Environmental Conservation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Environmental Conservation - Essay Example An environment is made up of resources. Resources refer to existing means of supplying what is needed or a stock that can be drawn on. Renewable resources are those that can be regenerated at a constant level. This is because they recycle rapidly, is alive or has the capacity to reproduce and grow. Examples are water which can be recycled, organisms because they can reproduce and many others. These resources will always keep on regenerating themselves as long as the rater of use is less than their rate of regeneration and the environments are kept suitable. Non renewable resources are not regenerated or reformed in nature at rates equivalent to the rate of use e.g. oil. There is a special category of non-renewable resources which are not affected by the way we use them e.g. metals which can be recycled. Environmental conservation is defined as the rational use of the environment to provide highest sustainable quality of living for humanity. With rapid development, there is stress on most resources including human resources in the developed countries which are registering negative population growth rate. According to World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) (1987), sustainable development should be development that meets that need of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs. The biggest problem facing the world currently is environmental pollution. This has brought about global warming. Gorge Philander (1998), says that, global warming is the rise in world temperatures. This is caused by accumulation of carbon dioxide gas and other air polluting elements that collect in the atmosphere and forms a thickening blanket trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up. It is caused by several factors with coal burning alone producing about 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year. Several other human activities contribute to global warming. Growth o f rice in rice pads has been attributed as one of the greatest cause of carbon dioxide and methane gas which a cause global warming. Animal feacal materials are also thought to contribute a substantial amount of methane gas that contribute to global warming. This emission of carbon dioxide gas, coupled with depletion of forest cover of the world is the main cause of the problem. Human activities like clearing of forest and burning of charcoal are also contributing to global warming. According to John Houghton (1997), global warming is being evidenced in many ways. Disappearance or reduction of ice caps on major mountains of the world especially those along the equatorial region. There has also been evidence of rise in sea level with fears expressed that some coastal towns and islands may be submerged in the near future if immediate measures are not taken to avert the situation. Continuing global warming has brought effects like increase in diseases incidences and pests challenging agriculture, changes in populations and plant and animal ranges shifts, coral leef bleaching and alpine meadows disrupting ecosystems, heavy downpours and flooding drought and fires. These are considered as early signs of global warming. Its effects has been felt on every corner of the world with famous elnino and lanina periods of heavy down pour and prolonged droughts respectively, the Katrina hurricane in America and other

2009 Stimulus Bill Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

2009 Stimulus Bill - Research Paper Example The day that President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he made a speech in Denver, which was city where he accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidency. President Obama addressed the mayors regarding the stimulus plan and he highlighted the important aspects of the plan similar to his speech that he gave in Denver. President Obama had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada and took the opportunity, during the press conference to discuss the benefits of the stimulus plan. When Congress authorized the $787 billion economic stimulus package, not one House Republican voted for the stimulus plan. House Minority Leader John Boehner indicated that the plan would only make larger bureaucracies and not create jobs. Bill overview The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill was the first essential step by the government to produce and preserve three to four million jobs, start up the economy, and start transforming the economy for the 21st c entury with $787.2 billion in economic improvement tax cuts and directed priority investments (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan allows for unparalleled supervision, responsibility, and clearness to make certain that taxpayer dollars are invested successfully and efficiently (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). ... The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan seeks to put individuals in employment to cut down America’s reliance on foreign oil by strengthening attempts aimed at increasing renewable energy manufacture and modernize public structures to make them more energy efficient.  (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). The plan will invest more than $30 billion to alter the country’s energy diffusion, delivery, and creation systems and investing $5 billion to weatherize middle class homes (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). The stimulus plan will invest $15 billion for science facilities, research, and instrumentation and $7.2 billion to expand broadband internet access in attempt to help companies compete in a global economy.  (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will invest $27.5 billion for highway construction, $16.5 billion to renew federal and other public infrastructure, $18.8 billion for clean water, flood control, and environmental restoration, and $17.7 billion for transportation initiatives to cut down traffic congestion and gas use (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). To facilitate children to be taught in 21st century schoolrooms, the stimulus plan will invest $26 billion in school districts, $53.6 billion in state fiscal aid to avoid cutbacks to vital services, and $15.6 billion to enlarge the Pell grant (Summary of Economic Stimulus Bill, 2009). In an effort to keep jobs, money, and lives, the stimulus plan will invest $19 billion for health information technology to avert medical errors, supply enhanced care to patients and establish cost-saving efficiencies and $2 billion to offer preventative care and to assess the most efficient healthcare treatments (Summary of Economic

Psycholosy (Counterconditioning theory) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Psycholosy (Counterconditioning theory) - Essay Example For example, a psychologist named Ivan Pavolov conducted a famous psychological experiment on dogs. He conditioned dogs to understand that when a bell was rang (the stimulus), the dogs began to salivate in reaction to learning that the bell meant food. This was an extremely important part of understanding classical conditioning. Phobias are an irrational fear of an object or setting. Often, this will cause shock with a person in that they are completely unable to function with the phobia present. One of the ways in which therapists work to help clients overcome their phobia is using behavioral therapy. One of the techniques, which are used, is the exposure technique. The basis behind exposure technique is for the therapist to expose the client to the phobia in which they are experienced in a controlled setting. This is often done in a systematic routine starting with a low threat stimulus working up to complete exposure. For example, if a therapist was working with a client who had a fear of flying in airplanes, they might start by showing a video of an airplane flying. Next, they would try a flight simulator. These cognitive restructuring steps would build upon one another resulting in the final step of actually riding on an airplane. While this is similar to flooding technique that starts at the extreme of the phobia where exposure technique is done in increments. ... de Jong, Jasper A.J. Smits Affiliation Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University Source Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Vol 42(1), Mar, 2011. pp. 117-121. ISSN 0005-7916 Descriptors *Disgust; *Exposure Therapy; *Fear; *Phobias; Arachnida Abstract The present study examines the relative contributions of changes in state fear and disgust emotions to improvements in spider phobia observed with exposure-based treatment. Sixty-one treatment-seeking spider fearful individuals underwent a one-session exposure in vivo treatment. Growth curve analyses indicated that treatment was associated with significant improvements in state fear and disgust reactions to a live spider and self-reported trait spider phobia symptoms. Mediation analyses demonstrated that changes over time in state fear and disgust each explained unique variance in improvements in phobic symptoms over time. Examination of the effect size of the mediated pathways suggests that changes in fear and changes in disgust are important to reductions in the severity of spider phobia symptoms during exposure-based treatment. The implications of these findings for conceptualizing the role of fear and disgust emotions in the maintenance and treatment of spider phobia are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) Methodology Empirical Study; Interview; Quantitative Study Electronic; Print Electronic Journal; Peer Reviewed Journal Journal Article Accepted Date: Jul 29, 2010; Revised Date: Jul 27, 2010; First Submitted Date: Apr 20, 2010 20110117All rights reserved.. Elsevier Ltd.. 2010. 10.1016/j.jbtep.2010.07.007 In this study, there was an experiment run in order to see whether exposure therapy worked on treating arachnophobia. They had a sample size of

Measuring Customer Satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Measuring Customer Satisfaction - Essay Example led to improved sales but has also led to increased customer satisfaction that intern leads to customer retention hence giving such businesses competitive advantage over others. On this basis, this essay will discuss the best practices used to measure customer satisfaction and further evaluate the current practices adopted by Union Pay Organization. To start with, measurement of customer satisfaction has several benefits to businesses. Measurement of customer satisfaction can be defined as a process in which businesses are able to gauge the quality of their processes as well as that of their products and services from customer feedback or other indirect means (Hayes, 2008). As a result of these measurements, businesses can be able to implement and evaluate various processes in their main objectives. For instance, through the customer feedback, businesses are able to gauge themselves against competitors and identify effective strategies that can place give them competitive advantage in the market (Grigoroudis & Siskos, 2010). Further, measurement of customer satisfaction helps to reveal changes in tastes and preferences by customers that can be used in developing products and services in order to retain existing customers and also attract new section of customers by factoring their preferences in business products or services. On the other hand, several customer measurement practices have been identified to work in various business sectors. To start with, transactional surveys have been widely used to gather information about customer satisfaction. This kind of approach is simple because it provides immediate feedback shortly after customer encounter (California Employers Association, n.d). Data collected through transactional survey may be regarded as qualitative because the kinds of responses obtained mainly include impressions of customers to general services and products relating to a particular business. Transactional surveys have advantages that can help

Patagonia Another Way of Doing Business Essay Example for Free

Patagonia Another Way of Doing Business Essay 1Introduction Patagonia was founded in 1957 by Yvon Chouinard who defines himself as a reluctant business man. He started his business as a way to climb and surf year long, seeking to build the best product to satisfy his passion. â€Å"Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. † –Patagonias Mission Statement Patagonia grew out of a small company that made tools for climbers. Alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business that still makes clothes for climbing as well as for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing, paddling and trail running. Customers are willing to pay a premium for the Patagonia brand and environmental ethic. The companys goal is as simple as it is challenging: to produce the highest-quality products while doing the least possible harm to the environment. Yvon Chouinard founder and owner of Patagonia has done business differently since the beginning of the company, placing environmental sustainability and social welfare of his employee before profit. Three examples of the company practice will show how marketing and business can meet ethical behavior. Patagonia: a different workplace environment Patagonia is hiring only passionate people (friends, family†¦) who are also product user so they don’t have to understand the customer because they are the customer. Patagonia has developed the Let My People Go surfing flextime policy to cope with the employee passion (surfing, backcountry skiing†¦). There are no private offices and the architectural layout keep communication opens. The cafeter ia where employees can gather throughout the day serves healthy, mostly vegetarian food. The company has also an on-site child care center, the presence of children playing in the yard, or having lunch with their parents in the cafeteria helps keep the company atmosphere more familial than corporate. Patagonia has a program that allows employees to take off up to two months at full pay to work for environmental groups. Patagonia fosters creativity and authenticity through its work environment and hiring process enabling the development of original products. 3Patagonia: The 1% for the Planet Initiative Since 1985, Patagonia has devoted 1% of its sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. The company has awarded over $46 million in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental. In 2002, founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, created a non-profit corporation to encourage other businesses to do the same. 1% For The Planet is an alliance of businesses that understand the necessity of protecting the natural environment. As of today 1401 companies are members of the 1% for the Planet Initiative and donate 1% of their sales to a network of 2,735 environmental organizations worldwide. More than a marketing campaign, The 1% for the Planet Initiative is a really strong statement from Patagonia (no matter what are the financial results 1% of its sales will serve the environmental cause every year), it has reinforced the company corporate social responsibility and ethical image, hence the loyalty of its core customers. 4Patagonia: The Common Threads Initiative This marketing program first asks customers to not buy something if they dont need it, then if they do need it, Patagonia ask that they buy what will last a long time and to repair what breaks, reuse or resell whatever they dont wear any more. And, finally, recycle whatevers truly worn out. Patagonia with The Common Threads Initiative is the first private company launching a marketing campaign telling its customers to buy less or to buy used gear. In September 2011 Patagonia launched an online marketplace in collaboration with eBay for customers to sell and buy their used Patagonia products. This feature is displayed on the homepage of patagonia. com. Recycling is what we do when were out of options to avoid, repair, or reuse the product first. Thats why I am so impressed with Patagonia for starting its Common Threads Initiative with the real solution: Reduce. Dont buy what we dont need. Repair: Fix stuff that still has life in it. Reuse: Share. Then, only when youve exhausted those options, recycle (Leonard, 2011). This new marketing campaign was unveiled at the New York fashion week as an experiment. Only a private company without public shareholder and a charismatic leader with strong belief can promote such a different business attitude. 5Conclusion Patagonia has always done business and marketing differently. In the seventies Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing hardware in the U. S. It had also become an environmental threat because its gear was damaging the rock. Yvon Chouinard and his partner decided to phase out of this business even it if was the main source of revenue for the company, it was the first environmental step for Patagonia. Instead of focusing on profit the company took a big risk by discontinuing a successful line of products to promote an alternative solution (aluminum chocks) for climbers. It became a success because Patagonia crafted the right product with the right message and stayed true to its core values. Today with the Common Threads Initiative they are pursuing the exact same philosophy and trying to push the industry to adopt more ethical business behaviors. Patagonia’s highly public search for a new way of doing business implies a new kind of relationship with customers, reinforced by unconditional guarantees, extremely high product quality and an explicit commitment to ethical codes of behavior (Reinhardt, 2000).

Culture Led Regeneration Focuses On Tourism Essay

Culture Led Regeneration Focuses On Tourism Essay Introduction The aim of this chapter is to provide a framework for the basis of this study, discussing the key matters and approaches in culture-led regeneration whilst examining its functionality within a wider context. It is essential to discuss flagship developments, the public realm, urban design principles and planning policy as part of the place making process. Images of the built environment used within place promotion strategies often add value by increasing consumption within a city. The following attempts to synthesise literatures from the fields of culture, regeneration, urban design, quality of place, place image and the public realm thus providing a coherent framework for later analysis. It is these overarching concepts which remain interlinked in creating better places where people want to live work and subsequently invest. Part One: Regeneration Culture-led Regeneration The term culture-led regeneration has become a part of the planning and development vocabulary and has been seen as being of increasing importance from the beginning of the 1990s, since which arts and culture have come to be seen as a key resource for urban regeneration (Griffiths et al, 2003: 154) with both increased focus and funding opportunities. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) commissioned a report entitled The Contribution of Culture to Regeneration in the UK which defined regeneration as breathing new life and vitality into an ailing community, industry and areas bringing sustainable, long-terms improvements to local quality of life (2004:4). Culture-led regeneration focuses on using culture and cultural activity as a catalyst and engine for regeneration activity. Within the scope of this study such cultural activity will focus on the quality and design of both buildings and the reclamations of open space including their impact and use. Often these activities are used within place rebranding strategies (Evans and Shaw 2004). Specifically this form of regeneration can be considered through many types of expression including architecture, heritage buildings, festivals, events and the performing arts (Smith, 2006). There are numerous approaches towards achieving culture-led regeneration including production and consumption based strategies (Bianchini, 1993), as illustrated in Figure X. Culture-led regeneration has been used extensively within Europe (Gomez, 1988; Keating and De Frantz, 2004; Miles, 2005) from the beginning of the 1990s as a strategy for regenerating cities that have suffered from social and economic decline through de-industrialisation. Whilst such strategies have been successful throughout Europe, uncertainly remains regarding their long-term benefits (Kavaratzis and Ashworth, 2006). Various studies have been conducted into the effects and impacts of culture on regeneration as outlined in Table X within the context of this study. Culture-led regeneration initiatives have been implemented aimed towards adopting a new place image (Doucet, 2007). The shift towards a globalised economy has resulted in increased competitiveness, recognising that cities must complete of a global scale to attract inward investment. Following deindustrialisation civic institutions have adopted culture-led regeneration initiatives as a tool which offers distinctive wider e conomic benefit by not only stimulating economic growth however aiming towards addressing negative market externalities and social problems (Jones and Evans, 2008). Keating and De Frantz (2004:190) summarise In a crowded international market, it can mark the city as distinct, giving it a brand image. This can indirectly promote its economic competitiveness by increasing its position in the quality-life indexes of international investment ranking. It may also have a psychological effect within the city, building self-confidence and civic pride among the population and even boosting optimism among investors. The role of art and culture is strong within economic development and place-marketing strategies as the wider cultural offer of a city formulates a key component of re-imaging and the creation of distinctive places. This often results in extensive urban development based upon consumption with individuals being attracted by the synergy formed by cultural facilities and surrounding mixed-use development (Snedcof, 1985). Figure X Table X Impacts of Culture on Regeneration Physical Economic Cultural Enhanced identity and place image Inward investment Increased cultural understanding Aesthetic and environmental improvements through architecture, public art and public realm Tourism and increased visitor spending Promoting participation within the arts Increased design quality Increased footfall Enhanced creativity and vision Increased use of public open space Increased property values Enhanced cultural well-being Reuse of redundant buildings/ increased occupancy of vacant land Employer retention Sustainable development (Adapted from Evans and Shaw, 2004; Landry et al, 1993) A case study on the Newcastle Gateshead found that there were social and community benefits of culture-led regeneration including increased numbers of local residents attending cultural institutions and an increased number of residents feeling that the arts had played a valuable role in their lives. Furthermore culture-led regeneration within the area has aided in restoring local individuals identities in addition to improving the fabric and culture within the city. Bailey et al (2004), argue that culture-led regeneration provides a framework enabling local people can [to] re-establish ownership of their own sense of place and space. Thus, culture is a critical aspect of mediating and articulating community need (Evans, 2005: 959), as can be seen that one of the potential effects of culture-led regeneration is positive social impact in addition to economic stabilisation (see Figure X for examples). Major events are seen as a particularly effective catalyst for city regeneration processes because they are able to merge tourism strategies with urban planning and can boost the confidence and pride of the local community (Garcia, 2004: 104) The arts are a catalyst for regeneration, a magnet for tourism and business, enhance the visual quality of a citys environment and provide a focus for community and individual development (Miles, 2005: 896) Figure X examples of social impacts in culture-led regeneration Flagship Development Phenomenon Over past decades the role of the government has essentially changed from functioning as city managers providing frontline public services, to policies focusing on globalisation (Doucet, 2007). Accordingly transforming into more diversified economies adopting entrepreneurial practices as a result of ideological shifts within government policies promoting growth and development. In order to accumulate investment and create job opportunities within this ever competitive economy, there has been an increased focus and awareness of consumption factors, such as quality of life, amenities, the built environment, cultural and social facts (Healy et al, 1992). Flagship developments are often used to produce euphoria, a sense of civic pride and success amongst the local population. Flagship developments are considered a means for economic growth and further catalytic effects such as bringing derelict space back into an economic use. Flagship developments are often launched alongside rebranding or marketing strategies with the aim of changing place image towards a dynamic and creative vision, thus attracting individuals and increasing potential footfall. Flagship developments are often situated in high-profile locations such as central business districts (Healy et al 1992). The Bilbao region of northern Spain is often cited as a successful example of a flagship development and is known as the Guggenheim Effect having created many ripple effects across the region. Critiques of Flagship Developments Doucet (2007) notes the foremost criticism is that of conflicting visions of the city from those of the policy makers and promoters to those of the local population. Thus the question arises as to who are flagships designed for, the residents or outsiders? Often flagships developments follow themes and patterns duplicated from previously successful projects which lead to a cookie-cutter effect (Doucet, 2007). Many flagship developments have become franchised and replicated in both appearance and form throughout the world, which subsequently affects their impact. For example it is evident that many flagship museums are becoming franchised; diminishing originality and their unique selling positions (Harvey, 1989). Impact Measurement The term impact is used in relation to the contribution or role or importance of culture-led regeneration. Table X below identified the different environmental and economic impact measurements and their associated tests (DCMS 2004); Table X: Impact Measurement Environmental Land values and occupancy (versus vacant premises/voids), design quality, environmental/quality of life. Tests Quality of Life (ODPMs local quality of life indicators), Design Quality Indicators (DQI CABE/CIC), Re-use of brownfield land Economic Multipliers (jobs, income/expenditure direct, indirect, induced), cost benefit analysis, contingent valuation (i.e. willingness to pay for free activities such as parks, museums, libraries), inward investment and leverage, distributive effects Tests Employment/unemployment rates, income/spending and wealth in an area, and distribution by social group and location, employer location, public-private leverage, footfall. Place Marketing Image profile strategies may assist in tackling issues around depravation and unemployment in addition to indirectly increasing its economic position reflected in the quality of life, the creation of a distinctive sense of place and psychological effects such as implementing civic pride and a shift of perceptions. Generically through UR the rebranding of a place follows through the design and construction of the built environment. Additionally the use of high profile projects in conjunction with tourism and cultural policies promotes a positive place image in order to adapt the status of the city, its local economy and attract inward business investment as suggested by Stevenson (2003). There seems to be a growing importance in the role of economic development and the adoption of place marketing and re-imaging will assist in distinguishing a place from its competing locations. Bramwell and Rawding (1996) discuss the repositioning of a place within a better market sector with the new brand communicating that alternative service range offers are available to investors, businesses and individuals. The phrase renaissance defines a new approach to regeneration based on the quality of place, an understanding that the design and delivery of high-quality public spaces and the built environment will raise aspirations and contribute to a higher and more sustainable level of economic wellbeing. The function of the programme is to facilitate the renaissance of underperforming places and maximise its strengths. The aim is to help places develop and prosper, both in physical and economic terms. Part Two: Public Realm A Case for Public Realm and Place Quality The type of investment that comprises public realm is varied and often specific to a particular location. Within a city centre context the range of interventions can cover mixed use developments with a focus on squares, waterside development combined with good urban design features which include improving connectivity and supporting green space. The approaches adopted can be led by the type of commercial use be it retail, cultural or indeed office development led. The definition of quality of place can be broadly described as the range of factors which contribute to the attractiveness and functionality of a locality as a place to live, work, invest or visit. Investment that supports the development of high quality places is generally recognised as helping to improve economic performance. This particular view has influenced the place agenda over the past decade and this is now clearly evident in public policy. Good examples of this shift in policy include the CLGs Total Place concept and the approach being adopted by the HCA to area based development. CABE have long argued the importance of quality places in defining successful places. Economic Benefits Various research studies undertaken over the last 10 years have sought to examine the impact of design quality on local areas and businesses. CABE (2002) draws together the findings of key research from the UK and abroad showing how investment in good design generates economic and social value. Collectively the studies provide evidence of the value of design in the areas of civic pride and cultural activity, business, housing, educational environments, crime prevention and social wellbeing. CABE (2004) highlighted the importance of public realm and public spaces to the competitiveness of an area. Whitehead et al (2006) sought to follow up on the earlier qualitative findings (such as the work by CABE) to quantify measures of change in business performance brought about by urban quality improvements (for example, studies that looked at willingness to pay, impact on property values and rents, turnover, footfall or other quantifiable forms of impact). Whitehead et al (2006) examined whether improvements in the urban environment (which might be achieved through pedestrianisation or public realm improvements) affect business location decisions. The central question posed was to establish the value to office or retail businesses of locating in enhanced urban spaces, reviewing more than 700 different studies. Table X below summarises the quantifiable evidence found by the Panel. It indicates the range and mean value for key commercial metrics such as footfall and turnover and retail and office rental premiums observed from the investment made. Table X (Whitehead et al 2006) Activity Type of improvement Number of cases Headline values (Mean) Retail footfall Pedestrianisation 10 20% 40% (32.3%) Retail turnover 22 10% 25% (17.0%) Retail rents 420 10% 30% (21.7%) Office rents Waterfront improvement/ other water feature 10 15% 35% (24.2%) Commercial property values can also benefit from the presence of quality public realm and environs. In principle, higher landscape quality will help to make sites and premises easier to sell or let and help retain occupants, with some studies suggesting that some occupants value landscape quality more highly than others to the extent that they are prepared to pay a higher than average rent for premises located in an area of high landscape quality (South Yorkshire Forest et al, 2008). Land and property values are a useful proxy measure for the relative prosperity and attractiveness of a community, neighbourhood or place. Property values reflect a basket of factors, including for example transport links, proximity to employment and local services, as well as environmental quality. The public realm theory of change model brings together the evidence base in terms of activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts in mapping the economic benefits of public realm investment (EMDA/ECOTEC 2007). Figure X provides a schematic of the public realm theory of change model. In the centre of the framework are the reasons why public realm investment brings about economic benefits summarised around six economic benefit streams: 1. Attracting business; 2. Increasing land / property values 3. Attracting visitors; 4. Increasing tourism; 5. Improving productivity; and 6. Enhancing image. The theory is that the quality of the location is enhanced by public realm and this changes the behaviours of investors, business and visitors, leading to increased positive outcomes including increased business activity, visitor expenditure, secondary business activity, productivity and an overall enhanced image for the area. Ultimately this improves the overall investment climate for a location and employment opportunities, impacting on high level outcomes including the sustainability of communities and economic competitiveness. Figure X: Public Realm Theory of Change Model. Case Study Evidence In evaluating the impact of public realm there has been a heavy emphasis on using area based case studies. Such case studies have tended to focus on qualitative assessments, although increasingly they have used survey approaches to help assess the relative contribution of public realm investment. Table X summarises a number of case studies. The case studies illustrate that public realm is reported by stakeholders as having an economic impact. Businesses across a range of studies report that public realm investment improves the performance of existing enterprises and influences new investment decisions. This is due to the way in which public realm impacts on increasing the attractiveness of an area, increasing footfall leading to increased consumers expenditure or improves the image of an area leading to new employment generation activity. The public realm is a secondary factor in the location decision making of inward investors in the East Midlands (EMDA/ECOTEC 2007). This was viewed as being due to the nature of inward investment decisions and the multiple factors that influence location. Moreover, it has been noted that there is little robust evidence from property market stakeholders to demonstrate the economic and regeneration impacts of investment in the public realm, but anecdotal evidence point to a positive relationship. A more general point relates to the context for public realm investment being made. The case study evidence suggests that whilst public realm projects can be successful in their own right, they need to be part of a wider regeneration programme to contribute towards the economic revival and sustainability of an area. What the case studies generally provide is a strong signal from businesses that there is a causal relationship between public realm investment and economic performance and the mechanisms for economic impacts. What is less clear is the relative contribution of public realm to observed overall changes. Table X: Summary of selected case studies on the economic benefits of public realm [source] Case Studies Context Investment Qualitative Impacts Quantitative Impacts Birmingham Victoria Square Public square flanked by most established civic buildings  £3.7m as part of  £6.5m package of works Restriction of traffic flows helped increase pedestrian flows, space for formal and informal activity, events attracts visitors. No assessment Bristol Queen Square Increase in property values of 15% which in part can be attributed to the public realm. Coventry city centre Poor quality city centre environment Range of public realm works incorporated Urban design improvements in the city centre, including signage, public art and civic square improvements have been cited as leading to a 25% increase in footfall on Saturdays [footnote] Torbay Waterfront Waterfront investment in public realm The public investment was recognised by businesses as important in influencing their investment decisions and increased trade [footnote] Based on waterfront business surveys and interviews was able to attribute on average some 20% of private sector investment to the waterfront public realm investment. Key retailers had noticed increased footfall as a benefit and some 10% of investment was attributed by the evaluators to the public realm investment. Whitby Town centre public realm works Study reported an increase of 35% in visitors as a result of the public realm works. This analysis was based on a visitor survey which asked whether the public realm has influenced the decision to visit. Part Three: Policy and Investment Rationale Cultural Planning Rationale Most culture-led regeneration has been implemented through cultural policy (Vickery 2000) with the rationale of achieving both social and political agendas. During the 1980s the use of cultural policy shifted towards an economic and physical regeneration mechanism (Garcia, 2004; McGuigan, 2005), and was known as cultural economic policy Kong (2000). Cultural policy has been used to create a sense of national identity through a cultural renaissance based on primarily on achieving economic benefits (Lee, 2004). There are various policy levels which aim to support both production and consumption based strategies (Simonin 2003). The DCMS made it a non-statutory requirement for the local authorities in England to produce a local cultural strategy to promote cultural well-being (DCMS 2000:5) which resulted in a high take up. A DCMS report entitled Culture at the Heart of Regeneration outlined the economic and social benefits of culture and recommended policy improvements to ensure that culture is firmly embedded in regeneration from the very beginning (DCMS,2004:5), not just as an after-thought. Cultural planning is defined as the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦strategic use of cultural resources for the integrated development of cities, regions and countries (Evans, 2001:7), and is the means for which culture to be considered in all processes relating to planning and development (Mercer, 2002). It is promoted by academics, as an alternative to traditional cultural policies (Evans, 2001; Garcia, 2004; Bianchini, 1993). This approach promotes an understanding of cities as cultural entities (Bianchini, 1993:212) and incorporates cultural policies with other sectors, such as planning (Lutz, 2006). Public Realm Investment Rationale The public policy rationale for investing in public realm has become increasingly well documented in recent years. Public places that help to inspire, delight and attract people are now firmly recognised as one of the wellsprings of prosperity. Indeed, good quality public realm has become increasingly central to urban regeneration policy decisions. The case is well articulated by CABE (2003:4) A high quality public environment can have a significant impact on the economic life of urban centres and is an essential part of any successful regeneration strategy. As towns increasingly compete with one another to attract investment, the presence of good parks, squares, gardens and other public spaces becomes a vital business and marketing tool. Companies are attracted to locations that offer well-designed, well-managed public places and these in turn attract customers, employees and services. It is worth noting the words of the American urban designer Alexander Garvin who wrote Urban planning should be defined as public action that will produce a sustained and widespread private market reaction (Gallacher 2005:11). That is to say if any new public space is not designed without some conscious thought given to increasing human activity and exchange, as well as adding to the economic value of local neighbourhoods and facilities, then it is likely to fail. The urban competitiveness maze outlined in the late 1990s introduced the concept that high quality public realm was an important factor in determining economic performance (Begg, 1999). The study highlighted that a high quality pedestrian environment and public realm was an essential component of creating the right environment for business. The linkages between local environmental quality and economic performance determined that public realm could have an influence through: (i) stimulating the local economy through increasing private sector returns, (ii) have a positive impact on perceptions of the area, and (iii) may retain and attract workers to an area where there is easy access to employment centres (Frontier Economics Ltd, 2004). Public realm investment is recognised as integral to the functioning of quality places. Buchanan (2008) concluded a three year evaluation project capturing the impact of quality of place investments across the North East region (these include a range of investments in cultural facilities, streetscapes, parks and other public realm). This has focussed closely on the impact of quality places on economic performance and has highlighted the contribution of public realm to the mix of elements that help make a location successful. Figure X overleaf illustrates the mix of attributes that make for good locations and quality of place identified in the study. Buchanans analysis concluded that quality of place investments can make a positive contribution to regional economic performance in four areas in particular: attracting and retaining knowledge workers; improving productivity through enhanced density; increasing labour force participation, and growing the tourism and culture economy The study identifies a broad approach to the assessment of the impact of quality of place, covering the assessment of economic change, property values and land prices, perception change and a physical quality assessment. The physical quality assessment used a number of survey tools as outlines in Figure X below. Figure X: Figure X: Economic competitiveness and quality of place (Buchanan, 2008) Over time public and urban realm investment has featured more strongly in order to underpin overall investment strategies. Industrialisation in the urban centres led to expansion, but de industrialisation later led to decline. The decline of many of the town and city centres was accompanied by social and physical degeneration, worsened by urban sprawl, including the emergence of out-of town shopping. The urban cores became places more likely to hinder, rather than promote, economic growth. The sheer scale of the problem, and a lack of resources, condemned to failure previous approaches of quick-fix and piecemeal interventions (in this case Sheffield). Within cultural planning policy and economic strategy the importance of public realm is in making great places and delivering more competitive locations. They serve as an attraction for people, businesses and visitors. They become places where people want to visit, live, work and invest. They offer better lifestyles. They are more likely to attract people who have more choices in life, with higher levels of income, education and skills. They attract new, knowledge-based sectors. The process of place-making helps to overcome exclusion, empowering local people and raising their levels of aspiration and ambition. The case for public sector investment in public realm is firmly grounded in a belief that it is a key contributor to the economic well-being and competitiveness of an area. There is a general body of evidence that recognises the importance of quality of place and public realm in attracting and retaining business, skilled people and visitors. From the evidence it is also clear that there are many factors that contribute to the quality of a particular location and therefore the attractiveness of a location to residents, businesses and visitors. Often a public realm strategy is just part of an overall investment strategy to improve the quality of a town or city centre environment the best are often described by investors or developers where they can see that action is being taken to improve a town or citys environment across sectors whether this be efforts to improve the town or citys retail, leisure, office, or residential offer, supported by a strong and clear masterplan and strong public sector governance. Together these factors appear to come together to improve the overall quality of a place, and a location that will encourage private sector investment. The challenge appears to be in disentangling the specific contribution of the public realm investment. Part Four: Validity Literature Validity Following an extensive literature review process it is vital to correspondingly consider the validity of such sources of literature. It remains essential for critical analysis and evaluation of certain aspects including the tone and style echoed within the literature in addition to the purpose for which it has been written. By undertaking effective and thorough research from a variety of quality key texts this enables the researcher to gain depth of knowledge and an understanding of the topic area. The adopted systematic approach to underpinning this literature review has enabled a variety of sources such as internet data, books, journals and reports for data collection, analysis generation and interpretation. A widespread of government agendas, initiatives, policies and strategy report documents have been reviewed. Refereed scholarly journal articles have been considered from various respected sources, authors and academic institutions which have been written for the purposes of professionals, academics and students within the field of the built environment. Additionally, internet data and books have presented mixed views which remain valid for use within this study. Therefore, bias or alternative influences remain few, subsequently forming reliable and valuable sources of information which have been executed with a critical approach for the purposes of this study.

Structural Family Therapy Is A Therapeutic Approach Psychology Essay

Structural Family Therapy Is A Therapeutic Approach Psychology Essay Structural Family Therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes that families possess many strengths and it attempts to move familys beyond dysfunctional patterns of interactions. Structural Family Therapy method was developed by Salvador Minuchin in the 1960s and is the leading model in family therapy and is one of the most widely used models for family therapy. Its focus is on family structure; subsystems; boundaries. Its goal is to focus on problem presented and structures displayed and improve or restructure the family structure then realign the family subsystems. The established family patterns is described by family structure and it is these patterns that determine how, why, who and when family members respond to and react with one another. The traditional family structure in the United States is considered a family support system involving two-parent household that provides provisions for their children. However, the two-parent, family has become less customary, and alternative family systems have become more common. The family is formed at birth and generations are formed. Those generations are known as the extended family or subsystems; aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, and of these family members anyone can hold major emotional and financial roles for the family. The relationships between these people are known as subsystems, coalitions, or alliances. Each subsystem has its own rules, boundaries, and unique characteristics. Membership in subsystems can change It is these family members that join together to perform functions. The se boundaries and can be viewed on a continuum from open to closed. Every system has ways of including and excluding elements so that the line between those within the system and those outside of the system is clear to all. No family system is completely closed or completely open. Overview Structural Family Therapy employs not only a distinctive classification of terms, but is also a means of illustrating crucial family boundaries. Its emphasis is on the structure of the family, including its many substructures. Minuchin is a follower of the communication theory, which is the discipline that studies the principles of transmitting information and the methods by which it is delivered. An essential trait of Structural Family Therapy is that the family system is used as a catalyst for positive change. Every family has a structure. A familys structure is the invisible or covert set of functional demands that dictate or organize the way family members interact (Minuchin, 1974). Family dynamics is the term used for the way that families communicate and exist together. Every family has a distinct pattern of relating to one another, which can be positive or negative. Family dynamics are influenced by family structure, for example, how many children are in the family, whether one or two parents live in the home, whether or not there is a stepparent in the family, cultural background and the personalities of each member. All of these examples contribute to the influence of family dynamics. Minuchin believes families that have an open and appropriate structure recovers more quickly and functions better in the long term. Key Concepts Structural Family Therapy outlines three basic subsystems and are often organized by gender or generation. : The marital subsystem in which the couple relationship, the parental subsystem, and the sibling subsystem. Each subsystem is distinguished by the members who comprise the subsystem as well as the tasks or focus of the subsystem. In Structural Family Therapy, family rules are defined as an invisible set of functional demands that persistently organizes the interaction of the family. Coalitions, boundaries, and power hierarchies between subsystems are important rules for a counselor to study (Minuchin, S. 1974). Ann Hartman (1979) has defined the boundary of a family as that invisible line that separates what is inside the family and what is outside the family. This outside boundary defines the whole family in relation to other systems such as schools, churches, or other families, and outside individuals. The subsystems could consist, for instance, of those members who belong to the same generation (such as the children) or the same sex (the men of the family) or those who have the same interests or functions. Individuals may belong to more than one subsystem. Over a period of time, rules are developed about how the subsystems interact with each other, and who is included in the subsystems, and how each partic ipates. In other words, the kind of boundary that exists defines the relationship between and among the subsystems. According to Minuchin, understanding a family requires identifying the processes and boundaries that operate the subsystems and coalitions in that family. Minuchin defined three types of interpersonal boundaries (clear, rigid, or diffuse) that determine the overall ability of the family to adapt successfully to change: Clear boundaries around generic subsystems are ideal because they are firm yet flexible, permitting maximum adaptation to change. Rigid boundaries imply disengagement between family members or subsystems. The prevailing non-communicative hinders support and limits effective adaptation. Diffuse boundaries imply enmeshment where everyone is into everyone elses business. In this case, no one and everyone is taking charge and effective guidance during times of change is impossible. In addition to structure, substructures and external and internal boundaries, Structural Family Therapy is also based on roles, rules and power. A family is organized in terms of roles. Every family has to decide who will care for the children, who does what chores around the house, who makes decisions, and who handles the money. To function well, a family must have some clarity and agreement about these roles. Nevertheless, roles cannot be so firm and closely defined that they cannot be modified. Each member of a family plays a significant role in the family dynamics, and if a death or divorce occurs, the family structure is upset, which upsets family dynamics. People might blame one another or rely on a different family member more than before, which shifts the structure. Role organization and principles in any family are influenced by many factors culture, ethnic background, experience in the family in which one grew up, life style, and family size and composition. Over a period of time, family members develop rules about how they associate with each other and with the external environment. Many of these rules are silent contracts. There are rules about communication, such as parents never argue in front of the children. There are rules about how decisions are made, how problems are solved, and about how people are supposed to think, feel, and act. The rules are monotonous, expected, and unwavering. Families develop distinguishing ways to make decisions and to resolve conflict. All families must have ways to make decisions and to resolve conflict. In most families all members have, and need to have, a certain amount of power and influence in some areas. As Aponte (1976) has pointed out, Family members must have enough power in the family to be able to protect their personal interests in the family at all times, while keeping the well-being of the other members, and of the family as a whole, in mind. Most people think that power and decision-making is vested primarily in adult members of the family. However, there can be a great variation in how power is distributed and used in families. There are many types of boundary problems as many problems as there are families. Family systems therapists assess families for boundary problems along a spectrum, placing boundary problems between the following two extremes: Enmeshed families are entangled and it is difficult to be extricated or separated the boundaries. In enmeshed families, boundaries do not allow for individuation; they are too fluid, and have become crossed and often distorted. Boundaries are constantly crossed in numerous ways. Disengaged which means to mentally separate yourself or somebody else from a situation or difficulty. Detached describes the individual that stands on its own and is not joined to another system. Families that share little to nothing, typically overly rigid families, are described as detached. Theres little to no communication and no flexibility in family patterns to accommodate effective support and guidance. Alignment refers to the way in which family members as individuals and as parts of subsystems relate to each other relative to other family members and subsystems (Nelson Utesch, 1990. P. 237). Alignments can include either joining or opposing one member or subsystem over another (Aponte Van Deusen, 1981). A Coalition is an alignment between two people in a system which excludes a third person. According to Minuchin coalitions are short-lived. Therapeutic Interventions The structural family therapy has many therapeutic interventions such as Boundary making, Unbalancing, Joining, Enactments, Accommodating, Raising Intensity, and Reframing. Boundary making involves restructuring the family because it changes the rules within which the family functions (Colapinta, 1982). Boundary making is a restructuring maneuver because it changes the rules of the game. Unbalancing is to make something lose its balance or equilibrium. It is used create disequilibrium in the family structure which helps the systems to see their dysfunctional patterns and to be open to restructuring and/or change. Joining means to put or bring together so as to make continuous or form a unit. It is necessary for the therapist to establish this bond (Minuchin, 1974). Enactments are the act or process of enacting something. According to Minuchin and Fishman enactment constructs an interpersonal scenario in the session in which dysfunctional transactions among family members are played o ut. This technique allows the therapist to observe how family members control their actions, and to determine the problematic behavior within the sequence of transactions (Colapinta, 1982). Accommodating is a willing to please or to be helpful. Intensity is the structural method of changing maladaptive transactions by using strong affect, repeated intervention, or prolonged pressure. Intensity works best if done in a direct, unapologetic manner that is goal specific. The procedure of restructuring is at the heart of the structural approach. The goal of structural family therapy is to make the family more functional by altering the existing hierarchy and interaction patterns so that problems are not maintained. It is accomplished through the use of enactment, unbalancing, and boundary formation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapy are the most commonly used psychotherapeutic treatments of mental disorders in adults (Goisman et al., 1999). Cognitive Therapy (CT), or Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) was developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, in the mid-1960s, and is a form of psychotherapy in which the therapist and the client work together as a team to identify and solve problems conditions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is usually more focused on the present, more time-limited, and more problem-solving oriented. Indeed, much of what the patient does is solve current problems. The goals of cognitive therapy are to help individuals gain control a better understanding and to solve current problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses a wide variety of techniques to help patients change their thoughts, actions, attitudes, and make-up. Its focus is on the way we perceive situations influences how we feel emotionally. Techniques may be cognitive, behavioral, environmental, biolog ical, supportive, interpersonal, or experiential. CBT has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of disorders. To name just a few, it has been found useful for: psychiatric disorders such as depression, the full range of anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders, and (along with medication) bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; medical disorders with a psychological component, including several conditions involving chronic or acute pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, pre-menstrual syndrome, colitis, sleep disorders, obesity, Gulf War syndrome, and somatoform disorders; and Psychological problems such as anger, relationship difficulties, and compulsive gambling. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clients learn certain skills that they can use throughout their lives. These skills involve relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors, identifying distorted thinking, and modifying beliefs Distorted thinking or Cognitive distortions are exaggerated and irrational thoughts. There are many types of Cognitive distortion: Emotional reasoning is Feelings are facts; Anticipating negative outcomes -The worst will happen; All-or-nothing thinking-All good or all bad; Mind-reading Knowing what others are thinking; Personalization Excess responsibility; and Mental filter Ignoring the positive. The cognitive distortions theory was presented by David Burns in The Feeling Good Handbook in 1989. He studied under Aaron T. Beck. According to Beck eliminating these distortions and negative thoughts will improve mood and discourage disorders such as depression and chronic anxiety. The process of learning to refute these distortions is called cognit ive restructuring. Modifying Beliefs is a huge step where one must recognize and identify certain beliefs even exist. However, in order to improve your attitude or behavior, you must begin to change these beliefs and adopt new healthy ones. This can be a difficult task if the belief is one that you have held onto all your life. For you to change any belief system, you must begin by questioning yourself about these beliefs sort of a personal rebuttal to your own ineffective beliefs. When it comes to relating to others, most people have been conditioned to think one way, the win-lose way. Relating to others simply means interacting effectively with a wide range of people in a many different situations. Clients who relate well to others are open to new learning and able to take different roles in different situations. They are aware of how their words and actions affect others. They know when it is appropriate to compete and when it is appropriate to co-operate. By working effectively together, they can come up with new approaches, ideas, and ways of thinking. Behavior change can refer to any transformation or modification of human behavior and is a rapid and involuntary when associated with mental disorders. Overview Ivan Pavlov, B.F. skinner, Joseph Wolpe, Albert Bandura, Arnold Lazarus, Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck are the contributors to the development of Cognitive Behavior therapy. There are three main theoretical approaches Cognitive behavior therapy. The first approach is Behavior therapy which is based upon the principles of classical conditioning developed by Ivan Pavlov and operant conditioning developed by B. F. Skinner. Classical conditioning is a reflexive or automatic type of learning in which a stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus. The traditional example of classical conditioning is Pavlovs classic experiment with dogs, the neutral signal was the sound of a tone and the naturally occurring reflex was salivating in response to food. By associating the neutral stimulus with the environmental stimulus (the presentation of food), the sound of the tone alone could produce the salivation response. Operant conditioning is a meth od of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. The traditional example of operant conditioning uses the Skinner box, the subject, a rat, is kept in the box and becomes conditioned to press a bar by being rewarded with food pellets each time its early random movements caused it to press against the bar. The second theoretical approach is social learning theory is the view that people learn from observation, imitation and modeling. The social theory was coined by Albert Banduras in the 1960s, and explains how people learn new behaviors, values, and attitudes. Arnold Lazarus is a pioneer in behavior therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and multimodal therapy. He originated the term Behavior Therapy in the professional literature and went on to develop Multimodal Therapy which has been recognized as one of the most effective forms of cognitive-behavior t herapy. Arnold Lazarus expanded the scope of CBT to include physical sensations (as distinct from emotional states), visual images (as distinct from language-based thinking), interpersonal relationships, and biological factors. The third theoretical approach is cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy seeks to help the patient overcome difficulties by identifying and changing dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. It was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s.