Thursday, September 5, 2019

Theories of psychological research

Theories of psychological research Humans are expected to deal with an immense amount of information whilst dealing with everyday complex tasks such as driving at high speeds in variable weather conditions and road conditions. Yet, research has shown that there is a limit to what humans can handle. It is well documented that human error on the road causes minor injury to fatal accidents and even damage. Treat et al (1977) calculated that human error is a major contributing factor in 90% of accidents and was also the only factor in 57% of accidents. This essay will consider two theories of psychological research on human memory. Attention and perception that can be used to assist understanding of the cause of human error on the roads. It will provide an overview of these two theories and the limitations in human information processing that contributes to accidents. It will also consider human error and how the research mentioned can be applied to minimise driver errors on the roads. It will conclude with a number of possibilities considered to reduce human error. Several studies noted that capacity of humans to process information is limited in capacity. Green(1991)research confirms that the flow of information whilst undertaking everyday tasks as driving is complex with the driver handling various information at the same time such as auditory and visual input vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, weather conditions. There is a continuous demand on the drivers memory who is also handling other auditory information such as talking to other passengers, listening to music, and recalling or recognising directions. Information processing theory is used to explain the importance of attention. Several studies show that accidents occur when the driver was focussed on something else. Several studies reveal that the driver can carry put all of the above tasks if visual and auditory input is low. However, if there is an increase in demand for attention when there is poor visibility or the driver is driving very fast, or driver is affected by fatigue or alcohol then attentional capacity is reduced. This limitation in capacity relates to bottleneck theories which suggests information enters the awareness one at a time whilst the information capacity theories propose information is processed through various channels, but each channel has a limited capacity. The driver does not have the capacity for inputs; they can only pay attention to certain number of information. Broadbent(1958),Treisman(1960) and Deutsch Deutsch(1963) put forward the theories of selective attention that remains influential, despite current theories focus on capacity theory, and the decay of information explained by Baddeley Hitch(1974). Broadbent Filter Model theory is based on Atkinson and Shiffrin multi-store memory model (1968) that explains memory processes and sequences stages; sensory, short-term and long term memory. The research confirms that the driver processes two types of stimulus. According to Broadbent the input comes through the filter and the other stimuli are held in a bottleneck for processing later. Baddeley Hitch (1974) working memory not only has limited capacity but also information decays, this gives limitation in regards to new information being held. There is some difficulty with Filter model Theory of attention. Cherry (1953) cocktail party effect experiment confirms the subject focuses attention on interesting stimuli whilst ignoring other stimulus. Again, Treisman (1960) proposed that if stimulus has meaning it can be processed, whilst Deutsch and Deutsch (1963) proposed that if stimulus needs to be responded to it can be selected later. The conclusion to be drawn from this, is that driver capacity to interact safely on the road is reduced and the possibility of human error increases because of the demands placed on attention. With such complex tasks as driving, information would not be retained or recalled, and as the capacity for inputs are limited the driver can only pay attention to certain pieces of information, so information which could be important could slip from memory. The issue remains of how to get drivers to focus their attention fully on the road. Human perception is another research area that can be applied to human error on the roads. Human perception is based on context and expectations the bottom up and top down approach. Several studies reveal that perceptual error jeopardise road safety. For example drivers often admit to not seeing visible information such as pedestrians crossing the road. In addition drivers misinterpret information such as speed or closeness to other vehicles. or drivers misread the speed or the closeness of other vehicles. Mack Rock (1992) researched visual perception of unexpected shapes whilst looking at it directly. This phenomenon is called inattentional blindness or perceptual blindness. This phenomenon occurs when subjects do not see visible objects in front of them. This can be for reasons such as overload of information or their attention is focussed on something else that has meaning, or no internal reference to the visible object. Simons, Chabris (2004) experiment on perception resulted in showing how subjects did not see an incident happening in front of them. This experiment involved participants playing basketball game and missing an unexpected appearance of someone dressed up in a white gorilla suit walk onto the ball court during the game. Subjects did not recall seeing the white gorilla. Scholl et al (2003) research also suggests that auditory input such as talking on mobile telephone can increase the opportunity of a subject failing to notice the unexpected and leading to increased human errors. This research on perception has implications for road safety, as drivers often report they did not see the pedestrian or car in front. The driver focus on what they expect to see top down processing rather than on the unexpected objects. This results in the likelihood of important and unexpected objects being missed. Neisser (1976) suggests that is not either or for humans. Perception involves both top down and bottom up processing becoming a perceptual cycle. Reason (1991) extensive research on human error defines error as circumstances in which planned action fail to achieve the desired outcome. Examples of this are stepping on the brakes too late and failing to stop at red traffic lights. Norman Shallice(1986) and Reason(1991)theory could be used to explain human error in driving tasks and knowledge. Norman and Shallice propose two types of control controlled control and automatic control. Controlled control being within awareness, but conscious and limited and automatic control out of awareness, creates automacity in tasks already rehearsed over a long period of time. This become out of awareness and is performed without effort like driving. Reason (1991) also suggests that there are 3 types of cognitive processes that cause errors. Skills based error or slips these consist of automatic action that was unconscious Rules based mistakes these consist of non-appliance of a heuristic to undertake a task Knowledge based conscious thought to solve a problem Finally Reason (2000) Swiss Cheese Model of human error can assist in understanding how road accident occurs. All slices of the cheese model have gaps which have to be aligned for an accident to occur. Thus a combination of factors can cause human error. To reduce the chance of accident road experts could use Reason model to identify the factors that contribute reducing unsafe acts such as talking on mobiles whilst driving, visible multiple cues, signals, colour coding, speed limits and road examinations are some of the examples observed to reduce road fatalities. Conclusion This essay has attempted to briefly explain the psychological research on memory that could be applied to the road. It concludes that this research on attention and perception can help to understand the cause of human errors on the road. However, memory research is still laboratory based, and opens to criticism regarding ecological validity. In deed human error is inevitable and getting humans to adapt their behaviour may prove challenging. References Treat,J,R, Tumbus,N,S,McDonald,S,T,Shinar,D,Hume,R,D,Mayer,R,E,Stanisfer,R,L and Castellan,N,J(1977) Tri-level study of the cause of traffic accidents report No.DOT-HS-034-3-535-7777(TAC) Green, M (1991) Visual Search, Visual streams and Visual architectures. Perception and Psychophysics, 50,388-403 Cherry, C (1958) some experiments in the recognition of speech with one and two ears, Journal of acoustical society of America, 25,975-979 Broadbent, D (1958) Perception and Communication London/New York, Pergamon Press Atkinson,R and Shiffrin,R(1968) Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes, In K,W Spence and J,T Spence(Eds) The psychology of learning motivation (vol2) London Academic press Baddeley,A Hitch,G (1974)Working memory in G Bower(Ed) The psychology of learning motivation(vol 8)pp.47-90 San Diego, Academic Press Treisman, A (1960) Contextual cues in selective listening. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12,242-248 Mack, A Rock, I (199 ) Inattentional Blindness Cambridge,MA,MIT Press Scholl,B Noles,N,Pashera,V,Sussman,R(2003) Talking on cellular phone dramatically increases sustained Inattentional blindness[abstract]Journal of vision,3(9):156,156a Simons,D Chabris,C(1999) Gorillas in our Midst: Sustained Inattentional blindness for dynamic events.Perception,28,1059-1071 Reason,J(2000) Human Error, Models and management, British Medical Journal,320 768-770 Norman,D,A,Shallice,T(1986) Attention to Action: Willed and automatic control of behaviour in R.J. Davidson,G.E Schwartz and D.Shapiro(Ed)The design of everyday living, New York, Doubleday Neisser(1976)Cognition and Reality San Francisco,CA,W.H Freeman

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Business Plan for Entering the Indian Textile Industry

Business Plan for Entering the Indian Textile Industry Textile industry means which produces all types of fabrics, yarns, combs, boffins etc.. it also includes all ready made garments, blankets (woollen / acrylic). India is leading country of cotton fabrics and wollen carpets and cotton durries. To establish a textile industry a huge amount is required and it is around 1 2.5 crores of rupees. After the issue of capital is settled second comes the problem of land and machines for the manufacturing concern. When we select a location for our business we need to have certain things in our mind like the location should be best suited to the business and environment. Then we have to register that location so that we will not be facing any problem regarding its ownership and authorization. After we have settled all the above issues we have to decide the channels from where would we import raw materials and through which we would distribute finished goods. We are importing raw materials for the woolen, acrylic blankets , knitted garments and socks from USA, CANADA, ITALY, GERMANY and The raw cotton from south Africa. As presently they are the largest producers in there respective field. The govt of India is also helping us to establish our business by giving us incentives by way of establishing special economic zones where we can establish our own unit. Under special economic zone the rate of land is very concessional on monthly basis. The machines we are importing are under NIL rate of duty with the conditions that manufactured products will be exported to outside india to gain the foreign currency. Our Most of the inferior units are situated at PANIPAT (HARIYANA), LUDHIANA ( PUNJAB), Surat (GUJRAT) which are manufacturing sarees, socks, suiting and shirting fabrics. This is a very good industry and profit earning sector because everyone needs clothes to cover his body. So in my opinion the textile industry is the best sector which provides jobs to unskilled laborers and profits to the owner of the unit. To set up a business we have to apply to the commerce ministry for license, the application will be made on the payment of fees prescribed by the government of India. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Textiles are one of the most commonly known and important business. It includes: 1) Transforming of raw materials into final goods, i.e. the preparation of production of fibres and/or the manufacture of yarns by spinning; 2) Production of knitted or woven fabrics; 3) Finishing activities, like bleaching, dyeing, printing, coating, which gives the satisfaction desired by consumers; 4) Transformation of the fabric into garments (clothing industry), home textiles, e.g. bed linen, table linen and curtains, or industrial/technical textiles, e.g. ropes and netting; 5) After completion of all the above steps comes the importing, distributing and retailing and that is the very important part of any business. It includes many country to complete this step as now a days it business have become more innovative and competitive. Fabrics designed and manufactured in one country may be send to design in another, machined in a third and finished in the originating country.In addition, retailing of garments is now common across national boundaries. COMPANY OWNERSHIP The founders of the company are Rajani aggarwal and Vishal Kataria, will handle day-to-day financial and business operations of the plan and will work mutually to ensure that this business venture is a success. OBJECTIVES To satisfy our customers by our quality of production and services. To achieve a growth rate of 6-8% per annum. To cement our position in Large, Potential Domestic and International Market. To innovation of the product time to time for the development and Diversification to cater global needs. Elimination of Quota Restriction leads to greater Market Development and thus it will increase our productivity.. As Market has been gradually shifted towards Branded Readymade Garment, we target to be dynamic as per the market situation. To provide better quality at the best affordable price. To provide our customer every suitable place to buy our products like retail shop to malls from where they can easily purchase our products. To offer a range of packages and services specifically tailored to the needs of each customer We are expecting that this company will be successful and we believe that earnings will increase slightly for the second consecutive year and it will go on increasing. TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE SERVICE TO DECENTRALISED POWERLOOM SECTOR TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL TEXTILES IN INDIA TO CONTINUE ASSOCIATION WITH NATIONAL SECURITY PROJECTS TO DEVELOP HUMAN RESOURCES FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRY THROUGH EDUCATION TRAINING KEYS TO SUCCESS There are a few key factors that contributes to success or failure for professional worksmost of which twig from the importance of reputation to an entrepreneurs business. Our Services would be perfectly done by our managers, and other staff ,our actions would definitely be prompt and efficient. We maintain the best relationships with our staffs such as boss to subordinates, managers to employees and with all other like labourers, electricians and machanics. Although we are very good with others and we maintain our personal relations good but at same time we maintain a professional relation at all time. Our very important key to success is to execute the work according the planning, when it is suppose to and at the agreed and affordable price. The other key to success is to have a very good contact with our designer of our clothes. We have appointed the people who are very dedicated to their work and they supervise the production very effectively. Our production supervisor is to ensure that the jobs are to be finished in 15 hours must not exceed 20 hours. Profit goals are only be achieved when our tailors and stitchers work efficiently. CURRENT SITUATION Aggarwals textile industries has a reputation for making great clothing that have found overwhelming favour among the masses. Our Companys order book position is very good, both in the domestic market as well as exports, with orders for next 4-5 months, we are expecting about Rs7500 million in hand. There are also good amount of demands, which we expect to convert into orders. Every business passes through various cycles, good and difficult but It is only in the challenging environment that one learns the best lessons of life. Challenging time in past few years presented an opportunity to look into the business very closely, remove inefficiencies, rationalize expenditure (control costs) and look at alternate products markets. The environment has become quite encouraging for our textile companies. The following facts will prove that. In a country like India, the present situation has definitely created an advantage over Competing Countries. As there is an Appreciation in Chinese currency that resulted in increase in their labour cost.due to this they lose the cost advantage and competitiveness. Also the buyers of clothes are looking at viable alternate to China as they do not want any further risk. There are many uncertain economic conditions in the neighboring countries that upset customers confidence for timely delivery of their orders. Thus many countries shifted their orders to India and that is really a healthy sign for our business. This scenario has brought promising prospects for Our Textile Industry. Slowdown in USA and Europe has led to increase in demand for basic products as against products in the luxury segments. Discount stores like Wal-Mart have witnessed higher volumes. Our company has been traditionally catering to the medium and lower segment of the market, thus witnessing higher volumes. During March to August 2010, ready made garments worth $4.87 billion were exported from our textile industry, In rupee terms, the figures work out to Rs207.6 billion market of India as far as textile is concerned . It has many competitors but our products are the one which overshadows the performance of all other textile industries. The big reason of the success of the Aggarwals textile in India is that our products are very economical and light wearing. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Aggarwals Textile Industry in India is Representing the rich Culture , Tradition Economic Prosperity of India .it is an self reliant industry and thus provide better quality clothing at affordable price It has a huge resource for Raw Material that helps industry to control costs and reduces the lead-time across the operation. Low Cost and Skilled Manpower also provide competitive advantage to industry. As we import different raw materials from different countries the large varieties of cotton fibers available and thus a fast growing synthetic fiber industry exists. India has great advantage in Spinning Sector and has a presence in all process of operation and value chain that help us to a great extent and keep us moving . Aggarwals is one of the largest exporters of Yarn in international market and contributes around 25% share of the global trade in Cotton Yarn. Our Industry is one of largest foreign revenue contributor and holds 12% of the countrys total export. Industry has large and diversified segments that provide wide variety of products Arvind Mills Welspun Group Raymond Alok Industries Madura Garments Large Composite Textile/ Apparel/Made-ups/Garment Manufacturers Ashima Group Reliance Industries Garden Silk Mills Mafatlal Industries Composite Units/ Fibres Filaments manufacturers Surat is the countrys strongest base for non cotton fabrics. Surat Ahmedabad is the leading manufacturer of cotton and blended textile. It is also one of the largest producer of denim in the world. Government has taken active steps to develop Apparel Park for overall growth of textile sector. Ahmedabad DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT . We not only sale our products but we also provide services to our customers. We provide free service to our customers. By the opening of our showroom, many people got employments such as: Managers who manages the work of the company. Account Manager who manages the account office such monetary works. Mechanics for maintaining the performance of the cars. Electricians just for electrical sorts of works related to vehicles. We also require few girls who capable of handling our customers as a receptionist. At last our Indian government is also get benefited as we pay huge amount of tax. The growth opportunities exist in following areas: Medical textiles Construction textiles Packaging textiles Baby diapers Home textiles( with fire-retarded fabric) Blankets and Traveling rugs Bed, tale, toilet and kitchen linen Curtains, drapes, interior blinds Furnishing articles Sacks and bags Tarpaulin, sail, tent, camping goods OPERATIONAL AND PRODUCTION PLANS Operationl n production plan Engraving Systems Laser engraving cutting edge technology Conventional engraving systems specialized equipment CAD systems modular software Printing systems Excellent performance Greatest colour range High reproducibility Total solutions Hotmelt laminating Coating finishing Double sided coating Foam processing Application testing facilities Dbfhd For nearly four decades weve worked with thousands of customers to develop a broad range of automatic cutting systems that ensure optimum cut part quality. To date we have installed more than 7,000 cutting systems in operations throughout the world. Dbfhd Drape 2-dimensional patterns on 3-dimensional life forms Simulate fabric and texture data Collaborate via the internet with clients and suppliers Reduce the number of physical samples required Drastically decrease product development and approval times Services to customers(strategy) The prime driver for businesses is the savings, which lead to lower costs while maintaining high quality; or to put it another way to lower per unit costs while maintaining high quality, which ultimately, leads to savings (same for less or more for less). But, in essence it is due to a combination of factors, such as high levels of education and skills appropriate to the tasks outsourced The Operational Plan describes the requirements to conduct the annual strategies at the Ganu Hyundai. All the events have an element of public risk and potential for environmental impact. The Operational Plan has been pile up with due consideration to reduce these risks and to prescribe the tasks required to conduct a good relationship with the customers. Our operational plans also include sale of the products per year and benefits comes out of that. The Ganu Hyundai performs its operations by the following manner:- Firstly, the customer has to book the desired model of the car. They can book or give order either by phone or by directly coming to our office which in South Extension, New Delhi or they can order online by just going to our website i.e. www.ghyundai.com We also have servicing centre where we provide free servicing to the customer who are new (means whose car is less than one year). We accept money either by cash or by cheque or by card. We also have collaboration with few banks that provide loans to customer. Hyundai backed warranty for 1 year 20,000kms. We assured with company backed operations. PRODUCTION PLANS The following are the Production plans of our consultancy:- As per regarding the production its very important to satisfy our customers by providing them desired model and better service. The production plan of Hyundai is divided into three steps called as Product Life Cycle of Hyundai: GROWTH If consumer feels that this product is good and satisfactory for them, they automatically get attracted by that product, then the company (Aggarwals industry) will meet a rapid sales growth. Aggarwals textiles stands on improved Stage. As the sales of another textiles are higher as compare to that of Aggarwals then the customer will buy our product ,by providing them great benefits in future and they will accept it. Revenue à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 188 million EBIT à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 19 million Capital employed à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 53 million Employees 1.322 MATURITY Rapid sales growth cannot last for a long time. Sales slow down as the product sales reach peak as it has been accepted by most buyers. DECLINE Sales and profits start to decline, the Ganu Hyundai may try to change their pricing strategy to simulate growth, and however the product will either have to be re-modified or replaced within the market. MARKETING PLAN Marketing the marketing mix is: Right product Right price In the right place Using the most suitable promotion Packaging Labels Industrial applications Security applications Wall-covering Proofing Our marketing plan is to establish a well-regarded brand name linked to a meaningful positioning. We will have to invest heavily in market to create a distinctive brand image projecting innovation, quality and value. We also measure awareness and response so we can adjust our market efforts if required. Target Markets Our marketing strategy is differentiated marketing. Our primary customer target is middle to upper income that need true value for their money and comfortable ride in city conditions. Our secondary customer target is college students who need style and speed. Our primary business target is mid- sized to large-sized corporate that need to help their managers and employees by providing them a car for ease of transport. Our secondary business target is entrepreneurs and small business owners who need to provide discounts to managers buying a new car. Promotion Road Shows The showroom plan to stage and road show, to display vehicles in the pavilions during various college festival and exhibition. This type of car will appeal to youngsters more. Television Advertisements Advertisements to promote and market our product will be shown on leading television channels, as for example- Zee, Star, Sony etc. Banners Hoarding banners and neon signs will be displayed at clubs, discs, outside theatre and shops to promote our brand car. HUMAN RESOURCE PLAN Strategies for success Smart and Modern Materials Technological research involving scientists and textile designers working together has resulted in the development and productions of a range of new fibres and fabrics which have become known as Smart and Modern Materials. Types of Smart and Modern Materials Encapsulation is the technology of enclosing a smell or substances within a fabric to create a particular effect. Sense and React Materials are smart materials that have been specifically designed to respond to the needs of the wearer and/or of the environment. Photo-chromatic Dyes change colour in response to a particular temperature. Reflective Inks reflect any available light making a garment more visible in the dark. Phosphorescent Dyes appear to glow in the dark. Micro-Encapsulation is the application of microscopic capsules to either a yarn or the surface of a fabric. Abrasion is the scraping or wearing away of something. Interactive Textiles are touch and pressure-sensitive fabrics incorporating conductive fibres. Geotextiles are bonded or woven man-made and natural fabrics that can be made from polypropelene fibres. . . Abrasion Resistance Pilling Colorfastness Dimensional Change Flammability Wrinkle Soil Resistance Tensile Properties Fabric Appearance Hand Eight cameras,Four laser light sources,Collects 300,000 data points in 12 seconds,Results in 3D image,Results in a set of over 80 body measurementsAfter the scan is completed, four views are available to examine simultaneously marcell Measures the amount of heat emitted from an object or person . Temperature measurements are used to redesign apparel when heat is an issue, such as athletic or cold weather wear Garments can be tested in a variety of different environmental conditions,Temperature ranges from -20F to 200F,Humidity ranges from 5% to 95% chamber set up software including computer-aided-design cadlab1 The Advanced CAD class collaborated with Brooks Brothers to develop a Web site that would allow for customization of womens professional apparel. Designs were produced using U4ia and Illustrator that could have interchangeable fabrics, colors and styles Nxt headingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Mkting Annually, our students produce a professional level fashion presentation and exhibition of original apparel designs to an audience of over 1300 in Finch on CMUs campus. Ganu Hyundai is a unique Human Capital Management car showroom that enables the process of acquiring talent, aligning them with organizations goals and leading the transformation, to help your organization take that leap in performance. From automating routine tasks, to generating strategic reports, to giving access to employee related information through self-service, Ganu Hyundai does it all. Our key Modules include Performance Management, Training Development, and recruitment, HR Workgroup and Report/Analytics, Payroll, Self-Service. Followings are the Human Resource Strategies of Ganu Hyundai. They are:- Aggarwal textiles has employed many people to its industry and they have also been provided a special training. Our employees are getting knowledge and skills about clothing and they are getting paid according to their talent and hard work. ALL of our students have the opportunity to complete an internship with leading firms in the apparel design, merchandising, manufacturing or textile industries DKNY ,The Gap ,Nordstroms ,The Buckle ,Old Navy ,As Ice ALL of our students complete a sequence of textile courses that include textile product analysis and textile testing utilizing standard methods in an actual textile testing laboratory As about the Manager and Account manager, they get higher salary than the other emploes as their work is a little more different and difficult too,they have to look after their junior employees. Lower level employees those are new to this industry get less salary as they do not have the proper degree but as soon as they get their dgree their salary would automatically raise. The main assumption that come from these plan is that our company not only recruit a person who has a degree for it but also we provide a good and free training to poor poeple so any one having dadicaion to his work and life can join in our company. We also have a suggestion box, and organize monthly meetings to follow up tasks. ASSESSMENT OF RISK By doing the assessment of risk we are in a position to identify hazards that could cause damage to our textile industry. our assessment of risk makes us enable to know the hurdles and adapt measures accordingly to avoid or control risks Risk assessment would be recorded by the person who are assigned for it. Risk assessment of upcoming events are distributed among different person of different groups and it would be done when we gather all the information from the contractor, other companies It will also be a part of our risk assessment to built a personal contact with our customers so that we would be updated with teir new demands and thus can satisfy them. What are the risks? Indian Textile Industry is highly Fragmented Industry. Industry is highly dependent on Cotton. Lower Productivity in various segments. There is Declining in Mill Segment. Lack of Technological Development that affect the productivity and other activities in whole value chain. Infrastructural Bottlenecks and Efficiency such as, Transaction Time at Ports and transportation Time. Unfavorable labor Laws. Lack of Trade Membership, which restrict to tap other potential market. Lacking to generate Economies of Scale. Competition from other developing countries, especially China. Continuous Quality Improvement is need of the hour as there are different demand patterns all over the world. Elimination of Quota system will lead to fluctuations in Export Demand. Threat for Traditional Market for Powerloom and Handloom Products and forcing them for product diversification. eographical Disadvantages. International labor and Environmental Laws. To balance the demand and supply. To make balance between price and quality. Higher Indirect Taxes, Power and Interest Rates Another major risks Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Competitive rivalry The second reason of risk is fluctuation in the share market. The one of the major risk is demand in the market, if the demand of people will not fulfilled by our company then the people will move to the next textile company; this will again cause loss to the owner. FINANCIAL PLAN Financial planning is a process of setting objectives, assessing assets and resources, estimating future financial needs, and making plans to achieve monetary goals. Many elements may be involved in financial planning, including investing, asset allocation, and risk management. Tax, retirement, and estate planning are typically included as well. The following are the financial plan of Aggarwal textiles. They are: We invested nearly 1 crore rupees in the establishment of our project. We also have shares in the share market which will give financial strength in the market. We also have future plan to increase our company to 5%-6% per year. We also give discounts and other attraction to our customers in the off season to increase our income. We also give guarantee on our products so that we would be able to build a good impression on their mind. We have provided replacement facility too. The marketing research and tailored marketing strategy described in this business plan will result in  healthy profits, increasing  every year. It is estimated that by year 2015, revenues will reflect an 10% market share of the local market. Monthly break-even is very achievable. Total production at the time of this writing was approximately 70 units, which will increase to 100 by the end of the year 2015. Because it is the policy of the company to provide the fabric for the soft window treatment products, the company has a very low cost of goods sold account and therefore a high gross margin. Furthermore, the custom nature of the business means that there is  minimal inventory cost and accounts payable. Finally, the company does not posess any debt or long term capital assets that would affect the cash flow. With the ability to generate so much cash flow, it is assumed that the company will seek to use this asset to expand its markets and production capacity in the near future For our financial plan we consulted with our parents, friends and seeked many sources from where we could get the informations.after all we decided to invest in which we contributed 50% each in which we got helped by our parents and our relatives.our contribution included our savings of the past which we saved for this day and it was of great help.

Undercurrents of Imperialism and Colonialism in Star Trek :: Movie Film Essays

Undercurrents of Imperialism and Colonialism in Star Trek Star Trek mirrored the Cold War/Vietnam paranoia of the late sixties—in command of the Enterprise, the Federation had an uneasy peace with its adversaries, the Klingons and Romulans (there were many episodes that came down to Kirk vs. the Klingons). In one episode Kirk and his Klingon counterpart each tried to influence an emerging culture to see things their way—remember Vietnam, Chile, and El Salvador? In another, Kirk and Spock were sent to spy on the Romulans so they could steal their cloak (stealth?) technology. And there was Kirk: yellow shirt torn across his chest, with blood on his forehead or across his cheekbone. There would be a weapon in his hand—something primitive, a knife perhaps—and he would circle the battleground (often an arena for those barbaric aliens) staring intensely at his opponent. In the background there would be dramatic music (what comedian Dana Gould refers to as the â€Å"Star Trek fist fight theme†). Suddenly the comb atants would join in their deadly dance until, inevitably, Kirk would stand victorious over his enemy, a powerful example of a superior culture. Indeed, Kirk often displayed cultural superiority over his amorous conquests; he was irresistible to alien women because he was such a fine example of a superior culture. The lusty-busty alienettes would flock to him (much to the distress of their fellow aliens) and Kirk would show them what it meant to be in the Federation. Meanwhile, in the real world, the Cold War raged on. And Star Trek’s masters used characters like Chekov to ridicule the Soviet Union. Remember his accent? And what about all his claims of Russian cultural superiority? What about the fact that he would say—straight faced—that the Russians invented the phone, that Shakespeare was Russian, and that Russia was the source of all culture, while Kirk (and his audience) knew that all the things Chekov claimed as Russian were part of our dominant West; knew that Chekov, and by extension Russia, was one big joke. But the fact that he was there at all (as a minority) reassured an American audience that the United States was superior and that its culture, not Soviet Marxism, was the way things should be. This brings us to Picard’s Star Trek, as different from Kirk’s as 1995 is from 1968.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

T.S. Eliots The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock :: essays research papers fc

TS Eliot's Prufrock The ironic character of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," an early poem by T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) in the form of a dramatic monologue, is introduced in its title. Eliot is talking, through his speaker, about the absence of love, and the poem, so far from being a "song," is a meditation on the failure of romance. The opening image of evening (traditionally the time of love making) is disquieting, rather than consoling or seductive, and the evening "becomes a patient" (Spender 160): "When the evening is spread out against the sky / Like a patient etherized upon a table" (2-3). According to Berryman, with this line begins modern poetry (197). The urban location of the poem is confrontational instead of being alluring. Eliot, as a Modernist, sets his poem in a decayed cityscape, " a drab neighborhood of cheap hotels and restaurants, where Prufrock lives in solitary gloom" (Harlan 265). The experience of Prufrock is set against that of unnamed "women" (13), collectively representing womankind. Their unattainable status is represented by their constant movement- they "come and go"- and their "polite chitchat about Michelangelo, who was a man of great creative energy, unlike Prufrock" (Harlan 265). We cannot imagine that they would listen to any love song by Prufrock, any more than they would find his name or his person attractive. "A man named J. Alfred Prufrock could hardly be expected to sing a love song; he sounds too well dressed" (Berryman 197)."J. Alfred Prufrock" indicates his formality, and his surname, in particular, indicates prudery. The powerful metaphor, a visual image of the "yellow fog" (15) in the fourth stanza, represents the jaundiced environment of the modern city, or Eliot's "infernal version of the forest of Arden" (Cervo 227). The image is ambiguous, however, because Eliot als o makes it curiously attractive in the precision he uses in comparing the fog's motions to that of a cat who "[l]icked its tongue into the corners of the evening" (17). We also hear the fog, disquietingly, in that image, in the onomatopoeia of "licked." Repetition of "time", in the following stanza, shows how the world of Prufrock's being is bound to temporality. "Prufrock speaks to his listeners as if they had come to visit him in some circle of unchanging hell where time has stopped and all action has become theoretical" (Miller 183). "Time" is repeated, several times, but it is not only its inescapable presence that Eliot is emphasizing, but also the triviality of the ways in which we use it; "the taking of a toast and tea" (34).

Monday, September 2, 2019

Individualized Education Program Essay

All students have a right to education and safety at the expense of the school that he/she attends, including students with special need that requires special situation with no additional cost. Having such a diverse student body, an administrator would need to have an understanding of the legal ramification that is included in disciplining and accommodating special education students academically. All students have a right to be educated and in education there is a needed to become cautious that a special educational student can be expelled and/or suspended for being offenders of the school disciplinary code of conduct, like all other students. Also, staff and administration must become aware of the procedures of the IDEA in discipline students of special needs. This paper will discuss the disciplining of a special education students and if the disciplinary action taken to discipline a students was appropriated according to the special education laws. Student of special needs has multiple office encounters that surface into referrals due to unacceptable behavior in the instructional classrooms environment as well as other area of the school. For example, the students of special needs were standing out outside of a classroom. The students and other student was engaged in an argument begin to push and shove each other. The one student agreed but the other special needs student through a punch at the other student. A teacher grab the student, however the special needed student continue the confrontation and teacher lead him away. Further, at the beginning of the year the special needs student was reassign to the school due to behavior at local school. The student is a high school student and test data is showing that the student is behind three grades levels. The student refuses to completed work and continues to interrupt the learning environments. Added, the students show high level of frustration toward the instructor when periodically. The student attends class daily without pencil/pen or paper. Student has shown aggressiveness of verbal and physical threats toward other students in the classroom as well as disrespect toward staff. The students has been tested and identified as having an Emotional Behavior Disorder (EBD). The student show little progress in developing relationships with the dean of students, social worker, and other staff members such as the ESE staff at the school. The student have several alarming emotional concerns that differ from one incident to the next, and on different levels of how serious of the students disability is, therefore, interrupting the whole educational process. Moreover, the student is showing behaviors of withdrawals and isolation. Students with this disability experience a lot of tribulations when it comes to maintaining any relationships involving their peers or adults. It is possible that many of them will have a medical diagnosis. This particular student is very disruptive in class on a daily basis and has a hard time focusing and capturing the content being instructed. The student parent feels challenged and pushed beyond measure in addressing the student’s behaviors toward the classroom environments and his education. She empathizes for the child because his father past when he was younger and she have not remarried. She believes that the students are not just having few bad days, along with having a hard time adjusting to the change of not having a father nor sibling to express thought too. The teacher perspective of the situations was as follows: the student needs to build skills in areas of respecting other space and cooperation. She believes that overall the special needs student is a great students when desire to be. Added, after learning the student background the teacher believed that student needs counseling to address the student’s deeper emotions, which are preventing the student from becoming successful in the classroom. The student attention seeking has become a great distraction; as well as the student’s action has presented a safety hazard for other students and staff. The administration staff decided to reassign the student (without notifying the parent) to an alternative program. When investigating the incidents in the hallway, the finding showed that that the student is at- risk to himself as well as fellow students and staff members. The suggested program presents an opportunity of preventing him from dropping out of school, providing the student with another option of educational. This reassignment will serving as a disciplinary consequence, which provides the student time to address behavioral remediation. Although, the students feels that this is not the place he want to go. He refuses to agree to the reassignment. Student further express that he will not be going to the school for remediation. Although the school acts in the best interest of the majority; the school was out of compliance because according to the Federal government’s No Child Left Behind legislation (NCLB), the school has violated the student right to choose. The No child Left behind Legislation insists that a student is entitled to choose the reassignment school. Further, all parents/guardians must be inform of the change. Additionally, as part of the compliance with the NCLB legislation, any student who is a victim of a violent crime will be offered an opportunity to seek a school choice transfer rather than an alternative program. Because the school did not contact the parents to inform her of these interventions that the Student Support Team suggested. They did not provide the parent the right to be informed of all the information and how they are protected under three significant federal statutes: the IDEA, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (Essex, 2012). Moreover, the ADA protects individuals whom have one or more physical or mental deficiencies, have a record of such impairments and are regarded as currently having that impairment. The individual must also qualify for the position, or program that is in question in order to be protected under the ADA. The Section 504’s criteria for protection are identical to those stated under the ADA. All of these laws are set in place to act and use as a guideline for any student with special education needs. If this issue was to be brought in front of a judge, most likely the ruling would be in favor of the parent and student. HONIG, California Superintendent of Public Instruction v. DOE, et al. (1988). Strong decision in school discipline case on behalf of emotionally disturbed children who had academic and social problems. Court clarified procedural issues designed to protect children from school officials, parent role, and stay put, that schools shall not expel children for behaviors related to their handicaps. Doug C. v. Hawaii (9th Cir. 2013) On June 13, 2013, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an important decision about parental participation at IEP meetings. Pete says that â€Å"All special education staff who conducts IEP meetings should be familiar with this landmark ruling about IEP meetings and parental participation. † Another area the school fails to address staff touching students or allowing another student to touch another student could motivate a law suit. In the case Pitasky, 1995, a law suit was filling against school personal. In this case if a student inquired injuries, either physical or emotional, that occurs either accidentally or intentionally, from the fight. The school could be accounted for wrongful actions and to deter such actions in the future (Fisher, Schimmel, & Kelly, 1995). In closing, all students have a right to education and safety at the expense of the school that he/she attends, including students with special need that requires special situation with no additional cost. It is important to maintain collaborative support system between the school, family, and community to ensure a positive outcome to maintain a productive and effective educational environment. In the educational arena are many of special need students in educational programs whom are employed and will be able to function as productive citizens, with the proper services and procedures that are available. Courts have acknowledged that schools cannot guarantee the safety of all students (Mawdsley, 1993). Schools officials and school personnel, however, may have legal liability when a student is injured either by a deliberate action or negligence by a teacher. References Doug C. v. Hawaii (9th Cir. 2013). Retrieved fromttp://www. wrightslaw. com/caselaw. htm Essex, N. (2012). Religion and the Public Schools. In Fossel, M. & Holstein, N. (Eds. ), School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders (5th ed. ) HONIG, California Superintendent of Public Instruction v. DOE, et al. (1988). Retrieved from http://www. wrightslaw. com/caselaw. htm Mawdsley RD. Supervisory standard of care for students with disabilities. West’s Educ Law Q. 1993; 2:421–433. Quoted in: Yell M (2001).

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Technology as a Replacement of Human Resources

Group-4 Technology as a replacement of human resources Muhammad bilal khan Uob # 11029363 Year ‘’0’’ 2 Contents: 1. 2. 3. Complete essay on â€Å"technology as a replacement of human recourses† (from page 3 to page5) Reference list on (page 6) Bibliography list on (page 6) 3 Technology as a replacement of human recourses Yes. Technology replaces human resources in every field of life. Before going into the details let’s understand ourselves that what is technology? And what are human recourses? According to the Wikipedia, Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures (1). That explains the term technology comprehensively. If we look at the human resources then Wikipedia again define these as, Human resources is a term used to describe the individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations. Human resources is also the name of the function within an organization charged with the overall responsibility for implementing strategies and policies relating to the management of individuals (2). so this is the all story as for as terms are concerned. Now it’s better to go into the details. That how the technology is going to replace human resources. There are many fields under the huge influence of technology including mining, astronomy, military, robotics, shipping, agriculture, medical diagnosis, computer industry, education, transportation and many other fields. We will go into the details one by one extracting their background into the envelope of future prospective by considering the ground situation of the day as well. Mining is a field where now technology replacing human recourses pretty well. In past mining was carried out by human recourses only and the process contain much danger and require huge amount of money with a lot of time. But now with invention of different machines the scenario is completely changed. Mining is now a game of least danger. More profitable and time saving process. That indicates how technologies replace human recourses in mining. Astronomy is another field where technology dominates over human resources. By definition Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the universe. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences (3). In past people have no idea that what’s coming on next. Now by the invention of latest telescopes predictions are possible that benefits people a lot. e. g weather forecast prediction etc. In military prospective technology replace human recourses wonderfully. Now winning of a war is a second’s game with least damage. Modern weapons are introduced with 4 greater orientation of results. Invention of atomic bomb even changes the whole psychic of the war. Now the side with latest technology dominates over a side with numberless human recourses. The area where saying â€Å"technology as a replacement of human recourses† is fit perfectly is robotics. Robotics leading almost every branch of our life. Now you don’t care of anything if you have your own personal robot. It can do anything for you. Shipping and transportation are very commonly known fields. People use different ways of Transportation to move from one place to another. And shipping is also use to transfer things or masses across the globe. In old times people had no more options in this respect but now they have. Actually all this is due to technology that replace human recourses on continuous basis. Agriculture is an area that holds greatest human resources. But right now with the invention of modern technologies and in fact machineries like tractors, harvester, Beet harvester, harvester Carrot bin, Combine Conveyor and Corn Cotton pin (4-a) this field completely revolutionized. Now farmers getting benefitted by using modern machineries saving their time, investment and getting more profit. That put positive impact on their lifestyle as well. Another sub area of our lives is health. In past people suffering from different diseases had least options of their survival because of poor arrangements. But now with the arrival of modern techniques and instruments, technology not only replaces but in fact revolutionized the field of health sciences. By using latest techniques and instruments doctors understand the situation of the patients accurately. Here technology enhanced the expertise of human recourses. As everyone knows computers are all about the technology. From a microchip to a macro level hardware all is technology. With the arrival of computers, things changed in a fantastic way. Calculations, which were take hours and hours, now contracted in an interval of nano second. Computer software industry, also contributed in this respect. Software creates much ease for human beings. And their online availability makes them more attractive. People use e–mails for formal and informal contact. Instead of using letter with boring wait Finally the Education. Technology has a wide scope in education. Now a days almost every student aware of technology as a replacement of human recourses. We have a smart example in this respect where human recourses replaced by technology. According to an educational informational sit news. com. au, â€Å"Almost 30 robots have started teaching English to youngsters in a South Korean city† (5). This is a great development towards replacing human recourses by technology. Finally I have to say that technology in spite of its minor side effects yet it never disappoints us as a replacement of human resources. Let’s hope for the best. So many things are being invented in all the fields of our daily life and the jour ney is still going on†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 6 References and bibliography list list These are some of the web links which are used as reference in the essay (in the form of material) (1)_ http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Technology#Definition_and_usage (2)_ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Human_resources (3)_ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Astronomy (4)_http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/List_of_agricultural_machinery (4-a)_lesson# 109 â€Å"simple and complex machines used in agriculture† Authors: Tonja Cargill Pamela Emery (5)_ http://www. news. com. au/technology/english-teachers-replaced-by-robots-in-koreainstitute-of-science-of-technology-project/story-e6frfrnr-1225977348809 ?—————————————————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€-? Technology as a Replacement of Human Resources Group-4 Technology as a replacement of human resources Muhammad bilal khan Uob # 11029363 Year ‘’0’’ 2 Contents: 1. 2. 3. Complete essay on â€Å"technology as a replacement of human recourses† (from page 3 to page5) Reference list on (page 6) Bibliography list on (page 6) 3 Technology as a replacement of human recourses Yes. Technology replaces human resources in every field of life. Before going into the details let’s understand ourselves that what is technology? And what are human recourses? According to the Wikipedia, Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures (1). That explains the term technology comprehensively. If we look at the human resources then Wikipedia again define these as, Human resources is a term used to describe the individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations. Human resources is also the name of the function within an organization charged with the overall responsibility for implementing strategies and policies relating to the management of individuals (2). so this is the all story as for as terms are concerned. Now it’s better to go into the details. That how the technology is going to replace human resources. There are many fields under the huge influence of technology including mining, astronomy, military, robotics, shipping, agriculture, medical diagnosis, computer industry, education, transportation and many other fields. We will go into the details one by one extracting their background into the envelope of future prospective by considering the ground situation of the day as well. Mining is a field where now technology replacing human recourses pretty well. In past mining was carried out by human recourses only and the process contain much danger and require huge amount of money with a lot of time. But now with invention of different machines the scenario is completely changed. Mining is now a game of least danger. More profitable and time saving process. That indicates how technologies replace human recourses in mining. Astronomy is another field where technology dominates over human resources. By definition Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the universe. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences (3). In past people have no idea that what’s coming on next. Now by the invention of latest telescopes predictions are possible that benefits people a lot. e. g weather forecast prediction etc. In military prospective technology replace human recourses wonderfully. Now winning of a war is a second’s game with least damage. Modern weapons are introduced with 4 greater orientation of results. Invention of atomic bomb even changes the whole psychic of the war. Now the side with latest technology dominates over a side with numberless human recourses. The area where saying â€Å"technology as a replacement of human recourses† is fit perfectly is robotics. Robotics leading almost every branch of our life. Now you don’t care of anything if you have your own personal robot. It can do anything for you. Shipping and transportation are very commonly known fields. People use different ways of Transportation to move from one place to another. And shipping is also use to transfer things or masses across the globe. In old times people had no more options in this respect but now they have. Actually all this is due to technology that replace human recourses on continuous basis. Agriculture is an area that holds greatest human resources. But right now with the invention of modern technologies and in fact machineries like tractors, harvester, Beet harvester, harvester Carrot bin, Combine Conveyor and Corn Cotton pin (4-a) this field completely revolutionized. Now farmers getting benefitted by using modern machineries saving their time, investment and getting more profit. That put positive impact on their lifestyle as well. Another sub area of our lives is health. In past people suffering from different diseases had least options of their survival because of poor arrangements. But now with the arrival of modern techniques and instruments, technology not only replaces but in fact revolutionized the field of health sciences. By using latest techniques and instruments doctors understand the situation of the patients accurately. Here technology enhanced the expertise of human recourses. As everyone knows computers are all about the technology. From a microchip to a macro level hardware all is technology. With the arrival of computers, things changed in a fantastic way. Calculations, which were take hours and hours, now contracted in an interval of nano second. Computer software industry, also contributed in this respect. Software creates much ease for human beings. And their online availability makes them more attractive. People use e–mails for formal and informal contact. Instead of using letter with boring wait Finally the Education. Technology has a wide scope in education. Now a days almost every student aware of technology as a replacement of human recourses. We have a smart example in this respect where human recourses replaced by technology. According to an educational informational sit news. com. au, â€Å"Almost 30 robots have started teaching English to youngsters in a South Korean city† (5). This is a great development towards replacing human recourses by technology. Finally I have to say that technology in spite of its minor side effects yet it never disappoints us as a replacement of human resources. Let’s hope for the best. So many things are being invented in all the fields of our daily life and the jour ney is still going on†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 6 References and bibliography list list These are some of the web links which are used as reference in the essay (in the form of material) (1)_ http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Technology#Definition_and_usage (2)_ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Human_resources (3)_ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Astronomy (4)_http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/List_of_agricultural_machinery (4-a)_lesson# 109 â€Å"simple and complex machines used in agriculture† Authors: Tonja Cargill Pamela Emery (5)_ http://www. news. com. au/technology/english-teachers-replaced-by-robots-in-koreainstitute-of-science-of-technology-project/story-e6frfrnr-1225977348809 ?—————————————————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€-?

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Descriptive Essay Essay

There are few moments in a person’s life in which they can take a step back from their conscious minds and realize a change in â€Å"direction† or change of â€Å"purpose† within their paths. Most of life seems like a continuous flow of a journey, an ever speeding ride that starts and finishes as the sun’s journey through our day light. We are, when you get down to the core of it, simply a combination of our past experiences and memories. But some of us, few and far between, have experienced a brief moment in history in which we felt the tides of our own oceans turning. The moment is brief. The moment is sometimes small. Yet the moment is forever fleeting. Like a cool breeze that suddenly crosses over the hot sands of our minds, we suddenly are swept up from something that finally brings a new sense of understanding into our lives – ultimately changing us forever. This moment came for me when I was rather quite young. In fact, I was in the middle of my third year of elementary school. Before we go any further down this recollection trip of ours, I will have you know a little about my past. In my younger days, I had been branded as what you may refer to as a â€Å"liar†, but the reality wasn’t found in the sense of that word. Instead of â€Å"lying† in modems of deceit, I simply and honestly believed with all my being that if something was conceived within my thoughts and plopped out of my mouth that it was systematically true. It probably sounds absurd, simply believing in something and taking it as true when there was no evidence behind its conception other than my frivolous thoughts. But that’s how it was, or so I thought, in my world of being. In fact, I vividly remember telling my brother one day that I was actually not his sister, rather a lost princess in need of finding her way home. Where from the cosmos did that idea originate from? Well, since I can’t even tell you, God would be the only one to know. With the daisy chain I labored at making for hours around resting atop my curly locks and birds singing every which way I turned, I was a princess. Nothing that â€Å"reality† presented to me was truer than that. And so time went on. I was a royal princess. I did not eat the last cookie. I had magical powers. Just no one else knew about it yet. Imagination was the all-powerful and ruling force of my world – the seams of reality and dream forever muddled and intertwined. It was like I had not really been born yet, like I was not actually alive, rather just stuck in purgatory of pre-life and had not yet taken the steps into the real universe yet. And then came  third grade. It was Mrs. Alley’s class – she was a rather â€Å"persnickety† as she liked to call it lady who absolutely wouldn’t let anyone get away with anything. She was nice though, I could tell she had a warm heart and I liked her better than my last teacher. All the other kids had done and finished their detailed map of the California state, all colorful and bright from crayons wax. But then there was me – perfectionist who would draw four pencil etchings and then erase five. Mrs. Alley announced that everyone that was done could go outside and begin a game of â€Å"kick ball†, which was the absolutely best part of any school day. I was put in between a rock and a hard place. As everyone else started fileling out of the room, a silence began to pervade the place. Eventually I was alone, sitting in a desk with a half lightly drawn potion of California on my paper. Eventually I just put my pencil down and started to look around the class room. It’s truly amazing how the absence of sound and souls can change a place. As the clock ticked onwards, my mind came to recollect the perfectly printed version of the California map that was resting in the pages of my history section of my binder. One envisioned, there was no turning back. I ran to the other side of the class room and tore my binder from the top shelf, turned the history tab and found my booty. It didn’t take long, the copying of the whole thing and the end product was rather magnificent if I have the right to admit so myself. By the time I was finished though I could hear little third grader feet beginning to scuff on the outside stairs. With the zip of a zipper and a scurry across the room, all proof of the occurrence had been erased†¦ or so it appeared. When everyone had come back in, Mrs. Alley announced that there would be a contest for whoevers map looked the nicest. As she walked around she gave nods and smiles to the other children, but when she came to peer over my shoulder she stopped. With perfect lines and strait edges my map probably seemed like a masterpiece of Van Gogh’s proportions compared to everyone else’s. It all happened rather quickly. The asking, the removing of the binder from the book shelf, the  hol ding of the map up to the window against the original, but all throughout this process a thought formed from within my head and there was no point of return: I had not traced it. I had done it all by myself with my own hands. For all I could have known in that moment I could have been outside the whole time with the rest of my class, but the history of the past hour was completely erased from my mind. It seems odd really, even for me to talk about the thought that I gave myself subject to and belief in, as if almost I am only recalling memories from another world or a half remembered dream. All I can remember from that moment is that from the whole moment is my whole body and being screaming â€Å"No† from every angle, every corner of the depths of my being. But she did not give in, she did not even falter. Eventually we sat alone in her room, fists clenched, face red, and eyes wet and still neither giving in. And then she turned to me and said â€Å"Ok Courtney† with the most unsatisfactory unbelieving persona that I have ever have witnessed in my life. As the car wised by the pine and cedar trees I could still feel the heat of anger come off my face. Why didn’t she believe me? My mom crying from the driver’s seat tried to lecture and yell sense into me. She was a good mom, is and always will be. Neither she nor my father had ever taught me to â€Å"lie† or let me get away with it. The sting of getting spanked had often been upon my bum in my younger years. But I honestly didn’t know what I was doing wrong. The â€Å"lies† I was accused of making were simply given truths in my mind. And then it hit me. Like a hail storm sent from the Greek gods that fell and tore away the bond between me and my fuzzy pink fog of fantasy, the memory. The remembrance of what had really occurred in the class room a couple hours ago. My world wasn’t real, or at least the one I had been creating wasn’t in the least. The bands of the horizon in my life slowly started to unravel and integrate in front of my very eyes. All of a sudden, from the very depths of somewhere in my being, a very distant kind of concrete place that resides behind my head, I heard a voice. Sweet and low, comforting yet powerful I heard a voice that was not of my own in my head. And it seemed to bend down and pull me close as a parent does to their kids after a thunder storm has just passed as it whispered somewhere within me, â€Å"BE ALIVE†. I started to cry, in fact rather mentally break down. And through my tear I finally gained sight of the light of day that penetrated and wished all the fuzzy thick fog of my fantasy  world away.