Aesthetics - the issue of the possible existence Essay Example for Free

Aesthetics the issue of the possible embodyence Essay off follows in the empirical tradition of Locke. He believes that all human knowledge comes out of impressions or sense experiences. We so take these simple bits of knowledge and combine them to form more intricate ideas. Our conceit is limited to implement of the knowledge we extract from our impressions and ar, therefore, incapable of creating anything completely new. He says that our imagination either portrays pleasing images again in the order we experienced them or reorders and combines these images of our experiences. Burke offers that gentleman receive pleasure from resemblances. Accurate imitations stimulate our minds. Burkes final stage and main concern is the issue of the possible existence of a standard or logic of preference.Burke is searching for certain principles that affect our imaginations in such a common and certain way that they could be a basis for the means of reasoning satisfactorily about th em1. Burke states that these principles do exist. He says that stock-still though it seems as though there is such a variety of taste, there is a standard that lies beneath the superficial range of differences. All humans perceive external objects in the same way. We drive familiar with these external items by way of our natural powers the senses, imagination and judgment.The most natural understandings that we receive are quite standard, what appears light to unity is light to any other and what is saccharine to one is again harming to another. Burke shows that humans open a common agreement on these issues of preference by gravid examples of expressions taken from taste experiences such as A sour temper, bitter expressions sweet disposition, a sweet person1. Burke realizes that there are many people who act in ways that would seem strange to these assertions, such as the preference of the taste of tobacco over that of colewort.These divergences from the natural pleasures and pains are a result of custom. They do not uphold the argument for diversity of taste, but rather call for a differentiation between Natural and Acquired taste. A man grows to prefer the taste of tobacco to that of sugar by conditioning his palate from habit. It is a synthetic preference, however, and the man still understands that tobacco is not sweet and sugar is sweet. Also if a man finds sugar to be sour we do not say that his taste is different, instead we say that his taste is not functioning correctly. Burke writes that when talking about acquired taste one moldiness consider the surrounding factors such as the specific habits and prejudices of a particular person. These customs and intolerances do not oppose the agreement of mankind, but rather mask it.This conformity among humanity does not exist only in terms of the palate it is quite the same in matters of sight. Light is more consonant than darkness and summer and its conditions are more pleasant than winter and its conditions. Burke states that no man truly, naturally believes a goose to be more beautiful than a swan. To Burke sight is less overmaster to custom than the palate, however, change is applied. This applied change brings him to his next point about the palate. He says that these changes in palate, which call for unpleasant flavors more pleasurable, are a result of frequent use combined with an agreeable effect.This affects humans in the way of substances such as opium, tobacco, alcohol, tea, and coffee. Burke writes There is in all men a sufficient remembrance of the original natural causes of pleasure, to enable them to bring all things offered to their senses to that standard and to regulate their feelings and opinions by it 1. Natural pleasures are still preferred to unaccustomed substances that induce agreeable effects. Someone who has grown to prefer opium to sugar would still prefer the taste of sugar to a drug that they do not have a habit with. There is a standard of plea sure of the senses in all humans. Burke explains imagination as our greatest source of pleasure and of pain.Since imagination is based on the senses then it too must have universal agreement among all men. The mind is much more disposed to picking up on resemblances than to finding differences in what we observe. Our imaginations are incapable of creating anything absolutely new so we must aggrandise our stock through experience, and in resemblances we are able to find new images. We unite and accumulate and persist forward with our feelings with likenesses rather then difference which cannot be placed.

Purpose And Objectives Of Meeting Social Workers Social Work Essay

Purpose And Objectives Of Meeting cordial Workers Social Work EssayThe purpose of this merging was to carry on out an update SAP assessment, under subsection 47, NHS and Community Care figure 1990, because Dianes trains confound changed.Diane is a 69-year-old White British Female who has been sustenance in Critchill Court since her discharge from hospital in Jan 2010. Diane had a Sub Arachnoids Haemorrhage, which has ca apply memory loss, confusion and picture in 2009. Earlier review in Feb 2010 reveals that Diane expressed a wish to return to independent living. Since then, an OT has foul up Diane in re-learning independent living skills.Prior to the meeting, I went to societal service to discuss with Dianes sociable thespian to initiate instruction communion and ask advice. We agreed on the get hold of to complete the assessment originally Dianes review in May 2010. I in like manner obtained permission to pay off this meeting from Diane, and her daughter and th eir balance that my place supervisor would attend the meeting but completely to assess me.My aim was to identify Dianes stream and proximo ineluctably with her and her daughter, who specifically stated her wish to be involved during earlier casual conversation. To do this I gained permission from Diane and her daughter during the meeting that I would discernk the views of other professions, (OT, key grower, and CPN) to fill in some parts of the assessment. Diane has also given permission for me to share the randomness that she provided with others on a need to know basis.My role as a student gave me flexible prison term to commit in more than financingive work with Diane. I had been working in partnership with Diane, her daughter, OT and cordial role player for 3 calendar weeks in the lead the meeting. I have taken Diane out, building her confidence in accessing local resources, and importantly, a kind ground on empathy, trust, and confidence.Authority/requiremen t for carrying out this piece of work (Legislative context/ agency policy/ administration guidelines)The NHS and Community Care go 1990, Section 47, which requires a needs-led assessment when appropriate and services provided accordingly if practicable.The amiable Health Act, 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 apply because Diane has Sub Arachnoids Haemorrhage, which has ca employ memory loss and confusion. Particular attention is required, as these legal philosophys require that whizz must assume a somebody has capacity to make findings unless established otherwise, and that one may non treat a person as unable to make a decision unless established otherwise. In my casual interactions with Diane, I have observed considerable expertness to take decisions with ascertain to her life.The National Occupational Standards for Social Work (2002) and The GSCC Code (Code 1 for fond workers) require the fond worker to empower the service user by informing them their rights an d entitlements and listening to what they have to say to involve them in taking any decision that may fall them. The Code also requires the social worker to agnise the users expertise in their own lives and make informed choices some services they receive.The Disability Discrimination Act 1995/2005 defines discrimination as, treating an individual less favourably than treating a nonher. This legislation is important because it states what the government expects and requires of local authorities in relation to good radiation pattern (Trevithick, 2005 17). Macdonald-Wilson et al (2001) defines disability as the condition of being unable to perform, because of bodily or mental unfitness to this extent, this definition follows the medical model. In the case of a person with a disability, a person is being discriminatory if they fail to comply with a duty to make a reasonable adjustment in relation to the disabled person. Higgins (1980 123) defines stigma as a deeply discrediting tr ait, which may also be called a failing, a shortcoming, or a handicap.The Equality Act 2006 and the Care Standards Act, 2002 also have bearing on this case as it involves assessment of the address provided against need.Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 enables local authorities to make direct payments (cash payments) to individuals to enable them to secure provision of care in billet of social services provision.The Data Protection Act 1998, which requires the express consent of the individual prior to sharing any individualized information obtained on individuals and shared with others. Additionally, all the information gathered should be kept in accordance with the entropy protection guidelines. Diane and her daughter had given me consent to collect and share information with other agencies if required.Knowledge (e.g. legal, psychological, sociological, political, socio-political, procedural, social work method) appliedIn undertaking this meeting I cautiously prepared by brushing up on my knowledge of the relevant laws, guidelines, and different perspectives on empowerment, anti-oppressive, and anti-discriminatory practice. as well as these laws, my blame on the case before the meeting showed me the values that would help in obtaining a verifying outcome of the meeting. Theory and guidelines on best practice in social work required that I adopt an show up that would place Diane in a position where she feels empowered to make decisions. This court requires me to work with the person-centred theory (Rogers, 1959) that requires me to work on the premise that Diane is an expert on her own life, and to focus on her strengths i.e. what she finish do rather than on what she can non (Saleebey, 2006). Using the person centred method enables the creation of a comfortable purlieu where the caseworker demonstrates genuineness through a non-judgmental and non-directive approach that bases itself on empathy and unconditional positive regard (Rogers, 19 57). Therefore, my approach had to demonstrate views of warmth, liking, caring, and being drawn to Mary instead of aversion and anger (Barett-Lennard, 1986 440)I also reflected on Egans recommendations (SOLER) that help display an encouraging and plain-spoken attitude towards Diane.In considering the assessment process, I have choose Milner and OByrnes five state model of assessment (1998). These are preparation, data collection, weighing up the data, analysing the data and utilising the data.I used Systems Theory in the assessment process, for example, in preparation stage I sought information not only from the service user but also from family members, other professionals, etc. In data collection stage, I used brief solution focused techniques, which allowed me to use supportive questions aimed at change Diane to recognise her own strengths and abilities. I particularly chose to use scaled response questions, asking Diane to score the fall in, when she was came to Critchill a nd what she commit to achieve on a scale of 1 to 10. By using this technique, I was able to support Diane to identify the successful strategise she has used in the past and this gave her confidence to apply her own strategies to improve her mail service now and for the rising.The brief solution focused therapy has been useful when I addressed one of the businesss in the runnel records about the use of language to others. Diane has acknowledged this issue and was able to identify an occasion when all the triggers were shew that could have caused the paradox but she was able to deal with it herself and prevent the problem occurring.Erik Erikson (1950) says that when the person is aged about 60 years old or more, The person has meter for reflection and as they look back on their life, they may have a sense of satisfaction this allow for lead to a feeling of integrity. If the persons reflection results in them feeling they missed key opportunities, then there is an increased ri sk of experiencing despairIn his article, Rogers (1957) quotes a study by Kinner that found that the client who sees his problem as involving his relationships, and who feels that he contributes to this problem and wants to change it, is probable to be successful. The client, who externalizes his problem, feeling little self-responsibility, is much more likely to be a failure. This highlighted the need for me to help Mary see that change in her life situation is more likely if she feels responsibility for at least a part of the problem and make her want to change.A infirmity that Diane has voiced is that people (particularly her social worker) treat her like a child. Thompson (2006) says that this happens when a younger person sees an aged person not able to make her own decisions and takes decisions on the older persons behalf specifying this is natural and regulation without realising the discrimination and oppression this causes.It is often the case that the social worker or the carers see the older person as disabled to take decisions, particularly if the person suffers from some disability. The medical model of disability focuses on physical deficits and individual health needs, and it is a challenge for the worker not to fall into disablest sic perceptions by pass judgment this model (Parker Bradley, 2005 76). The individual may experience loss and bereavement (Kubler-Ross, 1976), feel they have suffered a personal tragedy, and therefore label themselves as disabled as has happened in Dianes case. It was therefore essential that I approach the assessment with this knowledge and ensure non-discriminatory practice, not attaching any stigma to Dianes needs and disability caused by her medical condition.The social model of disability switches focus a expressive style from any physical limitations the impairment to physical and social environmental limitations, thus requiring promotion and empowerment of disabled people (Oliver Sapey, 2006). Additiona lly, the social workers own attitudes and values affect how he/she applies theoretical models of disability (Crawford Walker, 2004). The social model of disability is inclined to focus on heathenish or structural aspects of disability (Priestley, 2003) and is the predominant model of disability used in social care. This is because social work approach does not look at mending something that is broken, but relies on overcoming societal barriers, which enables the discourse of a person with a disability just as others are (DDA, 1995/2005 Davies, 2002). While it is sluttish to bosom the difficulties faced by an individual with a visible disability (e.g. using a wheelchair), it is also easy to ignore the wider cultural and structural factors that affect a person with a disability (Thompson, 2001). Herein lies the problem of seeing the disability as a problem with the person themselves (ibid).What Skills did you use for this piece of work? (please sleep together in the midst of t hose you have and those you need to develop)I used Planning and preparation, research, information gathering skill before the meeting and this has helped me to carry out the meeting wellIn terms of working anti-oppressively I think I have make Diane feel less oppressive by reducing the power imbalance. I have involved her daughter whose presence has been a smashing comfort to Diane as she sometimes looks at her for outcomes due to her short-term memory. I have successfully conveyed my respect and understanding of her strengths and limitations by adopting Egans empathy skills, active listening, summarising. I used Rogers person centred to focus my attention on Diane and this in term helping me to forget that I was assessed by my placement supervisor. I used unconditional positive regard to make Diane feel a sense of acceptance of herself when addressing an issue.I need to develop assessment skills as I feel I dont feel comfortable with the forms which have so many questions. Also s ome of the questions are rattling handsome to ask for example the section of assessment of physical health there are questions like bladder control, bowel control, etcAlso I need to develop liaising skill, sharing information with other agencies. As observable prior to the meeting, there were some miscommunication between different agencies.Which aspects of anti-oppressive practice were relevant to this piece of work?In terms of working anti-oppressively, I was aware my role as a student social worker this may have lead Diane to feel oppressive and not valued because she may think that she was not good enough to have a qualify social worker. To reduce this potential oppression, I have involved Dianes daughter and have been open and honest to tell them that I was inexperienced and has never carry out a SAP assessment before. I also offered them opportunities to decline or cancel the meeting.My ethnic origin as a non-white British may have attributed discrimination or oppression to myself from Diane or her daughter. However, this has never been an issue in the meeting or prior to my engagement with Diane and her daughter.the black perspective has made clear that racism is found on white European/ white north American ideologic beliefs about the claimed superiority of white people over non-white people (Maclean and Harrison 200858).Considering my gender, which is different from Diane may present a difficulty for both of us. From the feminist perspectives if I had not recognise the extensive inequalities in society based on gender with men consistently being dominant, I may act oppressively unaware. Women is socially constructed to be a better carer as a wife, mother and daughter and the fact that the majority of social worker are female. As a male student social worker, my role may present oppressive to Diane.the feminist perspective has noticeably failed to adequately address structural inequalities within social care and social work organisations. In emplo yment terms some 75% of the workforce in social care organisations are women. The proportion of men in senior management has remained stubbornly high and has only recently dropped below 75% of all senior managers (Maclean and Harrison 200856)there has been a recognition that societal developments and social policy initiatives affect men and women differently (because of their gender). The role of women as unpaid carers of family members with personal care needs is one example (Machean and Harrison 200855)If I have not used Social vs medical model to see Dianes depression, I may have not recognised the negative stigma associated with the labels applied to people and may have act in an oppressive way, overseeing the facts that her depression may be attributed by her despair for her flow environment and loss of her abilities, eg, health and memoey,etcIn what ways would the service user and or carer have preferred your practice to be differentAfter the meeting, I apologised to Diane a nd her daughter that the outcome of this meeting may not have been as productive as they had expected and I told them that I would like to have some other meeting again with them in the near future to discuss a plan to support Diane. (as I feel I have failed to conduct the meeting well, because my placement supervisor joined our discussion in the midway, and this i think should not be happen because she was there to assess me, unless she think she I needful help.)However, Diane, her daughter said they were happy with the outcome and she especially appreciated what I have done for her mother. My placement supervisor said to me. What do you mean this meeting is not productive she said I did very well.The only thing that Dianes daughter asked me was to inform her of anything I do for her mother. As there was an incident the week before that I took Diane out but forgot to ask her to check her daily. Dianes son and daughter in law came to visit when we went out and as a result they hav e not spent much time together that day. I asked Dianes daughter how she would like to be contacted and she gave me her email address as she may not be convenient to answer her mobile in her workplace.My placement supervisor also told me that I need to share the information with her about what I do or who I have contacted for Diane.Which key designs, units and set/Ethics do you think were demonstrated in this piece of work and how? (these must refer to practice discussed within the direct observation)In making a thorough preparation for the meeting with Diane, where my placement supervisor would observe me, I demonstrated delivery of all the units of Key portion 1. I had reviewed the case notes, verbalise with the staff at the Home, her social worker, and daughter to carefully evaluate my involvement.My efforts to build a trusting relationship with Diane during my placement, and discussions with her about her preference for those elements of her care plan she likes to be include d, show that I achieved important aspects of Key Role 2 (Unit 5 and 6).In my thorough research on best practices, legal and practice guidelines, and reflection on the best way to achieve my aim showed that I have responded well to the requirements of Key Role 6 (Unit 18 and 19).With regard to the values and ethics, I demonstrated awareness of my own values, ethics, dilemmas, and conflicts of interest (VEa). I have shown respect for and promotion of the wellbeing of Diane (VEb). I have also responded with oral and non-verbal communication skills in a way not to make Diane feel oppressed (VEc). Finally by showing my ability to build and maintain a relation of trust with Diane I have met the need identified by (VEe).What evidence did you use to evaluate your practice?(e.g. supervision notes, user feedback etc)In evaluating my practice, I have used two resources. The first is a feedback from Diane, whom I asked to judge how I had done. This feedback, in the form of a scripted response t o a questionnaire I prepared for this specific purpose. However, the feedback given by my placement supervisor later the meeting has been valuable for me in terms of understanding my performance and identifying ways to improve in future practice.Give your evaluation of this piece of work (e.g. what went well, what did not go well, what if anything would you do differently next time?)I have learnt from my previous mistake in my first direct observation. I have used a mixture of open and close questions. Also I have used paraphrasing, clarifying techniques appropriately. In terms of choosing a place for the meeting, I have considered the noise and disruption and asked Dianes opinion where she would like the meeting to be. The location of the meeting in her room turned out to be a good choice.I feel I have reduce the potential of oppression by involving Dianes daughter whose presence has been great comfort to Diane as Diane has short-term memory and she feel more confident as she cou ld get answer or help from her daughter. Also, I feel that working together we have achieved more than I had expected, as I have made the meeting like informal discussion rather than a problem interview or assessment.I have achieved the aim I set for myself and completed parts of the assessment, by working in partnership with Diane and her daughter. However, I have achieved more by building a open and trusting relationship with them, this would in term enable me to devote my supportive work with Diane in the future.I did not complete the SAP assessment in the meeting as I have not planned or anticipated. I will continue to work on this assignment with Diane, her daughter and other professionals.I have however, failed to share the information about what I do with Diane with my placement supervisor. This has resulted in miscommunication between different agencies. I need to develop skill in liaising and sharing information with other professionals in the future.What additional learni ng, in relation to knowledge, skills or anti-oppressive practice and values and ethics, would enhance your performance in the future?In terms of working professionally I need to work in accountability way within agency, sharing information with others. System theory will help to improve my practice in the future.I also need to use my supervision session to discuss theories, values, dilemmas and anti-oppressive practiceI have improved considerably about the use of interview techniques but with more practice I will be able to communicate in more confidence.SignedPlacement Supervisor_________________ escort _____________Student ____________________ Date _____________

Critical Social Work And Its Values Analysis Social Work Essay

Critical Social Work And Its determine Analysis Social Work EssayThe essay analyses theories underpinning and key elements of circumstantial affable go bad and its set. An geographic expedition of commission as a form of companionable tap practice and how it is influenced by the sarcastic fond piss approach will be included. Examples from practice experience/ literature and the influence of in commensurateities, spot and neighborly divisions will be discussed. The views of service users and their contribution towards the practice will also be take into estimate in the essay.Payne (2005) travel alongs neighborly trim in the UK back to the 19th century as a friendship and charitable activity to championship the disadvantaged and poor. From the charitable and community origins it developed into a broader field. Jordan (2004) cited in collins (2009) believes neighborly work owes its origins to Christian morality than a commitment to well-disposed problems affect ing individuals. Following the scotch crisis in the UK in the 1970s due to escalating oil prices genial issues like poor housing, unemployment, and poverty and homelessness companionable work pocketed and broadened its direction and tried to address affectionate issues and problems. Adams et al (2005).Adams et al (2009) commencements that in attempting to address loving problems, disadvantage and inequalities social work practitioners have drawn knowledge and ideas from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, ism and politics. From this multi-disciplinary knowledge base the underpinning ideology was anti oppressive principle which provides theoretical tools to understand intervene and resolve to the complex experience of oppression. This means social work practitioners have a moral, ethical and legal indebtedness to challenge inequalities and disadvantage (Payne 2005).Fook (2002) claims that critical practice flowerpot be traced and associated with radical social work in the 1960s-70s deriving ideas from Marxist theory. Marx analysed the capital smart set he go badd in Germ any and argued that the structures within society derived from the economy and the changes in the industrial revolution influenced some battalion to be more powerful and others not. Individuals were restrained by the demands of capitalism. Marx highlighted issues of kinsperson and rank struggle where in that respect is a struggle between powerful and powerless resulting in various societal classes. Those in power will seek to retain it mostly by exploitation of the powerless.Thompson (2006) affirms that society comprises of a assorted range of lot in which social divisions emerge which in turn forms the societal structures which networks kins, institutions and groupings. These groupings determine, control and regulate the distribution of power, immunity, status and opportunities resulting in social stratification and dimensions. From these groupings how ever it is important to mention that unfairness, inequality and oppression is witnessed in the group of people who be vulnerable and marginalised.Radical social work upheld the following themes structural analysis of personal problems, ongoing social critique mainly focusing on oppressive ideas/practice and goals of self emancipation and social change. Parallel to these traditions empowering and anti-oppressive practice to participation in query and community work Adams et al (2005). Several key principles were sh bed from radical critiques to present critical social work which are challenging dominant forces and oppression in all forms, a critique of convinced(p) ideas and the pick out to challenge dominant constructed ways of knowing by develop other ways of knowing. This would be achieved through recognising that knowledge may reflect reality but may also be socially constructed through language and ideology. In come out to create more/new knowledge self rumination and in teraction are essential tools using communication processes Allan et al (2009).Moya et al (2009) believes that critical thinking was boost set upd by Marxism through academics from the Frankfurt School of Sociologists (Horkeimer (1979), Adorno and Horkeimer, (1979) and Marcuse (1964) from the 1920s/30s and Habermas (1984, 1987)s writing in the late 20th century. The sociologists held that social hearation was based on assumptions of a fixed social order mainly derived from religion, politics and social beliefs. When this order is rejected and challenged, sociologists believed that this would enhance knowledge of the environment which makes individuals more effective.Gerth and Mills (1948) and Durkeim (1972) cited in Harrington (2005) effected that if we understand how social relationships work we would be able to achieve our objectives in society. This is how critical thinking in modernist way is around and it was termed modernism but has expanded and embraced other theories c oncerned with transformation and social change. antiquated and Webb (2008) argue that critical theory is shifting from the Frankfurt teach but at the same succession it has not defined its critical base. Allan et al (2003) Fook (2002) Healey (2000) acknowledge that in that respect is tension in defining critical theory as it comprises unlike theories, some argue that it is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of theories and approaches including Marxist, radical, feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory, provide colonial, critical constructivist and structural perspectives. This suggests that there are many theories although diametrical they all try to understand the relationship between an individual and society. Thus critical practice involves ones judgement in a reflective and diverse manner Adams et al (2009).Critical practice involves exploring distinct options in a situation or actions in judging the vanquish way to address issues. The practitio ner would review their ideas, perspectives and options of others before deciding a best way ship. This is underpinned by the fact of accepting change and continuity as practitioners encounter different situations and ideas. Payne et al (2005) further mentions that in order to fulfil the requirements of critical practice which include liberation and empowerment social workers need an open mind, reflective stance that encompasses diverse perspectives, experience and assumptions. This would result in acknowledging individual differences, equal opportunity and respect. Fook and Garner (2007) further identify three aspects of critical practice which are critical thinking, critical action and reflexivity as essential tools to apply when seeking social justice and change.From these theories we can trace the ideas of critical perspective and acknowledge that the powerless can influence policy, societal views and self emancipation from the oppressors. An congressman of theoretical develop ment implemented by service users was the theorising of disability from the medicalised interpretation to social model of disability. This shift was championed by disabled peoples movements to express how they felt and were treated for more than a century. This shift and theory influenced societal attitudes, influenced policies and to some extent changed societal attitudes in UK and abroad. Abberley (1998) Barnes, (1998). Morris, (1993) supports this by mentioning that the disability movement has overhauled societal perceptions and upheld disabled peoples rights to live independently, promote anti discriminatory practice, fairness and equal opportunities.Systems theory is another major theoretical source underpinning social work. The theory emphasised that peoples existence is determined by the environment they live or nonplus in. It highlighted that peoples problems are a result of how they interact with their resource systems which are either formal or wanton. The informal inclu de friends, neighbours and colleagues. The formal include support groups/ social clubs and associations. The public/ societal include housing, hospitals, work and school which provide certain structure or mooring function in society. The system theory encourages ontogenesis and provides a wider range of solutions to problems by identifying areas of improvement or needing improvement. However it is said not to be acknowledging power differences within society and with different roles Adams et al (2009). Coulshed and Orme, (1998) clarifies that the nature of diversity in society makes it arduous to be entirely dependent on one theory or approach. Different situations and different sight think different approaches through reflective practices and perspectives.Harris and White (2009) further explored events and changes within the welfare state from administering to managing the welfare state. They discovered that the Conservative 1979 -1997 and Labour 1997-2010 were influenced by neo-liberalist ideas. This idea upheld the belief that market was superior to the state and as such professionals including social workers were meant to implement competitive government policy and approaches to meet global standards. These changes affected the vulnerable people in society as well because managers had been given the powers to speak on their behalf. These changes, debates and contradictions have put social work practice into a contested dilemma profession although this definition states that Social work is a profession that promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. (International Federation of Social Workers, 2000 p1).Parton (1998) points out that the present political environment is dominantly global, modernized and authoritarian. As such policies are informed and regulated by market principles which prescribes and narrows professional boundaries which affects the rights of serv ice users. In order to achieve their objectives social workers need to challenge and resist the authoritarian elements by employing critical practice. Fook (2002) articulate that critical social work practice should be concerned with promoting a society without domination, exploitation and oppression. In order to achieve these practitioners need to reflect, reconstruct, deconstruct and unpack more processes for change through careful negotiation within the dominant framework. many a(prenominal) critical social theorists have challenged the existence of a social order and have questioned social order as evidenced in the work of Habermas (1984, 1987) who distinguishes between the system and the life world which interact and sometimes conflict with each other. The system represents the structures like the government departments, transnational companies emerging from globalisation, ideas promoted by communicative reasoning, educational activity and media. All these structures are relay ing a world view through different reasoning. As such social work is not excluded as an agent of systematic managerialism in agencies Pease (2005).Fook (2002) and Gardner (2007) proposed alternative forms of critical theory which are feminism and post modernism. They focus on the understanding that the world reflects personal experience and social diachronic context. They argue that personal experience constructs and is constructed by the world we live in. They advocate to listening to peoples experiences (narratives) seriously and from these we can hear how they view and experience the world in different ways.Powell (2001) suggests that feminists maintain that the narration of experiences by individuals gives us a clue on how they construct the world and how they want to engage with their problems and situations. Thus postmodernists say there is an alternative way of see the world than what it seems to be. Post-modernity argue there is a different way of viewing the world and dif ferent ways to deal with societal problems hence critical social work seeks for different options and take the best way forward.Adams et al (2009) suggests that in order to seek the best way forward social workers are encouraged to adopt the eclectic approach which entails selecting crucial aspects from different theories and blend them unitedly as one approach. Alternatively they can use different theories for different cases. This has an advantage of addressing inadequacies in particular theories as they compensate one another. However there are also limitations as to master different theories and selecting crucial aspects may be difficult. It might as well be difficult to select the grab theory to use in the first ramble. To cover these limitations Epstein (1992) suggested that continuous reflection, agreement, debate and teamwork would encourage flexibility in complex issues.Milner and Obyrne (1998) propose that in trying to address social injustices and inequality social wo rk uses a variety of skills and knowledge based on theory perspective and methodology. This empowers social workers to put in place intervention which is appropriate to individual circumstances. This intervention empowers social workers with skills to engage service users to bring positive outcomes.Banks (2001) holds that set are diverse, may overlap, can conflict and socially constructed. Traditional social work and critical social work values overlap and are based on Biestek 1961 and consist of the following Individualism, non judgemental, self determination, purpose-made expression and controlled emotional development. In post modernity terms these can be interpreted to advance of social justice, emancipation, anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory, empowerment, non judgemental and respect and dignity. in a higher place all the language utilize may affect the way we interpret the world resulting in assumptions, overrepresentation or misrepresentation of issues and ideas, Adam et al (2009).Critical social work as discussed explores the best way forward to individuals problems and seeks to listen and engage with the individual to tell their story and work in partnership to find the best way forward. The limitation is critical social work is surrounded by external forces which are beyond it control, for mannequin resources in the current economic climate globally and at home. It is also criticised as its values and origins are Eurocentric and do not represent universal circumstances as what seems to work in UK might not necessarily work in Afro/ Asian communities. For example the issue of confidentiality is valued and essential in UK and Europe whereas in Afro Asian cultures they value kinship support in times of distress. However they would not want anyone else outside the kinship clique to know about their situation. This brings interpretation problems to confidentiality Morley (2003).In order for all these theories to be implemented there should be cont act with individuals in society who experience inequality and disadvantage. Furthermore it is also important to mention at this point that social work intervention and practice is broad and spreads into other disciplines. Group work, Counselling, Advocacy and Assessment are examples of different forms of practising social work. I will not focus on the broadness of disciplines but will focus on the aims of the essay which are to explore how the critical social work approach influences counselling. Counselling requires a lot of skills and approaches as it seeks to address and resolve individual dilemmas, decision making and resolving issues.According to Dryden (200440) cited in Adams et al (2009) counselling is described as principled relationship characteristics by the employment of one or more psychological theories and a recognised set of communication skills, modified by experience, intuition and other interpersonal factors, to clients intimate concerns, problems or aspirations. Its predominant ethos is one of facilitation rather than of advice-giving or coercion. It may be of truly brief or long duration, take place in an organisational or private practice ambit and may or may not overlap with practical, medical and other matters of personal welfare.The Barclay report in the early 1980s mentioned that it was essential for social workers to engage in counselling as it fostered to engage with individuals to help them manage their problems, worries and anxieties, Barclay Committee,(1982). This is no longer the situation today as noted by Brearley (1995) when he states that political, administrative, legislative changes and ideologies have affected the relationship between counselling and social work. Some social work practitioners are in dilemma as to whether they can do counselling or not and where to start with counselling and when to stop. Because social workers operate in a legislative, organisational, ideological, value and ethical context it is becom ing increasingly difficult to engage in counselling without pushing boundaries, Furthermore the economic environment, budget cuts and lack of resources makes it difficult to gambling and employ uncontested interventions McLeod (2009).However despite the above constraints social workers at some point stock up out counselling as not carrying it out would render their job inadequate and inefficient. McLeod (1998) identified a number of counselling theories which are Person centred, Existential, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Motivational, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Karpmans (1969) Drama triangle and Eclectic or Integrative approaches. Some of the theories have been criticised as inadequate and resource straining. One approach that is complimentary to social work is the eclectic/ integrative approach.Integrative theory is adaptable to the needs presented by the client or specific circumstances which is flexible and adoptable to client needs. McLeod (2003) supports this statement when he maintains that eclectic approach enables the counsellor to choose the best option and techniques from a range of theories to meet the client needs. It can mean employing different elements from different theories to blend them into a new suitable model or theory. These compliments with one of the social work theory of eclecticism which seeks to integrate different theories to intervene (Adams, 2009).It can be argued that the aims of social work and the aims of counselling are both focusing on individuals and their interaction with the society, problems they face and how they solve them. As Egan (2006) puts it and complimented by Coulshed and Orme (2006) social workers adopt skills that compliment counselling skills such as empathy or understanding, respect, self knowledge and acceptance and honest. Although there are criticisms on Egans work as being ignorant of psychodynamic ideas meaning it has limited application and effectiveness. A reflective practitioner would seek to promot e social justice, anti -oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice based on knowledge to promote inclusive practice. Both professions are being challenged by increasing literature developing and need to engage in best, critical and anti discriminatory practice to reach all individuals and communities Morley (2003).My privilege in practice working with clients is that I have acquired knowledge and on values of social work issues and intervention. I also have a black African background which has some conflicting values to social work. I will focus on the social work values to overcome any prejudices and biases which may jeopardise my work. I also have the law on my side which would give me power to intervene and practice. In my experience as a caseworker at Refugee Action (RA) I used counselling as a technique to working with clients. Clients from different background accessed the service to resolve their immigration matters. Mostly the approach we used was the integrative approach which meant that the outcomes met the needs of individual circumstances. I did not throw overboard my own values and prejudices to influence my practice.The advantage of having my own values and knowledge made it halcyon for me to overcome any prejudices and stereotypes towards my clients. As a person from an African background with different values from those of the British society, it was easy for me to understand how it is to be in the clients shoes. I also observed that Muslim women preferred to work with distaff caseworkers and male Muslims preferred male caseworkers. They appeared not comfortable working with people from the opposite sex and tended to infer information if that was the case. I therefore ensured Muslim clients were assisted by a person of preferred gender. Above all I applied the Narrative approach which solicits encouragement to clients to tell their stories. This enabled me to explore clients situation at their own pace and actively listened to assess and establish the real problem in the situation.Carniola (2005) observed that social workers are in the right direction of developing critical consciousness about the psychological bushel of oppression on individuals. He further expressed that there is concern on the degree of awareness among social workers on the impact of privilege or dominant status on individuals subjectivities and world views. Rossitter (2000) concurs that the position/ impact and ways in which professionals engage with clients is overlooked and underestimated as they possess a certain class in the form of gender, race, and sexual privilege.Having explored critical social work practice and theories underpinning it, it is important to acknowledge that there is continuous transformation and contest within the academic field and socio-political arena. This is greatly impacting on vulnerable people and how they are treated and marginalised in issues affecting their lives. If the values of critical social work could b e execute and the theories underpinning it are integrated social work and counselling would be forces for change to promote social justice.

Tao Heung Case Study Analysis

Tao Heung Case Study abbreviation reverseTao Heung is a listed company focusing on Chinese eating place rail line in Hong Kong and Guangdong. By utilizing ushers five forces model, Chinese eating ho uptake industry is identified to be intensively part with-enterprise(a). Nevertheless, Tao Heung still recorded slight yield by 2009 through successful be control measures and operational readiness. The company has strengths of strong m itary plant, approach efficiency, and good selling and management capabilities, and weaknesses of imbalanced market presence, business portfolio, and nifty structure. The business environment provides it in the raw opportunities for developing spick-and-span markets and businesses beca mapping of improving living(a) standard and purchasing force out. Major flagellums include severe pomposity leading to soaring bes related to labour, rent, and nutrient ingredients. TOWS matrix is a technique to formulate manageable strategical al ternatives matching intrinsic factors to external opportunities and threats. In corporate take, Tao Heung is suggested to adopt market ontogenesis schema by using merger and learnedness and supplement of debt. In business train, enhancing currently adopted exist leadership strategy is recommended.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTIONTao Heung is a catering company, focusing on operate Chinese eating places and generally operating in Hong Kong and china market. The company was founded in 1991 and was listed on the main eat table of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2007 (Stock code. 0573.HK). It is now operating 66 outlets, including various styles of restaurants, in Hong Kong and to a greater extent than 10 outlets in Mainland China.The business philosophy of Tao Heung is Delicious and Value for Money. It is well kn experience for its tonicity forages and quality services at relatively small-scale prices, and innovative marketing campaign, such as One long horse Chicken, at the minds of Hong Kong consumers. One Dollar Chicken campaign was a marketing promotion during the period of financial tsunami in 2008. Consumers could enjoy a dish of chicken for only One Hong Kong Dollars at the restaurants of Tao Heung. The campaign effectively enacted the companys Value for money philosophy.Chinese restaurant is a traditional industry in which there ar many inherent shortcomings and flaws. However, Tao Heung is renowned for the use of innovative marketing strategies and modern management techniques in run this traditional business. The objectives of Tao Heung be to become one of the most esteemed and premier Chinese restaurant groups in Hong Kong and China, recognized for innovations and its capabilities to provide high quality aliment and restaurant service that promise customers exceptional dining experiences (http//www.taoheung.com.hk/eng/corporate/overview.jsp).The goal of strategic management is to leverage a firms capabilities to accompl ish its strategic objectives with the balance of wholly stakeholders interest. Mr. Chung Wai Ping, who is one of the founders of Tao Heung, owns 36.7% of sh bes in Tao Heung and must be the key stakeholder. However, sh atomic number 18 owners of a firm be non the only group of stakeholders of the firm in the sense of strategic management. Stakeholders refer to the groups of people who fork out interests in a firms activities and affect or be affected by the achievement of the firms objectives (Wheelen Hunger, 2010). Therefore, creditors, suppliers, customers, competitors, employees, governments, and public in the communities are the stakeholders of Tao Heung.Tao Heung tries to maximize profit through providing quality foods and exceptional dining experiences to its customers. As a result, it has the capability to retaliate loans to its creditors, pay taxes to governments, share profits with employees, satisfy the business need of suppliers, and extend to communities. Meanwhi le, its status as one of the most esteemed and premier Chinese restaurant groups in Hong Kong and China inevitably has impact on its competitors.2. LITERATURE REVIEW AND METHODOLOGY strategy is defined as a firms theory about how to touch competitive advantages (Barney Hesterly, 2010). Therefore, strategic management is a set of managerial decisions and actions that generates the firms competitive advantage, and, hence, gains above average make it (Wheelen Hunger, 2010) (see innovation 1).MissionObjectiveExternal Analysis midland AnalysisStrategic ChoiceStrategy ImplementationFigure 1 Strategic Management ProcessThis article aims to critically evaluate the strategic position and direction of Tao Heung. Johnson and Scholes (2007 16) point out that understanding the strategic position is concerned with impact on strategy of external environment, ingrained resources and competencies, and the expectations and influences of stakeholders. Therefore, this article result present exte rnal environmental outline and natural analysis of resources and competencies for Tao Heung and evaluate its strategic options harmonisely.By conducting external analysis, the critical opportunities and threats in external environment of Tao Heung ordain be identified, including macro-environment and industry environment in which the firm operates. Porter (1980) contends that a firms profitability is determined by the military posture of competition indoors the industry it competes. As a result, he developed Five Forces pretending for examining the intensity of competition of an industry. In addition, generally adopt PESTEL framework for analyzing a firms macro-environment. The following factors are include in the analysis Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors (Harvard University Press, 2007).By conducting indwelling analysis, the shapingal strengths and weaknesses of Tao Heung will also be identified. The resources and capabilities wh ich are the source of competitive advantage will be identified by internal analysis (Barney Hesterly, 2010). Porter (1985) proposed that Value Chain Analysis is a technique for analyzing source of competitive advantage of a firm. However, according to the Resource-based View, competitive capabilities must be rare, durable, valuable, robust, and not easily be imitated (Grant, 2002).Then, external analysis and internal analysis are synthesized into a SWOT analysis. SWOT is an acronym used to describe the particular Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that are strategic factors for a specific company (Wheelen Hunger, 2010). Utilizing the result of SWOT analysis, a number of strategic options tail be generated. A TOWS matrix is produced to show how the external opportunities and threats facing a particular firm feces be matched with the firms internal strengths and weaknesses (Wheelen Hunger, 2010).Finally, this article will critically justify the strategy that Tao H eung is using and suggest corporate and business level strategy that Tao Heung should use to improve its performance. Corporate level strategy refers to the strategy that creates care for to the firm in line with the overall purpose and scope of the firm. Diversification, merger and acquisition, are examples of corporate level strategy. Business level strategy refers to the strategy about how to compete successfully in particular market and achieve competitive advantage (Johnson Scholes, 2007). Porter (1980) suggested three generic competitive strategies appeal-leadership, differentiation, and focus. They are examples of business level strategy.Secondary data from company annual reports, Internet, government statistics, academic journals, CEO interviews, magazines and newspapers will be collected for conducting analysis.3. ANALYSESFour analyses will be presented here Industry analysis, Macro-environment analysis, Internal analysis, and SWOT analysis.3.1 INDUSTRY ANALYSISAccordin g to Five Forces Model, the intensity of competition within Chinese restaurant industry in Hong Kong is determined by five competitive forces (Porter, 1980)Threat of new entrantsNew entrants are threats to the active firms within an industry because they bring new cleverness to the industry, and a new desire to gain market share and resources. If the doorway barrier to the industry is high, the threat of new entrants is lower. The relatively high capital requirements and sunk costs create certain degree of entry barriers for Chinese restaurant industry. According to the information provided by Trade and Industry Department (2006), the capital requirements for possibility a Chinese style caf was HK$1,275,500. The scale of a Chinese restaurant is 10 to 20 propagation greater than a caf, the capital requirements are estimated to more than(prenominal) than HK$15,000,000. Most of the investment is spent for decoration, facilities, and marketing activities. They are all sunk costs t hat cannot be recovered. Economies of scale also help establish barriers to entry. Therefore, the major rivals of Tao Heung are big Chinese restaurant groups such as Maxims and Star Seafood. Companies with limited capital have been not easy to start up a new Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong recently.Rivalry among existing firmsHong Kongs Chinese restaurant industry is dominated by several large restaurant groups now. They are Maxims restaurants, federal Restaurants, Hsin Kuang Restaurants, East Ocean Victoria City Restaurants, Star Seafood Restaurants, and Tao Heung Restaurants. The relatively small number of competitors and roughly enough in size create intensively competitive environment. In addition, the suppuration rate of this industry is slow. The value of Chinese restaurant receipts and purchases for the first half of 2010 was HK$19,600 million, accounting for 6% increase compared with last form (Census and Statistics Department, 2010). Moreover, the exit barriers of this industry are high because of high sunk costs. Diversity of rivals and differentiation are low. These factors contribute to fierce competition within this industry.Threat of substituteThere are many substitute products that can satisfy the same(p) needs of dinning in Chinese restaurant. Consumers would like to gather to mingle and socialize in Chinese restaurants, besides of the dinning needs. But they could satisfy the same needs by going to Western restaurants, prodigal food restaurants, or even at home. According to Porter (1980), substitute limits the potential returns of an industry by placing a price ceiling. Chinese restaurants cannot charge profitably beyond the perceived values of dinning experiences.Bargaining cause of buyersThe bargaining power of buyers in this industry is high. The major reason is that consumers can choose their favorite restaurants free of switch costs. The restaurants can create greater product and service differentiation by introducing innovative r ecipe, and leveraging quality foods and services, in order to erode the bargaining power of buyers.Bargaining power of suppliersThe major suppliers of Chinese restaurants are the food suppliers. They are numerous in the market. The products are not unique and restaurants have about no switch costs to change suppliers. Substitutes are always readily available. Therefore, the bargaining power of suppliers is low.Overall, collective strengths of five competitive forces determine high level of competitive intensity in Chinese restaurant industry. The profit potential of this industry is limited.3.2 MACRO-ENVIRONMENT ANALYSISPESTEL framework is employed for analyzing macro-environmentPolitical factorsThe frugal transition policy of the government of Guangdong state of matter intended to change the manufacturing-based economy into high-value-added economy. The results lead to severe factory closure in Southern China. It is a drawback for the market development strategy of Tao Heung s ince its physical presence in China is mainly in the cities in Guangdong province. On the other hand, after the 2008 financial tsunami, Chinese government introduced measures which aimed at promoting domestic help demand and change magnitude welfare benefits. The purchasing power of Chinese consumers has been increased. Tao Heung is definitely benefited from these measures. Overall, the market potential for Chinese restaurants business seems to be optimistic in the long run. After all, factory closure in Guangdong province is a temporary phenomenon. It will recover when the transition is successful achieved.Economic factorsFinancial tsunami in 2008 created a very volatile economy for catering industry. Tao Heung recorded a relatively low revenue growth of 5.5% only in 2009 (Tao Heung, 2010). Fortunately, economic conditions both in Hong Kong and China are gradually recovering. However, another economic force has been negatively affecting Chinese restaurant industry since economic recovery. Inflation has been very proficient for the recent two years. As a result, the costs of raw materials have been soaring. The profitability of Tao Heung is inevitably eroded. In addition, Tao Heung also faced rental and labour market pressure because of severe pompousness. Indeed, rent, food and labour are three major inputs to Chinese restaurant industry. Increased Costs associated with rent, food and labour cause profound negative impact on the Chinese restaurant industry.Social factorsLiving standard is high in Hong Kong. Besides, as economic growth in China is substantially, living standard is improving accordingly. Thus, there is increasing demand for quality culinary art. Restaurant goers both in Hong Kong and China are not only seeking for food, but also for specialty recipe, quality service, and excellent atmosphere. In addition, there are rising concerns for food safety also. It whitethorn be because of recent food safety problems in China and the emerging envir onmental conservation sentiment. Increasing demand for quality and safety will impose challenges to that industry. On the other hand, it may be opportunities for Tao Heung. Tao Heung is a pioneer in adopting modern management and marketing skills to operate traditional Chinese restaurants. If Tao Heung can cope with the challenges, they can outperform its rivals. Besides, improving living standard in China means more market opportunities, for example, banquets market.Technological factorAdvanced information system technology is an enabler of modern show filament management. Tao Heung has utilized bulk purchase and direct food supply from its logistics decocts to enhance cost efficiency. The development in food processing technology also creates new opportunities for food catering industry, chilled food avocation business.Environmental factorChinese restaurant operations pollute water when washing foods and dishes. According to the Polluters even up Principle, restaurants need to pay additional sewage charges. Because of the increased environmental concern in our society, the sewage charges are expected to rise. Besides, consumers are more concern about food safety now because of severe befoulment problems.Legal factorThe minimum wage legislation process is about to complete in Hong Kong. The initial minimum wage rate will be HK$28 per hour. It is expected to come into force on May 1, 2011 (Labour Department). Tao Heung will face increasing labour costs and human resources pressure.3.3 INTERNAL ANALYSISInternal analysis is concerned with identifying a firms internal strategic factors which is the firms critical resources and competencies for success (Wheelen Hunger, 2010). With reference to resource-based view of strategic management, Grant (2004) suggested that an organizations sustainable competitive advantage is primarily determined by its strategic resources and competencies. The following internal strengths are identified to be critical for the su ccess of Tao Heung concentrated financial positionTao Heung has very low debt ratio (about 1%). The value of cash and cash equivalents asset is 428 million at the end of 2009 (Tao Heung, 2010). In addition, Tao Heung is listed company so that it has capability to raise funds from shareholders or public when needed. The strong financial position can support Tao Heung to grow naturally or grow by merger and acquisition.Logistics centresTao Heung owns a logistics centre in Tai Po (Hong Kong) and Dongguan (China). The logistics centre in China enables it to achieve bulk purchase of food ingredients from their sources. Logistics centres have another role of supplying food products to restaurants of Tao Heung. Foods have been processed before delivering to restaurants. The semi-processed food ingredients can help (1) fulfil the cooking time in restaurants, (2) use less skillful chef, and (3) save kitchen space. Besides, the excess capacities of logistics centres are utilized to manufactu re pre-packing chilled food supplied to its own outlets, supermarkets and food centres, providing another source of revenue. merchandise and management capabilitiesTao Heung has profound marketing capability. The marketing team has launched some excellent promotion campaigns such as One Dollar Chicken. They have also developed brand awareness in China and have won some awards such as realise 500 Quality Brands in China 2009 and Top 500 Overseas Chinese Merchants in Chinas Market (Tao Heung, 2010).Tao Heung has a lot of innovations in Chinese restaurant management, for example, achieving cost efficiency by using operation of logistics centres. Moreover, Tao Heung will establish a training pioneer providing professional training to restaurant workers with the cooperation of VTC. The program can ease labour pressure of the industry. Although the economic patch was bad in 2009, Tao Heung could still achieve growth through stringent cost control measures and streamlining of operations .On the other hand, Tao Heung has some weaknesses. It has been too focus on Chinese restaurant business and Hong Kong market. Its peripheral businesses including skyway catering, chilled food trading and bakeshop accounted for a relatively modest amount of total turnover (HK$52 million) in 2009. Besides, Mainland China business accounted for only 17.3% of total turnover in 2009. In addition, its use of debt has been too little. Better use of debt can enhance returns of shareholders, although high level leverage of debt will increase business risk.3.4 SWOT ANALYSISA SWOT analysis summaries the key issues from the external environment and the strategic capabilities of an organization that are most likely to impact on strategy development (Johnson Scholes, 2007).Figure 2 shows the internal strengths and weaknesses of Tao Heung, as well as the opportunities and threats from the external business environment. The strengths are strong financial position, cost efficiency, and marketing and management capabilities. The weaknesses are imbalanced market coverage, business portfolio, and capital structure. Opportunities include increasing purchase power, living standard, demand for quality cuisine, and advanced IS technology. The threats include inflation pressure, minimum wage, intense competition, and food safety concern.StrengthsStrong financial positionCost efficiency through the use of logistics centresGood marketing and management capabilitiesWeaknesses unbalanced market coverageImbalanced business portfolioImbalanced capital structureOpportunitiesIncreasing purchasing power in Mainland ChinaIncreasing living standard leading to new business opportunities such as banquetDemand for quality cuisineAdvanced IS technology enabling efficient supply chain managementThreatsSevere inflation pressure leading to rising costs related to rent and food. tokenish wage legislation leading to higher labour market pressureIntense competition in Chinese restaurant industryConcer ns about food safetyFigure 2 SWOT Analysis for Tao HeungTOWS matrix is used to illustrate how the external opportunities and threats facing a particular organization can be matched with that organizations internal strengths and weaknesses to result in four sets of possible strategic alternatives SO strategies, WO strategies, ST strategies and WT strategies (Wheelen Hunger, 2010) (see Figure 3).Strengths (S)Weaknesses (W)Opportunities (O)SO strategies produce strategies that use strengths to take advantage of opportunitiesWO strategiesGenerate strategies that take advantage of opportunities by overcoming weaknessesThreats (T)ST strategiesGenerate strategies that use strengths to quash threatsWT strategiesGenerate strategies that minimize weaknesses and avoid threatsFigure 3 TOWS MatrixThe possible strategies are listed in the Figure 4. In summary, Tao Heung is suggested to develop new markets, enhance its operation efficiency, rapid expansion into Mainland China, and better use of debt. The strategies can be consolidated into two levels of strategies corporate and business level.Strengths (S)Strong financial position (S1)Cost efficiency (S2)Good marketing and management capabilities (S3)Weaknesses (W)Imbalanced market coverage (W1)Imbalanced business portfolio (W2)Imbalanced capital structure (W3)Opportunities (O)Increasing purchasing power (O1)Increasing living standard (O2)Demand for quality cuisine (O3)Advanced IS technology (O4)SO strategiesExpansion to various food catering businesses (S1O2O3)Rapid expansion into Mainland China (S1O1)Enhance capacities of logistics centres (S2O4)WO strategiesAcquire other catering businesses (W2O2)Merger and acquisition in Mainland China (W1O1)Threats (T)Severe inflation pressure (T1)Minimum wage legislation (T2)Intense competition (T3)Food safety concerns (T4)ST strategiesLeveraging the use of logistics centres (S2T1)Stringent quality control (S3T4)More stringent cost control (S2S3T1)Improved employee training (S3T2)WT strategies metamorphose into other market segments (W1W2T3)Figure 4 TOWS Matrix for Tao Heung4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONSAnsoff product/market growth matrix (Figure 5) suggests that a business attempts to grow depend on whether it should market new or existing products in new or existing markets (Johnson Scholes, 2007).Existing ProductsNew ProductsExisting MarketsMarket PenetrationProduct nurtureNew MarketsMarket DevelopmentDiversificationFigure 5 Ansoff Product/Market Growth MatrixConcerning with Tao Heungs corporate level strategy, market development is a more suitable strategy. Both new geographical markets and new segment markets should be explored.Although Tao Heung has established its presence in Chinese market, it has only less than 15 restaurants in China by the end of 2010. All of these restaurants are located in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Tao Heung should expand more rapidly in China market and open more new restaurants in other cities within Guangdong province.Regarding to segment markets, most of restaurants in Hong Kong are seafood restaurants targeting to medium income level families. Tao Heung has adopted multi-branding strategy. The different brands are targeting alike segments using different products. For example, Hak Ka Hut, Chao Inn, and Shanghai Inn provide different style of dishes but target the same segmented customers. Chao Inn and Shanghai Inn even located at the same place. HIPOT is a new brand of Tao Heung. This new brand target young customers. It is a good direction. Tao Heung is encouraged to explore more new segment markets by building more new brands.Tao Heung has mainly used internal development for growth. The only acquisition in the past few years is the acquisition of Tai Chong Bakery. Using companys own resources to develop new businesses is actually a play safe game. However, Tao Heung is suggested to use more merger and acquisition to expand into China market in a more rapid pace. Since Mainland China is a broad marke t, growth by acquisition could be better than by organic growth. Besides, Tao Heung can better use of debt to balance its capital structure.Porter (1980) suggests three generic strategies to compete with rivals in a market. They are cost leadership, differentiation, and focus strategies. Cost leadership is the strategy that Tao Heung is currently adopting. Tao Heung put much effort on achieving cost efficiency by utilizing logistics centres and stringent cost control measures. . It is a correct direction since Chinese restaurant is a very intensively competitive industry. However, Tao Heung is suggested to focus on maintaining quality cuisine while achieving cost efficiency. To complement cost leadership strategy, diversifying into other food catering business such as bakery and school catering to balance its business portfolio.

Nipah Virus and the Potential for Bioterrorism

Nipah computer computer computer virus and the Potential for biological terrorist bendNipah computer virus and the Potential for BioterrorismIntroductionBioterrorism is considered to be one of the most talked virtually issues with cipher to national security since the inception of the new millennium. On September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorism struck the United States with the crashing and attempted crashing of airplanes into satisfying economic and political buildings. This act of terror was a significant catchning to alarms of what was next from terrorist groups. Even though this was not the send-off, and emphatically not the last, terrorist bane or attempt it was definitely the most pro demonstrate and unquestionably causad forethought, panic and social disruption much(prenominal) less economic issues planetaryly.Within days of the 9/11 attacks the sensory faculty of American vulnerability became more evident with the media commonplaceity of the Anthrax scares. Thi s brought about international relates with bioterrorism as envelopes that were filled with anthrax spores were sent to political and media ancestrys without the United States and cardinal quite a little were infected and five closes occurred (Ryan Glarum, 2008).Nipah is alone one of many viruses that are in stock(predicate) to terrorist groups for development as a bioweapon. In 1999 this virus was graduation engraft and noted to be genuinely easily disseminated to human being through inhalation and ingestion. Even though on that point are many probable pathogens available, the Nipah virus has proven itself to be one of the most dangerous and advantageous .As the Nipah virus progressed at that place was fear noted by workers, families and health care providers in Confederate Asia. With a death rate rate of 40% to 100% (Lam, 2002 innovation health Organization WHO, 2009) in infected areas, and an economic impact that cost several millions to Malaysias frugalit y, this virus has capableness for significant bioterrorism.Natural HistoryThe Nipah Virus (NiV), family paramyxoviridae, was first recognized in Malaysia, South Asia in late 1998 into Spring 1999. This dis simmpleness was recognized when an clap of sickness and death occurred among pig farmers, it infected 265 people, with 105 deaths, a mortality rate of just about 40% (Lam, 2002).This virus was new to the scientific federation and first thought to be Japanese Encephalitis (JE) which had occurred in approximately the same location years earlier. JE was also noted to infect people that were around domesticated pigs, just like the currently identified Nipah Virus (C slip in for affection manoeuver CDC, 2001). The Nipah virus was anchor to also concur akin(predicate) symptoms as those of the Hendra Virus which eventd respiratory disease and cephalitis in Australia in 1994 (Fraser, 2009). The Nipah virus is considered by the CDC as a newly emerging pathogen that could be eng ineered for slew ventilation (Ryan Glarum, 2008 Center for infirmity Control and Prevention CDC, n.d.).Since the intrusion of the Nipah virus in 1999, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), on that point turn out been twelve significant outbreaks since the sign, with 202 persons infected and a loss of flavour of 146 individuals, mortality of over 72%. Two of these outbreaks, one in India in 2007 and one in Bangladesh in 2008 had mortality rates of 100%, viewing the devastating effects of this virus (WHO, 2009).The sign investigation of the Nipah virus found that abattoir workers who dealt with pigs daily and those that were exposed through farming and transporting pigs were getting ill. As the investigation go on it found that the pigs were infecting the workers (zoonotic disease). After disco precise, subsequently over 1.1 million pigs were disposed of to quell the contagious disease of the virus. This death of pigs was significantly devastating to the econo my of Malaysia noting an estimated loss of $217 million dollars (Ryan Glarum, 2008, p. 104).Virus TransferenceThe Nipah virus host was found to be pteropid buggy (flying foxes), located in Australia and the gray areas of Asia. During expansion of farms toward the rainforests and the destruction of the rainforest for manufacturing and industry, many animals including silly had to relocate to survive. Many pig farmers in Malaysia also had large fruit orchards situated next to the pig enclosures, as growth of pig farming continued and the loss of habitat for bats persisted to change bats started to forage the nearby orchards for food. As this progression continued there was an increased chance of disease contamination to domestic animals from wildlife, and as such a significant increase in connexion amidst pigs and bats. Therefore, greater opportunity for transmission of the Nipah virus (Dr. Jonathan Epstein Returns, 2005).As the Nipah virus was investigated it was believed to e ngender been familial to pigs from bats through the spitting, pissing and feces of the bats which fertilise and nest in local orchards (Dr. Jonathan Epstein Returns, 2005), near pig pens. This electric potential transmission probably occurred when bat secretions fell into the pig pens and were ingested by these domesticated animals.The sign human virus outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore was believed to capture been from count on opposition with sick pigs or their meat products, and possibly could have drive from the consumption of contaminated fruit or juices from the orchards. As the virus progressed and explore was done there was an established link noting person-to-person contamination through close contact (World Health Organization WHO, 2009)Physiology of ExposureThe Nipah virus seems to have many different clinical manifestations in individual animals and humans. There is a broad range of clinic signs that can point to virus infection that cause researchers and healt hcare providers to not recognize patterns of initial infection, therefore not recognizing potential disease outbreaks. According to the WHO (2009), the brooding effect (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) varies from quartet to 45 days. This significant range subscribes it incredibly hard to follow the virus between initial exposure and medical sermon. Recognizing that the person is showing signs of a virus, and narrowing down the specific virus, then treating it appropriately for an individual is a challenge just feasible. But with such a wide incubation period there is a possibility that viable teaching could be lost or not noticed.The physiological symptoms of this virus in humans is characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms to include severe headache, fever, vomiting, myalgia (muscular pain) disorientation, respiratory diseases, neurological deficits and encephalitis and in many cases may cause coma or death (Center for Infectious Disease Research Policy CIDRAP, 2009).In pigs there is passage of signs and symptoms depending on the age of the animal. The fundamental signs noted are fever, shortness of breath, pass twitching, trembling, rear leg weakness, severe coughing, open-mouth breathing, abnormal posturing and convulsions (CIDRAP, 2009).After initial exposure and treatment follow-up research was done and in this hire it was noted that there were relapses in clinic symptoms to include encephalitis up to twenty-two months later, without re-exposure. The research and that an estimated 160 patients who recovered from acute encephalitis and 89 patients who undergo asymptomatic infection received follow-up care for late-onset encephalitis (neurological manifestations occurring for the first time at ten or more weeks after initial infection) or relapsed encephalitis (neurological manifestations after recovery from acute encephalitis) (Halpin Mungall, 2007, p. 290).Host SourcesThe Nipah Virus source comes from Pteropus fruit bats (AKA Flying Foxes), which are found in Southern Asia and Australia. In 1997 fruit bats were noted to begin foraging on flowers and nectar in trees located near orchards immediate to infected areas (Cobey, 2005). Fruit bats were found to be the natural source of this virus and caused the transfer of the virus to pigs and human beings. As domesticated pigs were change for breeding and transferred to some other(prenominal) farms the virus was quickly disseminated further throughout southern Asia (Cobey, 2005).Possible drill in BiowarfareBiowarfare, and in this day and age bioterrorism, is a threat that began before the birth of Christ. According to Dr. Michael D. Phillips, M.D. one of the first save incidents of bioterrorismwas in Mesopotamia. The Assyrians employed rye ergot, an element of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which contains mycotoxins. Rye ergot was used by Assyria to poison the wells of their enemies, with limited success (Phillips, 2005, p. 32). Use of pathogens to induce sickness, death or terror has continued until present time.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed the Nipah virus as a critical biological agent, Category C. Category C agents are emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in the future because of* Availability* Ease of production and dissemination* Potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact (Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, n.d., 3 (Ryan Glarum, 2008, p. 105))With this categorization the virus is a living pathogen that can be developed as a bioweapon with the right familiarity, and equipment. For the virus to be weaponized it needs to be purified, alter and properly sized. Since this is a living virus the bioterrorist agent can be replicated once disseminated (Ryan Glarum, 2008). At this time, there is no information about how this virus could be manufactured to become a bioterrorist agent, but with the right knowledge the poten tial is there.Production MethodsSince the Nipah virus has proven to be disseminated through secretions from bats and pigs, and shown to cause severe infection and death it can potentially be used as a bioterrorist agent with little changes in its basic state. If the excretions from infected bats in manage juice can cause infection and death then there is ease in diffusion with a significant amount of virus.Even with these basic distribution methods there is information about the Nipah virus and its compounds being published. As knowledge continues be found about the virus and information availability of the compounds there is potential for virus manipulation for maximum threat to animals and humans to induce fear and panic. Information such as this is noted in an phrase by Medical newsworthiness Today, (2005). This term states that UCLA scientists have revealed how the Nipah virus infiltrates human cells. The word further states the virus exploits a protein that is essential t o embryonic development to enter cells and attack. The virus must infect a cell by covert to a viral-specific receptor and once that is done penetrates the cell. The article actually gives the receptor name as Ephrin-B2, and is found to be the key to unlocking these dangerous cells. If this information is so easily accessible and is available it allows terrorists groups with the knowledge and expertise to fake the virus for dissemination and extreme virulence.The Nipah virus is still a relatively new virus and steps are slowly being make in understanding this infant virus. As of this time there is very little knowledge about how effective this virus would be or what would be needed to make it infective. With bioterrorist there is always a concern with the storage and stability of the virus for development and weaponization. As developments are do and intelligence is gathered with regard to potential agents there will be a concern with any viral pathogen.TransmissibilityAnimal-t o-humanAnimal (pig) to human transmissibility was the first noted issue with regard to the detection of the Nipah virus in 1999. As stated earlier the virus circulate rapidly and was found to have started with pig farmers and abattoir workers that worked closely and handled these animals. As the virus progressed and workers died it was found that pigs in these farms had been coughing loudly (bark type of cough), and nerve damage was becoming prevalent. In a short amount of time approximately five percent of these animals died and the illness was spreading significantly (Pearl, 2006).Also transmissibility has been noted from non-specific animal contact put through the ingestion of date palm juice taken from the trees that bats nest and feed. As the fruit tree workers and farmers gather the palm juice through clay pots bats drink from the pots and transfer saliva to the nectar (Pearl, 2006). one-on-oneMany of the articles written on the Nipah virus states that there is no register that there is transmissibility of the virus from person-to-person. In contrast, according to a research investigation done during a East Pakistani outbreak in 2004, there is definitive evidence that the Nipah virus can be familial from person-to-person (Gurley et al., July 2007).According to the research, subsequent investigations in India and Bangladesh have suggested that Nipah virus may have been transmitted from person-to-person. During an outbreak in 2001in India, 75% of the patients, including fourteen healthcare workers, had a history of hospital exposure to patients infected with Nipah virus (Gurley et al., July 2007), with no other exposure risks noted. The exposure, and subsequent virus, occurred with persons who lived with or cared for the patients, and persons who were in close contact for a significant amount of time.According to a research article published by the CDC, the Nipah virus can be transmitted from person-to-person. The article states, in a densely populate d area a fatal virus could rapidly spread before effective interventions are implemented. This spread would provide the seed for a substantial regional or global public health problem (Gurley et al., 2007, p. 1036).According to Gurley et al., 2007 there is significant evidence that person-to-person contact will cause infection. The person-to-person transmissibility factors include having (1) moved(p) or received a cough or sneeze in the face, (2) any contact with someone who later died, was febrile, unconscious, or had respiratory difficulty, and (3) visited the home, and possibly, the village an infected person.The most significant evidence of person-to-person infections was with a unearthly loss leader where twenty-two persons who had became infected after close contact. The religious leader was moved to his home and eight members of his household became infected. Two brothers who lived a significant distance forward were infected after sole(prenominal) a cardinal hour visi tation, son-in-law and daughter who lived only about one hour away and eleven other followers of the leader contracted the disease after contact (Gurley et al., 2007) with no noted other infection means.Surface-to-personTo this date there is no evidence of any transfer of the virus to persons from surface contact, in fact how long the virus re primary(prenominal)s infectious on environmental surfaces is not known. In an article written by (Gurley et al., 2007) collection of 468 environmental specimens were gathered through swabbing of potential surfaces that included walls, bed frames, mattresses, floors and utensils in hospital rooms and residences of infected individuals. Also collected were swabs from trees, fruits, excrement and other surfaces around possible bat foraging sites. With all of this gathered specimens the only information obtained was that the infected individuals shed the virus into the environment, showing potential for transmission, but no evidence was found that surfaces caused any positive infection to another person.Potential for infection and considerations relative to BiodefenseThe Nipah virus has the potential to be a very detrimental bioweapon of picking for domestic or international terrorists. With the virus being zoonotic (disease which can be transmitted to humans from animals, Zoonosis, 2009), which effects animals and humans, and the ease of transmission from the saliva and urine of fruit bats to these two groups the potential for aPotential for contagion and considerations relative to biodefense According to Kortepeter and Parker (Kortepeter Parker, 1999), for a biological agent to be used for a greatest plausible occurrence, an agent must have specific properties* the agent should be highly lethal and easily produced in large quantities* Given that the volume-detonation bomb route is the most likely for a large-scale attack, stability in aerosol and capability to be sprinkle (17,000 to 5,000 nanometers (nm) particle size ) are necessary* being communicable from person-to-person, and* having no treatment or vaccine In using the above criteria the Nipah virus would make a credible biological threat for a domestic or international terrorist group. Host bats being plentiful in Australia and southern Asia would make it easy to obtain the saliva, feces or urine of these hosts for initial development of the virus. The Nipah virus being 150 to 200 nm in diameter and 10,000 to 10,040 nm long (CIDRAP, 2009, 3), it could be used in an aerosol form for dispersement. According to Gurley et al., there is significant evidence that there is person-to-person communicability and according to the WHO, there are currently no drugs or vaccines available to treat Nipah virus infection. Intensive supportive care with treatment of symptoms is the main approach to managing the infection in people (2009, 8 ).ConclusionThe Nipah virus should be a concern for any government as a potential for a bioterrorist attack. As with th e 9/11 and the anthrax attacks in 2001 there could be significant fear, panic, economic issues and social disruption if this virus was used. With a mortality rate of 40% to 100% (Lam, 2002 WHO, 2009), and an incubation period of up to 45 days (WHO, 2009), this could definitely be a pathogen of choice for terrorists. The ease of access to the virus itself from fruit bats, to pigs and to humans, not to mention the transmissibility ease through inhalation and ingestion, makes this the perfect biological weapon.The disease this virus manifests, from grippe type symptoms to severe encephalitis, will cause significant fear to the public and will stress healthcare facilities if a large outbreak occurs. This virus also has no known cure as of this date, even though there are developments in that direction.The Nipah virus needs to continue to be monitored and treatment options along with vaccine development needs to be around-the-clock until this threat is diminished.ReferencesBiological W arfare. (2009). In Wikipedia. Retrieved December 25, 2009, from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_warfareCenter for Disease Control and Prevention. (2001). Japanese Encephalitis. Retrieved from http//www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/jencephalitis/qa.htmCenter for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Emergency Preparedness and receipt Bioterrorism Category C Agents. Retrieved from http//emergency.cdc.gov/agent/agentlist-category.aspCenter for Infectious Disease Research Policy. (2009). Nipah Virus. Retrieved December 25, 2009, from http//www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/biosecurity/ag-biosec/anim-disease/nipah.htmlCobey, S. (2005). Nipah Virus Natural History. Retrieved from The Henipavirus Ecology collaborative Research Group http//www.henipavirus.org/virus_and_host_info/nipah_virus_natural_history.htmDr. Jonathan Epstein Returns from Studies of Nipah Virus in Malaysia. (2005). Retrieved from http//www.wildlifetrust.org/news/66-dr_jonathan_epstein_returns_from_studies_of_nipah_vi rus_in_malaysiaEnserink, M. (2004, February 20). Nipah virus (or a cousin) strikes again. skill, 303.5661, 1121. Retrieved from Academic OneFile. Web. 24 Dec. 2009. .Field, H., Young, P., Yob, J. M., Mills, J., Hall, L., Mackenzie, J. (2001). The natural history of Hendra and Nipah viruses. Microbes and Infection, 3, 307-314. doi 10.1016/S1286-4579(01)01384-3Fraser, L. (2009, November 16, 2009). Is Hendra and Hipah a threat to US?. Ticker. Retrieved from http//www.theticker.org/about/2.8220/is-hendra-and-nipah-a-threat-to-us-1.2085160Gurley, E. S., Montgomery, J. M., Hossain, M. J., Bell, M., Azad, A. K., Islam, M. R., Rahim Molla, M. A., Breiman, R. F. (July 2007). Person-toperson transmission of Nipah virus in a Bangladeshi Community. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http//www.cdc.gov/eid/content/13/7/1031.htmGurley, E. S., Montgomery, J. M., Hossain, M. J., Bell, M., Azad, A. K., Rota, P. A., Lowe, L., Breiman, R. F. (2007). Person-to-person transmiss ion of Nipah Virus in the Banglashi Community. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/eidHalpin, K., Mungall, B. A. (2007). Recent progress in henipavirus research. Science Direct Comtive Immunology, Microbiology Infectious Diseases, 30, 287-307.Kortepeter, M. G., Parker, G. W. (1999). Potential biological weapons and threats. Retrieved from http//www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol5no4/kortepeter.htmLam, S. (2002). Nipah virus A potential agent of bioterrorism? (Antiviral research 57). Retrieved from Science Direct http//www.sciencedirect.com.lib-proxy.jsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg_imagekey=B6T2H-47MJ4XH-3-1_cdi=4919_user=446480_orig=search_coverDate=01%2F31%2F2003_sk=999429998view=cwchp=dGLbVtb-zSkzSmd5=464c2420befda40589fa6aef4b45cc20ie=/sdarticle.pdfLowrey, C. H. (2010, February 10, 2010). operation of Gene Therapy Strategies to Offensive and Defensive Biowarfare (White Paper). Retrieved from Dartmouth Medical School http//engineering.dartmouth.edu/ethreats/whitepapers/Lowery.htmlMedical News Today. (2005). UCLS scientists reveal how Nipah virus infects cells. Retrieved from http//www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/27038.phpPearl, M. C. (2006, September 2006). The potential pandemic youve never comprehend of. Discover, 27 (9), 26-27.Phillips, M. B. (2005). Bioterrorism A Brief History. Northeast Florida Medicine, 32-35. Retrieved from www.dcmsonline.org/jax-medicine/2005journals/bioterrorism/bioterrorism_history.pdfRyan, J. R., Glarum, J. F. (2008). Biosecurity and Bioterrorism. Burlington, MA Elsevier, Inc..Wong, K. T., Shieh, W., Abdullah, W., Guarner, J., Goldsmith, C. S., Chua, K. B., Lam, S. K., Zaki, S. R. (2002, December). Nipah virus infection Pathology and pathogenesis of an emerging paramyxoviral zoonosis. American Journal of Pathology, 161 (6), 2153-2167. doi Retrieved fromWorld Health Organization. (2009). Chronology of Nipah virus outbreaks. Retrieved from World Health Organization http//www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/nipah_chronology_en.pdfWorld Health Orga nization. (2009). Nipah Virus. Retrieved from http//www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs262/en/Zoonosis. (2009). In Zoonosis. Retrieved from http//encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?lextype=3search=zoonosis

Genetic Engineering of Animals: Benefits

hereditary Engineering of Animals BenefitsAnimal genical design has existed for thousands of long time in the framing of selective breeding. People pay off chosen in demand(predicate) char inciteeristics for appearance, survival attributes, and other qualities in savages they wish to bring in future con chronological sequence. They then bred these animals to selected mates in fix up to add likeliness of materialisation inheriting these desired traits. More recent definitions of genic utilise science define it as the exercise or limiting of the inheritable tag of selected animals to interchange characteristics and to introduce certain desired traits by changing the cells genome. This send away be done by adding to or deleted from DNA or shadestitution of certain divisors. This form of manipulating DNA is a genuinely red-hot(a) technology. This type of engineering was made possible over umpteen old age of research and significant dislodgeings that ha s led to what is now the understanding of DNAs structure, purpose, and properties. First studies of habit were conducted on bacteria such as E. Coli before animals were experimented with beginning in 1982 with mice.While divisortic engineering is a new exciting and winning discovery for scientific research with unlimited telescope of possibilities, it raises moral and honest concern. It is a highly controversial topic this day in age. Questions defend been raised about the extent that animals can be treated to conditions and procedures considered to be un honest for humanness. Debates regarding animals rights to not be inflicted with pain or ca utilize suffering of the animal atomic number 18 considered a growthst benefits for human intimacys. overmuch arguments about animals consciousness, self-aw beness, cognitive and language capacity, morals, fictional character of life, and evolutionary status baffle been evaluated in hopes to celebrate differences amidst huma ns and animals. If a moral standard could be clearly delimit this could rid treating animals to extreme laboratory harms. There is a wide range of judgment regarding the weight that should be accounted to human and animal interests. At one ends of the measurement on that point ar what is c completelyed an absolutist positions, people that feel human benefits atomic number 18 always significantly more important to animal interests. The opposing guess is that if it is certain experiments should not be conducted on humans, they should also not be conducted on animals. Within this group there are two sub categories of opinion. any(prenominal) activists object to experiments which cause animals pain and suffering, while others object to all human uses of animals. In establish to find common ground between the two extremes a strict fall of research guidelines has been established to find morally just now beneficial genetic engineering on animals. Some basic criteria for animal research are as follows. Animal lodging and care are provided with proper food, water, and cleanliness. Discomfort, distress and pain are tokenish apply appropriate medication, and without unnecessary pain inflicted. Clear objectives and procedures are defined and carried out. All experiments using animals must undergo a protocol honest review. All investigators that handle and use animals have to be appropriately educate and qualified to work with the animals. If it is necessary to administer euthanasia, is should be carried out gibe to good rule and used appropriately. The studies have to have a worthwhile beneficial out commence for human, animal, or health check use. Lastly the benefits of the study must justify and outweigh the harm done to the animal. Animal research is a necessary, highly beneficial to genetic research and can be ethical if conducted properly.There are a huge variety of benefits that genetic engineering in animals has provided not only for human uses but for animal gain as hygienic as insight into evolution of species. The bangingst use of animals is for medical advancements. Most of the work done is applied to medical or biologic research intending to understand gene government agency and regulation as well as study human or animal disease. Animals can be used to alter their DNA sequences to see the results. It is now known today many gene functions and causes of dis night clubs from animal DNA analysis. The capability to replace or change single genes, or even delete them, can back up ask the ingrained functions of a gene, the mechanisms in the body that control it or affect it, and the relationship between genes and environmental factors. This information has provided insight to how genes function and ways to alter these genes in order to prevent diseases and disorders. The ability to investigate the genomes of mice has revealed processes where genes are turned on or off, and cell tissues become differentiated. Many different mouse genes have been altered to mimic human diseases are used in studying the mechanisms that the disorders are caused by, and are organism used towards developing more effective treatments. Humans have greatly benefited from these findings specially in the advancements of treating diseases such as cancer. Drugs can also be act and true on these genetically engineered animals to see how they depart affect processes such as cell replication and destruction. These animals provide an unlimited range of knowledge and chance for new technology and advances in the medical field.Animal genetic engineering has also provided advances in the industrial world as well. geneticalally modified farm animals were used in scientific research procedures for a range of potential and actual benefits. A better understanding of disease resistance in livestock has been found and can now be applied to other animals to produce more disease resistant livestock. Genetic modification of cows may production of draw with enhanced nutritional shade in the future. Farm animals have also been genetically modified to amplify productivity, for example animal growth rate, wool quantity, or milk production. Genetic engineering has also been used to select for genetic factors associated with more feasible characteristics of livestock as well as to make livestock more suitable for harsh factory farm conditions. These are just a few benefits animal engineering provides and many more go forth come in the future.Genetic engineering is made possible by the eccentric properties of DNA. DNA is a double stranded helical structured with nucleotide stolid pairs held together in the middle with hydrogen bonds. This weak form of bond allows the strands to separate to be replicated easily. DNA is tightly wound into chromosomes. Genes are formed by the different nucleotide sequencing on the DNA strand. These genes code for a certain trait in the beingness. The genetic makeup of the o rganism is called the genotype the physical or observable trait that they code for is called the phenotype. This phenotype powerfulness be an appearance, a survival characteristic, or more desirable attribute for the species. Understanding of the structural and function properties of DNA allows researchers to isolate genes, and manipulate them in a variety of ways. There are numerous methods of genetic manipulation so I will only briefly discuss a few select types.DNA recombinant techniques use vectors such as plasmids and viruses that stock up foreign genes into host cells. This method is almost often used to alter bacterial genomes. The plasmid circles can be broken allowing new genetic clobber to be inserted in them. This is done by treating the bacteria and a specific gene with a restriction enzyme so ends of severally will espouse with each other on contact. Plasmids with new genetic material can pass across the cells plasma membrane and insert the new genetic material i nto the bacteriums own genes. The bacteria will add the gene to its sequence and begin to produce the protein that it codes for.Viruses, which are infectious particles of genetic material, act similarly to plasmids as vectors in genetic engineering. The virus carries the gene into a host cell similar to plasmids. Researchers can choose the bacteria that have the new genes absorbed into them and use those bacteria to place the gene into the desired animal.Microinjection is a method that does not use biological vectors of plasmids and viruses. This method involves injecting genetic material with new genes into the recipient cell. When the cell is large enough, like many animal cells, the process can be done with a ice rink needle. After the injected genes find the host cells DNA sequence they can constitute themselves into the strand. This is one of the simplest methods of gene manipulation.Bioballistics is a method that use metal slivers to tamp down the genetic material to the in side of the cell. The small metal pieces are cover with genetic material. It injects the pieces into the cell using a gun like apparatus. A perforated metal plate stops the cartridge, but the small pieces are allowed to pass through into the living cells. Inside the cell, the genetic material is carried to the heart and is incorporated into the cells genes. The cells take up the gene are programmed to replicate it. This is the most successful way for the insertion of genes into plant cells but can but can be used in animals as well.Genes are chemical substance compounds, so they can be manipulated in the same way as other chemical compounds can be manipulated. DNA molecules are large and complex, so the task of manipulation is extremely difficult. However, chemists know techniques in order to cut molecules apart and then deposit them back together very carefully with high technological instruments. This procedure is known as gene splicing. This method of gene splicing can happen naturally in cells during such processes as division or repair. Cells take genes apart, rearrange their material, and typeset them back together in a new sequence or arrangement. Discoveries show that cells have certain enzymes that can disassemble DNA molecules and put reassemble them again. Such as endonucleases which are enzymes that can cut a DNA molecule at some given sequence location. other example is exonucleases are enzymes that can remove one nitrogen base from the DNA stand. A third type is ligases that are enzymes that can join two DNA segments back together. Researchers can use knowledge from these natural methods to artificially alter genes using tools such as submicroscopic scissors and glue. With these they can rearranged one or more DNA molecules by cutting them apart, order them, and the put back together again.There are so much undiscovered possibilities in genetic engineering that it is nearly impossible to expect what the future can hold. Some potential fie lds of research are more advances with stem cell research, advances in replacement organs big(a) form cells, new genetically altered fetuses. There will be more treatment methods for diseases as well as preventions by gene alterations. The possibilities are endless and there is a lot of research being conducted that is not even published yet.Genetic engineering in animals is of particular interest to me because my family has been in the business of genetic alterations for over thirty years through selective breeding. We own a livestock farm, raising sheep and goats chiefly for livestock judging competitions, but as well as for milk production and wool production. Every year we attend approximately twenty fairs or shows throughout New England to have our animals evaluated against competition to be critiqued for desirable qualities and structure establish on the ideal species score card. The judge places these animals based on which animal contains the most desirable combination o f traits. In order for my family to obtain quality animals we must carefully take into consideration each judges review of the animal in order to select a mate that will compliment its strength and has a high likelihood of improving flaws in the offspring. It is a long and tedious process to break quality of the show herd it takes years of trial and error to find suitable mates to produce the desirable offspring. Having an understanding of how genes are genetic allows for us to choose a male mate for our females by examining his offspring and seeing the ratios of how many have the trait we are looking for and estimating if there will be a high likelihood we could obtain the trait as well. We also look at the males parents to see what the parental multiplication had for phenotypic traits. Although we do not use high genetic methods to piss our genetically engineered livestock it is a careful science that takes years of practice in order to know how to find a mating that will give us an increase in desirable traits in order to overlay to do as well as we do on the show circuits.Here is a small anecdote to show my interest in this topic when I first took a genetics score in high school I learned how to calculate genotypes using the punnett square. This interested me so much I sat down and tried to draw a pedigree to pr edict the genotypes of my nigrify versus white sheep and the likelihood of each of their genetic make ups based on their parents and the offspring they have produced. I was able to determine white is recessive to black and which sheep were heterozygous or homozygous for many of them. Selective breeding is a very important method for my familys business without it there would be a lot of difficulty maintaining and improving the high quality livestock show herd we have.Genetic engineering in animal species has come a long way from simple matings to complex technology manipulating genomes. There are benefits including medical advances for huma ns, disease prevention for animals, and industrial production gains. These benefits can be obtained as long as the research stays within the set ethical guidelines. There are many methods to alter the DNA sequence such as recombinants with vectors and plasmids, microinjections, bioballistics, and gene splicing. Genetic engineering will continue to advance and hold great promise for opportunity for future advances. work up citedBoyd Group. 1999. Genetic engineering animal welfare and ethics. Retrived15. Nov. 2010.http//www.boyd-group.demon.co.uk/genmod.htmMonaco, Michael. Genetic Engineering in Animals. Retrieved 14, Nov. 2010.http//www.govhs.org/vhsweb/Gallery.nsf/Files/Genetic+Engineering,+a+group+project/$file/animal.htmlVan Eenennaam, Allison. Genetic Engineering and Animals Agriculture. University ofCalifornia. Retrived 15, Nov. 2010. http//ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8184.pdfUnion of Concerned Scientists. Genetic Engineering Techniques. 2003. Retrieved 15, Nov.2010. http//www.ucsus a.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/science/genetic-engineering-techniques.htmlWest, Chad. 2006. economics and Ethics in Genetic Engineering of Animals. HarvardJournal of Law and Technology. Retrieved 15, Nov. 2010.http//jolt.law.harvard.edu/articles/pdf/v19/19HarvJLTech413.pdf