Monologue for an Onion Analysis Essay

â€Å"Monologue for an Onion† is an ingenious method for layering meaning through metaphor. The poem uses the simple task of peeling an onion as a metaphor for complicated and malicious relationships between people. The onion as a metaphor does not seem extraordinary in itself; but, upon reading one will discover that the author discusses â€Å"layers† and peeling them away to receive the truth. This is true; however, there is a larger irony at play here. Suji Kwock Kim, the author gives a sense that the onion is begging someone to stop peeling, cutting, chopping and relentlessly searching, while the other person feels compelled to do the contrary. The author uses the metaphorical concept of an onion to personify her own layers of humanity. The onion begins by stating, â€Å"I don’t mean to make you cry,† (1) as the person is peeling the layers apart. The onion states, â€Å"Poor deluded human: you seek my heart† (6), the individual is peeling away at its layers to understand what is at the core. However, the author blatantly states that â€Å"I am pure onion-pure onion/ Outside and in. † (8-9) Regardless, of the peeling which takes place on the outside it is senseless, because the inside remains unchanged. This implicit comparison shows cleverness and originality by expressing no change in a person’s interior versus their exterior. The narrator metaphorically shows compassion for the individual as she does not have the heart he is seeking, and the culprit is accused of pursuing false hopes. As layers peel away, the tone of the poem goes from displaying compassion to contempt. The condescension is apparent when the onion states, â€Å"Look at you, chopping and weeping. Idiot. † (10) The onion resorts to mocking and illuminating the person’s personal flaws and ignorance. It condemns the person’s entire approach, accusing him of searching for a truth founded on deception and idealism. Moreover, the onion pleads, â€Å"You must not grieve that the world is glimpsed through veils. How else can it be seen? How will you rip away the veil of the eye, the veil? †. (16-18) This implies that the onion has several layers, and as the â€Å"peeler† peels them away, the truth (that there is not a heart) becomes more evident. When the truth comes to light, it will not be untainted, as they will observe it through a veil of tears from dismantling the onion. In essence, there is a feeling of battle between the narrator and the â€Å"peeler. † The onion is not completely defenseless; however, the onion’s fight is not in the physical sense as is the â€Å"peeler’s. † There is the bluntness of truth that the onion uses as it’s resistance. A battle for the truth emerges between good and evil. Evil, being the peeler’s unyielding attack on the onion disregarding the onion’s plea there is nothing to find; yet they are determine to find what they believe to be true. In contrast, the onion being brutally torn apart was steadfast in its unwavering stance against the attacker is perceived as heroic. Comparatively, the narrative best relates to an unhealthy relationship. The metaphor of one cutting an onion to someone in a relationship that one knows is not healthy, but the individual pursues it anyway. The onion expresses, â€Å"I don’t mean to make you cry. I mean nothing, but this has not kept you from peeling away my body, layer by layer. † (1-3) Prior to someone cutting into an onion he is aware of the repercussions. Undoubtedly it will make your eyes water or burn badly; yet they continue to do so. That also can be applied to a toxic relationship. One is aware of their mate’s ability to break her heart; however, they continue in the relationship to the end mindful, of the inevitable. In conclusion, Suji Kwock Kim’s piece shows how man is constantly longing to seek truth, to view the world without the â€Å"veil† that covers it. People are constantly peeling away, in search of finding the secrets within. Ultimately, people lose sight of what may be evident right in front of them. Man becomes so driven to find this â€Å"truth† that he becomes â€Å"lost in its maze of chambers, blood, and love. † (29) Those who have harmed others in their quest to discover a deeper truth will expire as a result of the guilt that has been built up in their hearts. The search for the truth is an endless game that will only end in the demise of mankind.

Nonwestern Literature Essay

Modern literature does not show the extent to which literature has come. Medieval forms of literature reflected an unprecedented level of purity and originality. A study of the similarities and dissimilarities between cultures reveals the exchange of ideology that occurred many centuries ago. This gives weight to the assertion that modern forms of literature from different regions of the world once shared certain characteristics. It should not get assumed that the different forms of literature arose from the same inspiration. Rather, the varying types of literature occurred separately. However, due to improvements in technology and communication, forms of literature have become similar over time. An in-depth look at Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese literatures highlights this clearly. China and India, as countries from the East, have a winding, rich, and spectacular literary tradition. The exchange of literary accomplishments between the two nations has never ceased even until modern times. The primary groundwork for such an exchange became established through the introduction of Buddhism into China. As a result of this introduction, Indian literature began imparting nourishment to its Chinese counterpart. Thus, Chinese literature adopted plenty of influences from Indian literature. Resulting effects on Chinese literature have manifested themselves in aspects of aesthetic tendency, form, subject, rhetoric and vocabulary. In ancient times, Buddhism served as the key medium for Chinese-Indian literary exchanges. Chinese literature has become more and more influenced by Indian literature in recent times due to the assimilation of Buddhist influences. Nevertheless, the extent and nature of the literary exchange between India and China has become two-sided and complementary in recent times. There exist similarities and differences between Chinese and Indian literature. In both Chinese and Indian literature, the form of literature gets classified as primarily oral. In both Chinese and Indian literatures, extensive written forms of literature appeared in later periods compared to the emergence of oral forms of literature. In both Chinese and Indian literature, the emergence of written forms of literature arose due to the spread of literacy programs pioneered by the ruling authorities in both countries. Also, both Indian and Chinese literatures have different forms of literature contributing to the overall state of literature in the respective countries. Moreover, both Indian and Chinese literatures have experienced changes due to modern influences from the western world. On the other hand, a few differences arise between Chinese and Indian literature. Chinese literature has always gotten expression through only one language. This has remained true for the over 3000 years which the Chinese civilization has existed. On the contrary, Indian literature has experienced segmentation due to the presence of numerous languages within India. The Indian culture has officially recognized 22 languages and among these languages, 21 of them have establishes their own unique forms of literature. Indian literature has gotten influence from the various traditions that have governed over the country. Throughout its history, various family traditions have dictated the nature of ownership over the country. In turn, the varying styles of ownership have had an unmistakable effect on the types of literature. Thus, different ownership periods as demarcated by family traditions have different kinds of literature. Conversely, various dynasties throughout the whole period of its sovereign existence have ruled China. This has led to the classification of types of literature based on the particular dynasty that ruled the country at the time of the emergence of the literature. These dynasties include Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. During the existence of all these dynasties, various forms of literature have arisen. For instance, early woodblock and poetry became embraced during the Tang dynasty while novels gained prominence during the Ming dynasty. Chinese and Egyptian literatures share many points of reference. Both forms of literature began experiencing formative influences before the Common Era. Egyptian literature has its roots in ancient Egyptian culture. Along with Sumerian literature, ancient Egyptian literature gets classified as the one of the earliest forms of literature. In both forms of literature, the ownership periods played a key role towards the definition and classification of different types of literature. Both Chinese and Egyptian forms of literature have pioneered forms of writing, which had not existed earlier. Egyptian literature gave rise to hieroglyphics. Also, the writing of blurbs began in the 14th century Egyptian times. The writing of blurbs thus emerged as a key component of literary writing in the contemporary world. Both forms of literature have allowed the influence of different forms of literature from other countries. Egyptian literature became molded by the influx of foreign poets who flocked the town of Alexandria. These poets originated from Greece and Rome. They immigrated to Alexandria so as to utilize the library facility in the town. As a result of their extended stay in Egypt, the poets began expressing their literature in Arabic language. Inevitably, the existing literature within Egypt became fused with the literature brought by the European poets. The infiltration and influence of Indian Buddhism has played a prominent role in the shaping the Chinese literature toward adopting Indian connotations. Meditation has become a key component of Chinese literature unlike previous times. This lays testament to the fact that Indian Buddhism has left an indelible mark on Chinese literature. In Chinese literature, the initial form of literature consisted primarily of oral forms. Written forms of literature appeared during later periods of civilization. This stands in stark contrast to Egyptian literature, which has the autobiography as its oldest form. Egyptian literature got expressed in papyrus reeds. These provided the writing material on which ancient Egyptian writers would record their literary works. Also, Egypt invented calligraphy, which emerged as a key means of writing during that era. Chinese literature has received influence primarily stemming from the ruling influences within the country. The dynasties that have exercised governorship over the country have molded the types of literature within China. In contrast, Egyptian literature has experienced influences stemming from external sources. The conquering of Egypt by Muslim Arabs had a major impact on the literature in Egypt. Libraries became established and literature thrived. Papyrus reeds became replaced by cloth paper as writing surfaces. Another difference between Egyptian and Chinese literature appears when it comes to the overriding motive behind the change in literature. In Chinese literature, the changes undertaken in literature have occurred involuntarily and with the noble aim of improving the Chinese culture. On the other hand, changes in Egyptian literature have become implemented for the sole purpose of embracing Islam. The majority of Egyptian literature back in medieval times consisted of wisdom literature. This shows that the wider number of Egyptian literary works got written mainly for instruction and guidance. Such instruction recognizes the social format of life that exists in Egypt. Family values take the first place in Egypt. As a result, the forms of literature within the country give precedence to the values honored by families. However, the majority of forms of literature written in China became formulated for the purpose of entertainment. This arises due to the communal nature of the Chinese culture. Hence, the forms of literature become designed in such a way as to amuse and thereby engender a sense of togetherness within the community. ?Egyptian and Indian literatures have stunning similarities and glaring differences. The bulk of both Egyptian and Indian literatures bears literature intended for instruction. Both Egyptian and Indian cultures recognize the supremacy of family values. Thus, the literature of both countries became formulated with the intention of providing the families with instructive information regarding family life. Indian folklore and Egyptian folklore combined as key elements towards the formation of storytelling formats. Both Indian and Egyptian literatures have become molded for the purpose of accommodating religious beliefs. Literature in Egypt has evolved with the passage of time as it becomes more permissible to the Islamic faith and body of beliefs. Since Islam has gained wide acclaim as the state religion, the form of literature within Egypt has sought to reflect this truth in its form. This has endeavored to avoid hurting the religiously-trained consciences of Egyptians. In India, religion has had a major impact towards the changes that have occurred in Indian literature. India plays host to majority of the world’s most populous forms of faith. Buddhism alone has had an understated effect on the form of Indian literature. The prevalence of meditation techniques within Egyptian literature gives evidence of the extent of Buddhist influence.? However, a few differences exist between Indian and Egyptian literatures. Egyptian literature had its beginnings much earlier than Indian literature. This necessarily makes Egyptian literature richer than Indian literature. The superior quality of Egyptian literature becomes apparent through a sober consideration of the genres that have gotten invented due to Egyptian literature. Indian literature has become classified in terms of tradition due to the ideologies that have governed the country. In the contrary, Egyptian literature has always manifested their Islamic inclinations. Also, Egyptian literature received notable influence from European poets while India has risen to become the source of poetic influence to other countries like China. The history of Egyptian literature had its beginnings in ancient Egypt. The River Nile had a massive influence on the development of Egyptian literature. The town of Alexandria served as a major confluence for the emergence of literary influences. This happened because of the presence of the Library of Alexandria. This library served as hubs for poets originating from Greece and Rome, which served as key world powers in that time. The influence of these foreign poets had an unprecedented effect on Egyptian literature. Beginning from the period of the tyrannical Pharaohs until the conclusion of the Roman Empire’s rulership, ancient Egyptian literature got expresses in Egyptian language. Ancient Egyptian literature gains recognition as the world’s earliest form of literature along with other genres like Sumerian literature.? However, forms of writing in ancient Egypt did not surface until the late periods of the 4th century. This included both hieratic and hieroglyphic forms of writing. At some time before the modern era, the available literary works included epistles and letters, texts, hymns and poems, and memorials. These biographical texts got penned so as to document the professional lives of noteworthy administrative marshals. These developments notwithstanding, narrative forms of Egyptian literature became created in late periods of the 17th century BC. The formation of narrative forms sparked a media revolution in the whole of Egypt. Such a revolution occurred due to various factors. The unprecedented rise in literacy levels played a primary role for the revolution. Other factors included widespread access to written literature, rise of an intellectual class of scribes, new cultural sensibilities about individuality, unprecedented levels of literacy, and mainstream access to written materials.? The history and tradition of Indian literature primarily features verse though it also seems fundamentally oral. The earliest works became composed for the purpose of getting sung or recited. In this raw form, they became transmitted throughout a number of generations before getting written down as permanent recordings. As a result of this belated recording, the earliest records of a text appear later by several millenniums than the stated date of its initial composition. Furthermore, probably because the majority of Indian literature appears as either religious or as a reworking of common stories from the Sanskrit tales, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and the mythological writings, the authors often maintain their anonymity. Biographical components and details of the lives of the majority of the earlier Indian authors appear only in much later myths and legends. In medieval Indian literature, the earliest works in many of the languages were sectarian, designed to advance or to celebrate some unorthodox regional. Much traditional Indian literature is derived in theme and form not only from Sanskrit literature but from the Buddhist and Jain texts written in the Pali language and the other Prakrits (medieval dialects of Sanskrit). This applies to literature in the Dravidian languages of the south as well as to literature in the Indo-Iranian languages of the north. Invasions of Persians and Turks, beginning in the 14th century, resulted in the influence of Persian and Islamic culture in Urdu, although important Islamic strands can be found in other literatures as well, especially those written in Bengali, Gujarati, and Kashmiri. After 1817, entirely new literary values were essay, and literary drama (this last incorporating both classical Sanskrit and Western models)—that gradually engulfed the customary Indian verse genres. Urdu poets remained faithful to the old forms while Bengalis were imitating such English poets as Percy Bysshe Shelley or T. S. Eliot.? The history of ? Chinese literature extends for thousands of years. This started from the earliest recorded dynastic court archives to the mature fictional novels that arose during the Ming Dynasty. These mature fictional novels became penned for the sake of entertaining the masses of literate Chinese citizens. To various Westerners, Chinese literature remains hugely unexplored in comparison to the rich state of the Chinese culture. As a matter of fact, it is a treasure of a very considerable number of brilliant and profound works as each dynasty, in the long history of China, has passed down its legacy of magnificent events and works. For 3500 years, they have woven a variety of genres and forms encompassing poetry, essays, fiction and drama; each in its own way reflecting the social climate of its day through the high spirit of art. Chinese literature has its own values and tastes, its own reigning cultural tradition and its own critical system of theory. Chronologically, it can be divided into four main periods: classical, modern, contemporary, and the present-age literature. Classical literature refers to the earliest period and covers works from three thousand years ago to the late Qing Dynasty and is a virtually unbroken strand enduring dynastic changes. Since it was nearly always developed under the reign of centralized and unified government, it is imbued with the thoughts of a culture that embraced slavery and a feudal society. It was steeped in an enclosed environment that hardly had any real links with religion or least of all the literature of foreign cultures. ? Modern Literature refers to the period from the Opium War in 1840 to the May Fourth Movement in 1919. As the decadent reign of the Qing failed to inspire the minds of people, the literary forms had remained unchanged; till the Opium War in 1840. Then they absorbed the impact of western thoughts as foreigners poured in China and established their colonies. Novels, poetry and other works began to appear with a theme of patriotism and a revelation of social ills. Contemporary literature spanned the period from 1919 to the foundation of modern in 1949 and took on a new vigor, despite the fact that Chinese was in the throes of checkered and complicated times. This period was distinctive as it brought into being a new and revised literary language, form, content and skills allowing it to evolve into an independent and open art available to the whole of society. It attached great attention to people’s lives and a future with strong political tendencies. Influenced by the tide of the world literature, it provided wide and amiable communication between writers and readers. Present-Age literature has evolved since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949. During this time, there was a logjam as a consequence of the Cultural Revolution that lasted for nearly 10 years. That era is now long past and we now have a favorable turn on events and a great number of responsible writers deepen the literary forms and content. Nowadays literature prospers. As the Chinese nation is a racial mix of Han people together with 55 other ethnic groups, literature reflects this. The various ethnic groups have contributed greatly in this field.? China stands as the only country worldwide with a mono-language literature for over 3,000 years. This continuity comes from the nature of the written language itself. It is the use of characters, not letters as in Western languages, that is, most important in the Chinese language. The characters stand for things or ideas and so, unlike groups of letters, they cannot and need never get sounded. Thus Chinese could be read by people in all parts of the country in spite of gradual changes in pronunciation, the emergence of regional and local dialects, and modification of the characters. A revolution held in China marked the dynasties whereby a clan ruled over an empire. Inevitably, the significant change of Chinese society that occurred with the change of government invariably led to an alteration of literature. Thus, Chinese literature gradually became westernized and Classical language got absolved from utilization. The national government desired for women to enjoy equal privileges like men. This clamor for an equal status in society resulted in plenty of women writers and scholars. As a result, the amount of politically oriented literature doubled. Academicians got unrestrained access to literature from foreign countries while plenty of students received scholarships so as to study abroad. The New Culture Movement became disbanded and writers endeavored to blaze the trail in transforming China into a modern industrialized nation. Writers also intended to replace Confucian life-style with a modern, westernized one. Under the leadership of the national government, there existed some freedom of expression. During that period of relative freedom, lots of different views and styles of literature became widely popular. But at the moment China came under attack from Japan, the resulting Communist victory led to the curtailing of former freedoms. For instance, only literature that met the approval of the government became allowed. Egyptian literature has also experienced plenty of changes due to interaction with western cultures. The expansion of the international market has necessitated the presence of many foreigners within Egyptian soil. As a result of such mingling, Egyptian literature has become influenced by western attitudes and notions. India has become a key player in the Commonwealth of Nations movement. Inevitably, it has become the focal point for conducting business within Asia. Thus, Indian literature has adopted other cultures. Buddhism has also become part and parcel of the literature of many other countries. This highlights the exchange that has undoubtedly occurred between Indian literature and other forms of literature. REFEREENCES Allen, James P. (2000), Middle Egyptian: An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.? Foster, John Lawrence (2001), Ancient Egyptian Literature: An Anthology, Austin: University of Texas Press.? K, Kripalani (1970). Modern Indian Literature.? Knight, Sabina (2012). Chinese Literature : A Very Short Introduction. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, Very Short Introductions Series.? Levy, Andre (2000). Chinese Literature, Ancient and Classical. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.? Lichtheim, Miriam (2006), Ancient Egyptian Literature: Volume II: The New Kingdom, with a new foreword by Hans-W. Fischer-Elfert, Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press.? M. , Winternitz. (1973) . A History of Indian Literature.? Mair, Victor H. (2001). The Columbia History of Chinese Literature. New York: Columbia University Press.? T. , W. , Clark. (1970). The Novel in India.? Quirke, S. (2004), Egyptian Literature 1800 BC, questions and readings, London: Golden House Publications.

A Tea Party At Two

While an afternoon tea break was a normal occurrence for ladies in Victorian England, it is a rare treat for me and my friends. Last summer, my friend, Hilary, who lives in an old Victorian house, complete with a parlor and an old-fashioned bathtub, invited me to a tea party at her home. It was delightful. I felt like I had stepped into a scene from a Jane Austen novel. My friends and I planned the party for a month. I found the perfect outfit. Yes, it was a modern dress that I purchased at the mall, but it would probably fit right into the Victorian era. Normally, I eschew materialism; I believe that beauty comes from within. However, my guilty pleasure is nineteenth-century British apparel. While I love movies like â€Å"Becoming Jane† and â€Å"Bright Star† for their poignant depiction of the great literary figures Austen and Keats, I find myself absorbed during these films in the details of the dresses, because they were simply gorgeous. Jealousy grips me; I want to wear those gowns too! This tea party was my chance. When I arrived, I was greeted by friends who had come early to set it up. They had laid out Hilarys best china, and placed a vase of flowers on the dining room table. There were cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, all kinds of cookies, and, of course, English tea. I handed Hilary the ginger snaps I had baked, and we all sat down for tea. We had a great discussion; because it was the middle of summer, many of my friends had just returned from trips, or were about to embark on them. Our conversation was intertwined with literary references to Modernism and Romanticism, since my friends and I had all grown close during our Honors English class. We share a love of literature, and even when we talk about silly, trivial things, we tend to refer to characters in our favorite (or least favorite) books. I remember saying that I felt like Edna Pontellier from The Awakening at that moment, because she was a nineteenth-century housewife. Of course, at some point the conversation turned to college and our futures, as it did fairly often. But when the topic came up, we groaned and changed the subject. That day, we didnt need to consider the future. We were having fun pretending we lived in the past, but more importantly we were experiencing the present. I was a part of a group of people who cared about each other. We laughed together, we listened to each other, and we supported one another. For a moment, having my friends around me was all I needed. This essay was meant to be read aloud in the Queens English.

Filmmaking Techniques Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Filmmaking Techniques - Coursework Example The parameters for my discussion of realism in cinema come from theorists like Bazin, Bordwell, and Comolli. As the filmmaker stages an event to be filmed, s/he has to establish first what to put in front of the camera and visualize the conflicts of the story as embodied in the script. The approach and style have to be decided first before starting on the setting, space, acting and choreography. The filmmaker can employ a pool of creative people, aside from the writers and actors and all the crew needed. S/he has to decide on the appearance, gestures, facial expression, what to use whether professional or non-actors. Art and filmmaking, nevertheless, can be performed or made by a team or by one person. The dilemma of the filmmaker or artist is whether his/her message is understood correctly the way s/he wants it to be understood. Some artists do it profoundly, some vaguely, to let the viewer think, or get an instant reaction. These techniques in art and filmmaking, whether digital or in films, are introduced in different ways. A few of these are discussed in this paper. Art, according to Aristotle, is the realisation in external form of a true idea, and is traced back to the natural love of imitation which characterizes humans, and to the pleasure which we feel in recognising likenesses1. There may be contradictions today of his notion on art by various artists because according to him art is limited to mere copying. It idealises nature and completes its deficiencies: it seeks to grasp the universal type in the individual phenomenon2. Such imitation may represent people either as better or as worse than people usually are, or it may neither go beyond nor fall below the average standard. Comedy is the imitation of the worse examples of humanity, understood however not in the sense of absolute badness, but only in so far as what is low and ignoble enters into what is laughable and comic3. When teaching at the Lyceum, Aristotle had a habit of walking about as he discoursed. It was in connection with this that his followers became known in later years as the peripatetics, meaning "to walk about". What has this to do with art and filmmaking Lecturers and speakers in those times used strategies in conveying their message or in relating to their audience. Aristotle and the peripatetics presented their theories, and the Rhetoric, by giving lectures and telling stories in front of a live audience, as if showing a movie without the aid of any technology. "Walking about" in front of a live audience with your mouth uttering words your mind dictates is a form of story-telling, like a film presentation, although what you are doing is live, and the film is recorded. What the peripatetics were doing was art itself. New Digital Cinema: Reinventing the moving image Evolution of contemporary cinema as it intersects with the formerly separate realms of film-making, video art, music video, animation, print design, and live club events to

System Safety Engineering in the aviation industry Essay

System Safety Engineering in the aviation industry - Essay Example Nevertheless, it is arguably true that the modern forms of transport are more expensive and definitely more risky than the traditional forms of transport. The aviation industry falls under the modern transport systems and its contribution to the creation of a global economy is unquestionable. Statistically, over 2000 airlines in the world operate about 23,000 aircrafts in over 3700 airports. The US aviation industry registers about 11 million flight departures per year via its 100 plus certified passenger airlines thus becoming the most dominant airline industry in the world (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012). The aviation industry facilitates the movement of goods, people, and information across the globe. In fact, its impact ranges from its own operations and its influence on aircraft manufacturing and other fields. At the same time, the aviation industry is more significant in ensuring world security where almost all nations use airplanes and helicopters to enhance secu rity and attack enemies. More so, the aviation industry is significant in world surveillance and tourism where it ensures the safe and fast movement of tourists from one site to another. In addition, the aviation industry has been relevant in many rescue operations as well as staging different entertainment extravaganzas. As such, the importance of the aviation industry is evident in many aspects. Nevertheless, for the aviation industry to prosper, abject security measures must be in place. Security in the aviation industry may relate to safety of goods and people from accidents, hijackings, criminal attacks, engine failure, and possible natural calamities. Indeed, a lapse of security in the aviation industry is fatal, can cause serious injuries, attracts distractions of operations and accruals of huge costs, affects tourism, and destruction of properties. On the other hand, security in the aviation industry guarantees fewer accidents and injuries, improved maintenance scheduling an d productivity, reduced material losses, a marketable safety record, high employee morale, resource utilization, and smooth running of the industry (Bayuk, 2012). This being the case, security in the aviation industry is very essential and the world through individual governments and organizations has initiated different mechanisms to ensure safety in the aviation industry. This paper will look into the system safety engineering in the aviation industry through various topics that include safety analysis in engineering, safety management, hazard analysis, process safety analysis, fault tree analysis, FMECA, human factors, and software safety, data sources and training, accident reporting and investigation, and risk evaluation. System safety refers to engineering and management principles, criteria that guarantee security. However, to ensure overall safety in the aviation industry, the need for a systems approach to safety management is inevitable. Nevertheless, the success of the ad option and effectiveness of a given safety management system highly depends on the organization’s safety culture and other related factors. As such, safety in the aviation industry will require the input of every department and all parties involved with an aim of engaging in measures and practices that reduces safety risk. Ideally, the more the number of people handling safety issues, the less the

Australian-Indian Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Australian-Indian Relations - Essay Example n this very arc of instability. As a result, Australia may be out of touch with the majority of issues in Southeast Asia, and because it has intervened but failed to cultivate these island nations toward a lasting peace, may have no bridge into the politics of South Asia or even the wonted East Asia region. From this perspective it may appear that Australia's relations with India and Pakistan are limited to the maximum. For decades, the reality has been just that, as the Cold War and Australia's association with the US have kept it at a distance from India. When India began testing nuclear weapons, it seems that Australia became even more opposed to deepening its relations with India due to India's failure to sign the non-proliferation treaty. However, India's relations with India at the present time due run much deeper than may be expected. For a brief period, the Australian government had agreed to supply India with uranium, which was an excellent deal for India considering Austral ia's vast holdings of uranium. Beyond simply cricket and uranium, the nations also shared a naval presence in the Indian Ocean as well as a shared diplomatic, economic, and political interest in the bulk of the Asian continent that lies to the east of India and to the northwest of Australia? region that neither country had given much attention to in decades past. Today, India's relationship with Australia falls into several areas. The first and foremost is a history of association with the British Empire, which in many ways paved the way for other aspects of the relationship. The English language is spoken in Australia, and probably spoken by even more people in India than the entire population of Australia combined. Furthermore, the two countries are the two largest democracies in the region surrounding East Asia, and particularly China as well as the Indian Ocean. Both have had growing ties with the United States during the years of the Bush administration and the War on Terror, a nd thus share many common military and defense goals? precursor for Australians brief increase of uranium supply for India. India and Australia are also economic partners, as both have strong and quickly developing economies. India, with its especially fast development, relies on Australia for the supply of raw materials, while Australia profits from such a supply and thus finds that its economy is strengthened by trade with India more than it is by other countries in South and Southeast Asia. Finally, India offers a democratic and secure alternative to trading with China, which has been known for nuclear proliferation. India and Australia also share an educational exchange, as many Indians look to Australia for English-speaking institutions of study, while Australians have sought to expand the existence of South Asian studies programs that focus on India. Indeed, the evidence exists to show that the relationship between India and Australia is one of note and great potential. The tw o countries recognize many common interests, and while they do not directly benefit one another's top agendas, they do have a mutually beneficial existence in regards to regional security, trade, immigration, education, and politics. Although these may be many aspects of an overall largely

Gulf Regional Legal Environment of Business2 Essay

Gulf Regional Legal Environment of Business2 - Essay Example Trusts normally lead to monopolization of the market and higher prices. Consumer safety laws are another category of commerce legislation. These laws ensure that products and services do not harm the consumers. Commercial laws also ensure environmental protection. This mainly has to do with the disposal of harmful wastes from industries. If companies are not regulated by laws they are likely to dispose off their wastes without consideration of the negative environmental effects. Laws ensure that such wastes are disposed off safely. In so doing they protect the environment from degradation. Commerce laws also ensure that the general welfare of the public is catered for. Law makers normally weigh the benefit that will be gained by individual businesses against the welfare of the general public and if they find that the welfare of the general public is compromised then they might outlaw such business activities or prosecute whoever engages in them. The business laws also regulate occupa tions. The laws specify the skills and qualifications for various positions. This ensures that people are recruited on merit and not whom they know. This reduces unethical hiring behaviour in the business environment. Business laws also promote diversity. This is necessitated by laws that bar discriminatory practices based on age, gender, race or ethnicity. Laws require that companies should employ deserving employees and not do so based on gender, age, race or ethnicity. There should also be no discrimination during promotions and layoffs. This promotes equity in the society. Business laws also ensure that businesses take care of the health and safety of their employees (Stone, 2004). Several governments have put down rules and regulations that firms must abide to in terms of health and safety of their workers. This ensures that employees are not at risk while at work. Laws also ensure that the companies give their statements to the public before selling their shares. This ensures that the public know the state of the companies in which they invest their money in. Laws normally protect businesses. There are laws that offer property rights to inventions of companies. These laws ensure that there is no unauthorized use of inventions of companies or individuals. This is done through patent rights, trademarks and copy rights. The laws normally also protect home industries or businesses from external competition. These are normally referred to as protectionist laws, which set conditions of operation for foreign companies or businesses. Such laws set tougher conditions for foreign businesses hence reducing their competitiveness in the local business environment. Laws need to be amended from time to time in order to suit the prevailing conditions. This enables laws to satisfy the economic and people needs. Laws may be amended to liberalize the economy of a country or protect it from foreign competition. Examples of amendments in Oman are the amendments in the Oman l abour laws in 2012. Initially, the Ministry of Manpower stipulated the percentage of Oman workers that each company should employ but with amendment to this law a fine was introduced for those companies that do not meet this percentage. The working days were also reduced from six days a week to five days a week hence reducing the maximum working hours a week from 48 hours a

A good life according to Saint Augustine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A good life according to Saint Augustine - Essay Example here wealth and power are believed to be symbols of a good life, do everything in our power to acquire them and secure them in our lives but in doing so the line that distinguishes good from evil blurs and raises questions inquiring into the validity of condemning all evil acts that are executed to achieve a good cause. Queries also arise concerning the nature of happiness attained from such acts and whether this happiness is actually what we need for a good life. â€Å"All wicked people, just like good people, desire to live without fear. The difference is that the good, in desiring this, turn their love away from things that cannot be possessed without the fear of losing them. The wicked on the other hand, try to get rid of anything that prevents them from enjoying things securely.† (Augustine pg 7-8) Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, in the above reference, significantly clarifies an important basis for the argument he has presented in his book â€Å"On the Free Choice of the Will† i.e. the choice given to human beings to choose right over wrong and do good over evil as a system to judge what acts are condemnable and what not. However despite this apparent freedom, we often feel compelled to practice certain acts that are otherwise considered evil, in order to achieve a desired good. In that sense and in the absence of the justification that the law humans create condemns rightly only acts that are evils, an exemplary murder of his master by a slave who wishes to live without fear is perceived as a good rather than the evil it is commonly taken to be. (Augustine pg 6 -7) However our inner sense of justice signals that such a perception is not right and may create havoc in society as all evil acts may be traced to the satisfaction of one desire or the other, all of which promise to the individual a life of happiness, security and comfort. Thus the initially simple question of whether free will is a good or evil has brought the reader to challenge everything

Drawing on examples of ethnographic studies, critically evaluate the Essay

Drawing on examples of ethnographic studies, critically evaluate the main strengths and limitations of this research method - Essay Example The deployment of ethnography as a method to capture the realm of culture enables the researcher to dissect even the most subtle meanings associated with actions and interactions that often take place within that respective realm. It focuses on observation of specific actions and interactions within specific and natural settings rather relying solely on data collected through different external methods (Tuckman 1999). It helps to make sense of the deeper meanings that are motivated both from historical and political corner points and which rule the ruse in the daily lives. It also enables the researcher to simultaneously participate in the daily lives as well as to keep distance from the same in order to make sense of the subjective meanings attached to the actions by the subjects (Geertz 1995). In this paper I shall attempt to provide a critical overview of ethnographic research with regard to the possibilities it offer in social research. I have basically attempted to club the meri ts, demerits and instances of ethnographic research in singular edifice in the form of this paper. Thus I have attempted to draw from specific works in order to understand the relevance of the advantages and disadvantages and how the latter are overcome and through what additional methods. Being inductive in nature than deductive ethnographic research is more flexible and reserves sufficient room to incorporate elements that are difficult to manage and control and that emerge, even spontaneously, during the course of the study. The most significant use of making ethnographic analysis is that it helps the researcher to closely observe and understand the internal dynamics of the local daily lives in the cultural locale being studied. The use of observation and interviews in ethnography helps the researcher to stick to the natural settings (Wilson 1977). The opportunities for the researcher to observe the behaviour and human relations, actions and interactions within their usual enviro nment helps the researcher to â€Å"contextualize† her research (Brewer 2004: 154); it also plays a crucial role in the very process of laying foundation for the particular research. Gay and Airasian, during the course of their study about educational research generally in the European context, observes that â€Å"in ethnographic research, as opposed to other forms of social researches, hypothesis is formed after the initial phase of field visits, observation and so on† (25). This is a very crucial factor since it keeps the researcher away from any form of preoccupations about the research as such and the research questions and widens the scope of the project. In addition to the above this contextual specificity saves the researcher a great deal from generalizing the outcomes of the specific research. According to Pawson (1999), as a result of the constant interaction with subjects in their usual settings, there are constant and unexpected twists and turns in the ethno graphic research which prevent it from becoming â€Å"a neat series of sequential stages† (32). Thus ethnography could better be understood as incorporating great amounts of flexibility incorporating a â€Å"multiple series of actions in a rather flexible manner† (Ibid 33). While this remains so the question of research design occupies an important place in this research framework and ordering the research in a systematic

Describe the importance of voting in the American system Essay

Describe the importance of voting in the American system - Essay Example The first reason why voting is important related to ethics. Many people have put their lives on the line, and have been maimed and killed in order to preserve the basic fundamental liberties we enjoy today. These sacrifices of precious lives have been made in several wars in which America has fought, as well as various social movements such as women's suffrage and the civil rights movement. Among the most important of the liberties that were preserved by these sacrifices is the right to have a voice in one's own government. Whether we like it or not, those sacrifices obligate us on an ethical and moral level to make sure they were not made in vain. The right to vote is a gift from them; and it would be in very bad form to throw that gift away considering its cost. The second reason why voting is important is because it is a prerequisite to legitimate expression of discontent with the performance and direction of the government. A person who was able to vote but did not loses any credible force of opinion when things are going badly. This is because they chose to abdicate their ultimate opportunity to exercise their voice in government. It becomes a credibility issue. For example, a person who failed to vote one way or the other in the 2004 Presidential Election should not complain about the current state of the economy or the loss of lives in Iraq. Even those who voted for Bush have the right to complain about the way things are going because they utilized their opportunity to express their voice in the government. Any easy way to redeem that right to complain would simply be to vote in the next election. Finally, the American system of government depends upon the peoples' involvement in the political process through voting. If there were a mass failure to vote, it would threaten the very nature of republican democracy that is the essence of American government. Thus, Americans have a responsibility to their country and their way of life to make sure they vote. 20% voter turnout is dangerous, because it enables a small fraction of the people to determine the composition and direction of the government. At some point, there may be a very real concern about the democratic legitimacy of the government. The obligation of every American is to vote to ensure that such legitimacy comes through loud and clear. Voting is perhaps the most important civic duty in America. It is both a right and a privilege that was purchased with the blood of countless Americans. Thus, the responsibility to vote is as much a moral obligation as it is a civic responsibility. Those who fail to exercise their vote relinquish the right to credibly express discontent regarding state of public affairs. Furthermore, because voting is the very foundation of American government, American citizens have a responsibility to ensure government legitimacy by turning out to vote in strong numbers. The public apathy that has resulted in poor voter turnout in several election is a dangerous development for America. People must be educated about the importance of enfranchisement in their every day lives as Americans so they do not take for granted that which indifference could easily take

Health Care Communication Methods Essay Example for Free

Health Care Communication Methods Essay Every day in the health care field, professional have to choose the most effective communication method when communicating to other professionals, patients, patient families, and the general public. Different circumstances have very specific methods of communication that need to be utilized for communication to be effective. Furthermore, in the health care field the regulations of HIPAA have to be considered to ensure that certain information is being protected as well as identity of people pertaining to the health scenarios. Further will be discussed the methods of communicating in the health care field, the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional, electronic, and social media for health care communicating, and the effects of HIPAA and other regulations on the use of media in the health care field of communicating. Communication coordinators of any health care field have to decide often which methods of communication he or she would have to utilize and the rules and regulations that govern those methods. In one scenario, a communication coordinator that works for a national drug manufacturer has received report that there has been a report of significant negative side effects caused by one of the medications that is used by a large population of people and one including a well-known public figure. News reports having been reporting that of the possible individuals who have been taking this particular drug is effected by the side effects. The communication coordinator has to decide how to address the news reports and the general public about this situation. There are many different ways to communicate with the general public regarding the scenario described. As mentioned before the communication coordinator has to reach out to the general public regarding a medication that was distributed by a national drug manufacturer company that lead to significant side effects. Some of the different methods of communication using media are campaigns, medical journals, news reports, blogs, and other social medias. For the specific scenarios described previously it would be best to use the ampaign method. A campaign would be used to increase awareness, create a better understanding, modify attitude, and modify behavior (Health Industry Communication, Ch. 5). This method may be used when reaching out to a significant sized population. â€Å"The communication program will target whom, to help them understand, believe, or do what, by informing them of messages, through messengers and channels, to result in objectives† (Cheesebro, T. , O’Co nnor, L. , Rios, F. , 2010, Ch. 5). The objective of utilizing the campaign method would reach out the larger population through possibly multiple different media methods, instead of just one or two. When considering using different types of media and which ones to include and exclude when communicating through media, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of traditional, electronic, and social media. Traditional communication methods are the most common methods of communicating. This includes newspaper, journals, magazines, television, radio, and etc. While this might be considered one of the most effective methods compared to electronic and social media, there are disadvantages as well as advantages of traditional communication. One advantages of using traditional communication methods is this can reach a larger population which would then decrease the time it takes to reach the population by some other methods of communication. Another advantage of using traditional communication method is a larger part of the population uses this as resources to gain information for different point of interests. One disadvantage of using traditional communication methods is that it can be costly compared to some other communication methods. â€Å"Traditional medias have a high effect in creating awareness and influencing the attitude of the audience† (Tiwari, Singh, Tiwari, 2003, p. 2). Electronic communication method also can be an effective way to communicate to the general public. Electronic communication includes email, phone calls, text messaging, video calling, and etc. Although not every method of electronic communication would be considered effective for scenario previously described, some such as email would assist with retrieving audience attention. Just like any other communication method, electronic communication method also has its advantages and disadvantages. An advantage of electronic communication method is it creates direct communication methods to the intended audiences which can begin to change audience attitude towards a circumstance before any other communication tactic takes into effect. One disadvantage of using electronic communication is there is a large section of the population that does not have access to electronics such as computers and internet. This population does not also have access to email and may not have easy access to a phone. Those people would then be more difficult to reach out to (Tiwari, Singh, Tiwari, 2003). Another disadvantage may be the low literacy and language barrier of the population. Social media communication method is another way to communicate to the general public under different circumstances. Social media communication includes social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, online video sharing, podcasts, blogs, and etc. Although this may be an effective way to communicate to the public, there are advantages and disadvantages that come with social media communication. According to CDC (2011), In the last several years, the use of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media tools to disseminate health messages has grown significantly, and continues to trend upward. Using social media tools has become an effective way to expand reach, foster engagement and increase access to credible, science-based health messages† (4). This also has an advantage because it reaches a larger population at a faster rate and costs less than some other methods of media communication. A disadvantage of using social media method in communication is the credibility of the resources may be still questioned by a large portion of the population. Another disadvantage of using social media communication is it may not reach all of the population to whom the topic is regarding. HIPAA plays a significant role in media communications. The essential functions of HIPAA regulations protect the privacy rights of patients and its users. When communicating health information, all health providers and any participants of health communication must ensure that the facts they wish to release are authorized and as accurate as possible (Nhanet, 2012). Any information released about any patients must be authorized by patients through written authorization and must follow federal and state guidelines. HIPAA prohibits any person communicating about health to public to disclose any information about patients even if it is general speaking of the patient. According to Hader and Brown (2010) â€Å"Healthcare providers using social media must remain mindful of professional boundaries and their patients privacy rights† (p. 1). In conclusion, communicating through different media methods can be a useful source to communicate effectively to the public. Some methods are better than other, however all methods have different advantages when communicating to the public. There are also many disadvantages that are to be considered when implementing each method. There are also HIPAA regulations that have to be followed when communicating about patients or to patients regarding any facts and issues. The media is a way to communicate to a significant sized population when HIPAA laws are followed.

Breast Cancer Awareness And Assessment Health Essay

Breast Cancer Awareness And Assessment Health Essay Programme evaluation is one of the key skills required of public health professionals. Evaluating healthcare interventions is important in order to allocate resources efficiently, assist decision-making and inform policy[1].It is also important in order for programme managers to monitor progress in achieving set objectives, improving programme activities, justify need for continuity and accountability to project funders. The proposed evaluation would be carried out using the CDC framework of programme evaluation which has six steps[2].This evaluation would be somewhat pluralistic in nature as there would be an interplay of the perspectives of different groups[3].However, the dominant perspective would however be that of the policy makers-a managerial perspective[1].This evaluation would be carried out three years after the start of the programme. It would take a long time to achieve the overall programme aim, hence the need for reliance on short or intermediate indicators (Parry)cited in[4]. An evaluation working team would be set up for the proposed evaluation and a leader would be appointed. In this evaluation, the author would be the lead evaluator and would be responsible forselecting members of the evaluation team, scheduling meetingswith stakeholders, planning, and budgeting funds for the evaluation, addressing data collection needs, reporting evaluation findings, and working with consultants whose services may be required. Prioragreement would be on the reasons for carrying out the evaluation, the primary user of the evaluation findings, funding arrangements, time-line for completion of the evaluation and reporting of its findings. Engaging stakeholders The programme mainly targets postmenopausal women between 48 and 63 years as breast cancer commonly affects this population. However, the 40-47 age group would be included as early presentation occurs commonly in this population. The key stakeholders involved in the programme are the clients, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health, Oyo State Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, University College Hospital, Ibadan, programme managers, and staff. Professional associations-Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of Radiologists of West Africa and the Medical Women Association ofNigeria (MWAN) -advocate for the implementation of a national breast cancer screening programme and policy which is currently non-existent[5, 6]. Other stakeholders are advocacy groups-the Genevieve Pink Ball Foundation , Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN),Medicines Plus; media groups-Silverbird Entertainment, Inspirational FM, City People, Genevieve mag azine, Globacom Limited-a leading telecommunications firm. The primary users of this proposed evaluation are the policy makers and the programme management.The findings would determine if the programme is worth its ‘value for money and would help inform decision on the whether the programme should be continued and if a screening policy would be implemented. The purpose of the evaluation would be made clear and agreed upon by all key stakeholders from the outset[4]. It would have been possible to develop the logic model for this evaluation using the theory of change approach with the stakeholders. Defining a theory of change which is agreed by all stakeholders can mitigate the effects of causal attribution[4].One representative would be selected from each key stakeholders group to form an evaluation working group. The stakeholders in the team would be asked about their vested interests in the programme, their expectations, and what resources they would put in during the actual implementation of the evaluation. The Ibadan-Ibarapa Breast Cancer Screening Initiative The programme was commissioned in December, 2006 in response to the growing concern for the need for early detection of breast cancer. The programme aims is to reduce incidence and mortality from breast cancer in women. Breast cancer screening is a secondary prevention programme that takes the form of physical examination using in combination with radiographic techniques-mammography. Health needs assessment using the epidemiological approach conducted prior to the implementation of the programme revealed that breast cancer is the most common cause of female cancer deaths in Nigeria. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally[7] and in Nigeria [5, 8-11].It accounts for the greatest proportion of cancer deaths in women in Nigeria. Previous surveys showed a rising prevalence in breast cancer in Nigeria from 33.6 per 100,000 in 1992[12] to 116 per 100,000 in 2001[5].A retrospective review of hospital-diagnosed cases of cancer revealed 1,216 cases over a four-year period with breast cancer accounting for 13.9% of the cases[11] .Differences exist between the aggressiveness and survival rates in Nigerian women when compared to other populations[13, 14]. The mean age at presentation is 48 years[5]. The average age at menopause of Nigerian women is 48 years[15, 16]. The intervention targeted at women between 40 and 64 years as early presentation-before menopause-has been observed to be the dominant pattern in this population. There is generally a low level of awareness and knowledge of early detection breast cancer among Nigerian women [8, 10, 17-19].Despite the burden, there is currently no national policy or programme for early breast cancer detection[5, 18]. There is a high mortality from breast cancer in Nigeria. This is because most present for treatment late[18, 20-22] and tumours are more aggressive, responding poorly to medical treatment[23].Cultural factors and religious influences also affect health seeking behaviours with some detected cases seeking healing from lay or traditional practitioners. Risk factors for developing breast cancer include age at menopause, at age at first live birth and parity, history of   first-degree relative with breast cancer[24]and smoking. Research evidence supports that early detection of breast cancer leads to improved outcomes. Surveys investigating the knowledge, attitudes and practice of female health care workers showed that with the exception of physicians, there are gaps in knowledge of the risks of breast cancer and low practice of early detection methods [6, 25]. The activities being carried out in this programme are: Breast cancer seminars and workshops for nurses, physicians, community health workers, public health nurses and health promotion specialists in order to increase their knowledge of breast cancer risks and change their attitudes towards screening practices Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) trainings using breast models -donated by the University of Chicago Medical Centre-in order to enhance clinical skills in breast lump detection. Breast cancer education workshops and lectures for postmenopausal women and teaching skills in Breast Self Examination (BSE) to increase their knowledge of the benefits of early detection of breast cancer and to change their attitudes and beliefs on breast cancer Counselling sessions by breast cancer survivors who are volunteers trained to help motivate women in utilising the screening service and reassurance that the benefit of screening outweighs any discomfort felt during the mammography procedure Distribution of IEC (Information, education and communication) materials breast cancer facts leaflets and posters to increase knowledge of breast cancer risks and the benefits of early detection Media campaigns through paid and unpaid advertisements in newspapers and magazines widely read by women; radio jingles in English and the local dialect; role plays on television by volunteers; health promotion messages on television aired in English and Yoruba languages Provision of free Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) and free mammography screening to postmenopausal women between ages 40 to 63 years Funding is mainly from the Federal Government with equal support from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Genevieve Pink Ball Foundation. Shortage of health care staff and inadequately trained staff contribute to mortality from breast cancer. Cultural and religious beliefs also influence cancer health-seeking behaviours. There is increasing interest in cancer issues and many agencies are getting involved in breast cancer awareness activities. Focusing the evaluation design Evaluation design and perspective taken by an evaluation depends on who the primary user of the evaluation is[1].The proposed evaluation takes the managerial perspective[1]. The primary users of this evaluation are the programme managers and the policy makers (health systems). At this stage of the programme, three years after its implementation, it is inappropriate to make judgement based on the achievement of long-term outcomes. It will thus assess the changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of the clients concerning breast cancer and the utilisation of the screening service. Purpose of the evaluation In future, evaluating the programme would determine if the breast cancer awareness programme and screening leads to a reduction in incidence and mortality from breast cancer in women aged 40-63 years .The proposed evaluation would carried out in order for policy makers to decide the effectiveness of the programme in promoting health i.e. to evaluate the effectiveness of breast cancer screening as a public health policy; to make decisions about continuity of the service in light of its cost-effectiveness in the face of other healthcare needs competing for funds and to assist in policy making and implementation [4]of a national breast cancer screening programme. It would also assist the programme manager in judging fidelity of implementing the programme activities. The main evaluation questions to be dealt with can be thus can be summarised as follows: Effectiveness-‘Is the programme working as intended? i.e.is it achieving the objectives it set out in its mandate? Efficiency- ‘Are the programme activities being produced with minimal use of resources? The proposed evaluation would use the Before-After (Type 3) evaluation approach[1] in assessing the effectiveness of the programme in producing the change in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour that would ultimately lead to achievement of the programmes goal of reducing the incidence and mortality from breast cancer. This evaluation needs to be carried out in a relatively short period and funding for the evaluation is limited. While true randomised controlled trials are said to be the gold standard for evaluation[26], they would be unethical; expensive to conduct and take a really long time to complete. The main problem with this before-after design is the issue of causal attribution- that the results may not be conclusive in proving that the outcomes are as a result of the programme activities[1].The opinions and inputs of the key stakeholders would also be taken into account at this stage[27].Stakeholders opinion would be sought on how the evaluation would be funded ,how long it wo uld be carried out for and what the reasonable level of achievement should be. The number of years the programme has been in existence would help set the standard against which progress is monitored. Gathering credible evidence-Data collection The mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods would be used in data collection.Observational methods would be used in collecting some primary data for the evaluation as there are few existing databases from which the relevant information for the evaluation can be obtained. Green and South stress that selecting methods for measuring outcomes of health promotion programmes should be based on concern for â€Å"reliability, validity, suitability for purpose, feasibility, consistency with the values and methods of working of the project and appropriateness for use with various groups†[4].Although validity is recognised as being very important in selecting the indicators for evaluation, practical feasibility should also be put into consideration[4]. McNamara fallacy-‘making the measurable important rather than the important measurable. Change in the knowledge, attitudes and practice of healthcare workers would be assessed using a structured self-administered questionnaire placed in the staff pigeon holes at the teaching hospital where the programme activities are carried out. The questionnaire would be pre-tested prior to its use for the evaluation. Pertinent questions would reflect social and demographic characteristics of the respondents, level of knowledge about breast cancer, risk factors for its development, symptoms, screening methods known as well as their individual practice of breast self examination (BSE) and screening using mammography as appropriate. The questions would be closed and pre-coded responses would be included in the questionnaire as these are quick to analyse[28].Careful attention would be paid to the wording of the questionnaire and how the information is coded during its design in order to ensure its reliability and validity. The healthcare workers would be sampled using the stratified ran dom sampling technique based on age and gender. Responses would be anonymised to reduce the chances of reporting bias. The number of healthcare workers would be determined from the training register kept by the programme monitoring and evaluation staff and it can be estimated from the survey in the absence of fidelity in the recording of programme activities. In order to assess if the healthcare workers have developed the appropriate clinical competence in Clinical Breast Examination (CBE).Participants would be observed carrying out the examinations. A hospital researcher skilled in ethnographic methods would be called upon to engage in this aspect of the evaluation. The limitation of this method of investigation is that observer bias is an issue to contend with and the method is not objective[28].To limit observer bias, a different observer would also assess the trained participants-inter-observer comparison[28].The contribution of the Hawthorne effect-a reactive effect which produces bias- is also a limitation worth noting [28].If healthcare staff are aware that they are being studied, they strive to demonstrate that they have the required level of competence in carrying out the breast examination. Changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of screening in the clients would also follow the before-after method of investigation. Study participants would be randomly selected from the community. Informed consent would be ensured before data collection. Data would be obtained using structured pre-coded questionnaires with allowance for open-ended questions delivered via face-to-face interviews trained interviewers. The interviewers would trained on the social skills of establishing good rapport with people in order to reduce potential bias[28].Information obtained would include socio-demographic variables- age, marital status, level of education, religion, occupation-potential risk factors for developing breast cancer-family history of breast cancer, parity, duration of breast-feeding age at onset of menstruation, age at menopause-knowledge of screening methods-Breast Self Examination(BSE),Clinical Breast Examination(CBE) and mammography and on utilisation of screening servic es[29].Barriers to accessing service can also be explored. Mailed questionnaires would have taken less time and would be cheaper to administer but consideration is given to the fact that most people in this community do not have mailing addresses and the literacy level is generally low. Justifying conclusions Data collected from the surveys would be analysed using appropriate tests with statistical software. The main exposure variables of interest the educational component of the programme and the physician skills training in Clinical Breast Examination(CBE) while the main outcome of interest is the utilisation of mammography as a screening service. Secondary variables of interest are the media campaigns, healthcare workers training, Clinical Breast Examination Other factors that would be explored would be the effect of some key demographic characteristics like age, ethnicity, and level of education on the utilisation of the mammography service. In conducting the analysis, adjustment would be made for potential confounding by other influences. The before-after status of the women receiving the educational programme would be compared. For the uptake of mammography as a screening method comparison before and after status would also be compared as though a few other mammography centres exist, none is currently running a similar awareness programme that may qualify its use as a non-random control. The overall results obtained would be compared with the set standards as outlined in the programme objectives or in the absence of this, what was agreed upon at the stakeholders meeting as a measure of success Ensuring use of the evaluation findings The findings would be put together as a draft after representing the data in well-presented graphs and tables as appropriate and circulate among the stakeholders. After reviewing the draft with the stakeholders, the results would be disseminated widely in the hospital journals, as a government publication, in women magazines and other publications as defined by the stakeholders. The results obtained are expected to help inform the development and implementation of a national breast screening policy and programme. Quality assessment There are a number of frameworks that have been developed for investigating the quality of healthcare services[30]. The Maxwells framework would be used for assessing the quality of the screening service. Maxwells conceptualisation of health care quality is organised around the following six dimensions[31]: Access to services-accessibility in terms of time ,distance and location of services, language and other cultural barriers Relevance to need (for the whole community) Effectiveness (for individual patients) Equity (fairness) Social acceptability(cultural competence) Efficiency and economy. Effectiveness The effectiveness of mammography as a screening method has been proven to be beneficial by some studies. A case-control study reported a 50% reduction in mortality from breast cancer using mammography hence supporting its efficacy[32].A recent case control study also demonstrated similar results[33]. Collette et alevaluated a breast cancer screening programme using different methodologies and found that early detection using mammography reduced mortality in the 50-64 age groups[34]. Though a previous meta-analysis demonstrated no benefit to women in the 40-49 age group[35],the well cited Swedish trials have however suggested the need for screening in this age group. Efficiency and economic evaluation This would answer the evaluation question: ‘are we making the best use of limited resources? The economic evaluation of this programme would take the managerial standpoint to answer the policy makers question on if it is the best ‘value for money. It is important in making resource allocation decisions[4]. The overall summary of the programme can be succinctly stated as: Activities- breast cancer education workshops, lectures, and seminars, Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) for healthcare workers distribution of information leaflets and posters, media campaigns, mammography. Outputs-Number of educational sessions held, number of healthcare workers trained, no of women reached by educational programme, number of women counselled, number of women screened, and number of IEC materials distributed Outcomes -increased awareness and knowledge of breast cancer risks and screening methods (short-term outcome) -increased awareness of early detection (intermediate outcome) -increase in uptake of breast cancer screening (behaviour change) Goal-reduction in incidence and mortality from breast cancer (long term impact) Accessibility, equity, relevance, and acceptability The issue of accessibility and social acceptability would be addressed in the questionnaire survey of clients after the intervention.Relevance to need was initially addressed in the epidemiological needs assessment prior to programme implementation. In further evaluating the need for the programme with respect to the community, focus group discussions with carefully selected members of the community would be held. Members of women groups who are opinion leaders in the community would be involved in these interviews. This technique enables the evaluator explore in-depth views on how social, cultural, religious, and other barriers that affect the uptake of screening service. However, they are time-consuming; data is difficult to analyse; confidentiality is compromised and interviewer bias is a key issue[28]. References Ovretveit, J., Evaluating health interventions : an introduction to evaluation of health treatments, services, policies and organizational interventions. 1998, Buckingham: Open University Press. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health.   1999   [cited 2010 7 February]; Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/eval/framework.htm. Naidoo, J. and J. Wills, Evaluation in health promotion, in Foundations for health promotion. 2005, Baillià ¨re Tindall Edinburgh. Green, J. and J. South, Key Concepts for Public Health Practice: Evaluation. 2006, Maidenhead: Open University Press. Adesunkanmi, A.R.K., et al., The severity, outcome and challenges of breast cancer in Nigeria. The Breast, 2006. 15(3): p. 399-409. Akhigbe, A. and V. Omuemu, Knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast cancer screening among female health workers in a Nigerian urban city. BMC Cancer, 2009. 9(1): p. 203. Ferlay, J., et al., Global Burden of Breast Cancer. Li C et al. Breast Cancer Epidemiology, Springer Science, 2008. Okobia, M., et al., Knowledge, attitude and practice of Nigerian women towards breast cancer: A cross-sectional study. World journal of surgical oncology, 2006. 4(1): p. 11. Okobia, M.N. and U. Osime, Clinicopathological Study of Carcinoma of the Breast in Benin City. 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International Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics, 1990. 31(4): p. 341-345. OlaOlorun, F. and T. Lawoyin, Age at menopause and factors associated with attainment of menopause in an urban community in Ibadan, Nigeria. Climacteric, 2009. 12(4): p. 352 363. Okobia, M., et al., Knowledge, attitude and practice of Nigerian women towards breast cancer: A cross-sectional study. World journal of surgical oncology, 2006. 4: p. 1 9. Oluwatosin, O.A. and O. Oladepo, Knowledge of breast cancer and its early detection measures among rural women in Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria. BMC Cancer, 2006. 6(1): p. 271. Odusanya, O.O., Breast cancer: knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female schoolteachers in Lagos, Nigeria. Breast J, 2001. 7(3): p. 171-5. Ezeome, R.E., Delays in presentation and treatment of breast cancer in Nigeria. J Clin Oncol (Meeting Abstracts), 2009. 27(15S): p. 1527-. Ekanem, V.J. and J.U. Aligbe, Histopathological types of breast cancer in Nigerian women: a 12-year review (1993-2004). African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2006. 10(1): p. 71-5. Ukwenya, A., et al., Delayed treatment of symptomatic breast cancer: The experience from Kaduna, Nigeria. South African Journal of Surgery, 2008. 46(4): p. 106. Gukas, I.D., et al., Clinicopathological features and molecular markers of breast cancer in Jos, Nigeria. West African Journal of Medicine, 2005. 24(3): p. 209-13. Negri, E., et al., Risk factors for breast cancer: pooled results from three Italian case studies. American Journal of Epidemiology, 1988. 128(6): p. 1207-1215. O. Odusanya, O.O.T., Olumuyiwa, Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice among Nurses in Lagos, Nigeria. Acta Oncologica, 2001. 40(7): p. 844-848. Black, N., Why we need observational studies to evaluate the effectiveness of health care. BMJ, 1996. 312(7040): p. 1215-1218. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 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Impact of Uber on UK Mini Cabs

Impact of Uber on UK Mini Cabs Introduction The intense rivalry among competitors in the market is a critical driving force for each organisation. A healthy competition among competitors builds fuel for organisation long run, and while seeking progress firm practices influences other companies in the industry. The present research enables the researcher to find out such influences produced by Uber through their innovative practices. The research attempt shed lights on Uber Cab Company performance and the impact made by the organisation on other minicabs in the UK taxi industry. The researcher looks to utilise the journals of Wallsten (2015) and Edward, George and Sarkar (2010) for perceiving current issues efficiently. The investigation tries to perceive strategies and practices executed by Uber to advance in the UK taxi industry along with identifying the influence made on minicabs performance. Literature review The rise of Uber and the subsequent disruption in taxi industry has been a key research issue in recent years. For example, the study of Sundararajan (2014) revealed that the success of Uber was mainly due to the convenience offered by the service compared to existing cab services. This view has been upheld by other researchers such as Malhotra and Van Alstyne (2014) and Isaac (2014). All these studies point to the fact that Uber offer higher value to taxi customers in terms of lower charge, higher convenience and better safety offered by Uber. The theory of quality-value-loyalty chain was used by Wallsten (2015) to evaluate the success of Uber in Taxi industry. Figure 1.1: Quality-value-loyalty chain Source: Wallsten (2015) As per Quality-value-loyalty chain, price, product quality and service quality develop the perceived value of a product or service which in turn contributes to customer loyalty towards the product or service. Among these elements, competitors are easily able to imitate product quality and price. But it is very difficult to imitate service quality (Edward, George and Sarkar, 2010). Due to this, service quality has an enhanced role in creating value and loyalty for the product or service. Wallsten (2015) notes that the superior service quality of Uber has helped the company in creating value for customers and in developing loyal customer base in taxi industry. From the review of existing literature available on Ubers success in taxi industry, it can be understood that the ability of the company to offer better value, service quality and convenience was the main reasons for its success. Research purpose The study intends to identify the impacts that created by Uber Cab Company in the UK taxi industry and analyse influence that the company made on minicabs in the country.   Ã‚   The research objectives of the current research are: To evaluate the factors affecting satisfaction of cab customers To assess the factors contributing to the competitive advantage of Uber in UK Taxi industry To analyse the impact of Ubers growth on mini cabs of UK To provide suggestions to mini cabs of UK to remain competitive in UK Taxi industry Rationale Despite being a start-up in the UK taxi industry, Uber cab services had provided growth to the traditional taxi service in the country. The process made the countrys private taxi firm to stand tall where other numerous taxi companies had failed. According to Megaw (2016), 97% of the organisation that tried fit their name in the industry had fallen within the first four months where Uber showed resilience in making an impact which flew beyond the capital. The company had expanded beyond borders leaving a note on taxi industry to look for an urgent lift in which the mini cabs have experienced most of the damage. Uber was able to advance in each market that they have entered which led to protests and strikes in the UK. Uber Cab company flexibility had attracted few drivers who worked in mini cabs in London to join in the company. The low pricing strategy that the company presented has made controversies as competitors had alleged the practice unhealthy and artificial. Uber started its o peration in the UK with four locations and increased the size to eighteen with 30,000 drivers in London (Torrance, 2016). Data analysis interprets that since Uber started its operation, the private hire operations in London has attained a decline of 11% assuming minimum ten private taxi business close in every month. The research seeks to identify major reasons for the customer to choose Uber cab over minicabs by comparing their service using service quality framework and looks to interpret recommendation for minicabs in order to survive the situation. Scope and limitation of research The Uber Cab Company intervention to the UK taxi industry has been questioned severely by the minicab operators as their low payment system and other operations has affected minicabs and provoked few operators to end their operations in London area. The investigation gathers ample evidence for interpreting the features that attracted customers to Uber service so that certain recommendations could be drawn to the minicab operators in the UK for improving their business in the location. Research methodology For constituting the study, the researcher has to acquire efficient information on operations of both Uber Cab and minicab services. For carrying out the research both primary and secondary data collection method is used by the researcher. The literature and journals on the topic are utilised to attain secondary data, and the primary information is collected through executing a survey on taxi customers. The survey is conducted on 55 customers who use taxi services in London in which 30 female and 25 male customers are targeted. The survey method enables researcher to understand consumer perspectives on services provided by Uber Cab and minicab companies improving study strength. The data achieved from books, journals, articles and websites belong to the secondary resources which are used by the researcher to analyse the issue further. The adequate information attained from these practices is used to provide significant interpretations for present research problems from which efficien t recommendations are drawn for the minicab operators. Action plan      Ã‚   Research objective By when Resources to be used (2.1) when do you know this objective is achieved which is after the by when to ensure that you have actually achieve the objective How will you monitor this objective is being achieved? method of monitoring Topic selection 17th December to 22nd December 2017 Books, articles and online journals for study topic selection 21st December 2017 22nd December 2017 Reporting Regularly to supervisor Aim and objective preparation 23rd to 24th December 2017 Adequate journals and books 23rd December 2017 24th December 2017 Reporting Regularly to supervisor Literature review 25th December to 10th January 2017 Secondary resources like books and publications both online and offline for literature review preparation 8th January 2017 10th January 2017 Timely informing supervisor work status updates Research methods 12th January to 16th April 2017 Journals and books for perceiving research methods 13th January 2017 15th April 2017 Updating report status to supervisor Data collection 17th January to 16th February 2017 Survey on customers as primary resource and data from books, journals and company reports as secondary resource 15th February 2017 16th February 2017 Communicating status to supervisor Interpretation of data 17th February 1st March 2017 Comparison of primary and secondary information and analysis descriptive methods 25th February 2017 1st March 2017 Updating work status to supervisor Conclusion and recommendation March 2nd 14th March 2017 On the basis of interpreted data and analysis 13th March 2017 14th March 2017 Timely report to supervisor Final submission 15th March 2017 2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures. Questionnaire design This research was deliberated to mainly evaluate the effect of UBER Cab Company on mini cabs in the UK. For conducting the study, the research has opted UBER Cab Company to carry out the study. The research has mainly opted questionnaire method so as to gather data and information from the customers of UBER Cab Company to know more about taxi and the scope of them. For developing and evolving the questionnaire, the research has adopted Likert scale method, and to the customers of UBER Cab Company, the questionnaire was distributed with the aid of survey method. By opting the customers of UBER Cab Company for conducting the survey, the data gathered by the researcher was accurate and appropriate to the question of the research. Data collection method For the study, the research decided to opt primary data collection using survey method. The research was done with the aid of survey that was carried out on the customers of a minicab in London. The researcher decided to opt about 55 as the sample size for the study where 30 were women, and 25 were men. With the aid of survey method, the researcher could gain more knowledge and understanding about the company and the taxi services. All the research questions were related to the study and the questions prepared was simple and very easy to understand. This helped the researcher to get the opinions of customers. Advantages of survey method: With the aid of primary research, the research could gain relevant, apt and specific answers when compared to any other research methods. With the aid of Likert scales, the researcher could understand more about the topic and do not spend more time on the data collection. Survey method is cost effective and time-consuming. Disadvantages of survey method: The survey that is closed and structured might have less validity and reliability than other methods. There can be favourable answers been marked by the researcher so as to support the subject. The respondents will not be able to give their maximum as they will not be aware of the reason behind the survey. Advantages and disadvantages of ANOVA method The survey method was analysed with the aid of ANOVA method through which qualitative data collection was collected. Over more than two groups the data are examined and reviewed constancy for gaining the result in the case ANOVA method. The t-test is mainly compared to ANOVA methods as instead for ANOVA method t-test is used for the similar use. The advantages of ANOVA are: ANOVA method is mainly opted to relate groups of various samples sizes when compared to the t-test. Without cumulating the probabilities of Type, I error, with the aid of ANOVA more than two grouped can be evaluated. The disadvantages of ANOVA are: Incorrect results can be gained from ANOVA if the samples are gathered from the average population. ANOVA helps to makes sure if the samples are different from each other and also indicates the samples that are different from the similar ones. D3: Justify the choice of data collection methods To get accurate and reliable data and information the researcher adopted primary research for this study conducted on UBER Cab Company. The research has adopted survey method as the research strategy to gather data from the customers of UBER Cab Company London. The responses gathered from different customers were different and had different opinion and suggestions. The questions were closed and structured through Likert scales. Likert scales also aided the researcher in understanding the questionnaire. It was comparatively easy for the researcher to gather quantitative data with the help of survey methodology that made the research to be analysed easily with the aid of ANOVA method. 2.3 Record and collate relevant data where appropriate The researcher has used ANOVA analysis for testing the data collected from taxi customers of London. The researcher collected data from 55 taxi customers (30 female and 25 male customers). The working hypothesis adopted by the researcher is that there is clear difference in taxi service preferences of male and female taxi customers of London. This working hypothesis is tested with the help of ANOVA analysis. SS df MS F P Price 388.9286 1 388.9286 9.24 0.028759 Accessibility 388.9286 1 388.9286 5.08 0.073916 Convenience 388.9286 1 388.9286 3.56 0.117844 Driver behaviour 388.9286 1 388.9286 6.69 0.049044 Quality of car 388.9286 1 388.9286 10.89 0.021476 Safety 388.9286 1 388.9286 14.9 0.011879 2.1 ANOVA analysis of customer needs from taxi service From the above ANOVA analysis it can be understood that the opinions of male and female taxi customers significantly diverge in terms of their needs and expectations from taxi services available in UK. The analysis shows that female customers gave greater importance of safety, quality of car and driver behaviour when compared to male customers. On the other hand, male customers gave higher importance to convenience aspect while choosing taxi services. SS Df MS F P Reliability 388.9286 1 388.9286 6.65 0.049507 Assurance 388.9286 1 388.9286 14.25 0.012957 Tangibility 388.9286 1 388.9286 4.12 0.098139 Empathy 388.9286 1 388.9286 11.68 0.018887 Responsiveness 388.9286 1 388.9286 2.83 0.153344 2.2 ANOVA analysis of customer rating of service quality of Uber From the ANOVA analysis of the customer rating of service quality of Uber it is clear that both male and female customers have diverging opinions regarding the different dimensions of service quality of Uber. For example, it is evident that reliability, empathy and assurance elements of service quality of were given higher rating by female customers while male customers gave higher importance to responsiveness of the service of Uber. SS df MS F P Reliability 388.9286 1 388.9286 8.36 0.034132 Assurance 388.9286 1 388.9286 5.71 0.062422 Tangibility 388.9286 1 388.9286 21.02 0.005922 Empathy 388.9286 1 388.9286 3.28 0.129892 Responsiveness 388.9286 1 388.9286 11.02 0.021017 Methodology I used simple random sample because it is the simplest way to select participants from a population. According to Saunders, et al., using these methods means that each individual in the population has the same chance of being selected for the sample (2012) The survey questionnaire was developed on free online source distributed to employees via email, and social media messaging. Printed sheets of questionnaire were also provided for data collection. The expected sample size is set to 100 participants from the target population and the sampling is undertaken based on simple random sampling method. 2.3 ANOVA analysis of customer rating of service quality of UK minicab The above analysis of customer rating of service quality of UK minicabs reveal that female customers hold very different view regarding the service of minicabs when compared to female customers. It is evident from the analysis that female customers opinion regarding the reliability, assurance, tangibility and responsiveness of minicabs diverge from that of their male counterparts. SS Df MS F P Uber 388.9286 1 388.9286 2.43 0.179774 Minicab 388.9286 1 388.9286 14.25 0.012957 2.4 ANOVA analysis of customer likelihood of using of Uber and Minicab The above ANOVA analysis shows that female customers are much more likely to not use minicabs than male customers. On the other both male and female customers are equally likely to use Uber as taxi service in London. 3.1 Use appropriate research evaluation techniques Effectiveness of Project planning was developed by the researcher for implementing the current research project. The plan entailed the main steps of the project alongside milestones, objectives, review dates and resource allocation. This research plan was highly efficient in enabling the implementation of the research within the allocated time frame. One area where the research faced difficulty was in using ANOVA analysis method in data collation stage. The lack of knowledge and experience of the researcher in using ANOVA analysis method was a key obstacle in the smooth implementation of the research. Achievement of research objectives: Objective 1: To evaluate the factors affecting satisfaction of cab customers The primary objective of the current research was to evaluate the factors affecting satisfaction of cab customers. From the survey of taxi customers in London, the researcher was able to understand that convenience and accessibility were the most important factors that customers considered while selecting taxi service. From this it was inferred that convenience and accessibility of the cab service were the most important factors affecting satisfaction of UK cab customers. Objective 2: To assess the factors contributing to the competitive advantage of Uber in UK Taxi industry One of the other objectives of the research project was to assess the factors contributing to the competitive advantage of Uber in UK Taxi industry. With the help of the customer survey, the researcher evaluated the service quality dimensions of Uber. From this analysis it was understood that reliability, responsiveness and tangibility of service of Uber was rated highly by customers. From this it can be understood that Uber gains competitive advantage in UK taxi sector by offering reliable, responsive and tangible service. Objective 3: To analyse the impact of Ubers growth on mini cabs of UK The other objective of the research to analyse the impact of Ubers growth on mini cabs of UK. This was achieved by comparing the service quality of minicabs with that of Uber. From this comparison it was revealed that that reliability, responsiveness and tangibility of service of minicabs were inferior to that of Uber. This gap in service quality dimensions can be adjudged as the reason for the success of Uber in UK taxi market at the expense of minicabs. Objective 4: To provide suggestions to mini cabs of UK to remain competitive in UK Taxi industry The last objective of the research project was to provide suggestions to mini cabs of UK to remain competitive in UK Taxi industry. Form the research project it was understood that reliability, responsiveness and tangibility of service of minicabs were inferior to that of Uber. Hence it is recommended that minicabs seek improvement in reliability, responsiveness and tangibility elements of their service. Effectiveness of research methods: In the current research, survey method was used for collecting data from taxi customers in London. This data collection method was highly effective as it helped the researcher in collecting data from large number of customers with relative ease. As the data was collected from London this improves the validity of the research findings as London has a very diverse population. However, the research findings cannot be extrapolated across UK as the scope of the study was limited to London city. The research study is using both primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained from the online survey and appropriate case study examples to interpret the results and Analysis. Secondary data has been used in Literature review .This section starts off by introducing you to four commonly used qualitative data collection methods. These collection methods and many others are also described and explained how to use them in evaluation. It then explains how you may go about involving participants: This is also known as sampling. The section ends with a discussion of a couple of approaches to qualitative data analysis. I will have to use some of these methods as part of your routine project monitoring activities, in a needs assessment or baseline or as part of an evaluation exercise. Quantitative and Qualitative data collection methods There are two ways of analysing qualitative data. One approach is to examine your findings with a pre-defined framework, which reflects your aims, objectives and interests. This approach is relatively easy and is closely aligned with policy and programmatic research which has pre-determined interests. This approach allows you to focus on particular answers and abandon the rest. I refer to this approach as framework analysis (Pope et al, 2000). The second approach takes a more exploratory perspective, encouraging me to consider and code all your data, allowing for new impressions to shape my interpretation in different and unexpected directions. I refer to this approach as thematic network analysis (Attride, 2001). Benefits of research results: The main benefit of the research results is that they outline the scope of competition between Uber and minicabs in UK taxi sector. This would help minicab service providers in understanding the areas where there is scope for improvement in their service. Difficulties faced in the research: One of the main difficulties faced in the current research was related to collecting data from taxi customers in London. The researcher faced difficulty in collecting data as the researcher lacked previous experience in collecting primary data through survey. 3.2 Interpretation and analysis of data 1. Gender Pie chart 1: Gender of the survey respondents Source: Created by the author Gender of the survey respondents is represented by the above pie diagram. From the above diagram, it is observed that relatively increased number of females (54.55%) constituted the participants of this survey program. 2. Rate the following factor in terms of their significance in your selecting a particular taxi serve (Scale of 1-5 where 1= Very high and 5= Very low) Bar chart 1: Ranking of factors that customers considers in selecting a taxi serve Source: Created by the author Analysing the significance of the various factors that a customer considers while adopting a taxi service, it is observed that convenience and accessibility were the mostly rated elements. The importance of safety element and pricing strategy were also identified from the customer responses. Thus it could be interpreted from this survey result that service efficiency, product attribute and pricing constitutes the main elements that influence the decision-making the process of the customers. This is in line with the literature study of Wallsten (2015) that explains the concept of Quality-value-loyalty chain. 3. Rate the following elements of service quality of Uber on a scale of 1-5 where 1 = Very good and 5= Very bad? Bar chart 2: Customer rating for the service attributes of Uber Source: Created by the author Responsiveness, tangibility and reliability were the highly rated characteristic features of Uber services. This is in line with the findings of Sundararajan (2014) and Isaac (2014) who identified that service excellence was the key element that provided an improved competitive advantage for Uber. However, it is also observed from the above pie diagram that Uber has received a negative customer response regarding its assurance. 4. Rate the following elements of service quality of minicabs of UK on a scale of 1-5 where 1 = Very good and 5= Very bad? Bar chart 3: Rating for the service quality of minicabs of UK Source: Created by the author A multitude of opinions was gathered from the customers regarding their rating for the service quality of minicabs. However analysing the above bar diagram it is apparent that majority of the customers has given comparatively a higher rating for the empathy element in the service quality of UK minicabs. 5. Rate the likelihood of you using the following services when you use taxi service next time on a scale of 1-5 (1= Very high and 5=Very low) Bar chart 4: Probability of selecting Uber and minicab services Source: Created by the author Analysing the probability of customers in selecting a taxi service, it is observed that majority of the participants opined that they prefer to opt Uber services. This signifies that Uber has achieved an improved recognition and competitive advantage compared to other minicab services of UK, which is in line with the reports of Isaac (2014) and Wallsten