Post test was done on the 6th day. Data collected was tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The results showed that, there was a significant improvement in children after cryotherapy. Hence the study was feasible and practicable. 3.11. MAIN STUDY The main study was conducted to meet the objectives of the present study. The data was collected at Families for Children for a period of 30 days. The children were selected according to purposive sampling technique. Total of 30 samples were allocated alternatively into experimental and control group. The researcher explained the procedure to care givers of the children and obtained consent from the care givers. Demographic data was collected first. A pre assessment was done using Ashworth scale and Zancolli classification hand function scale for the children with cerebral palsy. Cryotherapy was administered to the child by the researcher for duration of 20 minutes daily for a period of 10 days to each child in a comfortable environment. The post test was done using the same tool at the end of 10th day of intervention. 3.12. TECHNIQUE OF DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION A frequency table was formulated for all significant information. Descriptive and inferential statistical method was used for data analysis. t test for dependent samples was used to find the significance of cryotherapy. t test for independent samples was used to find out the comparison of post test scores among experimental and control group. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION The effectiveness of cryotherapy prior to passive stretching on the level of spasticity and hand function among children with CP was assessed and analyzed. The participants of the study were children with spastic cerebral palsy. Totally 30 samples were selected for the study and randomly divided into experimental and control group. The intervention selected for the present study was cryotherapy for 20 minutes before passive stretching on the level of spasticity and hand function. The level of spasticity was assessed before and after cryotherapy by using Ashworth scale. Hand function was assessed before and after cryotherapy using Zancolli classification hand function scale. The collected data were grouped and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. SECTION I 4.1. DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES The following demographic variables are distributed in the form of tables and graphs. The demographic variables are age (in years), sex and types of cerebral palsy among children with spastic cerebral palsy. TABLE 4.1. DISTRIBUTION OF DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY (N=30) Demographic Variables Experimental group Control group No. of participants Percentage (%) No. of participants Percentage (%) Age (years) 6-9 3 20 5 33 9-12 5 33 7 47 12-15 7 47 3 20 Sex Male 5 33 4 27 Female 10 67 11 73 Types of CP Diplegic 5 33 7 47 Quadriplegic 10 67 8 53 The table shows the distribution of demographic variables like age (years), sex, and type of CP that are children with spastic cerebral palsy. The age distribution children with spastic cerebral palsy range from 6-15 years in which 47% of children from experimental group range from 12-15 years and in control group they range from 9-12 years respectively. 20% of children from experimental group and control group range from 6-9 years and 12-15 years respectively. 33% of children from experimental group and control group range from 9-12 years and 6-9 years respectively. In both the group majority of children were female while 33% in experimental group and 27% in control group were male. In both groups, majority of children were quadriplegic while 33% in experimental group and 47% in control group were diplegic. FIG 4.1 AGE DISTRIBUTION OF CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY FIG 4.2 GENDER DISTRIBUTION OF CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY FIG 4.3 DISTRIBUTION OF TYPES OF CP AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SECTION II 4.2. 1. ASSESSMENT ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY The ashworth scale consists of 5 point scale used to assess the level of spasticity among children with cerebral palsy in both experimental and control group. The assessment was done for both the hands before and after cryotherapy. TABLE 4.2. ASSESSMENT ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY (ON RIGHT HAND) AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOTHERAPY (N=30) Level of spasticity Experimental group Control group Before After Before After n % n % n % n % No spasticity 1 3 Mild spasticity 1 3 11 37 2 7 2 7 Moderate Spasticity 14 47 3 10 13 43 13 43 The table shows that in experimental group majority of children with spasticity (47%) had moderate spasticity before the intervention whereas majority (37%) had mild spasticity after intervention. In control group there was no changes after intervention. The scores on comparison showed reduction in the level of spasticity among children with cerebral palsy on right hand. TABLE 4.3. ASSESSMENT ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY (ON LEFT HAND) AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOTHERAPY (N=30) Level of spasticity Experimental group Control group Before After Before After n % n % n % n % No spasticity 1 3 Mild spasticity 1 3 12 40 2 7 6 20 Moderate Spasticity 14 47 3 10 13 43 9 30 The table shows that in experimental group majority of children with spasticity (47%) had moderate spasticity before the intervention whereas majority (40%) had mild spasticity after intervention. In control group majority (43%) had moderate spasticity before intervention and mild difference occurs after intervention. The scores on comparison show reduction in the level of spasticity among the experimental group children with cerebral palsy on left hand. 4.2.2. ASSESSMENT ON HAND FUCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY The zancolli classification hand function scale used to assess hand function among children with cerebral palsy in both experimental and control group. The assessment was done for both the hands before and after cryotherapy. TABLE 4.4. ASSESSMENT ON HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOTHERAPY (N = 30) Hand Experimental Group Control Group Before After Before After Mean Mean% Mean Mean% Mean Mean% Mean Mean% Right 3.2 64 1.86 37 2.6 53 2.66 53 Left 3.1 62 1.7 34 2.73 55 2.53 51 Hand function on both right and left hand among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group shows that there was an improvement in hand function after intervention, when compared with the scores before intervention. In control group there was a mild changes in the right and left hand assessment scores after intervention. Thus the score reveals that the experimental group children had positive improvement in the hand function compared to control group children. SECTION III 4.3.1. COMPARISON ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN EXPERIMENTAL AND CONTROL GROUP BEFORE INTERVENTION Before intervention, assessment on the level of spasticity and hand function was done among experimental and control group. The obtained scores were analyzed using t test for independent samples, to prove the effectiveness of the intervention. TABLE 4.5. COMPARISON ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN EXPERIMENTAL GROUP AND CONTROL GROUP BEFORE INTERVENTION Group Level of spasticity Hand function Right Hand Left hand Right Hand Left hand Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Experimental 2.26 57 0.5 0.3 2 50 0.51 1.2 3.2 64 0.84 1.6 3.1 45 0.83 0.4 Control 2.3 58 0.3 2.6 57 0.57 2.6 52 1 2.7 54 0.9 (N=30) The above table depicts the obtained t value calculated for the level of spasticity and hand function of experimental group and control group before intervention. The level of spasticity on right hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 57% (0.57) and the control group was 58% (0.3). The level of spasticity on left hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 50% (0.51) and the control group was 57% (0.57). The hand function on right hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 64% (0.84) and the control group was 52% (1.07). The level of spasticity on right hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 45% (0.8) and the control group was 54% (0.9). Thus the mean percentage scores show that there is a positive difference in the level of spasticity and hand function among children with cerebral palsy. t test for independent samples is used to test the significance in mean difference among the experimental and control groups. The calculated t value on the level of spasticity, the right hand score (0.33) and left hand score (1.26) are lesser than the table value at 0.05 level of significance. The calculated t value on hand function, the right hand score (1.62) and left hand score (0.38) are lesser than the table value at 0.05 level of significance. Hence the null hypothesis, There is a no significant difference between experimental group and control group in the level of spasticity and hand function before cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy is accepted. 4.3.2. ANALYSIS ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY Using ashworth scale, the level of spasticity and hand function among the children with cerebral palsy was assessed in both experimental and control group. The assessment was done for both the hands. The obtained scores are analyzed using t test dependent samples, to test the effectiveness of cryotherapy prior to passive stretching. TABLE 4.6. MEAN, STANDARD DEVIATION, t VALUE ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION (ON RIGHT HAND) BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOTHERAPY (N=30) Group Level of spasticity Hand Function Before After Mean difference t Before After Mean difference t Mean Standard deviation Mean Standard deviation Mean Standard deviation Mean Standard deviation Experimental 2.26 0.57 1.13 0.5 1.13 10.41** 3.2 0.8 1.86 0.7 1.33 9.8** Control 2.3 0.3 2.2 0.7 0.13 1.46 2.6 1.07 2.6 1.01 0.06 0.74 ** Significant at 0.01 level The above table reveals the distribution of mean and standard deviation of the obtained scores before and after cryotherapy among experimental group and control group children with cerebral palsy. The level of spasticity among experimental group showed a mean difference of 1.17 while there was mild difference in the control group. Thus the mean score in the level of spasticity shows that there was a positive difference in the reduction of spasticity among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. Hand function of the experimental group showed a mean difference of 1.33 and the control group mean difference is about 0.06 Thus the mean scores show that there is a positive improvement in hand function among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. t test was used to test the significance in mean difference. The calculated t value on the level of spasticity in the experimental group was 10.4 which was compared with the table value at 0.01 level of significance. The calculated t value on hand function in the experimental group was 9.8 which was compared with the table value at 0.01 level of significance. The calculated value was higher than the table value. Hence the research hypothesis, There is a significant difference in the level of spasticity and hand function before and after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group is accepted. The calculated t value in control group on the level of spasticity was 1.46 and hand function was about 0.7 which was found to be lesser than the table value. Therefore the null hypothesis, There is no significant difference in the level of spasticity and hand function before and after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy of control group is accepted. Thus the mean value reveals that cryotherapy prior to passive stretching was effective in reducing the level of spasticty and improving hand function among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. TABLE 4.7. MEAN, STANDARD DEVIATION, t VALUE ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION (ON LEFT HAND) BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOTHERAPY (N=30) Group Level of spasticity Hand Function Before After Mean difference t Before After Mean difference t Mean Standard deviation Mean Standard deviation Mean Standard deviation Mean Standard deviation Experimental 2 0.51 1.13 0.34 0.86 9.5** 3.1 0.83 1.7 0.61 1.4 8.57** Control 2.26 0.57 2 0.63 0.2 1.87 2.7 0.97 2.53 0.9 0.2 1.87 ** Significant at 0.01 level The above table reveals the distribution of mean and standard deviation of the obtained scores before and after cryotherapy among experimental group and control group children with cerebral palsy. The level of spasticity among experimental group showed a mean difference of 0.86 while there was mild difference in control group. Thus the mean score in the level of spasticity shows that there was a positive difference in the reduction of spasticity among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. Hand function of the experimental group showed a mean difference of 1.4 and while there was 0.2 mean difference in the control group. Thus the mean scores show that there is a positive improvement in hand function among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. t test was used to test the significance in mean difference. The calculated t value on the level of spasticity in the experimental group was 9.5 which was compared with the table value at 0.01 level of significance. The calculated t value on hand function in the experimental group was 8.57 which were compared with the table value at 0.01 level of significance. The calculated value was higher than the table value. Hence the research hypothesis, There is a significant difference in the level of spasticity and hand function before and after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group is accepted. The calculated t value in control group on the level of spasticity was 1.87 and hand function was about 1.87 which was found to be lesser than the table value. Therefore the null hypothesis, There is no significant difference in the level of spasticity and hand function before and after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy is accepted. Thus the mean value reve als that cryotherapy prior to passive stretching was effective in reducing the level of spasticity and improving hand function among children with cerebral palsy of experimental group. FIG 4.4 COMPARISON ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY BEFORE AND AFTER INTERVENTION OF EXPERIMENTAL GROUP AND CONTROL GROUP FIG 4.5. COMPARISON ON HAND FUNCTION BEFORE AND AFTER INTERVENTION OF EXPERIMENTAL GROUP AND CONTROL GROUP 4.3.3. COMPARISON ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN EXPERIMENTAL AND CONTROL GROUP AFTER INTERVENTION After intervention, assessment on the level of spasticity and hand function was done among experimental and control group. The obtained scores were comparatively analyzed using t test for independent samples, to prove the effectiveness of the intervention TABLE 4.8. COMPARISON ON THE LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN EXPERIMENTAL GROUP AND CONTROL GROUP AFTER INTERVENTION Group Level of spasticity Hand function Right Hand Left Hand Right Hand Left Hand Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Mean Mean % Standard Deviation t Experimental 1.13 28 0.5 4.8** 1.13 28 0.34 4.5** 1.86 37 0.71 2.74* 1.7 34 0.61 3.53* Control 2.2 55 0.7 2 50 0.6 2.6 52 1 2.5 51 0.9 * Significant at 0.05 level The above table depicts the obtained t value calculated for the level of spasticity and hand function of experimental group and control group after intervention. The level of spasticity on right hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 28% (0.5) and the control group was 55% (0.7). The level of spasticity on left hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 28% (0.34) and the control group was 50% (0.6). The hand function on right hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 37% (0.71) and the control group was 52% (1). The hand function on left hand of children among experimental group the mean percentage score was 34% (0.6) and the control group was 51% (0.9). Thus the mean percentage scores show that there is a positive difference in the level of spasticity and hand function among children with cerebral palsy. t test for independent samples is used to test the significance in mean difference among the experimental and control groups. The calculated t value on the level of spasticity, the right hand score (4.87) and left hand score (4.5) are higher than the table value at 0.01 level of significance. The calculated t value on hand function, the right hand score (2.74) and left hand score (3.53) are higher than the table value at 0.05 level of significance. Hence the hypothesis, There is a significant difference between experimental group and control group in the level of spasticity and hand function after cryotherapy among children with cerebral palsy is accepted. This proves that, cryotherapy prior to passive stretching has its influence in reduction of spasticity and improvement in hand function. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The study was conducted at Families for Children, Coimbatore, with the focus on determining the effectiveness of cryotherapy prior to passive stretching on the level of spasticity and hand function among children with cerebral palsy. The samples of the study were 30 children with spastic cerebral palsy at Families for Children, and they were randomly allocated to experimental and control group. Cryotherapy was applied prior to passive stretching, to reduce the level of spasticity and improve hand function. To assess the level of spasticity and hand function, the researcher used Ashworth Scale and Zancolli classification hand function scale. The intervention was provided for 20 minutes prior to passive stretching for 10 days. The pretest score and post test scores were compared. The findings are discussed under the following headings. 5.1. FINDINGS RELATED TO DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLE 5.1.1. Age Distribution In the present study, out of 30 samples, 15 children were randomly assigned to experimental group and 15 children were assigned to control group. Age distribution in experimental group revealed that, majority of children with spastic cerebral palsy (47 %) were between 12-15 years of age, 33% were between 9-12 years and 20 % were between 6-9 years. Age distribution in control group revealed that, majority of children (47 %) were between 9-12 years, 33% were between 6-9 years and 20% were between 12-15 years. Boyd RN (2012) conducted an interventional study by providing progressive resistance training for CP children (between the age group of 6-15 years) who are ambulatory in order to improve muscle strength. The study findings showed improvement in muscle strength though there was no change in the walking ability. 5.1.2. Gender Distribution Gender distribution of children showed that, majority of children was females in both experimental (67 %) and control (73 %) group. A study on effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation over cryotherapy along with passive stretching as a common protocol on improving hand function in patients with spastic cerebral palsy by Devidas S Patil (2011) showed that, improvement of hand function was seen in both male and female children. 5.1.3. Type of Cerebral palsy Assessment on the type of cerebral palsy showed that, majority of children were quadriplegic in both experimental (67 %) and control (53%) group. A study on efficacy of cold therapy on spasticity and hand function in children with cerebral palsy by Gehan et al.,(2010) revealed that, cryotherapy was effective in reducing spasticity and improving hand function in both diplegic and quadriplegic children. 5.2. ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF SPASTICITY AND HAND FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY The children with the diagnosis of mild and moderate spastic cerebral palsy were selected for the study. The level of spasticity was measured using Ashworth scale. The tool is a 5 point scale in which the researcher extends the limb from the maximal flexion to maximal extension until the soft resistance is felt. The child limb moved through its full range of motion with one second by counting one thousand and one. The level of resistance felt is scored using 5 point scale. Hand function was assessed using Zancolli classification hand function scale in which the researcher assesses the degree of flexion and extension in the wrist and finger flexors by using goniometer. The degree of responses was scored as 0, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3. Akinbo et. al., (2007) conducted a similar study on effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and cryotherapy on spasticity and hand function. A quasi experimental pretest posttest control design was adopted in the study with sample size of 20. The level of spasticity was assessed using Ashworth scale in which the patient limb was extended from the maximal flexion to maximal extension until the soft resistance is felt. Hand function was assessed using zancolli classification hand function scale. The degree of flexion and extension was assessed using goniometer. 5.3. ADMINISTER CRYOTHERAPY PRIOR TO PASSIVE STRETCHING AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY After assessing the level of spasticity and hand function, Cryotherapy was administered prior to passive stretching. The child is placed in a supine position with upper limb supported on a pillow. The area is cleansed with spirit and cotton. The wrapped ice pack is placed on the flexor compartment of the forearm for 20 minutes and then dried. Then the child had passive st

The Pressure To Be Perfect Essay -- essays research papers

The Pressure to be Perfect In today's competitive society, a person strives for perfection, due to the fact that so much emphasis is placed on one's outer appearance. No matter who we are or where we live, society puts this pressure upon us. We are typically faced with this pressure by models on television and in magazines. Companies seem to have targeted women more so than men. They usually use women with good looks and nice figures to advertise and market their product. When companies use these women in advertisements, it is setting a standard that other women feel that they need to follow. What has happened to internal beauty? Society puts so much importance on external beauty that people have forgotten about an individual having beauty within. The sayings â€Å"beauty is in the eye of the beholder† and â€Å"beauty is only skin deep† come to mind when I think about just how much emphasis is placed on outer appearance. A major factor that has increased the percentage of overweight people in society is technology. This includes items such as elevators, escalators, garage-door openers, drive-in windows, and the remote control. It use to be that you would at least burn some calories by having to get up and turn the channel on the television, but thanks to technology it is now a push of a button. Just think, things have the possibility to grow increasingly worse because of the 'information super highway'. There is no need to get out and walk the malls in search of a particular item...