The Chinese State Environmental Protection Agency

Case Study Report Introduction This case study report will explore the company Phase Separation Solutions (PS2) and identify the key problems and alternatives. An analysis and application of models will then be conducted. Specifically, the five models chosen consist of a PESTEL analysis, Porters Five Forces, a SWOT analysis, the VRIN model and the organisational configuration model. An evaluation of alternatives involving advantages and disadvantages for the alternatives are then investigated. Finally, a conclusion and recommendations are presented for PS2.Identification of Key Problems and Alternatives Within the case study there are a set of key problems and alternatives presented. The first problem deals with whether PS2 should enter the Chinese market. To investigate this further, economic problems, regulatory problems, and the problem of potential limited markets in Canada and North America may compel PS2 to internationalise. Declining economic markets and volatile industry prop ensity in Canada and North America display limited sustainable future revenues and weakening PCB-contaminated soil allocation.Regulatory issues prohibit PS2 from transporting soils from the US to Canada in addition to PCBs only providing PS2 with short term momentum as PCB treatment is a declining market in Canada. Currently, in the Canadian market there is a potential limit in regards to the amount of PCB-contaminated soil and unfavourable cost advantages which may require PS2 to look abroad in order to increase their business activities. These factors raise issues of constraints in PS2s existing markets (Canada and North America) which will cause assessment whether PS2 should internationalise into China.The second problem deals with which of the two opportunities should PS2 pursue. PS2 needs to weigh up the two options. Option one is a joint venture (JV) with Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences (NIES) in the remediation POP-contaminated soil while option two is a JV with Z houshan Nahai Solid Waste Central Disposal (Nahai) in oil recovery from oil sludge. Either none, option one, option two, or both need to assessed and then selected. Would it be feasible to pursue both? Assessments of internal capabilities would need to be undertaken, focusing on financials and costs to determine the possibility of pursuing both options.In order to undertake both options, PS2 has to assess the cost and benefits. The third problem deals with whether PS2 possess the required resources and capabilities to pursue an equity-based entry. An internal assessment of resources and capabilities will need to be undertaken to determine current capacity and any future resources and capabilities needed to expand. Additionally, determining the affect cooperative opportunities with NIES and Nahai in China would do to impact the metrics of PS2 and the flow-on impact on corporate resources and the organisational structure.The fourth problem deals with what ownership levels PS2 should a ssume for each option. Investigating both options and determining the percentage of ownership levels for both options (i. e. equal joint control, majority control or minority control) needs to be undertaken. Therefore contract negotiations with potential JV partners must suit PS2. Based on ownership levels, the fifth problem would be how PS2 would staff its Chinese operation(s) if they decide to pursue the opportunities in China.Organisational structures, systems, and staffing need to be considered when determining the JV and the collaboration of staff. The sixth problem could be that the Chinese market is still in an emerging stage which brings about issues of lagged development of industry in terms of research capabilities and techniques of treatment facilities even though the potential size of this market appears a decent size for small firms such as PS2. The seventh problem deals with competitors (i. e. BEV) who have been seeking opportunities for geographical diversification wh ich could saturate the market and put pressure on PS2.Competitor analysis and determination of future potential industry outcomes are needed to determine a long-term plan for PS2 to internationalise into China. Lastly, the modes of international involvement have previously been on a non-equity basis, in the form of equipment exporting, licensing and service contracts. The eighth problem is that PS2 has no experience in international expansion of an equity-based manner which could present unforeseen issues PS2 has not previously faced. Therefore determination of company capabilities to set-up operation systems to effectively implement an equity-based entry will require copious assessments.Analysis and Application of Models 1)PESTEL Model (macro analysis) PS2 is no stranger to international markets and is presented with the opportunity to enter the unfamiliar yet seemingly attractive Chinese market. An analysis of the Chinese market is necessary to determine the expansion viability. P ESTLE is a model which can provide comprehensive information about the macro-environment of the Chinese market and can help answer the problems of whether or not PS2 should enter the Chinese market and which option(s) to choose.Political Factors: The Chinese government has realised and reached a consensus on the importance of prioritising environmental protection beyond a â€Å"basic policy† of country agenda from 2009. The Chinese State Environmental Protection Agency spent $162. 5 billion on environmental protection in 2009 and the Chinese government strongly committed to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which meant the government needed to pay more attention and spend more money on environmental protection (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 9).Furthermore, in 2010, the Chinese government claimed that $3 billion would be invested to oil investigation and oil remediation from 2011 to 2016 (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 10). Economic Factors: In the past 30 years, economic development of China was rapid where the real GDP per capita rose from $220 in 1980 to $2,883 in 2010 and the annual growth rate was around 9% per annum (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 8). The huge economic development will provide many opportunities for companies to enter. The Chinese economic environmental is still at the early stage however it has great potential to grow.Social Factors: Environmental pollution has become a serious social issue facing the Chinese government due to its negative consequences on society’s health. Around 410,000 people die every year in China because of environmental pollution (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 9). Meanwhile, the number of protests related to environmental pollution increased with an annual rate of 29% in recent years (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 9). Technological Factors: China’s technological capabilities are not as developed as other nations and causing lags in potential growth.TDU technology is widely used in China’s POP market. Compared with TDU, PS2’s TPS technology has higher mobility. In China, the oil sludge industry is in its infancy so advanced technologies are needed to propel development. Environmental Factors: China is critically affected by environmental pollution with smog causing negative effects on worker attendance and productivity. Environmental pollution has placed a burden on the country’s medical system causing pressure on the government to solve the problem.Dumping of untreated oil sludge into pits or the fact that they were incinerated is also bad for the environment. Legal Factors: The government is on its way to addressing environmental pollution. On one hand, it takes measures to reduce pollution. On the other hand, regulations have been created in order to treat pollution properly such as the regulation to forbid the traditional way to deal with the oil sludge, which can be positive for PS2 to compete in the market. Overall, the PESTEL model analyses the ma cro-environment of China. Generally the environmental industry of China is attractive.On one hand, China has seen huge economic growth so that the country has the ability to spend money on environmental protection. On the other hand, the economic development was made at the cost of the environment and people in China have been negatively affected by the environmental pollution, which means it is necessary to take measures to protect the environment. Moreover, the technology of the environmental industry in China is not developed. To sum up, the macro-environment of China is positive for companies to enter with advanced echnologies. Both the POP industry and oil sludge industry are at the early stage with great potential, so the external factors are positive for PS2 to pursue both options and enter into the Chinese market. 2)Porters Five Forces Model (micro analysis) The treatment of POP and Industrial Sludge micro-industry analysis within China addresses the aspects which directly i nfluence PS2 and its competitive behaviour and responses. Porter’s Five Forces interact and determine an industry’s attractiveness and profit potential.One problem PS2 can review to gain a clear picture of whether they should enter the Chinese market in order to determine its viability and what forces offer potential attractiveness or barriers. Another problem PS2 can review is the competitive nature of the Chinese industry with potential opportunities or obstructions as well as varying competitor market saturation levels. Industry analysis will enable an overall assessment of the desirability to enter, difficulty to enter, and potential of the industry.Threat of New Entrants: Low threat of new entrants as there are high barriers to entry which would be difficult to overcome however regulatory changes are transforming industry operations. Both options would mean PS2 would have high start-up costs in conjunction with the JV as they would have high capital requirements f or allocation of site locations and treatment facilities as well as high fixed costs with the latest technology and transportation. The industry capabilities are specialised and require knowledge built through years of immersion in the industry.Legal barriers make entry more difficult to comply with environmental and legal policies which can restrict operations. Threat of Substitutes: Low threat of substitutes as there are no direct substitutes to the raw materials used in operations, such as POP contaminated soil and oil sludge. As both soil and oil are natural resources, the likelihood of substitutes are low however government pressures for preservation of environmental reserves means there are various substitute processes towards conversation of soil and oil which would be dependent on technology and cost advantages.The ability to switch between substitute processes is moderate however contracts with companies would limit the ability to switch as site locations grant permission t o treatment of the resource. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Low bargaining power of buyers as they have limited capacity to acquire or produce natural resources, such as clean soil and oil on their own. There are a multitude of buyers who would purchase large volumes of either soil or oil however they would lack the ability to influence the products as the technological processes are highly specialised and restricted to government policies.Buyers do however have the ability to switch between similar operational organisations if switching costs and contract negotiations enable such business transactions. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate-to-high bargaining power of suppliers as they are reliant on natural reserves that determine the allocation of such resources (soil and oil) to organisations. Governments and private organisations would need to give permission for site allocation as well as importation of resources to potential buyers which can be a rigorous and costly task.The sp eciality of the resource and finite nature makes the bargaining power strong within the Chinese market. There are also other suppliers, such as the companies that supply PS2 with materials for their technology and devices. These suppliers have a high bargaining power as it is assumed that only specialised companies can provide PS2 with the materials and equipment that they need. The Threat of Competitive Rivalry: Low-moderate threat of competitive rivalry as there are a few competitors in the market with various location sites, technological processes and operational capacity.The industry growth is immensely high with regulations and environmental outlooks encouraging preservation of natural resources (soil and oil) encouraging organisations to compete. There would be limited differentiation between resources however production and technological processes would ensure some differentiation enabling PS2 to apply such processes to deliver a competitive advantage in the Chinese market. Overall the POP and Industrial Sludge industry is moderately attractive as a majority of forces pose limited threats. The process systems between buyers nd suppliers are complex however power distribution is fairly un-proportionate. The high barriers could be concerning however once entered into the market, the threat of substitutes and competitive rivalry is limited. Addressing the problems, PS2 has the ability to enter the market as it is attractive and can compete and differentiate with other competitors with the assistance of a JV. PS2 has TPS technology which has the ability to provide the Chinese industry with a highly unique and differentiated competitive alternative especially as the market has the capability for such treatment processes. ) SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis takes an overall approach to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats presented to PS2 in the case. Specifically, the SWOT analysis can review the problem of whether or not PS2 should enter the Chinese market, which of the two options they should select, the feasibility of pursuing both options, ownership levels, the problem of competitors wanting to enter the international arena, and the fact that the market was still at an emerging stage. Strengths: PS2 is no stranger to internationalisation into other markets with technology deployed in 14 countries in the past 15 years. -PS2 possesses internationally proven technology (TPS), the only one to be able to extract 90% of oil from industrial sludge (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 3). It is recognised as being world class for performance, reliability, mobility and its lack of harmful air emissions. -TPS technology can easily be deployed at fixed locations and has several advantages (stated in above point). -PS2 is well suited to the Nahai JV as they have global experience.Both owners have similar personalities and stories. A solid trust had already been developed and Nahai had solid assets with a wide range of permits already obtai ned. -The Government agency (NIES) has a degree of safety to it which reduces the risk of the project. They had extensive expertise and experience and had identified and inventoried 300+ sites in three provinces. This option also acted as a free advertising campaign for PS2. -Being an early entrant into the emerging market of remediation of POP-contaminated soil,PS2 would most likely enjoy first mover advantages. Weaknesses: -The oil recovery from oil sludge market was fragmented and the industry was still in its infancy. -The cost of both JV’s are expensive ($3 million each option). -For option one (POP-contaminated soils), the JV would need to design, engineer, manufacture and market TPS units in China for use in various regions of China. -There is no guarantee that option one will work as the JV would need to design, plan, launch and bid for, operate and participate in projects in China. Some competitors already have the rights to other regions of China which will make it harder for PS2 to gain permissions to other areas in China and cause competitive intensity in the industry. Opportunities: -The contaminated soil market has opened up significantly since regulations imposed by governments required more adequate processing of soil. -China was becoming more environmentally aware making protection a priority. Previously waste would be dumped, however now it can be treated with new regulations in some provinces. More sludge would be generated from increased oil imports which equates to more business for PS2. -Nahai was a leader in the area, possessed the only waste management processing permit in the area, and had an excellent infrastructure. -If option two goes ahead, it opens the doors up for other opportunities like consulting services and applying the technologies to other parts of China. Threats: -The main threat is the issue of the JV’s. Issues of control, management and staffing are present and could undermine PS2’s abilities. Conta minated soil sites were widely dispersed across the country. The soils would therefore need to be transported; however this is not easy due to their bulk. New laws and regulations were expected to ban the importation of waste containing POPs from province to province. Based on the SWOT analysis, it appears that the strengths and opportunities outweigh the weaknesses and threats. From the model, it looks certain that indeed PS2 should enter the Chinese market, and pursue both options as it is feasible to pursue both options.Entering the market would beat any competitor in entering the Chinese market and may even deter them, hence eliminating the problem of competition. The problem that the market was at an emerging state helped PS2 as it was in a growth stage and this seems likely to continue. Regarding ownership levels, there seems to be a good fit between the two groups who PS2 would enter the JV with, so this should not be much of a problem. 4) VRIN Model In order to determine whi ch option to pursue, or whether PS2 should choose to pursue both, the strategic capabilities and resources as a basis of competitive advantage must be explored.The internal capabilities will be examined, alongside the required resources and capabilities to pursue an equity-based entry. Furthermore, company capabilities to set-up operation systems to effectively implement an equity-based entry will be determined. Value: With the Chinese government understanding the current environmental concerns in their economy, a need for the protection of the environment was a priority for the government. Pollution was not only an issue, but posed a social issue to residents of the country.As a result, environmental protection became a â€Å"basic state policy† (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 9). Contaminated sites were randomly dispersed across China, and the mobility of PS2’s TPS technology provided them with a possible competitive advantage in this market. This ease of use across the va rious sites in China was not something offered by PS2’s competitors. Also, due to application of PS2’s technology regardless of the POPs to be treated, the opportunity in China could allow them to compete in a $725 million market (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 0). The technology PS2 possesses offers value to the company and an entry into China could extract extra value for PS2 based on favourable policy changes. Rarity: The history of the company, providing a management team with extensive knowledge of the industry, and the geographical experience possessed by these individuals provides PS2 with a supremely talented and knowledgeable workforce. With the president and CEO Paul Antle’s 25 years of experience behind him, his abilities to pursue projects have contributed to his many awards.He was recognised for his success as an entrepreneur, suggesting similar qualities to that of Nahai’s owner. This similarity, alongside an ability to direct and manage, provides PS2 with the advantage of identification with individuals and knowledgeable people to run such a project. Moreover, PS2 offered services on a â€Å"fee-for-service basis† creating a desirability surrounding their product and service Furthermore, their adoption of previous ways to raise capital, such as the Capital Pool Company program, and their insight into becoming a public company suggest that PS2 has been a strategic player in their ambition to create funds.All this confirms that the resources and capabilities that PS2 possesses are rare and hard to find in other companies within the industry. Inimitability: The TPS technology differed to that of its competitors. It produced safe soil with an 85% decrease in volume that could be returned to the environment. The TPS process not only enabled the recovery of oil and other hydrocarbons for reuse or resale, but also generated its own fuel source to fire the system. Compared with incineration and land filling, TPS technology p roduced no harmful air emissions and no land and water pollutants.And finally, compared with incineration, the TPS process produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental benefits presented by this technology dealt with the current environmental concerns facing the Chinese government (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 3). This makes the TPS technology hard to imitate by any other competitor as there is no other technology that can match its superiority. Non-substitutability: There are always risks of competitors entering the market, but not necessarily substituting PS2’s technology with the same. Rather, competitors may enter the market and look to potentially enhance PS2’s technology.The driving force behind PS2’s technology is the development of a technology that allows for the protection of the environment (p. 6). This technology may only be substituted by the use of incineration or landfills, and if substituted, to the detriment of the enviro nment (p. 6). These forms of substitution do not create the same outcome as that of PS2’s TPS technology. The VRIN model explores the resources and capabilities currently possessed by PS2. Option one allows PS2 to enter a somewhat new market in China, allowing NIES to act as an agent for PS2’s technology.Option one presents a lower level of risk for PS2, but in doing so, results in a lower level of return, contrary to option two. Option two allows a certain level of identification between the management team of Nahai, and PS2’s current management team. This, alongside Nahai’s tangible resources, may present an attractive venture for PS2. Either option presents PS2 as a new, and highly competitive, entrant in the Chinese market. Therefore, the VRIN model confirms that PS2 may have a sustainable competitive advantage and should therefore enter the Chinese market.Both options look suitable. PS2 currently has the required resources and capabilities to pursue an equity-based entry. 5) Organisational Configuration Model The organisational configuration model looks at six main elements in organisations and can be applied to PS2. Specifically, this model can review the problem of whether or not PS2 should enter the Chinese market, which of the two (if not both) options that they should select and whether PS2 possess the required resources and capabilities to pursue an equity-based entry.Leadership: Paul Antle is the CEO of PS2 and leads a team of employees who all possess skills and abilities around the TPS technology. Nahai’s owner had a similar personality to Antle and was also an entrepreneur. They both identified with each other from the beginning, so there is definitely a match in regards to the leaders and their ways of thinking. They had a solid trust based on this. The NIES had made the first call to PS2 about their technology (based on the State Environmental Protection Agency of China) so it is accepted that the leaders som ehow matched and got along well.Vision & Strategy: PS2s strategy wanted to involve international geographic diversification to propel it to not just a domestic player, but an international one. This would at the same time improve their growth potential. Since both these opportunities were international expansions, it suited the strategy of PS2 and there was a match. Their vision was to become an international player and expand in more areas on new terms (equity basis) and these options to enter into China allowed them to do just that. Formal structures: Antle as CEO leads his team of employees.Among these employees there are certain positions held such as marketing manager, operations manager and R&D manager. PS2 has a fairly rigid and hierarchical structure where certain people report to others above them. However, due to the small number of staff, there are quite frequently vertical hierarchical jumps and everyone interacts with each other. Technology: The Thermal Phase Separation (TPS) technology that PS2 possesses is an internationally proven technology which is the only one to be able to extract 90% of oil from industrial sludge (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 3).It is recognised as being world class for performance in regards to its reliability, mobility and its lack of harmful air emissions. It has been internationally proven and produces safe oil, enables the recovery of oil which can then be reused or resold. The technology produced no harmful air emissions, no land and water pollutants, and fewer green house gas emissions. This would be appreciated by the Chinese and their government in regards to recent policy changes and environmental protection developments. Processes: At PS2, there exist several processes that act in harmony to accomplish tasks and achieve goals effectively and efficiently.There are processes that deal with inputs and outputs such as information, people and materials. There are also processes formed around customer service and after sa les service for existing customers, new product development, order fulfilment as well as things like decision making and resource allocation. These could all be successfully employed in China. Informal structures: As mentioned above, although the hierarchical structure exists and is respected by all employees, informal structures are present. These informal structures don’t cause conflict as primarily it is the formal structure that employees follow.However, the CEO and management understand that sometimes it is easier to work with informal structures and that friendship groups work better with one another. For this reason, these structures exist and are granted by management to continue operating. This also leads to a higher motivated workforce. Based on the organisational configuration model that looks at six main elements of PS2, it appears that PS2 should enter the Chinese market as the leaders have good fit, the vision and strategy align with moving into global markets, and the technology is sufficient in regards to China’s new environmental standards.Both options look suitable to be pursued. From the model, it appears that PS2 possess the required resources and capabilities to pursue an equity-based entry and therefore should enter the market. Evaluation of Alternatives Option 1: Remediation of POP-Contaminated Soil Some advantages of option 1 include: -The total amount of high-density PCB waste was about 50,000 tons, a decent proportion of the low-density waste which was calculated to be 500,000 tons – this was three times the amount of the Canadian PCB market (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 9). If the government improved its measures to protect the environment, the number of POPs in China would rise (currently a $470 million and the potential to be a $725 million market) (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 10). -The TPS technology differed to that of its competitors – the TPS process was able to produce safe soil with an 85% decrease in vol ume which could be returned to the environment (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 3). The TPS process not only enabled the recovery of oil and other hydrocarbons for reuse or resale, but also generated its own fuel generated its own fuel source to fire the system. Compared with incineration, the TPS process would produce less greenhouse gas emissions. -Compared with the TDU unit (the current technology from a competitor), PS2’s TPS technological unit had higher mobility, which would be attractive to the Chinese market because there were numerous small contaminated sites in China. -PS2 would cooperate with NIES. NIES was a government agency so the risk of this project would be reduced significantly. NIES had extensive expertise and experience and had identified more than 300 sites in three provinces. This also acted as a free advertising campaign for PS2. Being an early entrant into the emerging market of remediation of POP-contaminated soil, PS2 would most likely enjoy the first move advantages. -PS2 was involved in conducting market research with the Chinese government over the past one-and-a-half years, which meant PS2 had already gained experience cooperating with the Chinese government. The experience would be helpful if PS2 entered the Chinese market. Some disadvantages of option 1 include: -The JV would need to design, engineer, manufacture and market the TPS units in China for use in various parts of China.There is no guarantee that this option will work as the JV would need to design, plan, launch and bid for, operate and participate in projects in China. -The JV would need an investment of about $3,000,000, which is a large investment for a company the size of PS2. Option 1 is attractive because the positive factors outweigh the negative factors for PS2. The Chinese market is huge and has great potential. Furthermore, PS2 has a competitive advantage to compete in the industry of remediation of POP-contaminated soils.However, there are some risks that PS 2 needs to take into account such as the big initial investment. Option 2: Oil Recovery from Oil Sludge Some advantages of option 2 include: -Chinese oil sludge industry is large with treatment of 6. 1 million tons with Zhoushan’s facilities located close to costal oil terminals such as Aoshan Oil Terminal which is China’s largest oil transhipment base (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 13). -New regulations in Chinese market is encouraging organisations not to dump but rather enforcing proper treatment to respond to environmental issues. Cooperation with Zhoushan Nahai Solid Waste Central Disposal Co. Ltd. (Nahai) in Zhejiang means PS2 would be in partnership with the largest and only permitted solid waste management system in the area of Zhoushan. -Nahai had become a â€Å"leader in the management of hazardous waste and oil sludge in the Zhoushan area† (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 13) therefore providing more tangible resources such as an oil storage facility, a waste oil recovery facility, bilge water treatment process and a solid waste destruction facility. The JV would expose PS2 to a greater window of opportunity through the capability of processing from 10,000 to up to 100,000 tonnes of oily sludge per year (Peng & Beamish, 2012, p. 13). -The ability to leverage off PS2’s international management teams experience through development opportunities of processing oil sludge recovery into other regions of China. -The internationally recognised TPS technology provided by PS2 addresses the environmental concerns of the Chinese government, and thus, partnering with Nahai will present this JV as the preferred vendor for oil sludge recovery systems. PS2 is well suited to Nahai as they have global experience, similar personalities, he is an experienced entrepreneur and they identify with each other. Some disadvantages of option 2 include: -The permit for waste management held by Nahai is only limited to the Zhoushan area. While this area may conta in a large potential of oil sludge remediation, gaining rights in other areas of China may pose an issue. -Some competitors already have the rights to other regions of China, thus gaining these permissions to other areas in China may be a drawback and saturate the industry. As Nahai is a privately owned company, and PS2 is a public company, the provisions between the two are not definite. This JV, as with any JV between a public and private company may present a lack of accountability and blur the distinctions with regards to risk, performance and funding. -The Chinese oil sludge industry is still in its infancy and is very fragmented due to various oil sludge generation locations making it difficult to expand operations into other regions. -The JV would need an investment of about $3,000,000, which a large investment for a company the size of PS2.When determining whether PS2 should enter into a JV with Nahai it is important to explore both the advantages and disadvantages that exis t. While there may be some disadvantages present, there are also advantages for PS2 to enter into a JVwith Nahai that will allow for the international growth and expansion of PS2. While it may not allow for the exploration of other suitable industries, such as research into rural environments, it does provide PS2 with substantial financial gain should they consider entering into this JV with Nahai.Recommendations and Conclusions Based on the above evaluation of alternatives, it appears that for both option one and option two, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. However, taking a closer look at both options, it appears option one has the same amount of advantages as option two but at the same time option one has far less disadvantages than option two. From this, it could be concluded that option one is perhaps better than option two in regards to which option PS2 should choose.Therefore option one is the better opportunity on face value however this is not to say that option two is not viable as the analysis illustrates both provide high potential future prosperous outcomes for PS2. It is therefore recommended that PS2 enter both option one and option two, but at different times and stages. It is recommended that PS2 pursue and enter option one, the remediation of POP-contaminated soil first and foremost. The only negatives for pursuing this option is firstly the cost, which is a price of doing business and will need to be undertaken no matter how or where PS2 expands internationally.The next negative is that there is no guarantee that the JV will work, as PS2 has to do extra work such as bidding, planning, launching, operating and participating. Therefore an element of risk does exist, but the advantages and potential return outweigh this risk. The advantages consist of large amounts of PCB waste present, the fact that the TPS technology was different to any other company including its use (such as a higher mobility) and the environmental protec tion is enforced. Nevertheless, this does not mean that PS2 should not pursue the second option of oil recovery from oil sludge.Some of the major disadvantages deal with limited permits and areas where PS2 can use its technology, the fact that other competitors have the right to other regions of China, and possibly the problem of conflictions between the JV agreements as PS2 and Nahai are private and public respectively. There are though, more advantages than disadvantages, and stronger ones as well. For example, PS2 would be exposed to a greater opportunity, Nahai has a strong reputation and possesses the only permits in the area in question, the large oil sludge industry and the fact that both PS2 and Nahai had similar founders with similar personalities.From the evaluation of alternatives, option one is preferred, but option two still appears viable. Therefore, it is recommended the corporate level strategy is to enter into option one and be monitored based on the above conclusio ns. Entering both options at the same time is unrealistic and would bear financial strain on PS2. It seems a more strategic move would be to pursue option one and monitor it in terms of its financial performance – return on equity and return on investment as well as its success. If it is successful and some of the expenses are recuperated, this could be used for potential enter into option two.Therefore, it is recommended that an entry into option two is followed by the entry of option one at a later stage (based on the assessment outcomes of option one). If however option one is a failure and there is no return on the $3 million, option two will not be pursued. Further, it is also recommended that PS2 embark on a new operational level strategy of hiring additional employees and expanding resources required to increase the probability of any entrance into China ending in a successful move for PS2.It is expected that any move into China will require a collaboration of resource s with the JV and further employees to cope with the increase in activities and make sure the entry runs smoothly. The increase and hiring of new staff should specifically involve potential employees who have some cross-cultural experience and perhaps even some business experience within China. Reference Peng, G. Z. , 2012, ‘Phase Separation Solutions (PS2): The China Question’, Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario, p. 1-18

Applying Family Systems Theory to Early Childhood Practice Essay

In this article, Christian (2006) discusses the six characteristics of family systems relevant to early childhood practice. The author believes that teachers have a role in discovering and improving family systems to maximize children’s abilities. Therefore, early childhood teachers should consider these characteristics to help decide the best approach for students. The first characteristic is boundaries. There are two kinds of boundaries, namely disengaged and enmeshed. The first allows children to decide on their own and accept new friends, ideas, etc. but tend to be unattached while the other s from outside of the family. The second is more strict and attached; it supports and guides an individual in making decisions, but usually expects avid conformity with family rules. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both kinds, the teacher should respect and support family boundaries in order to respond accordingly to needs. The second characteristic is roles. Family roles have a significant effect on students’ behavior. For instance, the eldest child tends to be more mature than others and play as the peacemaker, helper, etc. Teachers should recognize these roles and provide role playing situations where students can get to play other roles. Also, teachers should make families recognize their students’ strengths through writing simple notes. The third is rules. Teachers should know family rules of students in order to avoid confusing them with school rules. For instance, explain why a certain rule works in school but not at home, and vice versa. Teachers should have a positive outlook in striking a balance between both. Also, rules should be stated clearly because unspoken rules could lead to failure to obey them. The fourth characteristic is hierarchy. Families observe a certain hierarchy in the house. This points to the power to decide within a family. Teachers should be sensitive regarding this and observe the effect of family systems of each individual. For example, there are times when a child exercises power over others due to hierarchy experienced at home. Importantly, teachers should vary activities to make students experience a different hierarchy concept. Another characteristic is climate. This is the emotional and physical environment the child has. The role of the teacher is to ensure that the child has a positive climate at home. To do this, they could organize a talk with parents to find out and suggest a better climate parents can offer. Also, the climate in school should allow venue for â€Å"positive feedback and healthy sensory experiences.† The last one is equilibrium. This refers to the sense of balance within the family. Equilibrium should manifest in all aspects, such as health, emotions, activities, finance, etc. It can only be achieved by undergoing changes from time to time. For example, if a family experiences difficulty because of a daughter’s illness, parents cannot be focused only on the ill member. They should devote equal time for their other children who equally need care and attention. As professionals, teachers can guide parents to assess equilibrium in their family. The suggestions the author makes in this article are very significant. Considering the characteristics mentioned might help each family become more well-knit, thus maximizing intellectual and emotional development of the students. To effect this, teachers should have willingness, sincerity, and respect for each student and the family system where they belong. Reference Christian, Linda Garris. (2006). Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. Retrieved 5 November 2008, from http://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200601/ChristianBTJ.asp

Affection And Love Essay

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come if we seek first the Kingdom of God – the rest will be given. Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go. If a particular religion, or culture, or scale of values, if one form of activity rather than another, brings self- fulfillment to a man, releases the prince within him unknown to himself, then that scale of values, that culture, that form of activity constitutes his truth. There must be a reason why some people can afford to live well. They must have worked for it. I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things that we could use. We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence†¦ We need silence to be able to touch souls. We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own. Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired Jains believe that life exists in various forms in different parts of the universe including earth. Jainism has extensive classification of various living organisms including micro-organisms that live in mud, air and water. All living organisms have soul and therefore need to be interacted without causing much harm. There is nothing like a mothers love The women who cares the most More than the strength of a diamond More than the height of the sky More than the weight of the earth Nothing will ruin mother’s love A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. God sees us through our Mothers’ eyes and rewards us for our virtues.

Unity between Human and Nature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Unity between Human and Nature - Essay Example There have been scholarly attempts and terms that come from study of nature. For instance, nature-deficit-disorder is a term, which has been coined to describe the increasing gap between nature and modern day children/adults (Louv, 42). This has caused emergence of mixed reactions where a section of world adults have spoken in tones of heartfelt emotions, others have spoken in anger tones and others have spoken out about the loss they have experienced because of the growing gap between humanity and nature. A natural world is crucial to human spirit, well-being, health, and general survival. This has been put in perspective in the Nature Principle, a book by Richard Louv which describes categorically uniting theories in addition to reconciliation of old truths (Louv, 45). The Nature Principle will therefore form part of the underpinning argument in this paper. The perspective that Nature principle proponents have adopted, seek answers to scenarios that portray people adopting and embracing dearly technological developments at the cost of nature. This has led to creation of efforts that would contribute to creation of a life-enhancing world, a real world that is not characteristic of the imaginary future but a world that humanity upholds and respects nature. To show the magnitude of humanity’s shift from nature to technological developments, research conducted in 2008 revealed that half of the world’s population resided in cities and towns. Traditional and conservative ways that embraced nature and experienced by humanity before are gradually vanishing along with the aspect of biodiversity (Louv, 42). Technological development and advancement has been embraced and believed to the core by modern day society and this portrays a venture with no limits where humanity is gradually drifting towards a circuitry sea. The world media has transformed a vast number of people into consuming creations of artificial life, combination of human DNA and bacteria; microscopic technological machines premeditated to enter human anatomies to counter biological intruders or to create and move deadly war clouds across areas experiencing conflicts and war. The issues of realities based on computerized-augmentation and futuristic household structures surrounded by virtual realities transmitted from variant walls have emerged (Louv, 44). There are a number of futurists and inventors who have tried to reverse humanity’s embrace on nature and therefore proposing that humanity should adopt technological developments and life. Ray Kurzweil an American author, inventor, scientist, and a futurist who forecasts an era of transhuman/posthuman where humanity will be enhanced optimally by technology. He has been involved in fields that include recognition of Optical character (OCR), synthesis of text-to-speech, technology on speech recognition and electronic-based key board instruments. Kurzweil has authored various books like Artificial Intelligence, futurism, and Technological singularity and these form the bases of his technological arguments (Louv, 43). Other personalities that have embraced futuristic thinking include Dick Steven of NASA who describes the post-biological universe where a large chunk of the intelligent life is budding and continues to evolve beyond the usual blood and flesh intelligence (Louv, 44). Steven is NASA’s chief historian and has been involved in numerous NASA projects in aeronautics, spaceflights, and Robots. This paper is not against the

How does modaifnil work in the brain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How does modaifnil work in the brain - Essay Example Side effects that are common in CNS stimulants but are not observed in Modafinil users include arterial hypertension and tachycardia. The absence of these effects has been widely attributed to the drug’s mechanism of action, though the exact principles of this yet to be established. The paper will focus on the positive effects of the drug and its pharmacokinetics on neural activity. There have been several theories formulated on the mechanism of neurostimuation by Modafinil. Among these include the histamine effect and the increment of the neurotransmitter dopamine by inhibiting its uptake therefore leaving sufficient amounts for transmission of neurosynaptic impulses. However, theories have suggested that the involvement of dopamine in this action is minimal; hence the different side effects (Saletu &Saletu-Zyhlarz, 2013, 231). The drug is also assumed to increase the availability of other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. These mechanisms will be explained in detail in the following section. Among the numerous theories that have been formulated, one that is most indicative from the author’s research findings is the theory suggesting interaction and activity of Reticular Activating System neurons in the rhombencephalon with Modanifil (Rasetti et al., 2010, 2101-2109). These neurons have been found to be responsible for sustaining arousal levels in humans. The drug has a different impact on the RAS than other neurostimulators such as amphetamine and methylphenitade. Researchers have stated that effects of this drug on the above mentioned structures involve glutamate, hypocretin, ?-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine and dopamine (Rasetti et al., 2010, 2101-2109). Modafinil has been found to increase the synthesis and release of norepinephrin by altering activity in the locus coeruleus to low tonic and high phasic (Volkow et al., 2009, 1148-1154). The drug possesses an agonistic effect on alpha 1 adrenergic receptors; hence it has a direct stimulatory effect resulting in the inhibition of norepinephrine uptake (Saletu &Saletu-Zyhlarz, 2013, 231). Therefore, this neurotransmitter is increased and has positive impacts on several centers of the brain promoting wakefulness. Some of the effects that occur as a result of increased norepinephrine include increased memory, cerebral plasticity and learning and attention. It also stimulates the Autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic, and increases heart rate and blood pressure leading to enhanced levels of energy (Saletu &Saletu-Zyhlarz, 2013, 231). Another mechanism that has been suggested involves the elevation in histamine levels. This is due to the effect of Modafinil on receptors of neurons containing peptides which are known as orexins. Specifically these receptors are known as orexin 1 and 2 (Rasetti et al., 2010, 2101-2109). These neurons radiate to different parts of the cerebral cortex, and have been found to also influence center s of involved in sustaining arousal levels and wakefulness. These neurons have also been found to increase the level of neurotransmitters such as noradrenalin and dopamine in the above mentioned areas (Volkow et al., 2009, 1148-1154). The involvement of dopamine in the effects of Modafinil will be explained further in the paper. The above mentioned orexin neurons activated by Modafinil also affect and

Stock Investment Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Stock Investment Analysis - Research Paper Example in mid-1995, it has experienced a number of achievement and challenges based on its overall performance which have made it get where it is today (Fidelity, 2014). FLCSX and S&P 500 are companies that offer the similar services to its clients in the United States of America. FLCSX has a portfolio that consists of eleven equities section which include health care, financials, energy, consumer staples, industrials, telecommunication services and utilities. Others include materials and customer discretion. These equities made it possible for the company to be ranked position seven after more than five hundred large companies that perform this kind of duty were evaluated by the United States News organization in 2013 and FLCSX appeared at number seven. This means that the year-to-date performance for this company is promising despite it registered an overall return of 16.24%. There are a number of drivers that made it possible for this company to perform well in the market. The greatest contributor to FLCSX success is the financial equity section because of the of the various portfolio mixtures that it has offers to its clients. These mixtures include Charles Schwab that has offered a return of 55%, JPMorgan Chase that had 29.35% and MetLife that had 48%. Charles Schwab and MetLife from the historical perspective have been performing well, thus resulting to the ever increasing interest rates (Fidelity, 2014). Therefore, both companies (FLCSX and S&P 500) registered a 20% share price increment after thus, taking advantage on speculations that the market’s economy was gradually recovering from the recession. Basing on the evaluation done by US News, S&P 500 is also among the companies that registered an excellent year-to-date return of more than 13.80%. In the first quarter of 2013, both S&P 500 and FLCSX gained more than ten points but during the s econd quarter of the same year, their returns decreased thus the former recording a return of 2.90%while the latter

MGMT 305 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

MGMT 305 - Case Study Example anagement complain of time wastage, low production, arrogance and lousy attitude from the workers while, the workers protest the poor treatment from the managers. The president has to decide whether to downsize or reinvestment considering the factors like the cost of reinvesting, compensation for the workers in case they are laid off and the time it will take to establish a new premise of sawmilling ( Eckes, pg. 492). The company establishes and grows, if it establishes these group member competencies that lack in Jackson, BC. The organization has to apply strategic conflict resolving, comforting behaviors where the team from the subordinate to the seniors relate in a friendly manner and incase of problems the employer support the workers either financially or emotionally. Teamwork has to prevail in an organized firm where resources and ideas are freely shared. Communication is vital in a company where flow of information must be maintained through memos, messaging e.t.c. Finally, the following Team Environment should be enhanced. Reward system should be introduced on either performance bases or on any other criteria. Also, proper channel of communication should be enhanced. Physical space should be available for individual growth and privacy. Organizational structure should be observed where different department supervise personal department (Eckes, pg.498.). Finally, organizational leadership should always be a key point where the channel of passing command should be

T.G.I. Fridays Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

T.G.I. Fridays - Essay Example The inner decor of the restaurant gives it a feel of a theatrical stage, the ambience, the service, the product along with the package make the visit memorable for the customers. The study deals with evaluating the service technologies used and assessing the image created by it in the minds of the people and the media. Moreover, the success attained by the T.G.I. Friday’s social media campaign will also be evaluated. Discussion The T.G.I Friday’s provides mass customisation service to the customers to maintain the standard and make them feel valued. The service technologies used the restaurant include the Point of Sale (POS) to rationalise its front and back office procedures to make the guests enjoy the service and experience the quality of offerings. T.G.I Friday’s has used the customisation technology to provide personalised menu to the customers satisfying their request through menu permutation. The restaurant uses the computer technology to monitor the timel y service delivery of foods by the employees with standardised behaviour. The approach of the management is to provide distinguished and standard quality by implementing hard and soft elements in the service. The hard element is the used is the parking facility which helps in attracting more customers.

Assignment Bachelor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Assignment Bachelor - Essay Example More to that, law sets out procedures on how things should be done, who should be involved and so on and these procedures apply to all people who are governed by that law. Moving away from the basics, this paper shall be guided by questions regarding the Australian legal system so that a clear understanding of the various implications of their legal system is demonstrated. Do common law, the courts and the doctrine of Precededent continue to serve the useful function in the regulation of business conduct and the resolution of business disputes Alternatively, should all business resolution be subject to legislation The Australian court system is similar to that of Britain as it was a British colony. It mainly uses the common law and the statute. The statute is made by the legislation while the common law follows the doctrine of precedence which is borrowed from a Latin phrase stare decisis which translates to "the decision says" or simply the rule made by previous judges. The doctrine of precedence is not constituted so much on the ideal decision made but rather the principles that guided the arrival to that decision. (Gilford and Gilfford, 1983,p5). As pointed out, not all law follows precedence and this is where statute law comes in. legislation allows for codification so that common law may be altered to set new precedence and also suit with the current needs of the community. The Australian court system is categorized into 3 distinct courts namely the high court (supreme courts) the county courts and the magistrate courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and has jurisdictions to listen to cases of appeal and also handle cases of high profile say constitutional challenges and interpretation. The magistrate courts are the lowest courts and handle civil and criminal cases of lighter nature. Given the fact that the doctrine of precedence prevails in the Australian court system, the magistrate and distinct courts are bound to follow rulings of the higher court where two cases are similar in fact and circumstance. This means that a lower court cannot be able to overrule precedence. On the other hand, the high court has the jurisdiction to overhaul previous precedence if it feels that it is outdated and therefore set new precedence. Common law has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, it has the advantage of setting a pattern of handling disputes hence one may be in a position to predetermine a court ruling just by studying previous rulings. As noted, any law should have consistency and common law provides for this. In the instance where no similar case has been handled before, common law gives room to set precedence. It also assists judges arrive at a decision faster and hence save time and acquire sound mind since previous reasoning used by judges is at the center of common law. Common law has played a major role in maintaining regulation of business conduct through setting out remedies to business misconduct, negligence and damages and as such has acted as a deterrent to stop individuals from repeating similar mistakes. Legislation plays a pertinent role in business resolution to disputes and perhaps should always be the basis upon which remedies are found. However, not all

Kennedy as the President of United States Essay

Kennedy as the President of United States - Essay Example Talking about his family background, Kennedy was born in Brookline Massachusetts. Jack Kennedy joined military services during the Second World War. Although he was first rejected because of his chronic backache, he somehow got himself in the naval services due to his father’s influence. During the Second World War, Jack Kennedy served in motor torpedo squadron and got himself a medal due to his bravery and presence of mind during a patrol when they got attacked by a Japanese submarine and he got all his crew members safely on an island instead of surrendering to the Japanese. Kennedy had to represent his family politically after his brother who was the torch bearer of the family got killed in action. Kennedy had been the mayor of Boston and got elected three times as a member of The Congress. He represented the congress party in the elections of 1960 and defeated his opponent Richard Nixon to be elected as the president of the United States. It should be called as unlucky for the young president that he came at the time when everything in the country was unstable. The country was facing international crisis as well as it was also on the verge of a civil war. The cold war, the Cuban missile crisis, the bay of pigs, the rights of the African Americans, all these were the problems that the newly elected president had to face during his stay at the oval office. But, it always had been his utmost priority to work for the nation. From the very first day of him as a president, he had been following the very rule set by Theodore Roosevelt, i.e. â€Å"a president is bound to be as big a man as he can† (Reston 1963). President Kennedy always advocated for non violent solutions of all the issues. He was a pacifist. It had been his utmost priority throughout his time as the president to pacify all the violent actives happening around him (Reston 1963). It was in his time as the president that the civil rights bill was passed. He was the one to speak for the equity and justice for all. Before he was elected as the president, in his election campaign he spoke for the rights of African Americans which gave them a little hope. His efforts to stop both internal and external violence are very significant in stabilizing the situation of the country. Kennedy gave protection to the African American community of the United States. He gave them their rights. Once he used his father’s influence for the release of King jr. when he was arrested during a protest. His efforts for non violence in the country were acknowledged by all. â€Å".It ought to be possible†¦ for American students of any color to attend any public institution they select without having to be backed up by troops.† â€Å"It ought to be possible for American consumers of any color to receive equal service in places of public accommodation, such as hotels and restaurants and theaters and retail stores, without being forced to resort to demonstrations in the stree t, and it ought to be possible for American citizens of any color to register and to vote in a free election without interference or fear of reprisal.† â€Å"It ought to be possible, in short, for every American to enjoy the privileges of being American without regard to his race or his color. In short, every American ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated. But this is not the case†¦

Comparison of The Speckled Band and Lamb to the Slaughter Essay Example for Free

Comparison of The Speckled Band and Lamb to the Slaughter Essay In this essay I will be comparing the two stories The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl. The Speckled Band was written in 1892.This was in The Victorian Period when people had very little faith in the Police and Conan Doyle needed to create a Detective who always got everything right so that the public started to believe the Police could actually get it right. It was first published in a magazine called The Strand in weekly episodes so to a certain extent he needed to keep his readers interested as well which is why the plot is so complicated. The plot is about a woman called Helen Stoner who is going to get married, but someone or something murders her sister who also was supposed to get married. Helen Stoner goes to see Sherlock Holmes to see if he can help solve the crime. The plot is full of twists and red herrings that is up to the reader to try and solve as they go along but as always Sherlock Holmes works out the significance of everything and solves the crime. Lamb to the Slaughter was written in 1954by Roald Dahl. This story was also published in a magazine called Harpers but was written to be read in one go so it does not have the complicated layout of Conan Doyles story. Instead the reader knows exactly what is going on form the start of the story and the ending is shocking and designed to entertain and horrify. It was written by Dahl to show how women at the time were a lot more powerful than the men gave them credit for and should be respected more than being at home , pregnant. The plot is about a modern couple that seem to be falling out. Mary Maloney is the perfect 1950s housewife who makes dinner and cleans, but one day when her husband (Patrick Maloney) comes home from work they have an argument. Mary loses her temper with Patrick and hits him over the head with a leg of lamb and accidentally kills him. In a panic she phones the police and puts the leg of lamb in the oven to cook for dinner. When the police arrive she persuades them to eat the lamb because it would be a waste of food. In the end the police eat the evidence and Mary didnt get caught. Dahl uses comic irony at the end to engage the reader as Mary sits there laughing about what she has done; you dont imagine her to do this as a middle class housewife. The times that these stories are set in are both very different. Like travel, in The Speckled Band. They travel by horse and cart but in Lamb to the Slaughter trey use car or foot just like in the modern day. For communication the people in 1892 would have to write or go and see the person they wanted to talk to but in 1954 they would have used the telephone. Also in 1892 they did not have much electricity so they used candles instead of light, whereas in 1954 they had lots of electricity. In 1892 the women would have worn veils and long skirts but in 1954 they would have they would have worn jeans, t-shirt etc. in 1892 rich families would lived in large houses with servants but in the modern day most families are middle classed and do not have the money for servants etc. When there was an enquiry in 1892 the detectives would have had to use their own knowledge to solve crimes but in 1954 they would use fingerprints, evidence etc to solve the crimes. The language used in The Speckled Band was old fashioned and very formal like when Sherlock Holmes says Very sorry to knock you up Watson, said he, but its the common lot this morning. He also says things like Mrs Hudson has been knocked up, she reported upon me, and I on you. This isnt the kind of language we would use in the modern day and proves that it is set in 1892. However in Lamb to the Slaughter there was a lot of slang and it was not as formal. Like when Mary says Hullo darling. And Hullo Sam to the grocer. However the way she speaks to Sam the grocer proves it was set in the 1950s and not in any other time because we would not know the person in the corner shops first name today but it was common in the 1950s to be friendly with them. In The Speckled Band Sherlock Holmes is the main character. He is a famous detective and solves difficult cases. Conan Doyle invented him because people in the Victorian times were fed with the fact that the police could not solve any crimes and he wanted a character that always got everything right. However in Lamb to the Slaughter there were police who are good at solving cases but wouldnt be able to solve them without any evidence and they are very arrogant and treat Mary as a silly woman when in fact she is the person who has tricked them and been the murderer. Dahl does this to shock his readers and make it even more dramatic which Conan Doyle would not want to do because they needed to trust their detective! In The Speckled Band the killer was a snake that had been hypnotised by Helen Stoners stepfather, but all the way through the story he is a suspect and he acts suspiciously like when Helen goes to visit Sherlock Holmes to tell him what has been going on, shortly after she leaves her stepfather came in asking if she has been here. It seemed like he had something to hide, but in the end it had nothing to do with him. In Lamb to the Slaughter Mary seems like a nice, gentle woman who feels that she has to help out. Like when she says, Darling, shall I get your slippers? but after the police eat the evidence she laughs so I think he whole issue hade made her go a bit insane. At the beginning of the story you didnt expect it from her because she just seems like a normal, average wife like when it said about She took his coat and hung it in the closet. and when it said She was sat back again in her chair with the sewing. The scene seems too realistic for something bad to happen. In The Speckled Band the victim was Helen Stoners sister because there was nothing anyone could do to save her; this made the readers feel very sorry for her. The next victim was Helen Stoner and because nobody knew what killed her sister it seemed that she needed protection. I would expect someone like her to be the next victim because she is a woman who has done nothing wrong and is innocent. I dont think her or her sister deserved to be the victims because they are both just happy and normal people. In Lamb to the Slaughter you dont feel sorry for Patrick because he is being horrible to Mary and you feel automatically on her side from the beginning. I think he deserved to be upset but not killed because they are just having a falling out. The Speckled Band is set in Stoke Moran, which is Helens stepfather house. Sherlock Holmes is investigating the house. I think it is a good setting for a murder to take place and because its a very big house which makes it creepier for the reader because you dont know what is doing the killings. Lamb to the Slaughter is set in Mary Maloneys house. I think the way the author has described it makes it sound very realistic, like when he says, The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight. This makes the room sound cosy and like it really exists. You can really picture the scenery. I also think its a good setting for a murder because you can imagine it happening there. I think I would expect it because so many crimes in real life have been taken place in houses. Out of the two stories I preferred Lamb to the Slaughter because it is easier to understand and keeps you interested all the way though with the description it uses. I disliked the other story because the speaking parts dragged on to long and I did really just want to get on and find out what happens.

Gender Differences In The Experience Of Body Image Psychology Essay

Gender Differences In The Experience Of Body Image Psychology Essay Gender differences in the experience of body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders Although in the past decades psychologists have conducted little research on males and body image, it has only been within the past 10-15 years that adequate studies have been completed (Cafri et al., 2005). As asserted by Kevin Thompson, Leslie Heinberg, Madeline Altabe and Stacey Tantleff-Dun (1999) most research pertaining to body image has been dominated by females, focusing on the female ideal for thinness, and predicting the development of eating disorders (McCreary, 2007). New research on males reveals that body image and eating disorder concerns are not limited to only females (Olivardia, 2000). Do males and females experience body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders the same? Through comparisons of studies of females and males with body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder it is argued that there is less than a difference in than popularly perceived. There are several sources for body image dissatisfaction (BID), but the most influential is the media exposure of women and men to cultural ideals that are often unattainable (Dalley, Buunk, Umit, 2009). Simon Dalley, Abraham Buunk and Turual Umit (2009) assert that media exposure is a form of social comparison that is spontaneous, effortless and unintentional. Self evaluation is created through contrast with the target, which are thinner media images. Kevin Thompson and Leslie Heinberg (1999) affirm that although there are individual variations in the internalization of the media pressures, investigations show that the media is a significant factor developing eating disorders. Eating disorders are classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, (DSM IV-TR1) as syndromes characterized by disturbances in eating behaviour, accompanied by grief /extreme concern about body shape and or weight, which are sub-categorized by anorexia nervosa, bulimi a and eating disorders not otherwise specified (Levenson, 2005). Eating disorders commonly occur in industrial cultures where there is access to food and thinness is considered attractive. Due to globalization, eating disorders are quickly spreading around the world, but they are most common in predominately Caucasian developed nations such as United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa (Fairburn Harrison, 2003). Body Image Dissatisfaction in Females Body image dissatisfaction is a significant predictor of eating behaviours in females (Dalley, Bunnk Umit, 2009). Although there are several sources that create body image dissatisfaction (BID), the most influential is the media which exposes women to cultural thin ideals that are often unattainable. While there are individual differences that influence that impact of exposure to thin ideals, many researchers have concluded that there is a distinct correlation between thin media exposure and female BID (Dalley, Bunnk Umit, 2009). Kimberly Vaughan and Gregory Fouts (2003) reported that the â€Å"ultra-slender ideal-body image† that is depicted within media texts is 15% below the weight of an average woman, and 90% of female models are below average weight. Combined with the unrealistically thin ideals represented by female models, digital enhancement of images adds to unattainable standards. Sonia Tucci and Jennifer Peters (2008) noted that high levels of body dissatisfactio n are associated with emotional distress, appearance rumination and cosmetic surgery. In a study conducted at the University of Liverpool of female students between the ages of 18 and 25 years it was found that exposure to thin-ideals in media images reduces body satisfaction scores (Tucci Peters, 2008). The opposite was found when the same participants were exposed to images of larger models, resulting in an increase of body satisfaction scores. Tucci and Peters (2008) additionally found that eating disorders, the drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction increased after the subjects were shown thin images. â€Å"Fat talk† is a notable subject in discussing body image dissatisfaction. As first suggested by Mimi Nichter (2000), â€Å"fat talk† is the tendency of females to belittle their bodies by claiming they are fat, even when it is not true. Although Nichter (2000) describes the social value of fat talk as a way for girls to bond through socially expected gender roles (dieting, weight loss and the pre-occupation of the body), â€Å"fat talk† creates body image dissatisfaction regardless of the initial reason for engaging (Tuckers, Martz, Curtin Bazzini, 2007). Katheryn Tucker, Denise Martz, Lisa Curtin and Doris Bazzinis (2007) study of south-eastern American university female students, found that personal body image dissatisfaction is influenced by the social norms of â€Å"fat talk†. These findings suggest that regardless of actual body image dissatisfaction, there is a normative unhappiness of body size in women, which further is increased by the pres sure to perform â€Å"fat talk†. Eating Disorders in Females Nancy Moses, Mansour-Max Banilivy and Fima Lifshitz (1989) conducted a study that examined the perception of weight, dieting and nutrition among adolescent high school girls in comparison to their body weight. The subjects reported a high concern with obesity regardless of their current body weight and nutrition knowledge. Over half of the underweight (anthropometric measured) sub-category of females (51%) described themselves as having an extreme fear of being overweight. The underweight category also reported having a pre-occupation with body fat (36%). Although normal and overweight girls were better able to perceive their actual body weight for height, the frequency of reported binge eating, and vomiting behaviours was similar among all three groups (underweight, normal weight and overweight). Moses, Banilivy and Lifshitz (1989) concluded that a fear of obesity and eating disorders were common amongst adolescent girls despite of body weight and knowledge of nutrition. Eating disorders are also evident in women attending college. Dean Krahn, Candance Kurth, Edith Gomberg and Adam Drewnowski (2005), reported that due to the intensity and frequency of college women dieting behaviour, two-thirds are at risk for eating disorders. A study conducted at a large Midwestern university of 324 female students concluded that a high proportion (49%) of subjects report binge eating, and/or compensatory behaviours such as excessive exercise at least once a week (Berg, Frazier Sherr, 2009). Non-purging compensatory behaviours (excessive exercise and fasting) are the most common form of eating disorder behaviours. Kelly Berg, Patricia Frazier and Laura Sherr (2009) also established that there are high rates of binge eating amongst female students but in contrast, purging behaviours (vomiting, laxative use, diuretics) were executed less frequently. Very little research has examined sexual orientation in a relation to eating disorders in females. i) Body Image Dissatisfaction in Males Unlike females desire to obtain thinness, men experience anguish when they perceive their body to be underweight (Olivardia, Pope, Borowiecki Cohane, 2004). Roberto Olivardia (2007) found that the male desire is to obtain a lean muscular physique (mesomorphic body type), which is produced by Western ideals (McCreary, 2007). In a study conducted by Christopher Ochner, James Gray and Katrina Brickner (2009) of male students attending a Mid-Atlantic college, it was found that body dissatisfaction was present in the male population through the desire for an increase in muscle gain (86%), as measured by the Male Body Dissatisfaction Scale. While much of the sample wanted to gain more muscle, 34% also wanted to gain weight, and 31% wanted to lose weight. Only 34% of the subjects were happy with their current weight (Ochner, Gray Brickner, 2009). In order to obtain a muscular physique with little body fat men engage in such practices as steroid use, ephedrine use, and dieting (Cafri et a l., 2005). The use of illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) is reported to be between 3% to 12% of American adolescent males. A study conducted at examining legal steroids, also known as prohormones revealed that the lifetime use is 4.5% in adolescent males (Cafri, Thompson Yesalis, 2004). Harrison Pope, Amanda Gruber, Precilla Choi, Roberto Olivardia and Katharine Phillips (1997) make known a form of body dysmorphic disorder called â€Å"muscle dysmorphia†. Men who suffer from muscle dysmorphia are concerned that they are not large or muscular enough. In order to create a desirable physique, men participate in obsessive weight lifting and dieting, which still does not eliminate the distress of being too small (Pope et al., 1997). Precilla Choi, Harrison Pope and Roberto Olivardia (2002) conducted a small sample of weightlifters with and without muscle dysmorphic disorder. The men with muscle dsymorphic disorder reported significantly higher body image dissatisfaction, a s well as reporting frequent thoughts about their muscularity, and missed social opportunities for working out (Choi, Pope Olivardia, 2002). Men commented on concealing their appearances through clothing, checking mirrors and the use of steroids, all contributing to the experience of body dissatisfaction through body dysmorphic disorder (Choi, Pope Olivardia, 2002). Eating Disorders in Males Previously noted research in male body image is a relatively new area; the same pertains to eating disorders. Daniel Carlat, Carlos Camargo, and David Herzog (1997) assert that information on eating disorders in males inadequate and often restricted to small cases studies. Although research is restricted, eating disorders are not unusual in males (Carlat, Camargo Herzog, 1997). Differences have been found in the ways that homosexual and heterosexual men experience eating disorders, and body perception (Harvey Robinson, 2003). Unlike women who use eating disorders to obtain thinness, men strive for a lean body mass (Harvey Robinson, 2003). For this reason the criteria in diagnosing eating disorders in males is unlike females. Jeffery Harvey and John Robinson (2003) discuss how abuse of steroids and dietary supplement is examined. A 1993 study conducted by Cliff Sharp, Stella Clark, Julie Dunan, Douglas Blackwood and Colin Shapiro (1994) on 24 male anorexics, notes that eating diso rders emerge at an older age in males than in females, and men display similar behaviours of binge eating, vomiting and anxiety towards eating. Sharp, Clark, Dunan, Blackwood and Shapiro (1994) also concluded that men display a lower use of laxatives, sexual fears and higher amounts of excessive exercising. The high amounts of exercising are discussed in the context of the high male gender roles and standards set for athleticism in society. Thus Sharp, Clark, Dunan, Blackwood and Shapiro (1994) emphasized that excessive physical activity is more socially acceptable as a means of weight control in order for males to obtain a lean physique. Carlat, Camargo and Herzogs (1997) sample size of 135 males concluded that bulimia nervosa is the most common eating disorder, affecting 46% of males. An alarming 32% of the males suffered symptoms of eating disorders not otherwise specified. Only 2% of the males were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Significantly noted, binge eating affected 11 patients. A study conducted by Daniel Carlat, Carlos Camargo and David Herzog (1997) revealed that a high number of males suffering with eating disorders are of homosexual orientation. Although only a small portion of the population identifies themselves as homosexual (3-5%), Arnold Anderson suggests that a quarter of these men may have an eating disorder (Anderson, 1999). The risks of developing eating disorders are higher for homosexual males due to the overall less satisfaction with their bodies (Herzog, Newman Warshaw, 1991). In a nonclinical sample of 43 homosexual and 32 heterosexual males by David Herzog, Kerry Newman and Meredith Wa rshaw (1991) it was found that although males in both sexual orientations current and ideal bodies selected were similar, homosexual males aspired for a physique that was underweight. The researchers attribute this desire to place men at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. Harvey and Robinson (1999) contribute the differences between homosexual and heterosexual males and the development of eating disorders are due to the societal factors surrounding the gender roles of masculinity and femininity. Looking at both Body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in males and females are experience in different ways. As noted by Christine Knauss, Susan Paxtaon and Francois Alsaker (2007), females strive for thinness while males have a goal to lose or gain weight or gain more lean muscle. Although there has not been subsequent research examining the causes of gender difference in body dissatisfaction, Nita McKinely (1999) emphasises that there is larger socio-cultural demand for females to be physically attractive in Western societies, therefore creating greater body dissatisfaction amongst girls and women. Although researchers argue that there are greater media influences on females to obtain thinness (Vaughn Fouts, 2003), males also undergo similar influences but with lean, muscular physiques (Olivardia, 2007). Over time males have been exposed to an increasingly muscular body that is contributes to higher numbers of males experiencing body image dissatisfaction (Olivardia, Pope, Borowiecki Cohane , 2004). Neala Ambrosi-Randic (2000) conducted a study on children aged 5-6 years as to their perceptions of both current and ideal body size. Ambrosi-Randic (2000) had the children indicate current and desired body size on a picture of male and female figures pre-adolescent in age. Sex differences were found in the ideal figure in females, with the girls preferring a thinner figure than boys. A 2007 study by Knauss, Paxtaon and Alsaker examined the relationships between body dissatisfaction and the internalization as well as pressure of media images in both sexes. Through a sample of 1610 adolescent males and males from different schools and socioeconomic status regions in Switzerland, the researchers found that girls felt that there is more pressure from the media to achieve ideals (d=.36), as well there is a higher internalization of body ideals (d=.37) (Knauss, Paxtaon Alsaker, 2007). Predictors of body dissatisfaction also have sex differences. Girls reveal a high correlation between body dissatisfaction and internalization (.62), and internalization and pressure (.71). A medium strength correlation is scored between BMI and body dissatisfaction (.38) and a low strength between internalization and BMI and pressure (.22). Boys displayed a medium correlation between body dissatisfaction and internalization (.38) and dissatisfaction and pressure (.41). Internalization and pressure scored a high correlation (.55), while BMI and internalization, as well as pressure and body dissatisfaction were low (.07). Knauss, Paxtaon and Alsaker (2007) concluded that there is a variance in body dissatisfaction between girls and boys, with female subjects displaying a higher overall body dissatisfaction than boys. Females internalize and feel more pressure from media ideals than boys. Males as well as females body dissatisfaction can be predicted by internalization, pressure, and BMI (Knauss, Paxtaon Alsaker, 2007). In a study examining university students from a Midwestern university, gender differences in body dissatisfaction was examined (Penkal Kurdek, 2007). It was found that women had a stronger dissatisfaction with middle parts of the body such as waist, stomach as was as display higher levels of physique anxiety. Males have a stronger dissatisfaction with facial parts (Penkal Kurdek, 2007). Jessica Lynn Penkal and Lawrence Kurdek attribute males higher dissatisfaction with facial body parts due to the evidence that women describe facial characteristics as an important desirable body characteristic (2007). In a 2004 Youth Risk behaviour study conducted by Grunbaum et al. it was reported that females engage in more eating disorder behaviours then males. Grunbaum et al. (2004), found that 29.6% of students reported themselves as being overweight, but the prevalence in females (36.1%) was much higher than males. This is not to say that males do not perceive themselves to be overweight as 23.5% of interviewed men claim to be fat (Grunbaum ,2004). In a 1989 groundbreaking meta-analysis by Geroge Hsu, asserted that eating disorders are more prevalent in women due to greater dysmorphia, poor self image and body concept, and role confusion that can occur during adolescent years. Hsu (1989) analysis revealed that over all females have higher rates of eating disorders, in a female to male ratio of 10 to 1. Although Hsus study is over 20 years old, he raise several questions that researchers are currently examining, such as the socio-cultural pressures to be thin, why there are higher occurrences in adolescents as a part of self and body concepts, identity formation and reasons for overall increase prevalence in women. Jeffery Harvey and John Robinson (2003) suggest that symptoms of eating disorders are similar between men and women but anorexia nervosa is the most challenging to diagnose in males due to amenorrhea being one of the critical warning signs in women. Amenorrhea is usually one of the first discovered symptoms of eating disorders, therefore for this reason men are often overlooked (Harvey Robinson, 2003). Another critical difference between the ways that women and men experience eating disorders is men often believe that their body is not too thin, while women continue to believe that they overweight (body dysmorphia) (Harvey Robinson, 2003). Establishing the prevalence of eating disorders in adolescents of both genders, Einar Kjelsà ¥s, Christian Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m and Gunnar Gà ¶testam (2004) examined 1960 adolescents (1026 girls and 934 boys), 14 to 15 years of age. According to the diagnosing criteria in the DSM-IV and DSM-III-R, females experience a higher lifetime prevalence of all eating disorders (17.9%, 18.6%), anorexia nervosa (0.7%), bulimia nervosa (1.2%, 3.6%), binge eating disorder (1.5%) and eating disorders otherwise not specified (14.6%, 12.9%) (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam, 2004). Although males did not display the same prevalence of eating disorders (6.5%), Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m, and Gà ¶testam (2004) found high numbers of boys with anorexia nervosa (0.2%), bulimia nervosa (0.4%, 0.6%), binge eating disorder (0.9%) and eating disorders otherwise not specified (5.0%, 4.%). Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m and Gà ¶testam (2004) final ratio results for eating disorders in female to males was 2.8:1, anorexia nervosa 3.5:1. Bulimia nervosa revealed a ratio of female to male of 2:1, while females and males were closely diagnosed with binge eating, with a ratio of 1.7:1. Eating disorders otherwise specific female to male ratio was 2.9:1. The total number of girls who thought they were very/slightly obese was 32.3% while only 2.6% were classified as obese (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam, 2004). Only 15.9% of males reported perceiving themselves as very/slightly obese, while 5.1% were classified as obese. Both sexes displayed subjects who considered themselves as obese when classified as underweight or normal weight, girls 74.3% and boys 62.1% displaying distinct body image dissatisfaction (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam , 2004). Conclusion Females appear to be at a greater risk for developing body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders through the internalization and pressure from the media (Knauss, Paxtaon Alsaker, 2007) and a higher socio-cultural demand to be physically attractive (McKinely, 1999). Although research predominately examines females, males should not be forgotten. As asserted by Olivardia (2007), males also undergo similar influences by the media. Both men and women experience anxiety towards their body, but it is experienced in different ways, therefore body dissatisfaction and eating disorders are not the same in the sexes. Females have an overwhelming desire to obtain thinness often through calorie restriction, excessive exercise and fasting (Berg, Frazier Sherr, 2009). Males desire is to attain a lean, muscular physique (Olivardia, 2007), therefore engage in such practices dieting, exercise and more dangerously steroid and ephedrine use (Harvey Robinson, 2003). In order to fully answer whether males and females experience body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders the same more research needs to be conducted examining males, body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Additionally several factors should be taken into account while conducting such research. Body dissatisfaction and eating disorder research often uses the self-report method, therefore under or over reporting is subject to occur. Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m and Gà ¶testam (2004) discuss the complications in creating survey questionnaires that are concise but can discriminate those with and without eating disorders in difference sexes. Females might over-report the rates of body dissatisfaction due to engaging in the socially valuable â€Å"fat talk†, as first asserted by Mimi Nitcher (2000). It has also been noted that when self reporting on body dissatisfaction males answers are superficial because they do not feel that the content applies to them (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam, 2004). Many of the studies on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders use Caucasian students. This is disconcerting because the subjects are apart small population (Caucasian, educated) to draw conclusions upon. Future research needs to completed to investigate not only male body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, but also race, age and different socioeconomic statuses. Extreme dieting, supplement use and other new methods of weight loss (ex. infrared sauna) should be closely examined in future research in both males and females to understand if there are new trends in body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. References Andersen, A. (1999). Eating disorders in gay males. Psychiatric Annals, 29, 206-212. Ambrosi-Randic, N. (2000). Perception of current and ideal body size in preschool age children. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 90(3:1), 885-889. Berg, K.C., Frazier, P. Sherr, L. (2008). Change in eating disorder attitudes and behavior in college women: Prevalence and predictors. Eating Behaviours, 10(3), 137-142. Cafri, G., Thompson, J.K., Ricciardelli, L., McCabe, M., Smolak, L. Yesalis, C. (2005). Pursuit of the muscular ideal: Physical and psychological consequences and putative risk factors. Clinical Psychology Review, 25, 215-239. Carlat, D.K., Camargo, C.A. Herzog, D.B. (1997). Eating disorders in males: A report on 135 patients. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154(8), 1127- 1132. Choi, P.Y.L., Pope, Jr. H.G. Olivardia, R. (2002). Muscle dysmorphia: a new syndrome in weightlifters. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 36, 375-377. Fairburn, C.G. Harrison, P.J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet ,(361) 9355, 407-416. Grunbaum, J.A., Kann, L., Kinchen, J., Ross, J. et al. (2004). Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance (Abridged). The Journal of School Health, 74(8), 307-324 Harvey, J.A. (2003). Eating disorders in men: Current considerations. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medial Settings, 10(4), 297-306. Harvey, J.A. Robinson, J.D. (2002). Eating disorders in men: Current considerations. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 10(4), 397-306 Herzog, D. B., Newman, B. A. Warshaw, M. (1991). Body image dissatisfaction in homosexual and heterosexual males. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 170, 356-359. Hsu, G.L.K. (1989). 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Biceps and body image: The relationship between muscularity and self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder symptoms. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 5, 112−120. Penkal, J.L. Kurdek, L.A. (2007). Gender and race differences in young adults body dissatisfaction. Personality and Individual Difference, 43, 2270-2281. Pope, Jr, H.G., Gruber, A.J., Choi P. Phillips, K.A. (1997). Muscle dysmorphia. An underrecognized form for body dysmorphic disorder. Psychosomatics, 38, 548-577. Sharp, C.W., Clark, S.A., Dunan, J.R., Blackwood, D.H.R. Shapiro, C.M. (1994). Clinical presentation of anorexia nervosa in male: 24 new cases. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 15( 2) 125-134. Thompson, J.K. Heinberg, L.J. (1999). The medias influence on body image disturbance and eating disorders: Weve reviled them, now can we rehabilitate them? Journal of Social Issues, 55(2), 339-353. Thompson, K.J., Heinberg, L.J., Altabe, M. Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1999). 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Reproduction :: essays research papers

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The ability to reproduce is one of the unifying characteristics of all living things. Sexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically different from their parents. Asexual reproduction produces offspring genetically identical to their parent. Asexual Reproduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fission, budding, fragmentation, and the formation of rhizomes and stolons are some of the mechanisms that allow organisms to reproduce asexually. The hydra produces buds; starfish can regenerate an entire body from a fragment of the original body. Asexual reproduction allows an organism to rapidly produce many offspring without the time and resources committed to courtship, finding a mate, and mating. The lack of genetic variability in asexually reproducing populations can be detrimental when environmental conditions change quickly. Sexual Reproduction In sexual reproduction new individuals are produced by the fusion of haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote. Sperm are male gametes, ova are female gametes. Meiosis produces cells that are genetically distinct from each other; fertilization is the fusion of two such distinctive cells that produces a unique new combination of alleles, thus increasing variation on which natural selection can operate. Rotifers will reproduce asexually when conditions are favorable by having females produce eggs by mitosis. When conditions deteriorate, rotifers will reproduce sexually and encase their zygotes inside a resistant shell. Once conditions improve, these eggs hatch into diploid individuals. Rotifers thus use sexual reproduction as way to survive a deteriorating environment. Sexual reproduction offers the benefit of generating genetic variation among offspring, which enhances the chances of the population's survival. Costs of this process include the need for two individuals to mate, courtship rituals, as well as a number of basic mechanisms described later. Human Reproduction and Development Human reproduction employs internal fertilization, and depends on the integrated action of hormones, the nervous system, and the reproductive system. Gonads are sex organs that produce gametes. Male gonads are the testes, which produce sperm and male sex hormones. Female gonads are the ovaries, which produce eggs and female sex hormones. The Male Reproductive System Testes are suspended outside the abdominal cavity by the scrotum, a pouch of skin that keeps the testes close or far from the body at an optimal temperature for sperm development. Seminiferous tubules are inside each testis, and are where sperm are produced by meiosis. About 250 meters (850 feet) of tubules are packed into each testis. Spermatocytes inside the tubules divide by meiosis to produce spermatids that in turn develop into mature sperm.