Classification of the Tea Party Movement Essay Example for Free

Arrangement of the Tea Party Movement Essay The Tea Party development has all the earmarks of being a somewhat exceptional element. There is a lot of disarray with respect to the specific characterization of the Tea Party development. Is it true that they are an ideological group, an intrigue gathering, or a social development? Significantly after endless web look through an authoritative answer was apparently mysteriously gone. There are three potential orders of the Tea Party development that will be investigated. Just as data on which of the three frameworks would be the more powerful course for the development to take and why that course would be the best. This should portray the Tea Party development and their genuine order. The principal look will be at whether the Tea Party is an ideological group, an intrigue gathering, or a social development. And afterward at what might have been the more successful methodology and why that approach would have been progressively powerful. The expectation is that before the finish of this, the peruser will have a superior thought of the Tea Party movement’s position as a social development and why a turning into a different ideological group would have been their best methodology. Is the Tea Party development an ideological group, an intrigue gathering, or a social development? Force and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science characterizes an ideological group as â€Å"a gathering of authorities or would be authorities who are connected with a sizable gathering of residents into an association. A central target of this association is to guarantee that its authorities accomplish power and are kept up in power† (Shively, 2012, p. 251). The Tea Party development unmistakably has a gathering of authorities that they needed to put into power. Be that as it may, with no incorporated authority and practically no endeavor to isolate from the Republican Party one would be unable to contend them as an ideological group. Likewise, Ron Paul, who is regularly alluded to as the back up parent of the Tea Party development, is at present running for the republican designation. The republican up-and-comers are as often as possible crusading for the votes of the Te a Party voters. Alongside, apparently every media source continually referencing how the republicans are battling for the Tea Party vote the line between the two gatherings keep on obscuring. A Washington Post article states, â€Å"at a 2012 presidential discussion in New Orleans in June, (Michelle) Bachmann evaluated that the casual get-together comprises of 60 percent republicans, 20 percent independents and 20 percent democrats† (Blake, Aaron â€Å"Tea party democrats do exist.† Washington Post. July 6, 2011. Web. Walk 7, 2012). This reveals to me that the Tea Party development is a part of the Republican Party that has contrasting perspectives on some significant issues, yet distinguishes themselves as republicans. Along these lines, no, by this proof the Tea Party development is anything but an ideological group. The Tea Party development, in any case, additionally isn't an intrigue gathering. As indicated by Power and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science an intrigue bunch is a â€Å"organized gathering of residents that has one of its objectives guaranteeing that the state follows certain policies† (Shively, 2012, p. 251). Verifiably gat herings, for example, Greenpeace, the National Rifle Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association have been delegated intrigue or â€Å"pressure† gatherings. These gatherings utilize their association as a way to speak to popular conclusion to government authorities. Taking a gander at the meaning of intrigue bunch one might derive that the Tea Party development must be an intrigue gathering. Would they like to guarantee that the state follows certain arrangements? Truly. They request lower charges, require the disposal of shortage spending, and demand the legislature submits to the Constitution and the organization of monetarily preservationist approaches to take out the national obligation. Much the same as with the law based and republican ideological groups, the Tea Party development imparts a few likenesses to intrigue gatherings. One could undoubtedly consider the Tea Party development an intrigue gathering. Particularly on the off chance that they have perused the Encyclopedia meaning of intrigue gathering, â€Å"also called specific vested party or weight gathering, any relationship of people or associations, for the most part of ficially sorted out, that, based on at least one shared concerns, endeavors to impact open approach in support of its. All intrigue bunches share a craving to influence government strategy to profit themselves or their causes. Their objective could be an arrangement that only advantages bunch individuals or one fragment of society (e.g., government endowments for ranchers) or an approach that propels a more extensive open reason (e.g., improving air quality). They endeavor to accomplish their objectives by lobbying† (intrigue gathering (2012) In Encyclopedia Britannica Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/theme/290136/intrigue gathering). In the wake of perusing that definition it appears that the Tea Party development is an intrigue gathering, they do fit the definition incredibly well. In any case, there is one other alternative. The last conceivable order to be investigated is the social development. Does the Tea Party development fit the shape of a social development? A social development is characterized as â€Å"loosely composed yet continued crusades on the side of a social objective, commonly either the execution or the avoidance of a change in society’s structure or qua lities. Albeit social developments vary in size, they are for the most part basically aggregate. That is, they result from the pretty much unconstrained meeting up of individuals whose connections are not characterized by rules and methods yet who just offer a typical point of view toward society† social development (social development (2012) In Encyclopedia Britannica. Recovered from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/subject/551335/social-development). The Tea Party development came to be in 2009 and 2010 with doubt in chose authorities and needing for expel them from power. They accept that the administration has disregarded the protected request of America (Shively, 2012, p. 309). To an individual who is scantily dynamic in legislative issues, the Tea Party development may appear to be unconstrained and all of a sudden. Be that as it may, it could be effectively contended that the political lobbyist included conveyed their affections for a long time preceding sorting out the development. Yet, to an untouchable they may have seemed to blast onto the scene. The Tea Part y development is by all accounts looking for an adjustment in what they accept to be illegal activities of the United States government, just as attempting to forestall the intrusion of protected rights. Prior, it was expressed how one could see arranging the Tea Party development as an intrigue gathering. Notwithstanding, after further exploration they appear to fit the shape of a social development somewhat more. Since the Tea Party development is a social development and not an intrigue gathering or ideological group, it should be resolved which one would have been the best strategy for the development to take. The best move the Tea Party development could make is become a different ideological group. As an ideological group they would have the option to run on a stage comprising totally of their own perspectives. Why endeavor to depend on the accomplishments of the Republican Party? In the event that the perspectives contrast enough to energize and callout the current chosen authorities, paying little mind to party, at that point new ones. The new party won’t need to stress over being kept down by the contrasting perspectives on the gathering of which they decided to join themselves. On the off chance that the numbers cited before from Michelle Bachmann are right (60 percent republicans, 20 percent independents and 20 percent democrats) they ought to have a fairly decent possibility at winning a few races. Mike Gallagher, a Fox News Contributor, expressed in a 2009 meeting with Bill O’Reilly that, he’d â€Å"happily exchange is republican card for a casual get-together card, if there was such a thing.† Now, clearly this doesn’t state what number of hardline Tea Party voters there are, however it says that they request to certain individuals from both significant gatherings just as the independents. Possibly running independently would give them a superior possibility of pulling more voters from different gatherings and joining their adherents considerably more. After first contrasting the Tea Party development with intrigue gatherings, and afterward social developments lastly ideological groups, the proof demonstrated that they are to a greater degree a social development than the other two. The Encyclopedia definition refered to prior was what prompted this end. Despite the fact that it is carefully a feeling, the Tea Party development would be better off as an ideological group. This is mostly on the grounds that they could concentrate their time and endeavors on a battle comprising of their perspectives. Would they get my vote? No. In any case, at any rate they would have the option to gather together the entirety of their supporters into one container. Works Cited Reference book Britannica. (2012). Recovered March 19, 2102, from encyclopediabritannica.com: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/theme/551335/social-development Reference book Britannica. (2012). Recovered March 19, 2012, from encyclopediabritannica.com: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/theme/290136/intrigue gathering Shively, W. P. (2012). Force Choice: An Introduction to Political Science. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Unusual Things to Do for Christmas

Bizarre Things to Do for Christmas At the point when you get back home for Christmas break this year, carry some inventive thoughts with you. On the off chance that you’re tired of praising things a similar path all year every year, make a few recommendations for how to shake things up at your home this occasion. Regardless of whether it’s celebrating in another goal or radically changing the menu, there are loads of approaches to make this Christmas unique in relation to some other. In the event that you don’t have any thoughts that strike you, take some motivation from this rundown: Volunteer Christmas isn’t a day of sharing presents and devouring for some individuals. Individuals without homes or families are needing care during the special seasons and chipping in for a soup kitchen or investing energy with old individuals in a retirement home can have a tremendous effect in someone’s life. Youll be astonished what number of advantages chipping in can bring you. Go Camping Escape from all the marketed desires for Christmas and get your tent and head out into the forested areas. Heating up by the fire and resting under the stars can be a reviving change from Christmas celebration disorder. Escape Town Go above and beyond and look at inside and out by observing Christmas elsewhere this year. Regardless of whether it’s in an outside nation, or somewhere warm like a tropical sea shore or just somewhere unique, it can surely be an option in contrast to the typical Christmas schedule. Observe Christmas Traditions From Around the World Make a piã ±ata and fill it with coins and candy like in Mexico. In Ukraine, a twelve-course dinner is served and the family’s most youthful youngster sits by the window to look for the primary star to show up in the sky, flagging that it’s time to eat. Or on the other hand dust off the day off fire up the grill Australian style. Or on the other hand do everything by candlelight for the whole day like in customary Swedish legend. Would you like to find out about different Christmas customs? Look at the blog on intriguing realities about Christmas. Some of them will truly astonish you! Quick for the Afternoon Most Christmas festivities include eating a great deal of food and drinking a ton of liquor. Regardless of whether you need to abstain from pressing on the pounds or basically don’t wish to take an interest in the voracity, fasting on Christmas would surely be a takeoff from the standard. Put on a Christmas Play Get your relatives together and put on a performance. Perhaps it will be founded on a current play or film like A Christmas Carol or It’s a Wonderful Life or A Charlie Brown Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Or on the other hand possibly you’ll make up your own play that’s absolutely extraordinary. Regardless, it very well may be a fun and imaginative approach to get into the celebrations. You can welcome other relatives, companions and neighbors to come and watch. Design Your Car On the off chance that you feel that enriching Christmas trees is excessively exhausting, put some tinsel and lights on your vehicle so you can spread Christmas cheer regardless of whether you’re simply heading to the corner store to purchase espresso half and half. Nonetheless, you can make an unordinary Christmas tree. Bring a Guest On the off chance that you have a companion from school who doesn’t have a spot to observe Christmas this year, carry them home with you and offer your family customs with them. Lease a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Contingent upon where you live, you may have the option to lease one of these for the afternoon and get taken around a recreation center. Don’t neglect to bring a few carrots for the pony. Plant a Tree This can be an extraordinary method to celebrate and hang out as a family. Additionally, you’ll appreciate the products of it in the years to come. On the off chance that it’s an organic product bearing tree, spare some of them during the year and use it to make a pie to eat on Christmas day to celebrate the day you planted it. Go Vegan Regardless of whether you’re really a veggie lover, it tends to be an innovative method to praise this year. Look into some vegetarian course and pastry plans and get your meat-eating father to take part in making it with you. On the off chance that you get drained from a similar situation of observing Christmas however you despite everything need to party, here youll discover clever gathering subjects for Christmas that you may really like. Appreciate a one of a kind Christmas this year with a portion of these fun and irregular approaches to celebrate!

How to Write a Psychology Essay

How to Write a Psychology Essay What is Psychology Essay? Need help with an academic essay about psychology? Don’t know how to choose essay topics for psychology writing assignments? Students write different types of papers in psychology classes: essays, research reports, literature reviews, lab reports. Writing in psychology, a social science that studies human behavior is meant to inform the reader about the new idea, scientific theory or experiment. It has certain tricky peculiarities so if you need some advice on how to write a psychology essay, keep on reading this article. First of all, you should keep in mind that writing in psychology is based on the following principles: You should use plain language. Psychology papers are examples of formal scientific writing style that is plain and straightforward. Your writings should be clear and concise. It’s essential to make connections between evidence based on experience, theories, and conclusions. Your reasoning should be based on evidence. Arguments in psychology are based on the empirical evidence and using opinions, narratives or personal examples is not appropriate. You should use APA format. Psychologists use APA format for publications and students should mostly use it too, although some instructors may give you some specific requirements. Although formatting requirements for your psychology essay may vary, your essay should usually include Title page â€" contains the title of the paper, the student’s name, the university’s name Abstract â€" gives a concise summary of the key points of your psychology research Introduction â€" introduces the topic, gives background information, defines the research question Body â€" provides an argument on your topic supported by convincing evidence Conclusion â€" summarizes your arguments and points to areas of possible future research References â€" has a list of sources cited in the text To make your writing process easier, here are some writing tips. You should star your essay by choosing a good topic which is specific enough for you to explore but that allows you to find sources of information. Start doing research on your topic as early as you can and create a preliminary list of sources that you may use for writing your essay. When writing your psychology essay, you should keep a careful track of the cited sources. Make sure that every source cited in your essay is included in the list on the references page. Prepare the rough draft of your essay and then revise and rewrite it several times. Write the final draft and proofread it to make sure that there are no typos, spelling and grammar mistakes or problems with APA format. Psychology is a complex science that has many unique and distinct branches so college students might be assigned to write essays in different branches of psychology, for example, an essay in cognitive psychology, a clinical psychology essay, a forensic psychology essay, and more. How to Write a Social Psychology Essay Social psychology studies how different people behave in real-world situations. When writing social psychology essay papers, you should keep in mind that social psychology is not a unified field of science. There are many different approaches such as traditional (also referred as mainstream or experimental) psychology, discursive psychology, critical social psychology, feminist social psychology, and more. All these branches approach the study of social processes and phenomena in different ways, use different methodologies and have influenced the traditional social psychological theories. A good essay on psychology will use information on these approaches, where it is appropriate (you should always make sure you answer the psychology essay questions) and discuss how they have influenced the understanding of the social processes that you investigate. It is vital to understand that when you are writing on social psychology essay topics, you will have to define the concept or phenomenon in question and explain the relevant theories and apply critical thinking to evaluate them. You should use evidence from your research to reveal their strengths and weaknesses. You should demonstrate a good knowledge of the key classic studies that are related to the development of the theory you are discussing in your essay, and show that you are aware of the topical debates in the field. That’s why you should include relevant contemporary research too. Sometimes, social psychology topics represent a mix of theory and basic and applied research. So, when writing an essay on social psychology, you should demonstrate that you are well aware of contemporary theories and can apply them to ‘real life’ scenarios. Psychology is not an easy subject â€" it requires a considerable amount of reading and study and writing in psychology might be challenging and time-consuming. If you feel that you cannot cope with your psychology essay on your own, you can hire a professional writer on our custom essay writing service and order a model essay on your topic. Our experienced writers are experts in their fields of studies so your custom essay in psychology will be strong in content, perfect in style, and error-free.

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Sociology Behind Tattoos - 2349 Words

Introduction Body modifications have existed in our society for centuries and the way in which it is perceived has changed somewhat over the years. But certain stigmas still persists to this contemporary day. One such body modification is the act of inking or marking the skin: Tattooing. Like most body modifications, tattoos are an often misunderstood form of body modification. Despite the stigmas, tattoos have become a unique object of desire to diverse groups of people. But are the popular perceptions of tattoos out of synch with the true meaning behind them? This essay will explore the social and cultural practices of tattooing and the causal connection between the mind and the tattooed body. It will also explore why tattoos engender†¦show more content†¦Gradually the acceptance of tattoos seeped into the Western society, which led to the tattoo fad in England and USA in the late 1800s (Caplan, 2000). Despite the historical stigma, the fashionable society started adorning tattoos as a social expression. What started as a fad for the working classes, soon spread to the upper classes. Interestingly, the trend did not unify people of different classes. The upper class discriminated the tattooed lower class and saw their tattoos as a sign of deviance. On the most basic level, tattoos acted as a badge of social and cultural differentiation that separated the tattooed from the non-tattooed. On a deeper level, however, social and cultural homogeneity did not unite the tattooed, for the subject matter and aesthetic style of the tattoos created a fault-line that divided the classes. (Caplan, 2000, 148) One reason for the social divide is the reason behind their tattoos. The upper class got tattoos to impress, while the working class got tattoos to express. Over the next few decades, the social practice of tattooing sustained itself. But the art still raises eyebrows till this day and the tattooed remain relatively marginalized by the larger society. Motivations Behind Tattoos in the Contemporary Era There are multiple reasons for individuals to tattoo their bodies and the reasons are usually individualistic and subjective. The experience of being tattooed is intricately bound up with one’s character,Show MoreRelatedThe Tattoo By Chris Mckinney Essay1704 Words   |  7 Pages‘The tattoo’ is a novel which was written by Chris McKinney about a young adult named Ken ‘Kenji’ Hideyoshi who was sent to the Halawa Correctional Institute. Inside he tells his personal struggle of living life as a Japanese male brought up in Hawai’i, being exposed to poverty, colonialism, violence, urban gangs, and drugs. 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Jean Watson’s Theory Free Essays

As a nurse establishing a caring relationship with a client is not easy. Jean Watson was the developer of a theory, which emphasizes how nurses express care to their patients. In this paper the author will discuss Jean Watson’s theory, background, descriptions of her four concepts; environment, human being, nursing, and health, also describe of an actual nurse-client relationship which includes the description of the caring moment between a nurse and her 10 year old patient, which includes the caring moment and use of four of Watson’s carative factors. We will write a custom essay sample on Jean Watson’s Theory or any similar topic only for you Order Now Jean Watson was born in a small town Appalachia Mountains of West Virginia on 1940. In 1961 she graduated from The Lewis Gale School of nursing. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1964, and her master’s degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing in 1966. Later in 1973 she obtained her PhD in educational psychology and counseling (Nursing Theory, 2012). Watson’s theory is grounded by ten processes known as the â€Å"Caritas Processes† these 10 statements helped to provide and ethic or philosophy from, which we practice. Caritas represent charity, compassion, and generosity of spirit (Arslam Azkan, 2012). It connotes something very fine, indeed, something precious that needs to be cultivated and sustained. The original theory developed in 1979 was organized around ten carative factors (Arslam Azkan, 2012). Jean Watson’s carative factors were a combination of interventions that were related to the human care process with full participation of the nurses with the patient. Watson’s philosophy and sciences of caring addresses how nurses express care to their patients. According to her theory, caring can be demonstrated and practiced by nurses. Caring for patients promotes growth; a caring environment accepts a person as he or she is and looks to what she or he may become (Watson Caring Science Institute, 2012). Watsons’s theory of caring has for major factors; human being, health, environment, and nursing (Nursing Theory, 2012). To Watson a human being was not only a body, but we should view a human as a whole, including their emotions (Arslam Azkan, 2012). Watson believed a person should be understood, respected, and assisted by a nurse (Arslam Azkan, 2012). She described health as the unity of the body, mind, and soul (Watson Caring Science Institute, 2012). Watson described environment as the things that make the client feel comfortable that provides safety, reduces stress, and a clean place (Nursing Theory, 2012). This can include the work setting and how nurses present themselves to the client. She views nursing as a human science where we can combine art ethics of human to human process. Nurses are to promote health, prevent illness, caring of the sick and returned health (Arslam Azkan, 2012). According to Watson, the nurse’s role is to establish a caring relationship with the patient; this is achieved by the nurse going beyond an objective assessment (Watson Caring Science Institute, 2012). During the relationship there is a moment when the nurse and the patient come together in such a way that an occasion for human caring is created, Watson called this occasion the â€Å"Caring Moment† (Arslam Azkan, 2012). Working as a mental health nurse I have been able to develop a nurse-client relationship with my patients. However, there is a specific case that I will never forget the interaction with this patient makes me relate to Watson’s theory and the caring moment she describes in her theory. One evening working as a charge nurse in the children’s unit, â€Å"Sarah† a 10 year-old African American girl arrived to the unit via ambulance; she was coming directly from school where she was put on a 72- hour involuntary psychiatric hold because of her cutting her wrist with a blade and saying she wanted to die. That day, her two years older sister had reported to her physical education teacher in school that her and her sister were both been sexually abused by their biological father at home. Immediately child services were notified and many school counselors attempted to talk to Sarah while still in school to get her side of the story but Sarah refused to share any information with anyone, instead she showed the school staff herself inflicted cuts on her both wrists saying â€Å"This helps my pain. † At this moment the school called the department of mental health to evaluate Sarah. When she arrived to the unit, she looked confused, scared, and tearful at times. She was still refusing to talk to anyone when asked about the situation stating â€Å"I just want to die. I introduced myself to Sarah with a smile, I explained to her she was put on a psychiatric hold and let her know what was coming next during the admission process to reduce her anxiety level (Townsend, 2008). The caring moment begins while doing Sarah’s nursing assessment and the question of her been sexually abuse had to come, when I asked her she states, â€Å"You are so pretty and nice can I stay and live here with you? In that moment my heart comes to my stomach and my eyes become watery, I stayed quite not knowing what to answer. Few seconds of silence came and suddenly she starts sharing information and even giving details of her sexual abuse from her father’s part. The information she gives me is very explicit and shocking coming from an innocent ten year old girl. Then she sta nds up and hugs me saying â€Å"I want to stay her with you please. † I hugged her back and began crying inconsolable with Sarah, unforgettable, and priceless moment has marked my nursing career in a way that I know a nurse has to be sensitive to herself and to others. During nurse- client interaction with Sarah I used four of Jean Watson’s carative factors. The fist carative factor I used was the installation of faith-hope, which means been authentically present, and enabling and sustaining the deep belief system (Arslam Azkan, 2012). I tried to make Sarah feel comfortable by providing a quiet and calm place to perform her nursing assessment. I also tried to provide hope to her by making her feel cared for, I asked her if she was hungry and offered her some juice and some snacks, and I admired the beautiful hair and smile. I asked her about her relationship with her mother and sister and asked her if she believed they loved her. I asked her these questions so she can reflect and realized there was people that loved and cared for her (Townsend, 2008). The second carative factor I implemented was the development of a helping-trusting human caring relationship that implies developing and sustaining a helping-trusting authentic relationship (Watson Caring Science Institute, 2012). I implemented this factor by obtaining Sarah’s trust so she can express her feelings of her living situation at home which was extremely important to understand her situation and provide quality care and an individualized treatment. I maintain intermittent eye contact so she would feel acknowledge but not intimidated and I maintained myself at her height level at all times so she would not feel powerless (Townsend, 2008). I explained to her the admission process at her age level letting her know as much as possible what to expect from the hospitalization and explain the program guidelines to her. I reassured her many times she was in a safe environment. The third carative factor I used was the promotion and acceptance of the expression of positive and negative feelings, to Watson this means being present to, and supportive of the expression of positive and negative feelings as a connection with deeper spirit of self and the one being cared for (Watson Caring Science Institute, 2012). Sarah’s case was a very sensitive case which required the nurse to be very cautious in not making Sarah feel blame or judge for the situation, taking into consideration this a 10 year old with multiple self inflicted cuts in her wrist, she is feeling suicidal and there was a possibility of emotional and physical trauma. Even though it was extremely important to ask Sarah about her cuts and possible abused from her father I decided to focus on her positive feelings asking her about her siblings for example. Per hospital protocol within the first 15 minutes of arrival patients are required to go through a body search to check for any contraband, signs of abuse or self harm. During this physical assessment I saw Sarah’s cuts, I had to ask her if she had cut herself and looking down she shake her head up and down. I stayed calm paying attention to my body language and gestures, a negative facial expression or gesture toward her behavior of cutting herself could have had a negative effect on the nurse-client relationship affecting her trust toward myself (Townsend, 2008). In that moment I decided not to focus on finding out the reason she had to cut herself. I was there for Sarah listening to her, attentive in a calm environment, where she felt protected and cared for. I did not want her to feel pressured or judge. Later during the assessment she began speaking of her cuts and expressing her feelings. The fourth carative factor I used in Sarah’s care, which is the cultivation of sensitivity to oneself and to others. To Watson this meant the cultivation of one’s spiritual practices and transpersonal self, going beyond ego self (Watson Caring Science Institute, 2012). I personally been a mother of a seven-year old at that time I immediately felt that need to protect her and make her feel safe. During the nursing assessment there was a moment where I became tearful when she was sharing details about the sexual abuse describing how sometimes she would rather urinate in her bed to avoid making noise so her father would not wake up and abused her that particular night. I became sensitive to her story, it was impossible not to show any emotions. In personal reflection the nurse-client relationship with Sarah taught me that a nurse needs to cared for her patient and have compassion, which to me is what nursing is about compassion, and empathy. I was able to obtain Sarah’s trust which is extremely important not only in nursing over all but when dealing with trauma patients. Sarah was able to express her feelings and share crucial information with me. Personally I discovered I was meant to be a mental health nurse I felt rewarded when Sarah hugged me and cried with me. I believed I made a difference in her life in that moment she felt safe and cared for. The author in this paper has described the four concepts of Jean Watson’s theory human being, environment, health, and nursing. Watson’s educational background and caritas model were briefly described. The author included an actual nurse-client relationship between a mental health nurse and a ten year old, including the caring moment and describing the implementation of four of the ten carative factors Jean Watson developed. References Arslam, A., Azkan, A. (2012, March). A model Where Caring and Healing Meets:Watson’s theory of Human Caring. Turkish Journal of Researcher and development in nursing, 14(2), 61-72. Nursing Theory. (2012). Jean Watson. Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org Townsend, M. (2008). Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A Davi. Watson Caring Science Institute. (2012). Jean Watson’s Theory. Retrieved from http://www.watsoncaringscience.org How to cite Jean Watson’s Theory, Papers

University Students Do Not Spend Their Free Time Wisely free essay sample

University students do not spend their free time wisely. Students role are known as the next generations who will lead the country later. Everything related to them are important for us to put a highlight on. One of the issues that could be a problem is university students do not use their free time wisely. In my opinion, this statement could be best described as true based on a few reasons such as no vision, lack of maturity and discipline and also entertainments influence available. One of the most definite reason is that the students himself does not used to determine their specific vision.In this situation, they do not have a clear target due to the lack of career information exposed to them. Regardless to this, they may take programs of study that does not suit them well instead of not being accepted in any opportunities of studies. Thus for most people who further in wrong major, their minds set to not to struggle for the fullest in grabbing superb future undertakings. We will write a custom essay sample on University Students Do Not Spend Their Free Time Wisely or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For every precious second left, they never regret and even appreciate the moment in having quality time for studying. And yet when the results in the hand, they are trying to be in the past to fix back firstly the vision.Another reason why university students do no spend their free time wisely is they lack of maturity and discipline. Although they aware that time management are based on the level of maturity, yet they often fall under the pressure of peers. Supposedly, with their level of maturity, they should know what the best is for them. But in contrast, they used to follow the others when they really should be attending to their studies. Going to university is a major life change and many students fail to adapt to their studying environment successfully due to lack of maturity and discipline.This, in turn has negative effects in their studies. University years are the most exciting in lots of people’s lives but there are new challenges to face. Furthermore in the technological era nowadays, university students tend to be influenced by the entertainments available. They used to sit in front of computers to online for hours rather than studying. Jump to the worst state, lots of free entertainment exist these days and just needed to sign up with self-identification to access into. Absolutely the students will snatch the opportunities and involved themselves in distraction of obsession.This problem cannot be vanished completely as this behavior is nature to men in handling the pressure. However, entertainments should not be addicted by the students and distract studies. To sum up, as a student we should realize a very deep meaning of a students’ role which we have to follow in order to gain success in future. We should bear in mind that we are suppose to generate a great future position to make our country more sophisticated. To do so we have to determine our own vision and mission in life. For the beginning, do manage the time precisely because time is gold.

Street Scene Essay Example For Students

Street Scene Essay When one character assassinated anothers musical taste in The Lisbon Traviata with the observation, Hes into crossover albums. He just bought Teresa Stratas in Funny Girl, I laughed so hard in the theatre, I had to be shushed. The idea of Ms. Stratas, a diva not known for a merry disposition, portraying Ziegfeld comedienne Fanny Brice in songs originally tailored for a third temperament, Barbra Streisand, was comic dementia of the highest order. And yet, considering the crossover mindset of the 80s, which yielded not only Jose Carrerass impersonation of a Polish gang leader on Deutsche Grammophons complete and operatic West Side Story, but also Dame Te Kanawas sensationally inert Eliza Doolittle and Nellie Forbush, the possibility of Stratas singing Styne, with, say, Krista Ludwig as Mrs. Brice, seemed frighteningly plausible at the time. If, in those heady days gone by, Linda Ronstadt could do La Boheme and Ronald Reagan could hold office hours as President, if Cher could win an Osc ar, then by all means dont rain on Teresa Stratass parade she might have gone platinum. We will write a custom essay on Street Scene specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We now know that too much money and not enough taste circulated in the 80s, and while its easy to take potshots at foreign opera singers trolling for trade on Tin Pan Alley, we can thank some of them for helping build a new market for the output of our native musical giants. If economics have made Broadway a losing proposition for the new American musical, a series of events in the last decade launched an unprecedented reassessment of the old American musical. In 1982, when a cache of orchestral manuscripts from long-vanished shows of the 20s and 30s was discovered in a Secaucus, N.J. warehouse, theatre historians, musicologists and the Library of Congress rushed to reconstruct them for concert performance and publication. The successful 1983 revival of Rodgers and Harts On Your Toes, which used the original Hans Spialek orchestrations, proved that the sounds of the past could delight the modern ear. The staggering sales figures for the West Side Story and Follies studio recordings r evealed just how much the market could bear. And finally, John McGlinns exhaustive, magnificent restoration of Kern and Hammersteins Show Boat demonstrated that preserving the musical theatre treasures of the past makes for both righteous cultural recovery and glorious listening. Today, 10 years after the Secaucus find, a cottage industry of tenacious, dedicated conductors and orchestrators, scholars and archivists, record producers, presenting organizations, musical foundations and performers is in place to make permanent documents of shows which, ironically, were seldom built or meant to last. Although discs of dubious necessity are still being released, the last several months have also brought forth not one but two complete recordings of Kurt Weill and Langston Hughess Street Scene, a restoration of the 1927 version of the Gershwin-Kaufman Strike Up the Band, a new recording of Irving Berlins Annie Get Your Gun, and the premiere of Cole Porters Fifty Million Frenchmen. Since its 1947 Broadway premiere, STREET SCENE, which Weill felt was his most artistically successful work for the theatre, has permanently crossed over to the opera house, a situation that would have distressed its composer, who had hoped, with the characteristic melting-pot enthusiasm of the post-war era, to create a new kind of American musical by fusing operatic technique with popular subject matter. A complete recording is long overdue; both efforts, one on the London label and the other on TER, give full value to Weills brooding masterpiece. The London version (433 371-2), conducted by John Mauceri, has the edge in terms of vocal strength and theatrical energy. The leads are resonant actors as well as singers, and Mauceri wisely exploits the infrequent flashes of humor in the score. .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c , .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .postImageUrl , .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c , .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:hover , .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:visited , .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:active { border:0!important; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:active , .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u16654b8ed9dc339f248ee4d6e1720d1c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Brava bucks the status quo; new work by women is the San Francisco company's special province EssayThere is no shortage of wit in STRIKE UP THE BAND (Elektra Nonesuch 979 273-2); there may in fact be too much. George S. Kaufmans first draft of the material, a satiric treatment of a war between the U.S. and Switzerland over the price of cheese, closed out of town in 1927. Three years later, cheese became chocolate, and the revised Strike Up the Band proved a modest success in New York. If its strong political content taxed audience expectations, the Gershwins experiments with writing extended musical scenes at the expense of signature hit tunes may have also contributed to the prevailing bewilderment. To record Strike Up the Band John Mauceri, Tommy Krasker and six new arrangers have reconstructed the complex score from Orchestral fragments, authorial intentions and conjecture. If the result beautifully sung, lovingly.

Free Essays on Fear Appeals And EPPM

Witte’s Extended Parallel Processing Model addresses the effectiveness of fear appeals and the subsequent reactions people have to these certain messages. A fear appeal is effective if it successfully generates the emotion of fear within a person. Not all fear appeals are successful, however. Some contain too great a threat, and some contain too little threat. These appeals can be simple threats from a friend or teacher or a commercial, television or magazine ad. The effectiveness of a fear appeal is greater if one perceives that they are directly susceptible to the perceived threat. With the recent rise in the use of the drug ecstasy among young adults, this original commercial would be effective in generating fear within this group of people. A group of teenagers are getting ready to go out to what appears to be a club. The scenes flash back and forth to different girls putting on makeup and skimpy clothes. It is apparent that they are preparing to go to a rave. One of the girls smiles and takes out a plastic bag with a number of white pills in it. All of the other girls gather around her while the holder of the pills allots each girl 2 pills. They all take them willingly and smile. The next scene shows the girls dancing and having a good time at a club. The lights are intense and the crowd keeps thickening. Suddenly, the camera zooms in on one of the girls and starts spinning circles around her, illustrating that she is dizzy and loosing consciousness. Her feeble attempts to grab her friends for help are brushed off. She falls on the ground and is s wallowed up by dancing ravers. The camera focuses in on the girl being trampled underneath the shoes of the other club patrons. Despite her attempts to get someone’s attention, she is not heard. The camera fades to black although the music and laughter can still be heard. The next scene shows the girl on the ground, completely disheveled and unconscious. Black ... Free Essays on Fear Appeals And EPPM Free Essays on Fear Appeals And EPPM Witte’s Extended Parallel Processing Model addresses the effectiveness of fear appeals and the subsequent reactions people have to these certain messages. A fear appeal is effective if it successfully generates the emotion of fear within a person. Not all fear appeals are successful, however. Some contain too great a threat, and some contain too little threat. These appeals can be simple threats from a friend or teacher or a commercial, television or magazine ad. The effectiveness of a fear appeal is greater if one perceives that they are directly susceptible to the perceived threat. With the recent rise in the use of the drug ecstasy among young adults, this original commercial would be effective in generating fear within this group of people. A group of teenagers are getting ready to go out to what appears to be a club. The scenes flash back and forth to different girls putting on makeup and skimpy clothes. It is apparent that they are preparing to go to a rave. One of the girls smiles and takes out a plastic bag with a number of white pills in it. All of the other girls gather around her while the holder of the pills allots each girl 2 pills. They all take them willingly and smile. The next scene shows the girls dancing and having a good time at a club. The lights are intense and the crowd keeps thickening. Suddenly, the camera zooms in on one of the girls and starts spinning circles around her, illustrating that she is dizzy and loosing consciousness. Her feeble attempts to grab her friends for help are brushed off. She falls on the ground and is s wallowed up by dancing ravers. The camera focuses in on the girl being trampled underneath the shoes of the other club patrons. Despite her attempts to get someone’s attention, she is not heard. The camera fades to black although the music and laughter can still be heard. The next scene shows the girl on the ground, completely disheveled and unconscious. Black ...

LOVE Chapter 17 Questions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

LOVE Chapter 17 Questions - Research Paper Example They are separated by space because translation of the RNA occurs in the cytoplasm but DNA is only located in the nucleus so that is the only area where transcription can occur (Ruse 112-150). Question5. Codon is a 3-nucleotide sequence that codes for amino acids. The linear codon sequence and the linear amino acid have a 3-nucleotide to 1 amino acid correspondence. Question 6. The genetic code is redundant in the sense that some amino acids can be specified by more than one codon but Ambiguous in the sense that each codon specifies a particular amino acid and only that amino acid. Question 7.It just means that life appeared only once on Earth and was the basis of DNA into RNA. Question8. Transcription is the process in which DNA is converted into a complementary RNA and Just Before transcription, the splicing of introns occurs. Elongation in transcription occurs when additional RNA nucleotides are added to the growing nucleotide chain by RNA polymerase. Question9. Ribosomal RNA is helpful in constituting the protein synthesis. Question10. mRNA stands for messenger RNA, tRNA stands for transfer RNA, rRNA stands for ribosomal RNA, it is the main component of ribosome that synthesis protein.Question 11. It has ribosome that brings tRNA molecule together with it which then bonds to this mRNA strand and releases the amino acid attached (Morowitz 179). Question12. This a clover shaped, single strand molecule. It has loops formed from the base pairing of complementary bases. Question13. Translation is performed by cytoplasmic ribosomes as well as those bounded to the ER. mRNA associates with the ribosomes and begins with bases that serve as a binding site. Question14. It refers to the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide and the combination of multiple polypeptides to form a functional protein. Question15. Amino acids found at the start of a protein being coded by the ribosome alerts the ribosome to attach itself to the ER. If the sequence is missing it will

Admission essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Admission - Essay Example One study revealed that nearly three-quarters of college freshmen consider being ‘very well-off financially’ to be a ‘very important’ or ‘essential’ goal† (Bolt, 2004: 124). However, personal experience has taught me that happiness has nothing to do with any of these things. My experience started one day when a friend of mine finally got tired of hearing me gripe about my many petty (and some important) irritations in life. He was my primary sounding board, so I felt abandoned when he told me he wouldn’t listen anymore until I had written down the 33 happiest moments of my life. I resisted, of course, but finally needed to vent so I sat down and started my list. It took me days of thinking, jotting down a note, thinking some more, scribbling and rearranging before I finally had a list I felt ready to show my friend. I didn’t really notice it at the time, but for the entire period I was working on my list, those problems I was always complaining about seemed to melt away. This readjustment of my thinking was exactly what my friend explained he’d been going for. He had taken a class in which this exercise had been given and he’d learned that when you spend time focusing on the good things that have happened to you in life, you feel less negative and the outside world looks more positive. You start seeing the possibilities in life instead of the obstacles. I understood because I’d just experienced this, but he was right that I probably wouldn’t have understood if he’d just told me. When I showed him my list, he helped me go through it and grouped my moments into several categories. These ended up including accomplishments, gifts, helping others, family, trips, nature and miscellaneous. As we talked about my list, I realized that even in those areas that might sound more like a focus on material elements, the focus was clearly more on the experience involved rather than the item itself.

Evaluation Of Total Quality Management (TQM)

Evaluation Of Total Quality Management (TQM) A critical evaluation of total quality management (TQM) and its influences on competitive advantage. The case of Trinidad and Tobago Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP), automotive lubricant division 1.1 Background Slack (2004) explains that Quality management is extremely important in gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Growth, survival and attainment of strategic goals are all major issues of any organization quality therefore become a major issue. Existing as a private label company NP has made their way into a market filled with experienced multinationals via for increased market share. Competitors compete in terms of pricing and quality, thus NP has to make a strong dent into the impact of the customer on these bases. Vying for increased market share the need for core competencies arises and as such quality should be the number one focus. 1.2 Company background As with many companies The Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) has an unfolding history. This company is owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and incorporated in 1972. Many acquisitions by the Government took place which put NP in its position within the industry today. NP acquired the assets of Shell Trinidad Limited thereby inheriting their Lubricant Blending Plant sited at Sea Lots, on the outskirts of Port of Spain. Under license, it continued to produce a range of lubricants, blended according to the Shell formulations, until the National Petroleum Brand of lubricants was launched in 1981. Since then NP continues to improve its product rating, they keep abreast of significant technological advancement in the lubricants industry. Despite competition from multi-national companies, NP brand continues to be a major player in the local and Caribbean markets, where ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s automotive and industrial lubricating oils and greases hold varying, but significant market share. NP stands out as one of the most successful state enterprises in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.  [1]   1.3 Mission 1.4 Vision 1.5 Rationale for the study Rivalry has always been a major determinant of quality of products or services. Quality management and competitive advantage is a marriage necessary for the success of a company. Thus the researcher believes that total quality management principles can be applied within NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations to gain an advantage over their competitors. In todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s competitive arena brand image is everything, therefore if a company is able to sell their image then increased market share can be attained. The researcher therefore believes that quality will be a key determinant on NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand image and overall head point within the industry. A customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ right to boast of brands have always been a trend in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s world, thus the ability to gain customers who can boast of NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand is essential. This aspect will be the basis of the issue as NP exists in an industry filled will multi-national players, thus competition is fierce and forceful. With the economic downfall, companies were faced with increases in production costs, thus this cost was transferred to consumers. In the first quarter of 2010 NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s prices of its automotive lubricants rose twice. During an economic turmoil customers demand value for their money. Essentially quality will determine customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perception of products, thus ensuring a sale and continued loyalty. New methods of operations are expected to arise in an attempt to improve quality standards towards gaining a better positioning within the industry. Insights of best practices are also expected to arise. Improved efficiency and effectiveness in operations, branding, communication and services are all areas in which the researcher expects quality management to impact, thus this research can shed light on all of these areas to assist NP in attaining their mission and vision statement. 1.6 Research Aims Research question: Can the adoption of TQM contribute to competitive advantage at NP? Objectives: To critically assess the strategic TQM at NP. To evaluate the industry standards to benchmark TQM at NP. To ascertain the extent to which NP is in compliance with industry standards. To formulate recommendations with reference to quality management best practice and based on research findings. These aims are found to be most important as it is hoped to achieve a firsthand view into the quality management practices in relation to operations and how these practices contribute and impact on competitive advantage. 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW First hand knowledge is gained through the experiences of trial and error; companies have been able to create quality initiatives relevant to their operations. Various scholars have also contributed to the field of quality management by proposing models and frameworks. The researcher will examine secondary data from research to be conducted and analyze this against the literature review. Major areas of this literature review will therefore be: Total quality management Quality management systems The process approach Six sigma Balanced scorecard It is against these criteria that this literature review aims to provide pertinent information to critically assess the topic at hand. A definition of what a literature review is given as 2.1 TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) When considering business activities, ignoring quality can be a key ingredient for inefficiency and loss of profits. Hannagan (2002) claims The main objective of businesses is to make the highest profits possible; therefore one must consider the TQM issues in an attempt to succeed. 2.2 ORIGIN OF TQM Slack (2004) explains that the origin of TQM was a development by several à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"quality gurusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ beginning from as early as 1957. Feigenbaum 1957 introduced the term TQM and he defined it as 2.3 WHAT IS TQM? Slack (2004) further goes on to state that TQM is best thought of as 2.4 TQM QUALITY INITIATIVES MANAGED Hannagan (2002) presents the thought that Organizations adopt TQM as a way of life as it is proved by quality throughout production until the product or service reaches the external customer. This process is measured by the quality of materials purchased from suppliers, the approach to defect control on the production line, the appearance of the building, the way problems are solved for customers, the way employees are organized and the organizations internal communication system. Hannagan (2002) continues by saying that Hannagan (2002) goes on further by claiming that TQM is a strategic approach within an organisation which can provide an à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"umbrellaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ under which a number of quality initiatives can be managed. These initiatives include: Statistical process control Right-first-time Just-in-time Quality assurance Benchmarking Quality circles Tauguchi method 2.5 CRITISM OF TQM IMPLEMENTATION Slack (20004) argues that These programmes may loose their impulse over time. This has been variously described as quality disillusionment and quality droop. Various researchers and consultants who have implemented TQM, Slack (2004) argues have put forward prescriptions which are intended to reduce the risk of recurring. These include the following: Do not define à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"qualityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in TQM narrowly; it includes all aspects of performance. Make all quality improvement relate to the performance objectives of the operations. TQM is a means of improving performance and not an end in itself. TQM should not be viewed as a substitute for responsibilities of normal managerial leadership. It is important to note that ineffective managers are not made better simply by adopting TQM. TQM is not an attachment of a company. It should be integrated with and indistinguishable from everyday activities. TQM has a considerable intuitive attraction. It is sometimes tempting to exploit the motivation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"pullà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ of TQM rather than thoroughly thought-out plans. Different organizations will have different needs depending on their circumstances. TQM should be adapted to these circumstances. Companies may push quality for its own sake, and shift too much responsibility down to the shop floor. In addition TQM is incompatible with more radical improvement approaches such as business process reengineering (BPR). TQM may also imply empowerment and liberal attitude toward shop floor staff; however it is argued that this is merely a further example of management exploiting workers. Critics have been known to define TQM as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“management by stressà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. 2.6 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (QMS) AND PROCESSES A SIMPLE FLOWCHART SHOWING HOW PROCESSES ARE CHARTED IN AN ORGANISATION SOURCE: http://www.praxiom.com/process-approach.htm QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS) PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS SOURCE: http://www.abcb.demon.co.uk/iso9k2kworkbook_part5.html Quality management system seeks to identify external quality related input requirements specified in Licenses to Trade, regulations, specified customer requirements and the chosen management system standard(s). In addition quality systems seek to define performance measures, as applicable, to the system requirements and generate the result or evidence that system requirements have been executed. The next step is to measure, monitor and report extent of compliance with these performance measures.  [2]   To achieve a standard the first step is to implement a QMS. Implementing a QMS can help your business to: achieve greater consistency, reduce expensive mistakes, increase efficiency, gain customer satisfaction, effectively market your business, exploit new markets manage growth more effectively and constantly improve your products, processes and systems. 2.7 THE PROCESS APPROACH The ISO 9000 series of standards is the main set of International Standards applying to the management of quality systems. It includes ISO 9001, the key internationally agreed standard for a QMS. Achieving ISO 9001 certification could mean new business. This certification can help distinguish à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ from competitors.   Slack (2004) refers to the ISO 9000 series as Slack (2004) recognizes that there are four additional principles which ISO 9000 stresses upon. He argues that quality management should be customer focused. In addition he states that quality performance should be measured. Thirdly Slack sees the need for quality management to be improvement driven. Fourthly top management must demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and continually improving management systems. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CERTIFICATION ADVANTAGES: 1. Increased Efficiency: Companies that go through the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Standards certification process have given a lot of thought to their processes and how to maximize quality and efficiency. 2. Increased Revenue: Studies have shown that ISO QMS certified companies experience increased productivity and improved financial performance, compared to uncertified companies. 3. Customer Satisfaction: Client confidence is gained because of the universal acceptance of the ISO standards. Customer satisfaction is ensured because of the benefits of ISO 9001:2000 QMS to company efficiency, consistency and dedication to quality service.  [3]   DISADVANTAGES: The actual change to ISO 9000 for operations can be very expensive. As is well known in business and industry, it is difficult to change the habits of long-time employees. New ways are usually resisted by everyone. This resistance cuts into profits and also decreases company morale. There are times when companies feel that the existing set of operational procedures is already working well and they do not feel a change is necessary. Now these companies have the choice of loosing a customer or implementing ISO 9000. Either way money is lost in the short term.  [4]   2.8 SIX SIGMA INITIATIVES Six Sigma simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process whether it is from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects.  [5]   Slack (2004) explains that Six Sigma processes are executed via belts. Master Black Belts are the experts in the use of Six Sigma tools, techniques and implementations. Six Sigma Black Belts can take a direct hand in organizing improvement teams. Green Belts work within improvement teams; they are not full-time positioned and have normal day-to-day process responsibilities. It is expected that they spend at least twenty per cent of their time in improvement projects. ARGUMENTS FOR AND against THE SIX SIGMA INITIATIVE Slack (2004) identifies the following positive perspectives of the Six Sigma initiative: Improvement activity is generally neglected in most operations and if it is to be taken seriously, it deserves the significant investment required. If operated well, Six Sigma improvement projects controlled by experienced personnel can save more than their cost. Slack (2004) identifies the following flaws of the Six Sigma initiative. It can be too hierarchical in the way it structures its various levels of involvement in the improvement activity. It is expensive. Training and improvement time can prove to be costly. 2.9 THE BALANCED SCORECARD The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system that is used  to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization performance against strategic goals. It was originated by Drs. Robert Kaplan and David Norton  as a performance measurement framework  that  added strategic  non-financial performance measures to traditional financial metrics to  give managers and executives a  more balanced view of organizational performance.   DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VIEW OF THE BALANCED SCORECARD FROM FOUR PERSPECTIVES SOURCE:http://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSCResources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx The balanced scorecard suggests that we view the organization from four perspectives, and to develop metrics, collect data and analyze it relative to each of these perspectives: The Learning Growth Perspective includes employee training and corporate cultural attitudes related to both individual and corporate self-improvement. The Business Process Perspective refers to internal business processes. Metrics based on this perspective allow the managers to know how well their business is running, and whether its products and services conform to customer requirements. The Customer Perspective explains that the realization of the importance of customer focus and customer satisfaction in any business is essential. The Financial Perspective states that often there is more than enough handling and processing of financial data. With the implementation of a corporate database, it is hoped that more of the processing can be centralized and automated.  [6]   Quality indeed provides companies with a competitive edge. Total quality management looks at a companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations holistically and determines best practice quality initiatives. Though there are pitfalls to the strategic implication of TQM, compilation of proper initiatives can reduce the occurrence of such pitfalls. TQM initiatives can also result in customer satisfaction, thereby resulting in customer loyalty. 3.0 METHODOLOGY Saunders (2003) simply defines methodology as Haralambos (2000) however goes a bit further by explaining what methodology is concerned with. He sees methodology as being The research to be conducted will take a deductive approach. This research approach is found to be the most appropriate, as a topic/ hypothesis is designed and a research strategy is designed to test the topic/ hypothesis. Although the research is a deductive piece of work, the researcher will adopt a mixed approach to data collection. That is the research paradigm will be a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative data. Generally the philosophies used are positivists and phenomenologist. Triangulation research will be conducted as this will increase validity and reliability. Research question: Can the adoption of total quality management (TQM) contribute to competitive advantage at NP? Having formulated the research topic it is essential that the researcher answers the research question. Thus essentially the researcher will undertake many strategies in addressing this question. By conducting structured research via hypothesis testing and analyze of information based on best practices and recommendations the answer to the research question will be attained. Thus the use of both primary and secondary data collection tools will be profound for this question. OBJECTIVE ONE: To critically assess the strategic total quality management initiatives at NP. In collecting data for objective one the researcher has found it fit to use case studies. Robson (2002) defines case study AS The data collection methods will include questionnaires, interviews, observations and documentary analysis. The researcher will select interviews and documentary analysis in an attempt to collect the data required. Interviews will be conducted by the researcher. Structured interviews will be utilized. Two groups will be targeted: quality control managers and quality supervisors. This will be done in an attempt to gain information based on the quality methods and standards N.P. currently has. Also to establish the quality initiatives deployed from subordinates in the upper section of the organizational structure. This data collection method will be of primary nature. Interviews will be conducted to these groups because these are the groups with the required information. Documentation analysis will also be selected as a means of data collection. The method used is necessary to gain information about N.P. and their documents based on quality control. It is intended to identify inspection points, certifications, specifications and any other relevant documents based on quality control initiatives. This data collection method is of secondary nature. This method will be used as it is upon these documents that N.P. thrives for their quality standards. Analytical technique: the funnel technique will be used in conducting interviews. Quality initiatives are not easily shared therefore by beginning the interview with general questions and narrowing down, the groups targeted will feel comfortable and easy going thereby gaining the information desired. Justification of methods: The researcher has found it useful to conduct interviews as detailed information is gained from people in a face-to-face situation, thereby allowing interviewers to explore issues in- depth. This method has its downside as it gives rise to the possibility of biasness due to interaction. In conducting documentation analysis the researcher will analyze documents in an attempt to identify trends in sales performance relative to competitorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ performance with respect to the quality initiatives employed at this company. OBJECTIVE TWO: To evaluate the industry standards to benchmark TQM at NP. In collecting data for objective two the researcher found it useful to conduct surveys. Letts (2000) explains Saunders (2003) goes on further on this point by claiming that Data here is collected by using questionnaires, structured observations and structured interviews. Data collected from surveys are standardized, allowing easy comparison. The researcher will use questionnaires and structured observations in an attempt to collect the necessary data. A questionnaire will be constructed containing twenty five questions, in which respondents will be asked to answer. The questionnaire will be handed out to other companies within the industry. These companies include Bel-Ray, Castrol, Havoline and Shell. A total of 10 questionnaires each will be given out at these companies. These questionnaires will be given to members within the quality departments of these companies. These members will be randomly selected within the department. Questionnaires will be given out to these members as it was them who will have the required information. Structured observations will also be used to collect data. The researcher will adopt a participant observation approach to this method. While at the various service stations, quick shops and auto mechanic parts shops the researcher will spend time observing customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ choice of lubricants when other brands are available. In addition observations will be made based on the prices of other brands compared to N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand and customer perception of quality based upon this factor. Research will be done on both customers and companiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ quality departments. This will be undertaken as gaining an increased market share results in gaining a resource capability towards having a competitive advantage. Thus customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s preferences of one product over another will give the researcher the entities of what constitutes competitive advantage based on quality. Thus making room for opportunities for benchmarking based on specifications u tilized by other companies within the industry. Justification of methods: Questionnaires will be utilized as the researcher wishes to question a large number of individuals within a short space of time. Time would constraint the researcher in conducting interviews with 40 persons individually within the industry. Participant observation will be used in an attempt to gain a complete understanding of the views, preferences and beliefs of the people being surveyed. In addition the researcher will interact with individuals of the sample in an attempt to gain reasons for their choice. The researcher will acknowledge that there will be a major drawback by using questionnaires. That is they cannot address issues in-depth. It is for this reason that participant observation will be used hand in hand with the questionnaire as it will allow individuals to go in depth on issues. Analytical technique: the researcher will use cognitive access in an attempt to gain information from customers. Participant observation requires interactive processes, therefore it is crucial to gain entry and carry out the research. The researcher acknowledges the fact that informal acceptance from intended participants will be necessary in order to gain access to the required information. Cognitive access will be used as it is necessary for participants to feel understood and this will allow the researcher to gain an understanding of their social reality by allowing them to know what is being studied and the objective. This aims at making participants openly give information based on the objective of the research. Objective three: To ascertain the extent to which NP is in compliance with industry standards. Documentation analysis will be selected as the means of data collection for the attainment of this objective. This method is necessary for analyzing the information gained about N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s documentations based on quality control. The N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quality initiatives discovered will be scrutinized along side information attained from the industry analysis. It is intended to identify gaps within the operation requirements relevant to inspection points, certifications, specifications and any other relevant quality control initiatives. This data collection method is of secondary nature. This method will be used as it is upon these analyses that gaps will be identified and compliance standards assessed. Justification of methods: documentation analysis was found to be the most appropriate method as it will provide comparative and contextual data. This method will allow the researcher to compare and contrast findings when compared to secondary data. OBJECTIVE FOUR: To formulate recommendations with reference to quality management best practice and based on research findings. In collecting data for objective three the researcher will use the multiple- source secondary data process. This objective will be achieved by evaluating the literature and documentary secondary data and matching up the findings to the survey- based secondary data. Documentary secondary data uses a combination of primary and secondary data. By reviewing the literature based on the selected topic, quality management best practice in relation to N.P. will be determined. In addition companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s print out from their intranet will be used to gain an inside view of N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perspective of quality management best practice. Survey- based secondary data will allow the researcher to compare the findings gained from doing research via survey and case study methods to information derived from documentary secondary data. The researcher will be able to make recommendations based on this comparison. The comparison of the findings from both documentary secondary data and survey base secondary data will be necessary as this is the method which will reveal the necessary information. Justification of methods: The multiple- source secondary data process was found to be the most appropriate as it will provide comparative and contextual data. This method will allow the researcher to compare and contrast findings when compared to secondary data. The researcher however acknowledges the fact that there may be no real control over the quality of data. 3.1 ethical issues The research will guard against any unethical methods of data collection. Essentially the criteria relevant to the methods of data collection chosen are as follows: Voluntary participation and conformed consent: all participants will not be coerced into participating in the research. Consent will be sought after from all parties to be studied. All participants will be given a through breakdown on the study and its aims. Confidentiality and anonymity: the researcher will not seek after names or any personal information which may reveal the participantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s identity. This will be made clear to all parties in advance of the method of data collection. 3.2 Limitations of study When conducting research and collecting data one must consider the limitations of the study as this may provide boundaries and barriers to gaining a representative and accurate piece of work. The researcher will therefore guard against the following: Response rate: limited time and anonymity of respondents may provide barriers to the researcher for following up on people who didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t respond, thus resulting in a low response rate. Scope of information: Companies cherishes their quality management secrets and guiding principles, therefore information on the characteristics of the quality management initiatives may not be divulged. Time: the limited timeframe allotted to conduct this study may constrain the researcher form collecting sufficient comparative data from competitors in an attempt to present a more in-depth comparative analysis. Generalization: due to the nature of the topic and the research objectives, the findings may not be applicable to other organizations. The situation, time and place may be of a different nature. 3.3 RESEARCH TOOLS The researcher will ensure that the tools and resources are available to carry out the research designs. These materials will include: Stationary tools: pens; paper and note pads. Data collection tool: questionnaires and voice recorder. Monetary tools: The researcher will require finances to reach destination to attain data. 3.4 MARGIN OF ERROR: DATA RELIABILITY, VALIDITY AND ACCURACY Reliability and accuracy: McNeil (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"research methodsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢) defines data as Data reliability therefore, is concerned with ideas such as: 1. The consistency of the data collected 2. The precision with which data is collected 3. The ability to replicate a piece of work. The reliability of data collected will be an important consideration since if data used is not reliable, then the conclusions or findings drawn will be fairly useless. Data reliability will be affected by such things as researcher bias into data collection processes, standardization and interpretation. The inability to record data accurately will cause the data to be less reliable. Validity: Data is only useful if it measures what it is supposed to measure. Validity refers to the extent to which the data collected gives true measurement of social reality.  [7]   When conducting research the concepts of reliability, validity and accuracy go hand in hand. It would be safe to say therefore that if data is reliable but not valid then it may have limited use. Also if data is valid, but not reliable the researcher may not be able to make general statements. In undertaking this research the researcher acknowledges the fact that the research will not be one hundred percent (100%) reliable, valid and accurate. However the researcher will make every attempt to achieve these in an aim to stand against scrutiny. The researcher will conduct the research in a highly professional, ethical and confidential manner. In addition all interpretations and collection of data will be made in an attempt to be unbiased. 4.0 Justification of time plan Essentially projects must conform to set deadline dates. Thus a plan is essential to ensure the successful completion within the timeframe allowed. The dates proposed are expected to conformation however contingencies will assist the researcher in any short comings. These dates are given in medium term expected time span, therefore any additional times required will be attained via slack times gained form other tasks running simultaneously. Therefore undergoing a successful dissertation a timescale becomes necessary to use to gain efficiency and complete the project on time. For the purpose of this study the duration will be six months. The stating date will be June 15th 2010 to December 15th 2010. Evaluation Of Total Quality Management (TQM) Evaluation Of Total Quality Management (TQM) A critical evaluation of total quality management (TQM) and its influences on competitive advantage. The case of Trinidad and Tobago Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP), automotive lubricant division 1.1 Background Slack (2004) explains that Quality management is extremely important in gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Growth, survival and attainment of strategic goals are all major issues of any organization quality therefore become a major issue. Existing as a private label company NP has made their way into a market filled with experienced multinationals via for increased market share. Competitors compete in terms of pricing and quality, thus NP has to make a strong dent into the impact of the customer on these bases. Vying for increased market share the need for core competencies arises and as such quality should be the number one focus. 1.2 Company background As with many companies The Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) has an unfolding history. This company is owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and incorporated in 1972. Many acquisitions by the Government took place which put NP in its position within the industry today. NP acquired the assets of Shell Trinidad Limited thereby inheriting their Lubricant Blending Plant sited at Sea Lots, on the outskirts of Port of Spain. Under license, it continued to produce a range of lubricants, blended according to the Shell formulations, until the National Petroleum Brand of lubricants was launched in 1981. Since then NP continues to improve its product rating, they keep abreast of significant technological advancement in the lubricants industry. Despite competition from multi-national companies, NP brand continues to be a major player in the local and Caribbean markets, where ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s automotive and industrial lubricating oils and greases hold varying, but significant market share. NP stands out as one of the most successful state enterprises in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.  [1]   1.3 Mission 1.4 Vision 1.5 Rationale for the study Rivalry has always been a major determinant of quality of products or services. Quality management and competitive advantage is a marriage necessary for the success of a company. Thus the researcher believes that total quality management principles can be applied within NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations to gain an advantage over their competitors. In todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s competitive arena brand image is everything, therefore if a company is able to sell their image then increased market share can be attained. The researcher therefore believes that quality will be a key determinant on NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand image and overall head point within the industry. A customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ right to boast of brands have always been a trend in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s world, thus the ability to gain customers who can boast of NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand is essential. This aspect will be the basis of the issue as NP exists in an industry filled will multi-national players, thus competition is fierce and forceful. With the economic downfall, companies were faced with increases in production costs, thus this cost was transferred to consumers. In the first quarter of 2010 NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s prices of its automotive lubricants rose twice. During an economic turmoil customers demand value for their money. Essentially quality will determine customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perception of products, thus ensuring a sale and continued loyalty. New methods of operations are expected to arise in an attempt to improve quality standards towards gaining a better positioning within the industry. Insights of best practices are also expected to arise. Improved efficiency and effectiveness in operations, branding, communication and services are all areas in which the researcher expects quality management to impact, thus this research can shed light on all of these areas to assist NP in attaining their mission and vision statement. 1.6 Research Aims Research question: Can the adoption of TQM contribute to competitive advantage at NP? Objectives: To critically assess the strategic TQM at NP. To evaluate the industry standards to benchmark TQM at NP. To ascertain the extent to which NP is in compliance with industry standards. To formulate recommendations with reference to quality management best practice and based on research findings. These aims are found to be most important as it is hoped to achieve a firsthand view into the quality management practices in relation to operations and how these practices contribute and impact on competitive advantage. 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW First hand knowledge is gained through the experiences of trial and error; companies have been able to create quality initiatives relevant to their operations. Various scholars have also contributed to the field of quality management by proposing models and frameworks. The researcher will examine secondary data from research to be conducted and analyze this against the literature review. Major areas of this literature review will therefore be: Total quality management Quality management systems The process approach Six sigma Balanced scorecard It is against these criteria that this literature review aims to provide pertinent information to critically assess the topic at hand. A definition of what a literature review is given as 2.1 TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) When considering business activities, ignoring quality can be a key ingredient for inefficiency and loss of profits. Hannagan (2002) claims The main objective of businesses is to make the highest profits possible; therefore one must consider the TQM issues in an attempt to succeed. 2.2 ORIGIN OF TQM Slack (2004) explains that the origin of TQM was a development by several à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"quality gurusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ beginning from as early as 1957. Feigenbaum 1957 introduced the term TQM and he defined it as 2.3 WHAT IS TQM? Slack (2004) further goes on to state that TQM is best thought of as 2.4 TQM QUALITY INITIATIVES MANAGED Hannagan (2002) presents the thought that Organizations adopt TQM as a way of life as it is proved by quality throughout production until the product or service reaches the external customer. This process is measured by the quality of materials purchased from suppliers, the approach to defect control on the production line, the appearance of the building, the way problems are solved for customers, the way employees are organized and the organizations internal communication system. Hannagan (2002) continues by saying that Hannagan (2002) goes on further by claiming that TQM is a strategic approach within an organisation which can provide an à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"umbrellaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ under which a number of quality initiatives can be managed. These initiatives include: Statistical process control Right-first-time Just-in-time Quality assurance Benchmarking Quality circles Tauguchi method 2.5 CRITISM OF TQM IMPLEMENTATION Slack (20004) argues that These programmes may loose their impulse over time. This has been variously described as quality disillusionment and quality droop. Various researchers and consultants who have implemented TQM, Slack (2004) argues have put forward prescriptions which are intended to reduce the risk of recurring. These include the following: Do not define à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"qualityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in TQM narrowly; it includes all aspects of performance. Make all quality improvement relate to the performance objectives of the operations. TQM is a means of improving performance and not an end in itself. TQM should not be viewed as a substitute for responsibilities of normal managerial leadership. It is important to note that ineffective managers are not made better simply by adopting TQM. TQM is not an attachment of a company. It should be integrated with and indistinguishable from everyday activities. TQM has a considerable intuitive attraction. It is sometimes tempting to exploit the motivation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"pullà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ of TQM rather than thoroughly thought-out plans. Different organizations will have different needs depending on their circumstances. TQM should be adapted to these circumstances. Companies may push quality for its own sake, and shift too much responsibility down to the shop floor. In addition TQM is incompatible with more radical improvement approaches such as business process reengineering (BPR). TQM may also imply empowerment and liberal attitude toward shop floor staff; however it is argued that this is merely a further example of management exploiting workers. Critics have been known to define TQM as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“management by stressà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. 2.6 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (QMS) AND PROCESSES A SIMPLE FLOWCHART SHOWING HOW PROCESSES ARE CHARTED IN AN ORGANISATION SOURCE: http://www.praxiom.com/process-approach.htm QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS) PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS SOURCE: http://www.abcb.demon.co.uk/iso9k2kworkbook_part5.html Quality management system seeks to identify external quality related input requirements specified in Licenses to Trade, regulations, specified customer requirements and the chosen management system standard(s). In addition quality systems seek to define performance measures, as applicable, to the system requirements and generate the result or evidence that system requirements have been executed. The next step is to measure, monitor and report extent of compliance with these performance measures.  [2]   To achieve a standard the first step is to implement a QMS. Implementing a QMS can help your business to: achieve greater consistency, reduce expensive mistakes, increase efficiency, gain customer satisfaction, effectively market your business, exploit new markets manage growth more effectively and constantly improve your products, processes and systems. 2.7 THE PROCESS APPROACH The ISO 9000 series of standards is the main set of International Standards applying to the management of quality systems. It includes ISO 9001, the key internationally agreed standard for a QMS. Achieving ISO 9001 certification could mean new business. This certification can help distinguish à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ from competitors.   Slack (2004) refers to the ISO 9000 series as Slack (2004) recognizes that there are four additional principles which ISO 9000 stresses upon. He argues that quality management should be customer focused. In addition he states that quality performance should be measured. Thirdly Slack sees the need for quality management to be improvement driven. Fourthly top management must demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and continually improving management systems. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CERTIFICATION ADVANTAGES: 1. Increased Efficiency: Companies that go through the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Standards certification process have given a lot of thought to their processes and how to maximize quality and efficiency. 2. Increased Revenue: Studies have shown that ISO QMS certified companies experience increased productivity and improved financial performance, compared to uncertified companies. 3. Customer Satisfaction: Client confidence is gained because of the universal acceptance of the ISO standards. Customer satisfaction is ensured because of the benefits of ISO 9001:2000 QMS to company efficiency, consistency and dedication to quality service.  [3]   DISADVANTAGES: The actual change to ISO 9000 for operations can be very expensive. As is well known in business and industry, it is difficult to change the habits of long-time employees. New ways are usually resisted by everyone. This resistance cuts into profits and also decreases company morale. There are times when companies feel that the existing set of operational procedures is already working well and they do not feel a change is necessary. Now these companies have the choice of loosing a customer or implementing ISO 9000. Either way money is lost in the short term.  [4]   2.8 SIX SIGMA INITIATIVES Six Sigma simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process whether it is from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects.  [5]   Slack (2004) explains that Six Sigma processes are executed via belts. Master Black Belts are the experts in the use of Six Sigma tools, techniques and implementations. Six Sigma Black Belts can take a direct hand in organizing improvement teams. Green Belts work within improvement teams; they are not full-time positioned and have normal day-to-day process responsibilities. It is expected that they spend at least twenty per cent of their time in improvement projects. ARGUMENTS FOR AND against THE SIX SIGMA INITIATIVE Slack (2004) identifies the following positive perspectives of the Six Sigma initiative: Improvement activity is generally neglected in most operations and if it is to be taken seriously, it deserves the significant investment required. If operated well, Six Sigma improvement projects controlled by experienced personnel can save more than their cost. Slack (2004) identifies the following flaws of the Six Sigma initiative. It can be too hierarchical in the way it structures its various levels of involvement in the improvement activity. It is expensive. Training and improvement time can prove to be costly. 2.9 THE BALANCED SCORECARD The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system that is used  to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization performance against strategic goals. It was originated by Drs. Robert Kaplan and David Norton  as a performance measurement framework  that  added strategic  non-financial performance measures to traditional financial metrics to  give managers and executives a  more balanced view of organizational performance.   DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VIEW OF THE BALANCED SCORECARD FROM FOUR PERSPECTIVES SOURCE:http://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSCResources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx The balanced scorecard suggests that we view the organization from four perspectives, and to develop metrics, collect data and analyze it relative to each of these perspectives: The Learning Growth Perspective includes employee training and corporate cultural attitudes related to both individual and corporate self-improvement. The Business Process Perspective refers to internal business processes. Metrics based on this perspective allow the managers to know how well their business is running, and whether its products and services conform to customer requirements. The Customer Perspective explains that the realization of the importance of customer focus and customer satisfaction in any business is essential. The Financial Perspective states that often there is more than enough handling and processing of financial data. With the implementation of a corporate database, it is hoped that more of the processing can be centralized and automated.  [6]   Quality indeed provides companies with a competitive edge. Total quality management looks at a companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations holistically and determines best practice quality initiatives. Though there are pitfalls to the strategic implication of TQM, compilation of proper initiatives can reduce the occurrence of such pitfalls. TQM initiatives can also result in customer satisfaction, thereby resulting in customer loyalty. 3.0 METHODOLOGY Saunders (2003) simply defines methodology as Haralambos (2000) however goes a bit further by explaining what methodology is concerned with. He sees methodology as being The research to be conducted will take a deductive approach. This research approach is found to be the most appropriate, as a topic/ hypothesis is designed and a research strategy is designed to test the topic/ hypothesis. Although the research is a deductive piece of work, the researcher will adopt a mixed approach to data collection. That is the research paradigm will be a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative data. Generally the philosophies used are positivists and phenomenologist. Triangulation research will be conducted as this will increase validity and reliability. Research question: Can the adoption of total quality management (TQM) contribute to competitive advantage at NP? Having formulated the research topic it is essential that the researcher answers the research question. Thus essentially the researcher will undertake many strategies in addressing this question. By conducting structured research via hypothesis testing and analyze of information based on best practices and recommendations the answer to the research question will be attained. Thus the use of both primary and secondary data collection tools will be profound for this question. OBJECTIVE ONE: To critically assess the strategic total quality management initiatives at NP. In collecting data for objective one the researcher has found it fit to use case studies. Robson (2002) defines case study AS The data collection methods will include questionnaires, interviews, observations and documentary analysis. The researcher will select interviews and documentary analysis in an attempt to collect the data required. Interviews will be conducted by the researcher. Structured interviews will be utilized. Two groups will be targeted: quality control managers and quality supervisors. This will be done in an attempt to gain information based on the quality methods and standards N.P. currently has. Also to establish the quality initiatives deployed from subordinates in the upper section of the organizational structure. This data collection method will be of primary nature. Interviews will be conducted to these groups because these are the groups with the required information. Documentation analysis will also be selected as a means of data collection. The method used is necessary to gain information about N.P. and their documents based on quality control. It is intended to identify inspection points, certifications, specifications and any other relevant documents based on quality control initiatives. This data collection method is of secondary nature. This method will be used as it is upon these documents that N.P. thrives for their quality standards. Analytical technique: the funnel technique will be used in conducting interviews. Quality initiatives are not easily shared therefore by beginning the interview with general questions and narrowing down, the groups targeted will feel comfortable and easy going thereby gaining the information desired. Justification of methods: The researcher has found it useful to conduct interviews as detailed information is gained from people in a face-to-face situation, thereby allowing interviewers to explore issues in- depth. This method has its downside as it gives rise to the possibility of biasness due to interaction. In conducting documentation analysis the researcher will analyze documents in an attempt to identify trends in sales performance relative to competitorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ performance with respect to the quality initiatives employed at this company. OBJECTIVE TWO: To evaluate the industry standards to benchmark TQM at NP. In collecting data for objective two the researcher found it useful to conduct surveys. Letts (2000) explains Saunders (2003) goes on further on this point by claiming that Data here is collected by using questionnaires, structured observations and structured interviews. Data collected from surveys are standardized, allowing easy comparison. The researcher will use questionnaires and structured observations in an attempt to collect the necessary data. A questionnaire will be constructed containing twenty five questions, in which respondents will be asked to answer. The questionnaire will be handed out to other companies within the industry. These companies include Bel-Ray, Castrol, Havoline and Shell. A total of 10 questionnaires each will be given out at these companies. These questionnaires will be given to members within the quality departments of these companies. These members will be randomly selected within the department. Questionnaires will be given out to these members as it was them who will have the required information. Structured observations will also be used to collect data. The researcher will adopt a participant observation approach to this method. While at the various service stations, quick shops and auto mechanic parts shops the researcher will spend time observing customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ choice of lubricants when other brands are available. In addition observations will be made based on the prices of other brands compared to N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand and customer perception of quality based upon this factor. Research will be done on both customers and companiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ quality departments. This will be undertaken as gaining an increased market share results in gaining a resource capability towards having a competitive advantage. Thus customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s preferences of one product over another will give the researcher the entities of what constitutes competitive advantage based on quality. Thus making room for opportunities for benchmarking based on specifications u tilized by other companies within the industry. Justification of methods: Questionnaires will be utilized as the researcher wishes to question a large number of individuals within a short space of time. Time would constraint the researcher in conducting interviews with 40 persons individually within the industry. Participant observation will be used in an attempt to gain a complete understanding of the views, preferences and beliefs of the people being surveyed. In addition the researcher will interact with individuals of the sample in an attempt to gain reasons for their choice. The researcher will acknowledge that there will be a major drawback by using questionnaires. That is they cannot address issues in-depth. It is for this reason that participant observation will be used hand in hand with the questionnaire as it will allow individuals to go in depth on issues. Analytical technique: the researcher will use cognitive access in an attempt to gain information from customers. Participant observation requires interactive processes, therefore it is crucial to gain entry and carry out the research. The researcher acknowledges the fact that informal acceptance from intended participants will be necessary in order to gain access to the required information. Cognitive access will be used as it is necessary for participants to feel understood and this will allow the researcher to gain an understanding of their social reality by allowing them to know what is being studied and the objective. This aims at making participants openly give information based on the objective of the research. Objective three: To ascertain the extent to which NP is in compliance with industry standards. Documentation analysis will be selected as the means of data collection for the attainment of this objective. This method is necessary for analyzing the information gained about N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s documentations based on quality control. The N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quality initiatives discovered will be scrutinized along side information attained from the industry analysis. It is intended to identify gaps within the operation requirements relevant to inspection points, certifications, specifications and any other relevant quality control initiatives. This data collection method is of secondary nature. This method will be used as it is upon these analyses that gaps will be identified and compliance standards assessed. Justification of methods: documentation analysis was found to be the most appropriate method as it will provide comparative and contextual data. This method will allow the researcher to compare and contrast findings when compared to secondary data. OBJECTIVE FOUR: To formulate recommendations with reference to quality management best practice and based on research findings. In collecting data for objective three the researcher will use the multiple- source secondary data process. This objective will be achieved by evaluating the literature and documentary secondary data and matching up the findings to the survey- based secondary data. Documentary secondary data uses a combination of primary and secondary data. By reviewing the literature based on the selected topic, quality management best practice in relation to N.P. will be determined. In addition companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s print out from their intranet will be used to gain an inside view of N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perspective of quality management best practice. Survey- based secondary data will allow the researcher to compare the findings gained from doing research via survey and case study methods to information derived from documentary secondary data. The researcher will be able to make recommendations based on this comparison. The comparison of the findings from both documentary secondary data and survey base secondary data will be necessary as this is the method which will reveal the necessary information. Justification of methods: The multiple- source secondary data process was found to be the most appropriate as it will provide comparative and contextual data. This method will allow the researcher to compare and contrast findings when compared to secondary data. The researcher however acknowledges the fact that there may be no real control over the quality of data. 3.1 ethical issues The research will guard against any unethical methods of data collection. Essentially the criteria relevant to the methods of data collection chosen are as follows: Voluntary participation and conformed consent: all participants will not be coerced into participating in the research. Consent will be sought after from all parties to be studied. All participants will be given a through breakdown on the study and its aims. Confidentiality and anonymity: the researcher will not seek after names or any personal information which may reveal the participantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s identity. This will be made clear to all parties in advance of the method of data collection. 3.2 Limitations of study When conducting research and collecting data one must consider the limitations of the study as this may provide boundaries and barriers to gaining a representative and accurate piece of work. The researcher will therefore guard against the following: Response rate: limited time and anonymity of respondents may provide barriers to the researcher for following up on people who didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t respond, thus resulting in a low response rate. Scope of information: Companies cherishes their quality management secrets and guiding principles, therefore information on the characteristics of the quality management initiatives may not be divulged. Time: the limited timeframe allotted to conduct this study may constrain the researcher form collecting sufficient comparative data from competitors in an attempt to present a more in-depth comparative analysis. Generalization: due to the nature of the topic and the research objectives, the findings may not be applicable to other organizations. The situation, time and place may be of a different nature. 3.3 RESEARCH TOOLS The researcher will ensure that the tools and resources are available to carry out the research designs. These materials will include: Stationary tools: pens; paper and note pads. Data collection tool: questionnaires and voice recorder. Monetary tools: The researcher will require finances to reach destination to attain data. 3.4 MARGIN OF ERROR: DATA RELIABILITY, VALIDITY AND ACCURACY Reliability and accuracy: McNeil (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"research methodsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢) defines data as Data reliability therefore, is concerned with ideas such as: 1. The consistency of the data collected 2. The precision with which data is collected 3. The ability to replicate a piece of work. The reliability of data collected will be an important consideration since if data used is not reliable, then the conclusions or findings drawn will be fairly useless. Data reliability will be affected by such things as researcher bias into data collection processes, standardization and interpretation. The inability to record data accurately will cause the data to be less reliable. Validity: Data is only useful if it measures what it is supposed to measure. Validity refers to the extent to which the data collected gives true measurement of social reality.  [7]   When conducting research the concepts of reliability, validity and accuracy go hand in hand. It would be safe to say therefore that if data is reliable but not valid then it may have limited use. Also if data is valid, but not reliable the researcher may not be able to make general statements. In undertaking this research the researcher acknowledges the fact that the research will not be one hundred percent (100%) reliable, valid and accurate. However the researcher will make every attempt to achieve these in an aim to stand against scrutiny. The researcher will conduct the research in a highly professional, ethical and confidential manner. In addition all interpretations and collection of data will be made in an attempt to be unbiased. 4.0 Justification of time plan Essentially projects must conform to set deadline dates. Thus a plan is essential to ensure the successful completion within the timeframe allowed. The dates proposed are expected to conformation however contingencies will assist the researcher in any short comings. These dates are given in medium term expected time span, therefore any additional times required will be attained via slack times gained form other tasks running simultaneously. Therefore undergoing a successful dissertation a timescale becomes necessary to use to gain efficiency and complete the project on time. For the purpose of this study the duration will be six months. The stating date will be June 15th 2010 to December 15th 2010.