Does education always provide a means to better life? Essay

Education is believed to be a good bet for success. It is for this reason that governments invest huge amounts of resources with the aim of ensuring that its people acquire education. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) were a set of goals accepted by nations for the purpose of ensuring better lives for the people of the world. The second goal of the MDGs deals with the achievement of the universal primary education. It is no doubt that the importance of education cannot be underestimated. However, education that is learnt in class is based on books, facts and theories. This knowledge is does not exist in the hands of the bearer; thus, to succeed and have a better life depends on how one utilizes the knowledge as it will be discussed in this paper. A classroom is composed of people from different backgrounds. It is expected that the brains of the students are not homogenous. Some people have high IQ levels while as others have lower levels. It thus implies that there are people whose academic performances are better than others. Once it comes to the job market, the criteria of hiring and recruiting employees is based on the skills that individuals possess. There are high possibilities that those people who passed the exams with good degrees still struggle to have better lives while others who failed succeed very well as it is evident in everyday life. The truth is that success in life is based on the skills other than what people learn in schools. Life has proven to take a different dimension in how people succeed. There are people who drop out of school but they end up being millionaires while others study consistently and still continue to struggle for better lives. Not everything that is learnt in school is relevant in life. What is learnt in schools is the methods that one can apply in life based on skills and talents to lead a successful life. These skills are usually learnt out of class while others are inherited through heredity. It is one’s responsibility to realize these skills and talents so that he or she may apply them in daily life to succeed. This calls for someone to think out of the box. One who is able to think out the box has the chances to strategize things that need planning for the purpose of better life. It is for this reason that some people with professional degrees struggle to earn a better life since they over rely on what they learnt other than thinking out the box. A big gap exists between the educated people those who did not get an opportunity to go to school. Those people who did not get an opportunity to study find themselves struggling to survive. The uneducated people in the society know that they do not have a choice other than to work hard if they rely have to succeed. On the contrary, the educated people fail to work hard since they believe that they stand a better chance in life as there are many job opportunities available to them. The educated forget that there are few job opportunities available since many people are today educated thus making the job market competitive. In conclusion, education can be termed as tool that can lead one’s path to success but it is not a ticket for a better future. Education on the other hand will ensure that someone is well respected in the society. This respect can only be rewarded by the few job opportunities available in one’s locality. Securing such jobs does not mean that one will have a better life. As such, one is required to think out of the box and realize how he or she can apply the knowledge acquired in order to have a better future.

Leadership of Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) was a catholic priest and a theology professor in the late 15th and early 16th century. He was also a central protagonist during the reformation movement In the 16 century, which fathered what Is now known as the protestant reformation. Martin Luther has subsequently become one of the most recognized and Influential leaders In the history of the Charlatans Church. Leadership Defined: The ecclesial context of Lather's leadership Those who try to fine leadership will find themselves at a disadvantage due to the limitations of language.To illustrate this disadvantage: we understand that a â€Å"ball† is a â€Å"spherical object that we play with. † But depending on the context, a ball can be understand as many different things. In football, we play with a ball but it is not spherical. The sun however, is a spherical ball, but we cannot play with it. We can describe a fun time as having a ball, even though we are not playing with a ball. W e can also go to a ball, even though we may not be having a ball. We will rarely have difficulty in understanding the meaning that Is being expressed In all these situation.The same cannot be said for leadership because the word will Invoke different meanings for different people In different situations (Morehouse, 2010). Rewords Describe the definition of Leadership in Morehouse and Hickman, possibly touch on servant leadership in Hickman as the overall â€Å"Nature† of Lather's leadership. Try to give examples that would support servant leadership or whatever leadership he expressed. Rewords Traits and Skills Martin Luther exhibited many of the qualities of what Morehouse describes as trait dervish.The premise of trait leadership Is that certain traits are perceived as more crucial than others In order to lead effectively (Morehouse, 2010). These traits are generally endowed within the leader and cannot be learned. â€Å"Some of these traits that are central to this this I nclude Intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability' (Morehouse, 2010, p. 19). When comparing Martin Luther with these traits, it is easy to see how he naturally exhibited many of them. For example: outside his obvious professorship, Martin Luther was a very intelligent man.His Ninety-Five Theses objected to several traditional catholic practices, but they were intended as a scholarly dispute with a tone of inquisition. Also, Martin Luther possessed tremendous amounts of self-confidence. He challenged the most powerful religious institution in the history of mankind because he was so confident that he alone was correct and that they were the ones in error. He was eventually excommunicated but he still remained determined to stand for his conviction about catholic dogma. Martin Luther was effective with this method of leadership. HISIntelligence appealed too many while his classically helped him begin his own church by 1526. HIS determination to hold bibli cal truths as higher then catholic traditions prompted him to translate the New Testament in the vernacular of the people by allowed people to have the same access to these biblical truths. Martin Luther also demonstrated many of the skills that Morehouse associates with successful leaders. Briefly define traits Rewords Martin Luther traits and how that contributed to his effectiveness (give examples) Rewords Briefly define skills Rewords

Personal statement of admission in USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal statement of admission in USA - Essay Example Since this period, my desire and fascination in computers and programming grew rapidly. When I joined secondary school, I learned various programming languages including C++ and HTML. This enabled me to conduct a presentation concerning these languages during the career day in the school. My fellow students were extremely amazed, based on my understanding of the languages. After this session, I was utterly motivated to select computer science as a personal career. I was satisfied by the decision because I usually enjoy acquiring new skills and information. In most cases, I use the acquired skills to enable my adaptation in the fast-changing world. This has also enhanced my interest in the innovation sector. According to my personal thinking, computer science would give me an incentive to improve personally and gain information. When I joined the University in Saudi Arabia, I was familiar with most of the freshman courses in the discipline of computer science and information technolog y. The facile nature of computers has even made it possible for me to gain more information in the study of computer science and information technology. Moreover, the versatility of computers has also solidified my interest in the discipline of computer science and information technology, hence; exposing me to the enormous potential of computers. The study of computers has also widened my background in certain concepts. This has left me enchanted and rapt in regard to the developing field. In addition, I have also gained practical knowledge in the discipline of computer science and information technology. I have managed to achieve this through the project works and internships. I completed my bachelor degree and majored in Computer Science and Information technology in Saudi Arabia. After this, I started studying English as a second language in a full time program (Extensive program) in USA at FLS International at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania since April 2011 until December 2011. Later on, I transferred to complete my English program at the University of Pennsylvania Institute since January 2012 till now. In most of the courses that I have studied in the bachelor program, I have gotten high scores, which have been helpful in my studies. Some of these courses include distributed systems and parallel processing, design and analysis of algorithms, computers architecture, operating systems, advanced databases, and software engineering. I have also scored highly in some of the courses related to mathematics including linear algebra, principles of statistics and probabilities, and differential and integral calculus. The experience I gained from this study was of extreme value to me. I integrated the knowledge gained with the serviceability and functionality of a variety of worldly applications. Through this, I took hold of the application of computer technologies in various sections of life. I have also tried to follow some of the technological innovations and design through gaining facts from different sources. Some of these information resources include attending technological conferences and seminars and reading books related to technological advancement. Also, in order to acquire knowledge on this widespread technology, I familiarized myself on them through a variety of certification courses.

Components of a Job Description for Fundraising Assignment

Components of a Job Description for Fundraising - Assignment Example Similar to every job position fundraisers also perform their best when they actually know the expectations of their recruiters and the overall purpose of fundraising (Tempel, 2011). Since the components of a job description briefly address the job requirements, therefore, it is important to consider them when hiring a fundraiser. Developing a job description is actually the process of putting candidate selection criteria in writing. Here, it is important to note that job description not only summarizes the responsibilities and duties of the selected candidate rather it also mentions the aptitude and skills necessary to perform the job, for instance, training requirements, education, motivation and experience. All these elements actually help in recruiting the right person for the job (Stone, 2003). 1. Title of the Job: The job position is introduced in this section with a brief discussion about company’s background and its products/services. The job title is developed considering all the job requirements, expectations and responsibilities. Although the title is short but its description may have two or three sentences. It plays an important role in catching reader’s attention while inviting him to read a further description. 2. Statement of Objectives: Aims and objectives related to the job position should be mentioned clearly so that candidates can easily evaluate them according to their career goals. For instance, if the job description is about marketing position then objectives must refer to the customer needs and the company’s strategies to address them. On the other hand, if the job description is prepared for a non-profit organization then the objectives to meet the social needs should be mentioned here. 3. Major Responsibilities: These can be divided into two parts i.e. general responsibilities and the major tasks. For instance, a marketer’s foremost responsibility is to prepare marketing strategies but his general responsibility includes monitoring the ongoing marketing campaigns, feedback reports, presentations etc.  

Financial Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial Services - Essay Example The parties involved in the financial markets include investors, financial institutions (intermediary) and other parties that are brought together by formal trading rules and communication networks for business different financial instruments (assets and credits)(Brigham&Ehrhardt2010). Difference types of financial markets Financial market are classified depending on the types of securities that is traded, time to maturity, types of participants and types of transaction(Besley 2011, p.83). Different types of financial markets are as follows: Capital markets This market deals with medium and long- term funds. This is made up by all the long-term borrowings from banks and financial institutions, borrowings from foreign markets and rising of capital through capital market, through issuance of securities. This market is classified into two; primary market and secondary markets. Primary market comprises of obligations that comprises of long-term funds by companies by making issuance of sh ares and debentures for the first time. This is normally during the first stage when the companies are rolling into business for the first time. A secondary market is also referred to a stock exchange. It represent the day today dealing in the stock exchange. It is a channel where long –term funds are mobilized through organized markets where shares and debentures are traded on daily basis through openness and secure platform (Module 4 Business finance n.d.) Money markets The market deals with short-term funds, which include financial instruments that have a shorter maturity of up to one year. This financial credit instrument includes bills of exchange, promissory notes, commercial papers, treasury bills. These instruments help governments and other companies to meet with short-term financial obligations through borrowing of funds. Commodity markets This is a market that deals with commodities like minerals, grains, oil and gases. Traders engaged in future contract for their supply and these insulate them from price fluctuations and guarantee them the continuity of operation without much think on the supply of these items(Alexander 2007,p.2) Derivatives markets In this market large financial instruments are traded which include options, and futures. Derivatives agreements are assets that take upon themselves the right or responsibilities as the case may be(Parameswaran2006, p.1).This trade is not on any organized conversations; these include forwards contracts, foreign-exchange swaps, forwards rate agreements and barrier options(Levinson 2010) Futures markets This market allows traders to agree with a financial institution to lock in a conversation rate at certain future dates by procuring or selling a future agreement. For example if a company is expecting to receive a certain payment in the future and are not sure of the exchange rate they can come to an agreement with a financial institution by buying a future contract .this guarantees them to receiv e their cash at agreed conversation rates(Levinson 2010). Foreign exchange markets This market enables exchange of currencies between two different traders in to different geographical locations or boundaries. The trader is largely over- the- counter market, which means that there is no particular market place (Bradstreet& Dan 2007, p.2). This market exists both as retail market (small dealers like tourist or

Construction Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Construction Law - Assignment Example The feedback from the client is also on the negative side as projects are unpredictable regarding delivery time, budgets always exceeding the initial estimated and quality of work failing to meet industry standards. (Department of Trade and industry, 1998)A lot of time is also lost in trials and litigations thereafter. Another problem is that the industry is highly fragmented with a lot of players thus leading to loss of continuity in working and delay in assessing ones exact scope of work. It is with respect to these ambiguities that a proper study of the English Contract Law needs to be done prior to entering into an agreement. A contract is a set of promises made by one party to another party, the breach of which could enter both the parties into a dispute. The clauses in the contract would then act as a sort of remedy of the performance to be undertaken. Some of the terms relevant to the English Contract Law are (i) The Proof of the Promise: This is achieved by the idea of objective intention. This would in effect be the intentions of the concerned parties that an external observer like a court would decide when this matter is referred to it. A case which illustrates this idea is that of the ‘Smith v. Hughes (1871). This involved the claimant making a sale of oats to the defendant who bought these to feed his horses. Horses require old oats since newly harvested oats can cause digestion problem for the horses. However it later came to light that the oats were not old enough to feed the horses. The defendant subsequently refused to pay any money to the claimant. The critical point in this judgement is for the judge to decide whether the sale of oats by the claimant unreasonable when he was offering to sell old oats and how could one possibly decide whether the oats were old enough to feed horses. (Tilbury Nadine, 2006) (ii) The Form of

Answer the Questions 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Answer the Questions 2 - Essay Example For instance, a structure also helps in creating internal divisions and functions, in formalisation, in departmenalisation, for team-building, in clarifying authority and position power. It is worthwhile to mention that an organisation’s managerial structure is visually represented by organisation chart that identifies all aforementioned characteristics. A Vertical Functional structure is one in which information flows from top-to-bottom and bottom-to- top and where all decision making powers are enjoyed by a firm’s Owner, President or CEO. The organisational chart portrays total number of departments and their directors, divisional heads and managers that work under top management and that are handed over key responsibilities for conducting business operations. The Divisional structure is also known as Product or Program structure because here the departments are grouped on basis of organisational output that could either be a good or service. Indeed, in such type of structure, each product division has all necessary, though small, departments such as Marketing, Production, Finance, IT etc. The matrix structure is actually a combination of various aspects of vertical and divisional chain of command simultaneously in a business organisation. In fact, this type of structure is quite helpful because it facilitates interaction and internal communication among employed personnel in corporate setting. In addition, the structure has dual chain of authority. The next structure is known as Team Approach where managers group employees into teams to ensure greater employee participation in business affairs, organisational flexibility, delegation and authority of tasks to lower managerial levels and greater coordination. In other words, this team structure promotes mutual accountability and responsibility about company goals and objects, which

Family Price Fears as Petrol Predicted to Climb to $2 a Litre Article - 4

Family Price Fears as Petrol Predicted to Climb to $2 a Litre - Article Example Oil is a subject which has always been the centre of attention in economics. There are a plethora of theories and concepts which apply to this case study, but for brevity’s sake, we will limit ourselves to just a few. These include the following: The use of relevant diagrams will be made so as to establish the key facts unequivocally. Although there can be more concepts, the discussion will just be limited to inflation and its reasons, and the counteraction of the deteriorating price levels due to exchange rate differentials. We have already witnessed an oil crisis in the not so distant past when the prices went up to $147 per barrel in 2008. Back then, the prices were elevated primarily due to speculative positions are taken by investors and speculators. Today’s situation, however, it differs from the previous one due to the fact that this is an issue driven purely due to economics. The Middle East region accounts for a majority of the world’s oil-producing coun tries. Since this region has come under a lot of turmoil, the supply of oil has been witnessing bottlenecking and this has caused mass panic in the developed and developing economies the world over, to the point where alarmingly high buying is taking place. This aggressive buying by various nations  Ã‚  is driving the prices of crude oil higher and higher.   When we break it down on the most primitive levels, we see two things happening simultaneously. The first is that there is a very apparent shortage of oil as millions of barrels per days are not being produced. Secondly, these supply shocks are triggering investors, companies and even governments to buy large reserves of oil to ensure that they have adequate supply in the coming months.  

Social Problems Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Social Problems - Coursework Example Hence, it is critically significant to minimize or eradicate the seeming inevitable social problems in order to have healthy societies. Alcoholism is a social problem that has deleterious effects on the abuser, the close family, and the wider community (Zimberg, 2013). It is thus important to manage alcohol abuse at local levels in order to avoid undesirable ramifications. Creating awareness about the dangers of alcoholism at the societal level is a significant step towards eradicating the social problem. Typically, educational campaigns and seminars can equip the society with skills to prevent or moderate their drinking behavior. Abstinence from alcohol can be a challenging endeavor, but it does not involve any risks (Lessa & Gilbert, 2009). Thus, educating the community on the significance of avoiding alcohol can save the society from the social problem. It is crucial for the alcohol drinkers to set realistic targets for alcohol use and keep an honest record of their drinking habits. Similarly, collaborating with the policymakers and local government to establish rehabilitation centers can yield good results towar ds instilling behavioral changes on the alcohol abusers. Additionally, controlled drinking support groups can assist the drinkers to moderate their drinking habits and regain

Principles and Articles of the United States Essay

Principles and Articles of the United States - Essay Example The principle of checks and balances monitors all the branches of the government to ensure that each of the branches balances the government so that no one is powerful and supreme than the other. For instance, the judiciary interprets the policy or law, the executive implements the law and the legislature formulates the law. The U.S constitution was drafted in a unique manner of checks and balances to protect people’s liberty and rights against combination of government authority. It made legislature, judiciary and executive completely separate and autonomous as to work but coordinated for proper function with security to block usurpation of authority or power. When people talk about checks and balances in government, it is significant to understand the composition of the three branches of government that can act or amend another branch of the government to prevent it from possessing too much authority over the other branches (Hollitz, 2010). This system has proved to be effective in the U.S. For a long time, the U.S constitution has been analyzed, interpreted, and amended to conform and adapt to transforming circumstances, and the authority exercised by the federal or central government have transformed with it. For example, since the Federal or Central government can affect the States, it has t he right to hold back federal money from the States that do not desire to conform to the plans of the federal government. The constitution grants these powers to the federal government, which it has to exercise in moderation and not excessively (Hollitz, 2010). The system of checks and balances have functioned very well for a long time in America despite the fact that some clashes have occurred, when vetoes of certain branches of government have been overtaken or appointees declined, these cases are rare. The system has managed to keep the judiciary, executive and the legislature in balance, which has seen these branches attain a

European balance Essay Example for Free

European balance Essay Analyze attitudes toward and evaluate the motivations behind the European acquisition of African colonies in the period 1880 to 1914. During the late 1800’s, Europe had a steady decline rate of available work, so Europe, as a whole, was looking for a way to improve overall. Many European countries look towards Africa to create new colonies for Europeans to better their own country. European’s attitudes towards Africa was Europeans were a superior race in comparison to Africans. Motivation was acquired from the help of strong nationalism to then acquire new land to build upon their country to improve its economy and create new available work. European nations all had different reasons to control parts of Africa. Chancellor Otto von Bismark said to his Countryman exploring in africa, â€Å"Your map of Africa is very nice, but my map of Africa is in Europe. Here is Russia and here is France, and we are in the middle. That is my map of Africa. † (Doc 3). He argues that he is focusing on Europe and he is only willing to establish colonies because France and Russia are doing it as well. Eugene-Melchior de Vogue, French diplomat, describes how the European balance of power is now becoming a world balance of power (Doc 10) in the book, The Master of the Sea. Nations would have to develope more colonies in Africa in order to stay visible to other bigger and powerful nations. Another way to show awareness and capability was to colonize Africa, Archibald Philip Primrose stated. (Doc 8). This statement makes it clear that Primrose was pro imperialism due to the political pluses that it provides. The belief of European nations have the right and is automatically entitled to go to Africa and occupy their land was stated by Martial Henri Merlin. (Doc 11). He believed that imperialism is the correct and the most important thing to participate in. This point of view is justifiable through the fact that is is indeed the Governor of Africa. Europe was always competitive especially when it came to the output of resources. A French diplomat who goes by the name Eugene Melchoir said that in order to stay competitive, you must go to far lengths. The colonization of Africa is changing europe from a balance of power to a world balance of power. Joseph Chamberlain a British industrialist, says directly in one of his speeches that economic improvement of countries is available through the process of colonization. If nations were to engage in colonization, there would be less unemployment, more trade, and an overall better economic environment. In conclusion, the motivations have a wide range and all correlate to one another. To maintain power, change and fix social and political issues, and stay competative were all prominent motivations.

Joint Criminal Liability for Murder | Case Study

Joint Criminal Liability for Murder | Case Study Introduction: This assignment will attempt to analyse lesser criminal liabilities leading up to stronger criminal liabilities for all parties involved in a possible conviction of murder by focussing on the major themes of contending and procuring, aiding and abetting, accessory liability, unlawful killing, grievous bodily harm (death resulting) and causation. Joint Criminal Liability between Andy, Matthew Jimmy Are both Andy and Matthew equally principal offenders for the purpose of distinguishing criminal liability? Criminal liability A person who commits the acts which form whole or part of the actus reus of the crime is known as a ‘principal in the first degree†: Osland v R (1998) [1] It can be derived from the facts that both Andy and Matthew were present at the scene to carry out a joint criminal enterprise: Tangye (1997) [2] as there was an express agreement: Tangye (1997) [3]made between the two to seize the managers of large supermarkets in their homes and force them to return to their supermarkets and open the safes. On the facts it cannot be established that derivative liability exists between the two or any failure to agree to such actions is present: Osland v R (1998) [4]rather an â€Å"acting in concert† which may create the effect of equally placing responsibility on each individual for the acts of the other: R v Lowery and King (No.2) (1972) [5] Both Andy and Matthew may be charged with Conspiracy under S.321 to commit and offence does this extend to Jimmy? Conspiracy Andy puts his plans to Mathew who agrees to take part in the robberies, for a percentage of the proceeds under S.321 of the crimes Act 1958 this agreement made between Andy and Matthew resulted in the involvement and commission of the offence hence may lead to a finding of guilt in conspiracy to commit that offence. Does this apply to Jimmys level of involvement? Actus Reus Conspiracy has been defined as an agreement to do an unlawful act or a lawful act by unlawful means†:R V Jones (1832) [6] there is clearly no question of dispute that both Andy and Mathew decided that the best way of making quick money was to execute the agreed criminal act. To establish contravention of s.321 it may be inferred that Jimmys conduct of providing a â€Å"safe house intentionally perverted the course of Justice or intended to pervert the administration of public justice: James v. Robinson (1963) [7] hence making Jimi a complicit in the commission of a crime. Mens Rea The establishment of both Andy and Matthewss intentional agreement to contravene s.321 is apparent on the facts posing the question whether a conspiracy charge is as effective as heavier weighed substantive charges available: Hoar v R (1981) [8] Jimmy may be found guilty under the equally applicable test if it is proved that the provision of the ‘safe house was a furtherance to the common purpose: R. v. Tripodi (1955) [9] in effect being liable for accessorial liability due to the counselling and procuring involved with Andy and Matthews main offences. Defences The scope of mens rea clearly applied to Jimmy is debatable â€Å"a conspiracy is proved by evidence of the actual terms of the agreement made or accepted or by evidence from which an agreement to effect common objects or purpose is inferred.†: Gerakiteys v R (1984) [10]. No evidence of actual terms of the agreement provides a clear entry point before the act or common object to the commission of the offence by Jimmy: R v Theophanous (2003) [11]The mere providing of a â€Å"safe house provides only an inference for a jury to draw upon after the fact of Jimis level of participation. In this light the evidence may fall short of establishing a clear level of involvement: R V Darby (1982)[12]. Due to the possible grey area in establishing Jimmys intention to pervert the course of justice the possibility of an acquittal under s.321 may result, if the inference of the overt act in itself is not proved beyond reasonable doubt aligning common purpose against other substantive criminal acts: R V Darby (1982) [13]. Both Andy and Matthew may be charged with Burglary does this extend to Aggravated Burglary? Burglary Andy and Matthew may be guilty of burglary for breaking into Joes home as trespassers with an intention to assault both Joe and Betty. Actus Reus As we can see from the facts the actions of both Andy and Matthew in breaking into Joes home may substitute the trespassing and home for the purpose of a building. Case? Mens Rea On the facts this was actioned knowingly without permission with a firm intent to commit an assault: R v Collins (1972) [14] Aggravated Burglary If burglary can be established between Andy and Matthew they may be also be found guilty of aggravated burglary due to the carrying of a firearm at the time and knowingly entering with intent to do so. Actus Reus Both Matthew and Andy entered intending to assault Joe carrying loaded pistols at the time of their entry. With no apparent reason on the facts to dispute that Joe was not present in his house, hence an inference may be drawn by the jury not suggesting otherwise: R v Verde (2009) [15] Mens Rea: Both Andy and Matthew on the facts intended to threaten to cause injury to a person inside the house if he they were disturbed during the burglary: R v Verde [2009] [16]. They also had the weapon for a purpose connected with the burglary as discussed about albeit for armed robbery: R v Kolb Adams (2007) [17]. Matthew may also be charged of extortion with threat to kill Extortion with threat to kill Furthermore on the above aggravated burglary charge this may be coupled with Matthews threat to kill Betty which may contravene S.27A B regarding extortion with a threat to kill. Actus Reus Matthew clearly made a demand of Betty to lie down on the floor and remain silent or he will kill her. Leaving Joe fearing for his life and that of his wife if they did not submit: R v Lawrence (1980) [18] Mens Rea: On the facts Matthewss intention to threaten to kill was an attempt to create fear of the infliction of harm: Ryan v Cuhl (1979) [19]. Is Andy liable for the common law crime of false imprisonment against Betty? False imprisonment Andy may be liable for the Criminal offence of false imprisonment due to unlawful restraint and threats to both Joe and Betty. Actus Reus As we can see from the facts Andy drags Betty into another room tying her hands and feet with rope and taping her mouth in order for her not to scream. Clearly unlawfully restraining Betty from her liberty to freedom of movement, furthermore confining her into the custody of one room: Ruddock v Taylor (2005) [20] Mens Rea: Andy held a clear intention to unlawfully restrain Betty against her will as a consequence of his threats to kill her and Joe if they did not comply: R v Garrett (1988) [21] Defences There is little to no likelihood that Andy may raise a defence of lawful justification for his actions upon the facts: Blackstone [22] Andys Liability Is Andy liable for contravening S.22 23 of the Crimes Act 1958 regarding Bettys unborn child. Conduct endangering life/Reckless conduct endangering serious injury Andy may be charged as a result of engaging voluntarily in the conduct of restraining Betty without lawful excuse that may have placed her unborn child in danger of death. S.22 23 Actus Reus It can be clearly established that Betty whimpered that she was 7 months pregnant, however Andy voluntarily and recklessly continued without lawful excuse to assault and restrain causing possible serious injury by way of miscarriage on Bettys unborn child: R v Crabbe (1985)[23] Mens Rea Applying the test in: Ryan v Walker (1966) [24] to the possible death by way of miscarriage to Bettys unborn child. The Jury may infer that this possibility was contemplated by Andy as a result of his continued restraint and threat to kill. Furthermore evidence of Andy contacting authorities alluded to his realisation and contemplation of danger or serious injury. Defences: There may be a minimal defence to debate the intent on Andys behalf to place Bettys unborn in danger by the subsequent contacting of authorities furthermore death did not result, hence the actus reus of the consequence failed to occur: R v NuriI (1990) [25] however a finding on the continuation of Bettys restraint at the time of the offence may weigh more heavily against Andys contemplation: R v Crabbe (1985).[26]. It must also be noted that in R v Hutty (1953) [27]a person is not a being until he or she if fully born in a living state however R v West (1848) [28] negates this and still establishes homicide if a child is born and subsequently dies. Does Andys use of stolen licence plates constitute theft for the purposes of s.72 (1) s.73 (5) s.73 (12) Theft Andy may be charged with theft by the action of stealing or dishonestly appropriating another persons licence plates with the intention of permanently depriving them from the owner. Actus Reus Clearly Andy was unauthorised to appropriate or physical take and carry away: The king v James Lapier (1784)[29]. Another persons tangible property: Oxford v Moss (1979) [30]in this case being licence plates for the commission of the offence. Mens Rea It may be inferred that Andy had specific intent to dishonestly deprive s.73(12) the owner of rightful possession of the licence plates for his own right to use: Stein v Henshall (1976)[31] furthermore this can be strengthen by the lack of consent: R v Senese (2004) [32] Are both Andy and Matthew liable for kidnapping Joe under S.63a Kidnapping Andy and Matthew may be liable for demanding Joe to drive to the supermarket to intentionally open the safe for their advantage in return for his release. Actus Reus On the facts we can clearly see that Joes personal liberty or freedom of choice was removed primarily by way of a threat to kill unless he complies: Wellard v R(1978) [33]. Secondly this was performed by Joe being carried away in the form of a car by Andy and Matthew. Thirdly this was achieved by force without consent. This may be inferred by a Jury as his wife Betty was clearly in an injured state. Fourthly at no point was there any justified lawful excuse: R v D (1984) [34]. Mens Rea Andy and Matthew both shared intent in agreeing to perform the kidnapping in order to fulfil their common purpose of performing the robbery. Case Did the actions of Joe opening the safe constitute a criminal offence under s.9AG. Duress Joe may not be found guilty of a criminal offence pertaining to the opening of the safe under duress due to a threat to kill Betty. Actus Reus: On the facts a threat of immediate death was made towards Betty unless both remained compliant. Joe being clearly overborne by this indirect threat subsequently led his will to be placed under duress, furthermore serious personal violence overbearing his ability to become resistant or no opportunity to restrain lead may lead to a strong justification for his actions of opening the safe: Attorney-General v Whelan (1934) [35] Mens Rea Clearly Joe had no intent to perform this criminal offence if he was not under duress, his will was overborne with fear for his life and that of his wife. Defences Joe has a strong case in establishing duress: R v Brown (1986). [36] Furthermore a jury may infer that carrying out the conduct was the only reasonable way that the threatened harm could have been avoided. s.9AG. (b) Are both Andy Matthew guilty of committing Robbery/Armed Robbery contravening s.75 s.75A? Robbery/Armed robbery Both Andy Matthew as an accessory may be equally guilty of robbery for stealing the contents of a safe by force through Joe by means of fear with the use of firearms. Actus Reus Joe was aware of the theft and subsequently was compelled by force or fear to submit to Andys demands to open the supermarket and safe, this prevention by violence or threat establishes robbery under s.75 the use of firearm establishes armed robbery for the purpose of s.75 a (1) enabling the two to have the safe opened and its contents permanently deprived of the owner. It is clear that Joe being the supermarket manager satisfying s.75 a (1) as the applicable person or custodian of the property in this instance: Smith v Desmond (1965)[37] Mens Rea It is clear that Andy and Matthew intended to place Joe under duress by the use of a deadly weapon to intimidate Joe to fear for his life and that of his wife. case Defences Regardless if Andy believed he had an honest entitlement by way of his intentions of support for the Karen tribe as a claim for defence, it is unnecessary to prove this: R v Langham. (1984) [38] furthermore would not constitute lawful excuse at any rate under the Firearms Act (1996) s.132 (2). Thirdly a claim for military necessity would not apply due to his departure from the SAS and proportionality arguments contravening multiple international humanitarian law conventions regarding legal use of force.[39] Andys Liability over Joes serious injuries sustained. Causing serious injury intentionally Andy may be charged under s.16 17 s.22 for pistol whipping Joe until he became unconscious. Actus Reus It may be established on the facts that Joe clearly suffered no less than serious grievous bodily harm by Andys act of pistol whipping to the point of unconsciousness DPP v Smith (1961)[40]. Due to this act being in furtherance of a crime it would constitute without lawful excuse for the purposes of s.16 of the crimes act 1958. Mens rea Andys intent may be established sufficiently in causing intentionally serious injury through the furtherance of a crime or alternatively through recklessness. Meyers v R (1997) [41] It is possible that recklessness may also be established given the nature of Andys training received through the SAS in the continued use of such force being reasonable foreseeable that such a consequence may arise R v Coleman (1990) [42]. Andy may also be liable under s.22 for recklessly engaging in conduct that renders Joe in danger of death with the carrying of a firearm it also may be sufficient to be deemed guilty for grievous bodily harm and breech of s.31a R v Faure (1999)[43]. as a probable consequence he may be deemed just as blameworthy as the conduct of one who does an act intended to kill or to do grievous bodily harm. R v Crabbe (1985) [44] Is Matthew triable as a principal offender as an abettor for his involvement in the commission of a crime under S.323? Abettors in indictable offences are triable as principal offenders Matthew may be charged for assisting Andy at the scenes of the crime furthermore encouraging and procuring by taking appropriate steps towards the commission of the offence under S.323 Crimes act 1958. Actus Reus Matthew agreeing to take part in the robberies hence satisfies the preparation arm or to â€Å"abet† in agreeing to the commission of the offences Thambiah v R (1966)[45], Secondly clearly he â€Å"aided† when he broke into the home acting in concert, hence not derivative to the principal offence also by carrying loaded pistols and when he threatened Betty and Joe performing the subsequent false imprisonment Osland v R (1998) [46] Thirdly Matthew â€Å"counselled† by â€Å"keeping nit† and not changing the course of action R V Whitefield (1983) [47] whilst the robbery took place. These actions show the series of steps undertaken in the commission of the offences constituting a breach of s.323. Mens Rea Matthew may be found guilty due to the fact that at no time Matthews intention knowingly or wilfully changed to the knowledge and acceptance of the pre formed sequence of events R v Bainbridge (1959)[48]. [1] Osland v R (1998) 159 ALR 170 [2] Tangye (1997) 92 a Crim R 545 [3] ibid at 545 [4] Osland v R (1998) 159 ALR 170 [5] R v Lowery and King [No.2] (1972) VR 560 [6] R V Jones (1832) 4 b Ad 345 at 349 [7] James v. Robinson (1963) 1 CLR 593 at p 618 [8] Hoar v R (1981) 148 CLR 32 [9] R. v. Tripodi (1955) SCR 438 [10] Gerakiteys v R (1984) 153 CLR 317 at 7 [11] R v Theophanous (2003) 141 A Crim R 216. [12] R V Darby (1982) 40 ALR [13] R V Darby (1982) 40 ALR 601 [14] R v Collins (1972) 2 All ER [15] R v Verde (2009) VSCA 16 [16] R v Verde [2009] VSCA 16 [17] R v Kolb (2007) QCA 180 [18] R v Lawrence (1980) 32 ALR 72 [19] Ryan v Cuhl (1979) VR 315 [20] Ruddock v Taylor (2005) 222 CLR 612 [21] R v Garrett (1988) 30 SASR 392. [22] Blackstone, Book 4, Chapter 14 [23] R v Crabbe [1985] 156 CLR 464 469 [24] Ryan v Walker (1966) VR 553 [25] R v NURI (1990) VSCA 7 [26] R v Crabbe [1985] 156 CLR 464 469 [27] R v Hutty (1953) VLR 338 at 339 [28] R v West (1848) 2 Cox cc 500 [29] The king v James Lapier (1784) 168 ER 263 and Wallis v Lane [1964] VR 293 [30] Oxford v Moss (1979) 68 Cr App Rep 183 [31] Stein v. Henshall (976)V.R. 612 [32] R v Senese (2004) VSCA 136SDSD [33] Wellard v R(1978) 67 Cr App R 364 [34] R v D (1984) 2 all er 449 [35] Attorney-General v Whelan (1934) IR 518 at 526 [36] R v Brown (1986) 43 SASR 33 at 37. [37] Smith v Desmond (1965) AC 960. [38] R v Langham. (1984) 36 SASR 48 [39] Article 52 of Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions [40] DPP v Smith 1961 AC 290 [41] Meyers v R [1997] HCA 43; (1997) 147 ALR 440; (1997) [42] R v Coleman (1990) 19 NSW 467 [43] R v Faure (1999) 2 VR 537 [44] R v Crabbe [1985] HCA 22; (1985) 156 CLR 464 (26 March 1985) [45] Thambiah v R (1966) AC 37 [46] Osland v R (1998) 197 CLR 316 [47] R V Whitefield (1983) 79 Cr App R 36 [48] R v Bainbridge (1959) 3 ALL ER 200

Strengths weaknesses and the strategy of IKEA

Strengths weaknesses and the strategy of IKEA IKEA is the worlds largest home-furnishing retailer. It was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden. In terms of scope, IKEA is designed for the total home environment, in order to offer furnishings and fittings for every part of the home, both in- and out of doors. With the vision: To create a better everyday life for the many people, it offers a wide range of well designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. (IKEA.com). From it first store in Sweden, today, there are over 300 IKEA stores in 39 countries, with turnover in 2009 of more than à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬22.7 billion. According to Forbes Magazine, Ingvar Kamprad, now in his eighties, is the 11th-wealthiest person in the world, with a fortune estimated at U.S. $23 billion in 2010. (Mary Albon, The Sun Never Sets on IKEA, 2010). I would like to address some issues to understand more about IKEA success as follows: Since its establishment, IKEA has always taken care of people and the environment as it stated on its vision. That is the reason why in manufacturing process, IKEA tries its best to have a better use of both raw materials and energy. They even have a brochure presenting a brief overview of how the IKEA groups work to in a high sense of responsibility to people and environment. We also can easily see how much they concern people and the environment by knowing IKEA stakeholders. Like other business organisations, the stakeholders who have high power and high interest are Inter IKEA system BV, investors and customers. However to me the most impressive and important stakeholders of IKEA are environmental organisations of which IKEA Group also is a member such as: BCI, Better Cotton Initiative, aims to promote measurable improvements in the key environmental and social impacts of cotton cultivation worldwide. (IKEA.com) Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) is the Global Union Federation of democratic and free trade unions, protecting more than 12 million members in 350 trade unions around the world in the building, building materials, wood, forestry and allied industries. IKEA and BWI meet frequently to exchange experience and discuss working conditions and social responsibility. (IKEA.com) The IKEA Group is member of BSR and has an representative on the board is a global, non-profit organization that helps member companies achieve business success while respecting ethical values, people, communities and the environment. BSR provides information, tools, training and advisory services to make corporate social responsibility an integral part of business operations and strategies. (IKEA.com) Clean Cargo Working Group (CCWG) which is working to promote sustainable product transportation. (IKEA.com) European Retailers Round Table (ERRT) which is Focus for activities include consumer protection, food safety, environmental issues, corporate social responsibility and trade issues Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (IKEA.com) Refrigerants Naturally is a United Nations initiative acting as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise and sustainable development of the global environment. (IKEA.com) The Network for Transport and Environment (NTM), aiming to establish a common base of values on how to calculate the environmental performance of various modes of transport (IKEA.com) And IKEA also is the partner of: IKEA Foundation and UNICEF are long term partners working together on both a global and local level (IKEA.com) WWF and IKEA co-operate on projects which focus on sustainable forestry, sustainable cotton production and climate change (IKEA.com) During working and sharing experience with these organizations, IKEA not only has better knowledge about social responsibilities but also has built its reputation of being green. In 2010 and beyond, the world economy would be a key issue to impact Ikeas business. IKEA and other companies in the world had to face the worse economic situation since many decades as its financial sector was deeply in crisis and then the global economy was felt into the depth of recession. The world economic growth reached only 1.1 % if compared to about 5% in previous years (VietnamPlus and World Economy, n.d). However, the world economy improved in 2010 with the economic growth increased to 4.2% as the economy of the United States of America is expected to grow by 2.1 per cent in 2010, following an estimated downturn of 2.5 per cent in 2009. Recovery in both the European Union (EU) and Japan is projected to be much weaker, reaching GDP growth of no more than 0.5 and 0.9 per cent, respectively, in 2010. At this pace of recovery, the major developed economies are not expected to provide a strong impetus to global growth in the near term (World Economic Situation and Prospects 2010 Global outlook, p.2). Nevertheless, the UN stresses that the recovery is uneven and conditions for sustained growth remain Fragile. In 2010, global growth will remain below potential and unemployment will stay high ( p.1 ). Though the situation was still difficult because fewer people have moved home but the company sales increased 7.7% in 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009 is surprised outcome. The company also faces increased competition of other competitors all over the world. For example, it is ddifficult to sustain good design quality products at low cost when the number of competitors keep increasing e.g. In the US, Kmart, Target Corp, Fly in France and Japan Nitori Co in Japan (Ikea case study). In particular sales case, competition cut Ikea sales in UK as profits dropped to  £17 million to August 2009, according to documents filed at Companies House last week. Sales fell 1.4 per cent to  £1.23 billion. The company has reported falling profits for five years and falling sales for three years in Britain. Ikea has come under increasing pressure from DIY retailers that are selling more home furnishings, as well as growing competition from supermarkets (Neil Craven, daily mail, n.d) IKEA is positioning as a cost leader of home furnishing retailers. Ikea states firmly its market position by a statement that Your partner in better living. We do our part, you do yours. Together we save money (Ikea Portal, Student Info, n.d). It is clear to see that IKEA is regarded as low price products with high quality by using inexpensive materials in a novel way and minimizing production, distribution and retail costs, customers benefit from low prices. This cost leadership has been making IKEA differently from other competitors. Due to high inflation increasing every year, it is hard to find any other companies who can announce that last year our price is 8.99 euros, this year 4.90 euros or 10 year ago 260 euros, today 169 euros (Ikea Welcome inside 2010, p.20). Ikea has been making it for many decades. Low prices are one of the cornerstones of the IKEA concept and help to make customers want to buy from IKEA. This low price strategy is coupled with a wide range of well designed, functional products. IKEAs products cater for every lifestyle and life stage of its customers, who come from all age groups and types of households. This is vital in times when the retail sector is depressed, as it increases IKEAs potential market. While the price of other companies products tends to rise over time, Ikea says it has reduced its retail prices by a total of about 20 percent during the past four years. Ikeas corporate mantra is Low price with meaning. The goal is to make things less expensive without ever making customers feel cheap. Striking that balance demands a special kind of design, manufacturing, and distribution expertise. But IKEA pulls it off in its own distinctive way: tastefully, methodically, even cheerfully, and yet somehow differently than any other company anywhere. Lisa Magonelly therefore presents guide to how IKEA designs, builds, and distributes the furniture that the entire world wants to buy. Based on low prices strategy, IKEAs segmentation is targeting to young low and middle-income family who are willing to do a little bit of work serving themselves, transporting the items home and assembling the furniture for a better price. IKEA offers customer experiencing in actively involve in shopping at its stores. Definitely, customers involvement contributes to IKEA low prices. To explore the successful of the IKEA, analyzing its opportunities and threats is an essential. Before looking at the opportunities of IKEA, we can come over its strengths. First of all, Brand is one of the most important that IKEA has. It is already a global brand therefore it will be a very attracted factor to customers because it like a promise to customers that where ever they are, they will be provided the same quality. Second strength is its vision to create a better everyday life for many people. The concept that offers a wide rage of well designed and functional home furnishing products at the inexpensive prices is the third strength. Fourth is the sustainability is fully-integrated into all business strategies.   The IKEAs strengths bring its opportunities, especially in this dedicate, people more and more care a bout a sustainable environment. By caring about environment, people will care about Green products and IKEA has reputation of being green so that its products will be their choices. IKEA shows their care about environment clearly on its statement: Each and every one of our business strategies whether local, national or global must now clearly and systematically integrate sustainability as a part of everyday operations.   I see this as a milestone. It will help us move forward in our relentless work with the many challenges we have to solve on our route to becoming a sustainable company. (Greeneconomics.com) As a member of number of environmental organizations enables IKEA to work with sustainability in different ways: IKEA reduced overall CO2 emissions by 5% in FY 2009.   The company plans on participating in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol in 2010. (Greeneconomics.com) The company has a pilot program with select suppliers to reduce energy consumption by 30% or more by 2011. (Greeneconomics.com) IKEA has also started four new climate change projects with the WWF, which will focus on measuring supply chain emissions, helping our customers tackle climate change through transport initiatives, reducing emissions from IKEA food product transport, and improving the reuse and recycling of used products. (Greeneconomics.com) One climate change project is to install solar panels in 150 of its stores, with the long-term goal of supplying all buildings with 100% renewable energy. (Greeneconomics.com) Because of the economic downturn, customers tend to be looking for products with low prices than expensive one. The excellent thing to be come IKEA customer is you can buy good things with well designed and good quality but inexpensive prices. It means that, even the economic crisis, the demands for IKEA products still raising and the turnover also high more than à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬22.7 billion in 2009 (Mary Albon, The Sun Never Sets on IKEA, 2010). However the strengths and opportunities of IKEA can also drive the organisation to its weaknesses. IKEA with hundreds stores in different countries is really hard to control the quality as well as the standard of the products and services. The low cost is a strength however in the management aspects it is not easy to control the low cost but keep the standard of quality in the same time. The threats that IKEA is facing are: The competition in the retails market: there are more and more organsations have strategy of producing products with high quality with reasonable prices. They will become competitors of IKEA so this will be one of the main factors can impact to IKEA. The economics down turn in 2010 and will continues in 2011 makes the disposable income decrease but the living expense is rising. This will definitely affect the business operation of IKEA. By analyzing these factors IKEA can have plan to reduce the threats and take advantage of the opportunities.

Migration Similarities of Island People Essay -- Immigration Immigrant

Migration Similarities of Island People Works Cited Not Included I will compare the migration experiences of the Tongan island people as illustrated in Voyages: From Tongan Villages to American Suburbs with the migrants of the Dominican Republic that Peggy Levitt discussed in The Transnational Villagers. I will further describe how many of their encounters mirrored the life of "Dan," an island native that shared his transnational knowledge by describing the social remittances, international connections and migration he experienced. Dan is a native of Ireland. He is a legal alien living in Arizona. He grew up surrounded by the influences of a transnational family. Migration was viewed as an acceptable and natural step in a motivated Irish person’s rite of passage. This is also the clear message of Small (1997), she noted that migration became an essential part of what it meant to be Tongan and the excitement of living overseas might be the best way to fulfill a Tongan life. (p. 43) Dan's migration influence seemed to stem from his grandfather, who worked in a post-office when letter writing was the major form of communication. He would narrate and respond to letters from overseas, as requested by his neighbors. Many of these letters were from the Irish-Americans that had emigrated in large numbers to the United States over the decades. In 1911 for instance, the number of Irish-born persons living abroad was equivalent to 50% of the population that lived in Ireland at the time (Courtney, 2000). The international correspondence Dan’s grandfather processed, he often shared with his family. This may have sparked the desire in his daughters, one of which was Dan's mother to travel to the United States many years later. ... ...ain, Canada, Australia and the United States, during this time the population in the Republic of Ireland was only 3.53 million (Courtney, 2000). In1995, more than one-quarter of the entire population of Tonga, both Tongan born and American born were living in the U.S. (Small, 1997). Levitt (2001) pointed out that eight and a half percent of the Dominican Republic’s population lived in the United States, but they do not necessarily intend to stay in the U.S. (p. 22) Americans tend to have a belief that their country is superior, consequently we believe that everyone, if they could, would be a U.S. citizen (Small, 1997). As Dan proved, this is not the case, although he felt that it was his destiny to come to the United States, after 13 years of residing in America, he has no doubt that his identity remains that of an Irish man in America and not an Irish-American.

Ice Cube :: essays research papers fc

O’Shea Jackson, also know as Ice Cube was born in 1969. He was growing up in South Central Los Angeles. Ice Cube’s interest for Rap started showing in high school. Ice Cube went away to Phoenix Arizona to study architecture. When He returned he began his raping career. In return to Los Angeles in 1987 He released a few 12 inches with â€Å"My Posse†. He worked with his crew C.I.A , World Class Wrecking Crew and then the contentious N.W.A. This crew know as N.W.A was The first group to bring gangster rap to mainstream. This crew was very triumphant. This crew generated a lot of controversy by the media and their trademark aggressive, chauvinist, homophobic words. They sold millions of albums ,although it was the only album they released together. Ice cube was not happy with the group’s management. As a result he quit the N.W.A. In 1989 he moved to New York, there he joined Da Lench Mob. After that recorded his solo album 1990’s â€Å"Americas Most Wanted†. Ice Cube Produced an album for rapper Yo-Yo, â€Å"Bonnie to his Clyde†. He has produced and remixed albums for other artists including K- Dee as well as Anotha Level. In addition Ice Cube appeared in the popular movie Boyz N The Hood. There are as well other not so popular movies he has appeared in such as the Glass Shield, Trespass, Higher Learning and also the unwatchable Anaconda. Ice Cube In also co-wrote and appeared in Friday. He wrote and produced The Players Club. Finally his number one Pop and R&B charts was â€Å"Today Was A Good Day†. In 1991 his number two Death certificate went platinum even though it contained an anti-Semitic rant. In 1993’s â€Å"Lethal Injection†. Then he formed a group Westside Connection. He appeared on the Lollapalooza tour.

The Setting of The Cask of Amontillado Essay -- Papers Poe Essays

The Setting of The Cask of Amontillado An important element in any story is setting. Authors use setting to convey certain feelings brought on by the character’s surroundings. It also subliminally serves to illustrate the character’s intentions. In â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† Edgar Allen Poe uses the dark, imposing setting to do just that, communicate the underlying theme of the story, being death, revenge and deception. Poe begins setting the tone of the story by describing the gloomy and threatening vaults beneath Montressor’s home. The first description of the Montressor home, as well as the reader’s first hint that something is amiss, is the description of the time off Montressor had required his employees to take. This alone lets us know that some of his intentions are less than virtuous. He describes the vaults as extensive, having many rooms, and being insufferably damp. This description of Montressor’s vaults strikes a feeling of uneasiness and fear in the reader, as well as a fear of malevolent things to come. References to the bodies laid to rest in the ca...

Factors Affecting Infant Feeding Practices of Mothers

A STUDY ON FACTORS AFFECTING INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES OF MOTHERS IN THE PHILIPPINESSantos, Samuel Edelson Pingol, Aaron Paul Villanueva, Lovely Ann Bermas, Mhelrick Andrew Brecia, Froyland Miguel Faustino, Donald Bulacan State University BSECE 2A Introduction Every day, as many as 4,000 infants and young children die worldwide because they are not breastfed. According to UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), it is because their mothers are not empowered with adequate knowledge about breastfeeding and do not receive enough motivation and support. Babies, their mothers, their families, their community, their environment, even the economy of the country in which they live, all benefit from breastfeeding. This research is generally about breastfeeding: its benefits and significance to infant nutrition and factors that makes impact on breastfeeding; the practices in the Philippines that affect breastfeeding; and analyses by organizations concerned in breastfeeding. The given timeframe for the group research is the month of July and some weeks of August. The group decided to use a topic about health and wellness since nutrition is celebrated in that month. Another reason that encouraged pursuing the topic is that the world has celebrated its 20th Annual Breastfeeding Week last August 1-7, 2012 making the research timely. Abstract The objective of conducting this study is to evaluate the breast feeding practices adopted by women in the Philippines, and to show factors affecting time of initiation of breast feeding, age of weaning, and food given to the baby other than breast milk. It aimed to describe the elements affecting breastfeeding and to find out the significant relationship between breastfeeding and health of the child. The breast feeding practices adopted in terms of duration, frequency, exclusiveness of breast feeding and weaning have great impact on complete physical, mental and psycho-social development of the child. The superiority of breast milk compared to other types of milk for the nourishment of the human infant offering better health benefits. Early childhood is characterized by rapid growth, maturation of tissues and remodeling of organs. Breastfeeding is the optimal method for feeding infants. All the nutritional needs for most of these children are provided by breast milk in the right amounts and duration. Exclusive breast feeding was practiced by 40% of the mothers for first six month of life. The data obtained were analyzed using percentiles. Although the findings indicated that 34% of the mothers practiced breastfeeding and 84% supplemented with complementary foods, only 40% practiced exclusive breastfeeding. This study emphasizes the need of breast feeding education program regarding the duration of exclusive breast feeding. In comparison between rural and urban countries, studies have found out that mothers from rural areas have higher rates of breastfeeding than urban mothers. Another concept of the study is about the factors that affect breastfeeding patterns of mothers. These are demographic, socioeconomic and health service factors. Apart from breastfeeding, the research prior discussed about the loads of benefits people can get from breastfeeding and breast milk. There are psychological, health and contraceptive benefits one could get through breastfeeding and breast milk. To all infants, specifically Filipino children, should have the best protective ways against infection and malnutrition through exclusive breastfeeding. I. Breast milk: The most suitable food for human newborn A. Benefits of Breastfeeding 1. Emotional Health 2. Protective Action 3. Anti-infective properties of breast milk 4. Psychological profit 5. Effective contraception B. Formula Feeding II. Practices in the Philippines that contribute to problem of breastfeeding A. Duration (short) of breastfeeding in the Philippines B. Deprivation of beneficial effects of colostrum due to delayed breastfeeding III. Literature Review A. Breastfeeding and Supplementary Feeding 1. Breastfeeding in rural countries . Breastfeeding in developed countries B. WHO Recommendations 1. WHO Code (Definition of Terms) 2. DOH (Philippines) C. Factors Influencing duration of breastfeeding 1. Demographic Factors a. Mother’s age b. Parity c. Subsequent pregnancy d. Birth order of child e. Sex of the child f. Residence 2. Socioeconomic Factors a. Mother’s Education b. Mother’s Occupation c. Father’s Education d. Household economic statu s 3. Health Service Factors a. Antenatal care visits b. Place of delivery and mode of delivery c. Advice from health personnel 4. Conceptual Framework IV. Personal Overview and Conclusion Breast milk: The most suitable food for human newborn. The benefits of breastfeeding There are loads of benefits we can get from the natural way of giving food to babies. It can be emotional, physical, psychological and economical. Breastfeeding contribute to emotional health. Babies and mothers who gave birth recently are quite emotional persons. Being sensitive is a natural effect that occurs after giving birth and babies are still delicate up to the time they are still crying a lot. According to Gerber [1], â€Å"from birth up to 6 months of age and beyond, breast milk is still the best milk mother’s can give to their babies. The best nutrition they can give at the same time having these advantages: Preventing allergies and infections by providing natural immunities; Speeding up the recovery of the uterus; decreasing intestinal problems for babies; and promoting psychological and emotional insurance for both moms and babies. † Breastfeeding executes protective action. Breast milk can provide protective action to infants. These are immunities and colostrums. According to Cocabo and Kin [3], ‘through antibodies found in breast milk, mothers can ensure protection from immunization. Breastfeeding naturally promotes proper nutrition for the babies. ’ â€Å"Breast milk contains infection fighting antibodies from the mother, and breastfed babies are believed to be at a reduced risk for many acute and chromatic infections early in life. The cholesterol content is also high in human milk and very low in formulas. Cholesterol promotes brain growth and provides the building blocks of hormones, vitamin D and intestinal bite† [4 p. 2]. 1] Gerber, â€Å"Some notes on breastfeeding†, Countdown: Nine Months to a Perfect Delivery, vol. 1, no. 1, 2004, pp. 31 [3] S. Cocabo and P. Kin, â€Å"Childcare: the first 3 years†, Your Health Guide: The Family Wealth, Medimarketing, Inc. , Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1994, pp. 26 [4] Medicine Net, Breastfeeding and formula feeding, Medicine Net, 1996, p. 2 [Online]. Availab le: http://www. medicinenet. com [Accessed: 18 July 2012] â€Å"Breast milk is best for your baby and the earlier he begins breastfeeding, the better. It has all the right nutrients at the right amounts. It costs nothing and helps you get back in shape. The first week after delivery, your breasts will produce colostrum – a thick, yellowish milk that is high in protein but very low in fat than actual breast milk. It also contains antibodies† [5 p. 23]. And according to Paraz [8], high-quality human capital may depend on mothers’ effort to breast feed their children. Health expenditures are lessened through breastfeeding, resulting to an organized health system. Breast milk contains anti-infective properties. Aside from immunity, breastfeeding has contents that can establish strong relationship between mother and child. Another one is that it can avoid pre- menopausal breast cancer. â€Å"If a multinational company develop a product that was a nutritionally balanced and delicious food, a wonder drug that both prevented and treated disease, cost almost nothing to produce and could be delivered in quantities controlled by the consumer’s needs, the very announcement of their find would send their shares rocketing to the top of the stock market. Women have been producing such miraculous substance, breast milk, since the beginning of human existence† [7 p. 1]. Breast milk gives psychological profit. Apart from emotions, the way mothers think, especially moms who gave birth on their first child, are vulnerable. They are experiencing adjustments on their lifestyle and even on their minds. The website Psychology today [2] says that, ‘the link between breastfeeding and anxiety decrease could serve as a source of sanity-preserver. The attention of nourishing of a child can appear remarkable in the best of situations. If a first-hand mother’s stress system where to boost in full-throttle every while the child cries or spits-up, motherhood can seem even more psychologically stimulating than it is. [2] PT Staff, â€Å"The benefits of breastfeeding†, Psychology Today, 01 January 1996 [Online]. Available: http://www. psychologytoday. com/articles/199601/the-benefits-breast-feeding [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [5] Wyeth, â€Å"Breast milk: The ideal first food†, Pampering Baby with Care: Your Baby Care Guide, Wyeth Nutrition, pp. 23, pp. 25 [7] The Quote Garden, â₠¬Å"Breastfeeding†, 1998, p. 1 [Online] Available: http://www. quotegarden. com/breastfeeding. html [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [8] Carisa Paraz, â€Å"Breastfeeding can cut infant deaths†, Medical Observer: Passing Problem, no. , August 2007, pp. 8 Breastfeeding is an effective contraceptive. Parents usually wait for a year or more before making another child. But they cannot get rid of having coital activities with one another hence, they do family planning and make use of contraceptives. One form of a natural contraceptive is breastfeeding. The simplest way of contraception is Lactational Amenorrhea Method. It doesn’t require counting or any contraceptive method. For it to be successful, Epigee [6] suggests that ‘breastfeeding should be ASAP (as soon as possible), frequent, uninterrupted and exclusive. ’ As your baby suckles, nerve impulses travel through your body and are received by your brain. This signal the production of a hormone called prolacti n, which works to inhibit both FsH (Follicle stimulating Hormone) and GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone). As a result, ovulation does not occur and menstruation stops, making it almost possible to become pregnant’ [6]. Formula feeding There are cases that mothers are advised not to breastfeed. It could be a medical or a personal reason. However, there is an option for mothers that they can use if ever breast milk is not offered. Based on Wyeth Nutrition [5 p. 5], â€Å"prepared milk products are good replacement for breast milk. A paediatrician will suggest formulas that will suit for baby. These formulas have nutrients that are also found in breast milk. Conventional types of milk products are not advisable because it may lead to indigestion. Another thing is that those products have low iron content, not good aid curing IDA, and is lacking vitamin C, D and E. † Practices in the Philippines that contribute to problem of breastfeeding. Across East Asia, mothers are turning away from breastfeeding in huge numbers, regardless of the well-attested health risks to their babies. Filipino mothers are not mentally deficient but many are quite unsuspicious consumers and susceptible to the advance and sophisticated marketing techniques deployed by the milk powder companies. â€Å"Despite of the underlying beneficial effects of breastfeeding, both incidence and duration have been varying in most developing countries of the world, not the case in the Philippines. From 14. 5 months in 1963 – 67, the average duration of breast-feeding was declining to 12. 1 months during 1978 – 82. These decreasing rates drastically affect families having low income and inadequate child nutrition† [10]. Paraz [8] said, â€Å"Non-violation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes adopted by WHO in 1981 will initiate sufficiency on breastfeeding recommendations among mothers and families. † Duration (short) of breastfeeding in the Philippines. During 1997, the Philippines demonstrated only 10 percent of infants that were never breastfed at birth. The proportion of â€Å"never breastfed infant† was comparatively higher in 1983, which has an increase of 10 percent in rural and 27 percent in urban areas. Breastfeeding discrepancies between urban and rural, marked 34 percent of never breastfed infants, were found in Manila [10]. Breastfeeding duration is short though it is widely exercised and culturally established in the Philippines. No more than 14 percent of mothers keep on breastfeeding up to 2 years. [8] Carisa Paraz, â€Å"Breastfeeding can cut infant deaths†, Medical Observer: Passing Problem, no. 7, August 2007, pp. 8 Deprivation of beneficial effects of colostrum due to delayed breastfeeding. Filipino women influenced by cultural norms and beliefs often think that colostrum is a dirty milk and should be eliminated. They delay breastfeeding several days after birth. Benefits of colostrum are consequently deprived. Practice of initiating supplements and non-nutritive liquids at an early age is a more serious problem. This supplementary feeding may contaminate diet for infants because of unfamiliar chemicals present in the food. It further reduces contraceptive effects for mothers. â€Å"Male infants in the Philippines are completely breastfed for a shorter duration compared to many Asian countries. Boys are supplemented, earlier than girls to meet the increasing necessities for growth. Increased diarrhoeal rates are caused mainly by this kind of supplementation among male infants. Moreover, boys receive more starchy staples while girls consume larger amount of green leafy vegetables. In effect, girls are much likely prone to malnutrition than boys. They have more serious eye damage from Vitamin A deficiency. †[10] All mentioned statements are considered as contributors to breastfeeding problems in the Philippines. For child survival, breastfeeding period should be given priority. For benefits of both mother and child, primary factors in feeding infants should be recognized. Many studies showed that breastfeeding manifests child health and well-being, including child survival and child spacing. Thus, it is important to know and to be updated about the current breastfeeding practices in the Philippines. Likewise, analysis of factors affecting short breastfeeding period should be dealt with. Literature Review In this section, the study made by experts regarding matters affecting breastfeeding and infant feeding will be assessed. It is expected that the data created by prior tests provide a framework for a review that follows. Breastfeeding and supplementary feeding WHO [9] states that, ‘babies must be completely breastfed for six months of age to attain the primary development and sufficient nutrition— important for lifetime wellness. ’ However, dietary necessities for infants are increasing as they grow, they should be also given complementary or supplementary foods but breastfeeding is still ongoing until two or more years. â€Å"As babies grow into young children, their nutritional needs change quickly. At around six months, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a baby’s energy and nutrition requirements. The baby is also at a stage of development where he/she can start to swallow non-liquid food. The introduction of appropriate and nutritious complementary food to babies from this age is extremely important as it plays a crucial role in the child’s physical and cognitive development†[13]. From about 6 months of age, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to cover a baby’s nutritional requirements. He or she can also start to swallow non-liquid complementary foods at this stage, helping to support growth, brain development and the building of natural defenses. The period of weaning is critical for the future development and growth of infants. Breastfeeding in developed countries vs. developing (rural) countries. In urban countries, as Kyi [10] studied, duration of breastfeeding is reduced and supplemental foods are introduced early. It is because of [9] WHO, Exclusive breastfeeding, World Health Oraganization, 15 January 2011 [Online]. Available: http://www. who. int [Accesed: 19 July 2012] [13] Nestle, Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding, Nestle, 2008. [Online] Available: http://www. babymilk. nestle. om/complementary-feeding [Accessed: 28 July 2012] the mothers’ occupation, which is conflicting with extended breastfeeding. Also, in these areas, availability of breast milk substitutes is sufficient making them to shift from breast to bottle feeding. On the other hand, in developing countries, breastfeeding is done until eight to twelve months due to unavailability of milk substitute and scarcity. Supplementary foods are deferre d causing malnutrition. Table 3. 1- Percentage (%) of children (2003-2008) who are: Country| exclusively breastfed| breastfeedingwith complementary feeding| till breastfed(extended)| | 0-5 months| 6-9 months| 12-15 months| 20-24 months| Afghanistan| -| 29| 92| 54| Bangladesh| 43| 74| 95| 91| Brazil| 40| 70| 50| 25| Cambodia| 60| 82| 90| 54| China| -| 32| 43| 15| Ethiopia| 49| 54| 94| 88| India| 46| 57| 88| 77| Indonesia| 32| 75| 80| 50| North Korea| 65| 31| 67| 37| Laos| 26| 70| 82| 48| Malaysia| 29| -| -| 12| Mexico| 38| 36| 32| 21| Myanmar| 15| 66| 85| 67| Pakistan| 37| 36| 79| 55| Philippines| 34| 58| 58| 34| Qatar| 12| 48| 32| 21| Saudi Arabia| 31| 60| 59| 30| Sri Lanka| 76| 86| 92| 83| Thailand| 5| 43| 32| 19| Turkey| 40| 71| 58| 26| United Arab Emirates| 34| 52| 50| 29| Vietnam| 17| 70| 78| 23| Zimbabwe| 22| 79| 87| 40| Above is a table containing statistics of children from selected developing countries who were breastfed, exclusively, with complementary foods and extended breastfeeding by UNICEF [16]. Countries Australia, France, Italy, Spain United Kingdom and United States were not included since they are [16] UNICEF, Statistics about breastfeeding, UNICEF, 2009. [PDF] Available: http://www. childinfo. org [Accessed: 28/ 7 /12] considered developed countries. Also Asian countries, also known as Four Asian Tigers or Asian Dragons, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, were excluded as they have graduated from being a developing country as declared by IMF (International Monetary Fund) [14] . Bangladesh and Ethiopia, countries from Asia and Africa respectively, and listed as least developed countries by the United Nations [14], has the higher percentage of breastfeeding rate compared to Malaysia and Thailand, considered the more developed countries, gaining lower rates with regards to the list. Breast feeding strengthens the economy by adding significantly to the national food supply. The economic value of mothers’ milk production is large, worth billions of dollars even in small countries. †[8 p. 8 para. 7] WHO Recommendations The World Health Organization (WHO) is the agency that supports and evaluates matters regarding nutrition, especially breastfeeding. Along with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), powered by the Un ited Nations, their primary concern is child health and nutrition. For mothers to be able to start and maintain breastfeeding for six months, UNICEF and WHO [9] suggest that ‘breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of life, exclusive, on demand, and bottles or others should be avoided. WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the child’s first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, they should be given nutritious complementary foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years or beyond. ’ Globally less than forty-percent (40%) of infants fewer than six months of age are exclusively breasted. Adequate breast feeding support for children, mothers and families could save many young lives† [9]. [14] Wiki, Developing Countries, Wikipedia. org, 28 July 2012 [Online]. Available: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Developing_country [Accessed: 29 July 2012] [8] Carisa Paraz, â€Å"Breastfeeding can cut infant deaths†, Medical Observe r: Passing Problem, no. 7, August 2007, pp. 8 [9] WHO, Exclusive breastfeeding, World Health Oraganization, 15 January 2011 [Online]. Available: http://www. who. int [Accesed: 19 July 2012] Definition of terms Based on WHO Code (International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes) Breast-milk substitute- means ‘any food being marketed or otherwise presented as a partial or total replacement for breast milk, whether or not suitable for that purpose [17 p. 8]’. Complementary food- means ‘any food whether manufactured or locally prepared, suitable as a complement to breast milk or to infant formula, when either become insufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the infant. Such food is also commonly called weaning food or breast-milk supplement [17 p. 8]’. Infant formula- means a breast-milk substitute formulated industrially in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards, to satisfy the normal nutritional requirements of infants up to between four and six months of age, and adapted to their physiological characteristics [17 p. 9]’ . Exclusive Breastfeeding- as Kathy ; Sue [12] said, it means, ‘setting off other foods for the infant, including water, the breast milk is the only food to be in taken by the child’. The Philippines Department of Health (DOH). Aside from WHO, the Department of Health is the main institution that is imposing activities and information egarding health and nutrition for Filipino mothers and infants particularly in breastfeeding. â€Å"In response to the 1981 International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines Department of Health strongly advocates breastfeeding for nursing mothers instead of using breast milk subst itutes. Republic Act 7600, known as The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992, provides incentives to all government and private health institutions in the Philippines that support rooming-in and breastfeeding. The Act provides that newborn infants with normal deliveries be put to the mother’s breast immediately after birth, and roomed-in within 30 minutes; infants delivered by caesarean section should be roomed-in and breastfed within 3 to 4 hours after delivery†[15]. [17] WHO and Nestle, International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, World Health Organization Geneva, 1981 [PDF] Available: http://www. babymilk. nestle. com/who-code-compliance and http://www. who. int [Accessed: 28 July 2012 12] Sue Ann Kendall and Kathy Dettwyler, Exclusive breastfeeding, Kathy Dettwyler, 3 August 1995. [Online] Available: http://www. kathydettwyler. org/detexclusive. html [Accessed: 25 July 2012] [15] NSO Manila and ICF Macro, Philippines: National Demographic and Health Survey 2008, National Statistics Office Manila, Philippines and ICF Macro Calverton, Maryland, USA, December 2009, Chapter 11. [EBook]. Available: Measure DHS, http://www. measuredhs. com/publications [Accessed: 29 July 2012] Factors Influencing duration of breastfeeding Demographic Factors Maternal age: Many researchers found that older women tend to breast feed longer. It is likely that older women have more experience in infant feeding than younger women. They may know the benefits of breast-feeding by their own experience and as a result, they are more likely to breastfeed longer. A study [10] found that older women are more likely to continue breast-feeding beyond 18 months than younger women in rural. Parity: Parity of mother has significant effect on breast-feeding duration, usually women with higher parity breastfeed their children for longer duration. It is most likely that women with higher parity are usually older, less educated and less likely to involve in formal employment sector. Also, women with many children are more likely to be from rural areas and follow the traditional lifestyles. Therefore, they can breastfeed longer, which is a common phenomenon in rural areas. However, studies [10] found out that it could be depending on the setting. They found out that the tradition is a key in the duration of breastfeeding when it comes to parity. Birth order of the child: Some researchers found the positive relationship between birth order of the child and duration of breast-feeding. The higher the birth order of the child is, the longer is the duration of breast-feeding. It is because children of higher birth order are more likely to be borne by older mothers, who are less likely to engage in employment sector and can breastfeed them longer. Another reason may be that these mothers may have older children who help them in household work, so they have more time to breastfeed their babies. This is the common pattern in many societies. Sex of the child: It is one of the important factors influencing duration of breast-feeding. In some countries, male children are breastfed for longer period than female children due to son preference by cultural or religious reason. It is a common phenomenon in China, some South Asian countries and also in some Arab countries. A study [10] says that, in China of 4,084 ever-married women under age 50 in Shaanxi found that male children are breastfed longer than female children. On the other hand, reverse phenomenon is seen in some countries. Male children are fully breastfed for a shorter period than female children in the Philippines. Mothers supplement boys earlier to meet their increasing needs for growth than to girls or because of sex preferences that favor the provision of supplements to boys rather than to girls. Subsequent pregnancy: Researchers found the association between duration of breast-feeding and subsequent pregnancy of mothers. Generally, mothers discontinue breast-feeding as soon as they know that they are pregnant. It is because of a common belief that breast milk of pregnant women can rot and cause disease in the child. Similar pattern is found out based on the study [10] in Cebu, Philippines. Strongest determinant of breast-feeding duration is the mother’s perception of being pregnant. Most women who become pregnant while lactating stop breast-feeding before the end of the first trimester because they often say that pregnancy is associated with â€Å"sour milk†. Residence: Many researchers found that duration of breast-feeding varies markedly between urban and rural mothers. Although there is no exact reason why rural women breastfeed more and longer duration than urban women, some suggested that changing lifestyles in urban areas are not compatible with breastfeeding. This finding was supported by Kyi [10], that in the Philippines, during the period 1973-88, women who breastfed shortest duration lived in Manila City. This common phenomenon is the result of urbanization and changing social system in many parts of the world. Usually, family members can encourage women to breastfeed especially in extended families. Such families are more prevalent in rural areas. It is one of the reasons why rural women breastfeed more and longer than urban women. Along with modernization, women become more educated and take part in employment sector, which is usually incompatible with prolonged duration of breast-feeding. Moreover, utilization of modern maternity care services is common among educated women especially in urban areas, which less encourage women to breast feed for long period. These factors together with other factors contribute to marked difference in the duration of breast-feeding according to urban-rural differential. Socioeconomic Factors Mother’s Education: Effect of maternal education on duration of breastfeeding varies in different societies. Along with modernization, well-educated women tend to breastfeed for a shorter period especially in urban areas. It may be that as women become more educated, they are more likely to involve in formal employment, which is not compatible for longer duration of breast-feeding. However, the reverse pattern is seen in some developed countries since well educated women are more likely to breastfeed their babies and for a longer period. The possible explanation is that as women become more educated they become more aware of advantages of breast-feeding and thus they breastfeed their babies longer. A research [10] done in the Philippines found that women with higher education are more likely to breastfeed for a short time. The result is based on a study of 2,622 mothers in both urban and rural communities of Cebu City. Also, that highly educated mothers from families with highest income or asset categories are least likely to breastfeed and they do so for a short period. Mother’s Occupation: The work status of women causes a major difference in the duration of breast-feeding since it requires leaving the infant at home during working hours. Therefore, duration of breast-feeding is shorter among working mothers. In addition, type and pattern of job of mothers also influence the duration of breast-feeding in different societies. Location of work or distance of work from home, type of work, the other alternative available for child care and the income derived from the work all seem to be important. For mothers who work as suggested by WHO [9], time and place are the key things that affect the duration of breastfeeding. There is a necessity of time and place for them to continue breastfeeding. However, solutions like maternity leave, part-time work arrangements, breastfeeding breaks, etc. can help them going on with breastfeeding. Father’s Education: Like other factors, father’s education can also affect duration of breast-feeding. Usually, well- educated men can get a good job and as a result, they can earn sufficient income. Also, better-educated man tends to marry better-educated women. If both of them are employed, they can earn more income for the family. As their income increases, they can purchase household items such as refrigerator, gas or kerosene stove, which favors the use of breast milk substitutes. As such, it will lead to shorter duration of breast-feeding. Father’s education may also have positive effect on breastfeeding. It is because as fathers are well educated, they have more access to the messages from the health sector or from the mass media. As they understand the benefits of breastfeeding, they will encourage their spouses to breastfeed longer. The research [10] found out that there is an inverse relationship between father’s education and duration of breast feeding. Longer duration of breastfeeding is seen among children whose fathers are with no schooling or less schooling. Household Economic Status: In countries like Bangladesh, Mexico, Philippines and Vietnam, the relationship between household economic status and breastfeeding is inversed. Upper class babies are less likely to be breastfed than those of others [10]. [10] Aye Kyi Kyi, Factors Affecting Breastfeeding in the Philippines: An Analysis of 1998 NDHS Data, M. A. Thesis, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahindol University, Myanmar, 2000. [9] WHO, Exclusive breastfeeding, World Health Oraganization, 15 January 2011 [Online]. Available: http://www. who. int [Accesed: 19 July 2012] Health Service Factors In most developing countries, lower rates of breastfeeding and shorter duration are associated with health care services. ‘Breastfeeding rates are decreasing because health services are not receiving the support they need. [8 p. 8]’ Ante natal Care Visits: During these periods, the attitudes and beliefs of the health professionals influence the women’s own knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding. The more the pregnant women visit her ob-gyne, the more knowledge she can receive. It will lead to successful initiation of breastfeeding and continuation for the period advised by the health personnel. Place and mode of delivery: Utilization of health care services has an important effect on duration of breastfeeding. Practice of health workers at different health facilities can influence the women’s decision to breastfeed. On the other hand, the form of delivery can affect the duration of breastfeeding. Ireland [11] said that in normal delivery, women are more likely to breastfeed than those of via caesarean section. Healing process or the condition of the baby could be the two main factors given that women cannot choose their mode of delivery. Advice from health personnel: Duration of breastfeeding also depends on whether the woman receive advice on breastfeeding from health worker or not. In the Philippines, as researched by Kyi [10], there is no statistically significant effect of breastfeeding promotional messages on the intention and duration of breastfeeding. Conceptual Framework The underlying concept of this study is that duration of breast-feeding can be affected by demographic, socioeconomic and health service factors. Among many demographic factors; age of mother, parity, subsequent pregnancy, sex of child, birth order of child and residence (urban / rural) are assumed as important factors influencing duration of breast-feeding. Out of many socioeconomic factors, mother’s education, occupation, father’s education and economic level of household are regarded as major [8] Carisa Paraz, â€Å"Breastfeeding can cut infant deaths†, Medical Observer: Passing Problem, no. 7, August 2007, pp. 8 [11] Jae Ireland, Factors affecting breastfeeding mothers, Livestrong, 15 July 2011. [Online]. Available: http://www. ivestrong. com/article/493114-factors-affecting-breastfeeing-mothers [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [10] Aye Kyi Kyi, Factors Affecting Breastfeeding in the Philippines: An Analysis of 1998 NDHS Data, M. A. Thesis, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahindol University, Myanmar, 2000. determinants of duration of breast-feeding. Among various health service factors, 3 factors are considered important for duration of breast-feeding. There are number of antenatal care visits, place and mode of delivery and whether the woman had received an advice on breast-feeding during the post-partum period or not. This conceptual framework is presented in the figure below. Independent VariablesCategoryDependent Variable Mother’s Age Parity Subsequent Pregnancy Birth Order of the Child Demographic Factor Sex of the Child Residence Mother’s Occupation Duration of Breastfeeding Mother’s Education Father’s Education Socioeconomic Factor Household Economic Status Ante natal Care Visits Place and Mode of Delivery Health Service Factor Advice from Health Worker Fig. 3. 1- Conceptual Framework: Factors Influencing Duration of Breastfeeding The most valuable thing mothers can give their babies during early years is the milk obtained from breastfeeding. This means of feeding infants is the earliest known form. It is widely used since the first human had existed. Until the present time, breastfeeding continues to promote many useful effects for people in diverged societies. â€Å"Breast milk is the most suitable food for human newborn and the safest way of feeding infants for the first four to six months of life†[8]. According to studies, it gives perfect nutrition for babies and builds the foundation for their healthy psychosocial progress. Human milk is the milk made specifically for human infants. It is always natural as it is. Because of this exceptional reason, benefit earners involve not only the infants but as well their mothers, their families, their community, their environment and even the economy in which they live The researchers observed several studies that revealed many advantages of breastfeeding. It is recognized as the best nutrient for infants; natural contraceptive for mothers for about 6 months post-partum; preventive action for mothers against breast and ovarian cancers and provision of bonding between mother and child. Breastfeeding is not just a matter of supplying better milk. Of course, the increased opportunity for parent-child bonding offered by breastfeeding is a widely known benefit of nursing. One of the most important advantages of breastfeeding is that the mother is present. This is nature's plan for keeping mother and child close, providing the connection and reassurance the child needs so profoundly. Breastfeeding, beyond all of its many physical benefits, has the built-in bonus of requiring the mother's close presence. In addition to its nutritive value, breast milk also has protective action against common infections. The milk secreted called â€Å"colostrums† contains anti-infective property which can prevent the newborn from diarrhea and pneumonia. If babies are probably prevented from those diseases, they will have a stronger immune system. The protective action of breast milk is very important for the child wellness. In the Philippines, to be particular, warm weather affects the spread rate of bacteria. As a result, infants may be largely exposed to common infections. Malnutrition plays a huge role in child mortality because the immune systems of these children are less resistant to common childhood diseases. This is why a common cold or bout of diarrhea can kill a malnourished child. By simply ensuring exclusive breast feeding for infants, malnutrition is somehow addressed. Aside from its direct effects on the health and well-being of babies, breast feeding has a profound impact on the economy. It strengthens the economy by adding significantly to the national food supply. The economic value of mothers’ milk production is large, worth billions of dollars even in small countries like Philippines. It also reduces future burdens on the health system. Exclusive breast feeding is giving infants is giving infants with only breast milk until 4 to 6 months of age. It greatly matters since it is attributed with almost complete protection against cholera and diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that all infants should be exclusively breastfed and begin to receive supplementary foods between fourth to sixth months. This means that feeding infants is not just to breastfeed them. It is to give them the proper nutrition through â€Å"exclusive breastfeeding†. With the right duration and process, organized health system is assured. Both â€Å"too short† and â€Å"too long† duration of breast feeding is not appropriate for child nutrition. The Philippines showed short duration of breast feeding cases according to the researchers’ study. Despite of the beneficial effects derived from breast feeding, both incidence and duration have been changing. This is a serious problem. When mothers shortly breastfeed, their babies tends to receive limited infection-fighting antibodies. Beneficial effects of colostrum are likewise deprived. It is necessary for mothers to know what contributes to problem of breast feeding practices in the Philippines. Because of traditions and customs in the Philippines, a belief passed over generations is often conceptualized. Filipino women believe that colostrum should be discarded because it is dirty milk. This common misconception about the colostrum must be rejected. In this case, mothers must also learn the current breast feeding practices to be informed and updated. Support for breast feeding must go beyond the hospital, and involve communities, work-places, local governments, workers’ unions, mass organizations and consumer associations, in addition to the already very acute nongovernment organizations. Mother’s effort is worth the health of their children. Health services should have support coming from the government. Breastfeeding period depends on whether the woman receives counseling on breast feeding from health workers or not. A health worker may influence a lot of mothers and encourage them to breastfeed exclusively. However in the Philippines, there is no significant effect of breast feeding promotional messages on the purpose and period of breast feeding. Furthermore, mothers breastfeed their babies for a dramatically shorter period if they were told to feed formula. As infant-formula sales increase, the number of breastfeeding mothers goes down. Local infant- formula companies spend billions of dollars a year to endorse their products. This is in contrast to poorly funded public health systems that fail to provide health workers with the skills and knowledge needed to promote breast feeding. Filipino mothers must be wise consumers and be aware of the marketing techniques to be considered on buying milk powder formulas. For wide application, the researchers found that breast feeding can be a solution to the rapid growth of population in the country. If mothers fully breastfeed longer than the old tradition, there is a delay for next pregnancy eve if she does not use any contraceptive method. Breastfeeding can be an instant and effective contraception. Considering all benefits offered by breast feeding, the group concluded that all infants, specifically Filipino children, should undergo exclusive breast feeding. References [1] Gerber, â€Å"Some notes on breastfeeding†, Countdown: Nine Months to a Perfect Delivery, 2004, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 31 [2] PT Staff, The Benefits of Breastfeeding, Psychology Today, 01 January 1996 [Online]. Available: http://www. psychologytoday. com/articles/199601/the-benefits-breast-feeding [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [3] S. Cocabo and P. Kin, â€Å"Childcare: the first 3 years†, Your Health Guide: The Family Wealth, Medimarketing, Inc. , Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1994, pp. 26 [4] Medicine Net, Breastfeeding and formula feeding, Medicine Net, 1996, p. 2 [Online]. Available: http://www. medicinenet. com [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [5] Wyeth, â€Å"Breast milk: The Ideal First Food†, Pampering Baby with Care: Your Baby Care Guide, Wyeth Nutrition, pp. 23, pp. 25 6] Epigee,ContraceptiveBenefitsofBreastfeeding,Epigee,2012. [Online]. Available: http://www. epigee. org/fetal/contraception. html [Accessed: 19 July 2012] [7] The Quote Garden, Breastfeeding, 1998, p. 1 [Online] Available: http://www. quotegarden. com/breastfeeding. html [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [8] Carisa Paraz, â€Å"Breastfeeding can cut infant deaths†, Medical Observer: Passing Problem, no. 7, Augus t 2007, pp. 8 [9] WHO, Exclusive breastfeeding, World Health Oraganization, 15 January 2011 [Online]. Available: http://www. who. nt [Accesed: 19 July 2012] [10] Aye Kyi Kyi, Factors Affecting Breastfeeding in the Philippines: An Analysis of 1998 NDHS Data, M. A. Thesis, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahindol University, Myanmar, 2000. [11] Jae Ireland, Factors affecting breastfeeding mothers, Livestrong, 15 July 2011. [Online]. Available:http://www. livestrong. com/article/493114-factors-affecting-breastfeeing- mothers [Accessed: 18 July 2012] [12] Sue Ann Kendall and Kathy Dettwyler, Exclusive breastfeeding, Kathy Dettwyler, 3 August 1995. [Online] Available: http://www. kathydettwyler. org/detexclusive. tml [Accessed: 25 July 2012] [13] Nestle, Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding, Nestle, 2008. [Online] Available: http://www. babymilk. nestle. com/complementary-feeding [Accessed: 28 July 2012] [14] Wiki,DevelopingCountries,Wikipedia. org,28July2012[Online] Available: http://en . wikipedia. org/wiki/Developing_country [Accessed: 29 July 2012] [15] NSO Manila and ICF Macro, Philippines: National Demographic and Health Survey 2008, National Statistics Office Manila, Philippines and ICF Macro Calverton, Maryland, USA, December 2009, Chapter 11. EBook]. Available: Measure DHS, http://www. measuredhs. com/publications [Accessed: 29 July 2012] [16] UNICEF, Statistics about breastfeeding, UNICEF, 2009. [PDF] Available: UNICEF, http://www. childinfo. org [Accessed: 28 July 2012] [17] WHO and Nestle, International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, World Health Organization Geneva, 1981 [PDF] Available:http://www. babymilk. nestle. com and http://www. who. int [Accessed: 28 July 2012]