Cultural Differences and People Management Essay - 4

Cultural Differences and People Management - Essay Example It  has been one of my favourite subjects by far. It  was one of my favourite lessons in class. It was very informative, and I got to test some of the theories that I learned. I totally agree with the notion that collectivist and individualist cultures exist, and the society is mainly made up from these cultures. In a class, I got to learn that people belonging to the collectivist cultures place high value to society as a whole. They live a more selfless life working hard for themselves and even harder for the welfare of their community. However, an individualist society is a little different from this. In such societies, people tend to place more importance on individual goals rather to the objectives of the society. There is only ‘I’ and no ‘We’ in this type of a culture. I wanted to see if this was true and I researched on the Internet. Triandis (1995) has written an entire book on these types of cultures, and he writes that people from collectivist cultures are nurtured and raised to think about the society rather than about them. People in this kind of a culture live with unity often seeking help from one another. Triandis (1995) describes the individualists as entirely different. People living in these kinds of cultures promote individual goals. They are independent and feel ashamed of seeking help from others. These readings proved very beneficial for me. I never knew that these cultures existed until I took a closer look at different communities that exist in my country. One of my father’s close friends is an Indian, and I have grown up seeing him. When I went through the notes, he was the first person that came to my mind. Mr Mukesh was so much like what I had studied in class. He lives in an Indian neighbourhood where everyone interacts on a daily basis. I happen to know this because I have witnessed it with my own eyes. There are always relatives and other neighbours in their house when I go there. Mr

Leonardo Da Vinci - a Worshipper of Nature's Divine Order Essay

Leonardo Da Vinci - a Worshipper of Nature's Divine Order - Essay Example Leonardo's name was actually Leonardo di Ser Piero da Vinci, though he was known throughout his life as Leonardo or Leonardo Ser Piero. 'Da Vinci' is simply a reference to the Tuscan village in which he was born. Referring to him as 'Da Vinci' is a little like referring to Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery of Alamein as 'Of Alamein'or Joan of Arc as 'Of Arc'. It is strange that Brown calls him 'Da Vinci' consistently, despite the fact he apparently studied art in Seville and his wife is supposedly an art historian.The life and work of Leonardo, the archetypical 'Renaissance Man' for whom no branch of knowledge was allowed to remain a closed book, has proved endlessly fascinating to later generations. At one time he was known only as a painter, although many of his works by other hands were unknown and a number of inferior works by other hands were wrongly attributed to him. The full, amazing extent of his genius emerged only in quite recent times with the rediscovery of his notebooks and drawings. For a time, even Leonardo the painter seemed to be submerged by the weight of his new reputation as a scientist. Some readjustment has taken place since then. As a scientist and engineer, Leonardo's achievements, though staggering enough, have proved to be a shade less novel than once we thought, while at the same time a succession of brilliant art historians, beginning with Bernhard Berenson and Kenneth Clark, has made us far more knowledgeable about his art. Though Leonardo would have jibbed at such a judgment, he was and is, first and foremost a great painter; a man whose output was tiny compared with other geniuses of his time (a Michelangelo, a Raphael, a Titian) yet included possibly the two most famous paintings in history, the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper.

Analysis of the microeconomic theory of supply and demand Research Paper

Analysis of the microeconomic theory of supply and demand - Research Paper Example An individual quantity demanded is the amount of goods a consumer is willing and able to buy at a particular price while a market quantity demanded is the total amount of goods that all buyers in the market would be willing and able to purchase at a particular price (Robert and Marc). One will realize that demand focuses on the buyer’s choice but not actually the amount that the buyer will purchase and the use of price is stressed in defining the quantity demanded. Market demand is the sum of all the individual demands for a particular good or service. Since market demand is derived from individual demands, it is affected by all the factors that affect each buyer in the market. For that reason, market demand can be said to depend on an individual’s income, taste, expectations as well as prices of related goods. A demand schedule usually shows what happens to the quantity of goods demanded with the variation in their prices with all the other variables affecting the dema nd held constant. Individual demand curves are summed up horizontally to come up with the market demand curve. The law of demand states that the price of a good will rise as the quantity falls, with all factors held constant (ceteris paribus). This becomes so evident when something becomes expensive in the market since people will buy less of it. This observation applies to virtually everything that people buy in the market including magazines, nuts, foodstuff education and the rest. The price and quantity then exhibit a negative relationship in all these goods and services-when quantity rises, the price falls and when quantity fall, price rises. The law of demand was then derived by economists from this negative relationship between price and quantity which was a regular phenomenon in the market. This law only applies when all other factors influencing the buyer’s choice remain unchanged and only price of the good changes. Demand schedule is a table with a list of different quantities of a product demanded at different prices, all the other factors affecting demand decision held constant. For instance, demand schedule will show us that when the price of a bottle of maple syrup is $3.00, the quantity demanded will be 2000 bottles per month and as the price increases to $4.00 per bottle, the quantity demanded will be 1500 bottles per month and the rest are shown in the table below. One will clearly notice that the demand schedule obeys the law of demand: as the price per bottle increases, the quantity demanded will reduce. Demand schedule for Maple Syrup in a given market Price per bottlee) Quantity demanded (per month) $1.00 3,000 2.00 2,500 3.00 2,000 4.00 1,500 5.00 1,000 When these values are plotted in x and a y ax, a curve is formed which is referred to as the demand curve as shown below: Price ($) 5 4 3 1500 2000 Quantity demanded Demand curve therefore, is a curve that shows the relationship between the prices of a good and quantity demanded at s uch prices with all other factors affecting demand held constant. Each point in the demand curve shows the quantity that buyers will buy at a specific price. The demand curve is also observed to follow the law of demand and according to the law of demand, graphically, the demand curve slopes downward. There exist a variety of events in the market that affect the choice of a buyer. Some of these events will cause a movement along the demand curve

Comparison of Reports Essay Example for Free

Comparison of Reports Essay The ability to read and write reports is an essential skill in today’s world. Therefore we need to acquaint ourselves with the three main types of reports – Informational, Analytical, and Proposals. Informational reports mainly provide facts and figures while analytical reports go one step further and provide an analysis of the facts presented. Proposals are usually prior to writing a full-blown report and contain the methods on how a certain study is to be undertaken. No matter what our occupation is, one thing we will surely deal with is reports whether it be reading and evaluating them or writing them. Therefore it is of importance for a person to be acquainted with three main types of reports – Informational Reports, Analytical Reports, and Proposals. The most basic report is the informational report. As its name implies, an informational report’s main purpose and goal is to provide information in the form of facts, figures, or observations on a certain subject so that the reader will have a better understanding of the subject matter. For informational reports, it is very important to have accurate and significant facts gained from credible sources. An analytical report is similar to an informational report in that it also contains significant and informative facts gained from credible sources but it goes a step further because the author presents an analysis of the information cited in an effort to come up with ways of solving the issue. Usually the author will present facts and figures regarding the subject and then will provide a detailed analysis of these facts and figures in order to shed more light on the subject of the report. (Shurter et al. , 1965) A proposal on the other hand is something that is usually written prior to making a report or a study and states the importance or significance of undertaking that study. (Brown 1955) A proposal is similar to an informational report in that it must include preliminary sources where facts can be gained from. It is similar to an analytical report in the sense that it usually tackles an issue and it proposes to use a certain methodology or framework in which to analyze the data and thereby draw conclusions from. The main purpose for writing a proposal is if you want to undertake a certain study or report and wish to get a professionals’ opinion and advice on your idea for a report or to gain funding from different sponsors. Reference List: Brown, L. (1955). Effective Business Report Writing. Wisconsin: Prentice-Hall. Shurter, R. L. , Williamson J. P. , Broehl, W. G. (1965). Business Research and Report Writing. California: University of California.

Effective Social Work Approaches

Effective Social Work Approaches To practice without a theory is to sail an uncharted sea; theory without practice is not to set sail at all Susser 1968 cited in Lishman, 2005 pg 87. Therefore, this essay uses the task centred approach and the solution focused therapy to explain what is happening in the Banks family and how it affects Mark. It will predict Marks future behaviour and it will suggest a plan of actions for intervention in order to make a difference in Marks life. The problems identified in the banks family are; Marks bullying behaviours, both at school and at home, his failure to form relationships with his counterparts, and lack of progress in his education. The essay will discuss the similarities and differences in the identified theories. It will also investigate the advantages and disadvantages of each of the theories. At the same time, the essay will explain how the concept of the anti discriminatory practice can be employed to underpin the interventions whilst using the identified theories. Theoretically, Social work is influenced by the relationship between theory and practice from different perspectives in meeting the clients unique needs in a desired situation and at a particular period of time (Coulshed, 1988). Again, applying theory to practice involves different schools of thought whereas practitioner-client relationship maybe a difficult subject (Taylor and Devine, 1993). However the mandate here is to explain two major theories or approaches but highlights on a third is necessary. Firstly, Solution focused approach developed by Ericksons (1963) and De Shazer (1972) at the therapy centre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The theory is regarded as a positive solution building approach focusing on the client. Clearly the aim is to explore the principles of anti-oppressive practice and involving the client in finding a solution to their problems. This approach does not focus on the past but what is happening in the present and future. It is focusing on two important issues, supporting clients to preferably explore their own future and taking into consideration when, where, with whom and how is it all happening to reach the desired outcomes in a shortest route. The features of solution based approach is to keep the client at the centre of their activity and encouraging them to bring about problems that need attention, furthermore, move from the problems to make slight changes in their behaviour and make some improvements. Nevertheless, it is assumed that clients feel part of their problems. The key concept of this approach is that focus is based upon the here and know with positive thinking and avoiding pre-judgmental. Above all solution based approach has no time limit as it tries to move from the centre to where clients can feel happier by reducing the problems step by step. In another of school of thought, task-centred approach has been considered as a structured way of working with clients in a time limit framework. The most important part of the task-centred approach is partnership and empowerment; this involves two or more people working with a common purpose. Moreover, this theory builds on clients strength and avoids talking about their faults by providing the necessary help they need. According to coulshed (1988), those trying to bring about models for ethnic-sensitive practice favour task-centred approach that promotes anti-oppressive practice (Doel and marsh, 1992). Task centred is unique in that it breaks down the problems into small manageable components, it involves the social worker and the service user identifying the main problem(s) and then working out how to reformulate them in to easily manageable tasks. After the tasks have been agreed the next step is to divided them between the social work and the service user and then decide who is going to work on which task and over what period of time. Using this approach the social worker and service user look very closely at the presenting problem(s) and reformulating them into a range of small practical tasks. The task centred approach fits together well with anti discriminatory practice because it encourages the social worker to do what they do best by bring their expertise into the relationship and work alongside the service user. Okitikpi et al, (2010) argues that the core aspects of the task centered approach that include working with partnership, collaboration, service users strengths, building on confidence, systematic and responsive communication are the same core elements that characterise ADP. Task-centred approach is seen to be effective with interpersonal concerns like those of mark. (Ramos and Tolson 2008 cited in Hepworth 2010 pg 379) Says that this theory is, incompatible with mandated clients who refuse help or are unable to identify changes that they wish to change. By direct contrast, the third approach, Attachment theory by Bowlby (1973) which grew out of rejection of some aspects of psychoanalysis and childhood raring with no separation could have been used but it is not relevant in this case study. Examining the influence of the task-centre approach and the solution-focused therapy, there are similarities and differences which have to be highlighted. Firstly, the case scenario of the Banks family clearly indicates that there need to be an intervention process by using the task-centred approach or solution-focused approach. Ride and Epstein (1972) hypothesised on the task-centred approach as effective and more durable. Time-limit on the approach shows that changes could occur rapidly as all participants are motivated (Maslow, 1943). This involves eight areas of concern among which Behavioural problems, reactive emotional distress and difficulty in role performance are selected target problem areas. However, there are steps to be taken in task-centred approach: The first step is problem exploration, Agreement; second step is, formulating an objective, achieving the task(s), and finally terminations stage. To start with there were behavioural problems identified in the case of Mar k, like yelling, fighting and disruptive. But as required the focus here is to move from what is wrong to what is needed to be done. Similar to the task centred approach is the solution focused approach; it is action oriented and uses a number of strategic questions to find out the solution to a series of problems that the client has. (Trepper et al 2006) cited in Hepworth (2010. Pg. 356). When using TCA with minors like Mark, the tasks involved in this are that there is need to work with the parents and teachers in a collaborative and anti-oppressive way to solve the problems, discuss basic care needs interest in how to help Mark to do his work in class, and work on his tantrums and arguments, discuss with parents how to get Mark to interact with other children and make arrangements for Mark to visit his father in order to came him down. (Enos 2008) cited in Hepworth (2010. Pg. 357) argues that lack of mandated contact from a family member can cause fear, a sense of failure, concer ns about status and use the attitudinal weapons at their disposal may react with anger and a minimum refuse to cooperate. Marks parents need to reduce his inappropriate behaviour by developing skills to improve parent-child relationships for instance, listening and negotiating skills, teach Mark skills of approaching others, how to introduce himself, interact with others by engaging in conversations. In evaluating the two approaches in the scenario there are advantages and disadvantages. In the solution-focused therapy, Mark is the focus and his self esteem is promoted. The problem is the primary concern not the client. SFA offers a positive approach working with the service users. The emphasis of engaging the service user to talk about solutions not just problems is an empowering method. The commitment to service users empowerment, a focus on strengths and service users capacities towards improving their situations and reaching solutions is a significant contribution. In contrast, there is negative focus and there will be problem as poor communication skills will lead to poor practice by social workers. Some aspects of the SFA have been criticised for being directive in nature in particular the assessing of tasks and the emphasis on solutions. Research conducted by the family therapist using the approach revealed discrepancies between the clients experiences and the observations made by their therapists related to the outcomes, (Metcalf et al 1996) (Cited in Hepworth 2010 pg.406). Storm (1991) and Lipchik (1997) cited in Hepworth 2010 pg. 406) maintain as a result of their work the primary focus on adherence to solution was embarrassing to some clients. The positive trust of the approach prevents the service user from discussing their real problems and to avoid talking about their concerns. In the task-centred approach, the problem is the main concern not Mark. He is empowered, considering his self esteem and independence. The approach is short termed and time-limited. In contrast, there is lack of motivation in this approach, the underlying problem has not been addressed, there is tendency that social workers might force Mark through coaching as to complete tasks. Payne (1997) cited in Wilson et al (2008 pg371) suggests task centred approach may not be effective in situations where there are constant difficulties, where long-term psychological problems are the main issues or where users do not accept the right of the social worker or the agency to be involved. Reflecting in this case scenario it is seen that Ken comes from a dysfunctional family which made him spend most of his teenage life in the care of the local authority and this may have affected him psychologically and he may not want to cooperate with the social worker in order to make the approach effective. Doel and Marsh (1992) suggest the service users ability to think and reason is a key ingredient to the success of the approach. In those cases where social work is appropriate but where the reasoning is impaired such as people with considerable learning difficulties or great degree of confusion, task-centred work is often not possible in direct work with that person, (Doel and Marsh 1942 cited in Wilson et al 2008 pg 99). However in the case scenario all the family members are in sound mental state so the approach is suitable. A further disadvantage of task-centred is that where a wide range of problems is experienced, each of which interacts with other problems which threaten to over whelm the family the approach seems rather a weak response. It is argued that unless one is able to deal with problems on many fronts, the combination of these problems will continue to undermine the functioning of family members. For example if one family member has the capacity to reason, but when other members of the family are not prepared to engage in the same process and consistently undermine the efforts of the social worker and service user, the approach may not achieve much. In relation to the case scenario the approach will not be effective if Mark who has multiple problems refuses to cooperate. In conclusion effective social work practice is based on principles and the application of theories or approaches give to different explanations and lead to different practice (Howe, 1987). According to research in to service-users views of social work practice has highlighted that effective practice depends on the combination of good interpersonal skills and clear, organised practice. It is argued that when social work activities are clearly focused, problems clearly identified and specified goals set with service users, then studies produce positive results. This essay has looked at two approaches and how they can be used by a social worker to help engage the Banks family in order to get the necessary support to improve Marks behaviour problems.

Analysing Heat Transfer And Insulation Engineering Essay

Analysing Heat Transfer And Insulation Engineering Essay When two bodies at different temperatures are placed near each other or they are kept in contact, heat flows from a body at a higher temperature to the body at lower temperature. The transfer of heat from one body to the other, or from one part of a body to the other part, can take place by three different processes-conduction, convection and radiation. The total transfer of heat form one body to other can be by one or more than one of the above three modes. Thermal or heat transfer thus takes place through: conduction-a process of transfer of energy due to the differences in the temperature, convection-is the up and down movement of gas and liquids, and radiation-a process by which energy directly passes from one body to another. Heat is transferred by the process of conduction when particles of the medium at different temperatures are in direct or indirect physical contact. Thus conduction is a process of transfer of heat from the hot end to the cold end, form particle to particle of the medium. The rate that an object transfers heat through conduction is called thermal conductivity. An object with low conductivity will transfer heat slower than an object with high conductivity. This is why some substances are used as insulators while others are used in applications such as cooking. In general, solids are better conductors of heat than are liquids and gases. Metals are the best thermal conductors while non-metal solids tend to be poor conductors. In building mechanism (structure of machine), thermal conduction plays a vital role. Thermal insulation  in buildings is an important factor to achieving  thermal comfort  for its occupants. Insulation reduces unwanted heat loss or gain and can decrease the energy demands of  heating and cooling systems. Insulation can just refer to the  insulation materials  employed to slow heat loss, such as:  cellulose,  glass wool,  rock wool,  polystyrene,  urethane foam,  vermiculite (type of chemical insulation), and earth or soil. But it can also involve a range of designs and techniques to address the main modes of heat transfer conduction, radiation and convection materials. There are various ways through which heat escapes our homes. As our houses are built on cold soil or rocks, heat directly flows down into the Earth by conduction. Heat travels by conduction through the solid walls and roof of our houses. On the outside, the outer walls and the roof tiles are hotter than the atmosphere around them, so the cold air near to them heats up and flows away by convection. Heaters use fuels and air conditioners uses lots of electricity, which is why insulation is used. Insulation makes the house comfortable and keeps the temperature of house cool in summers and warm in winters. It is very useful to keep the temperature of the house independent from outside temperature. How much insulation a house should have depends on building design, climate, energy costs, budget, and personal preference. In cold regions, most houses use insulation. Most of the homes are fitted with cavity wall with two layers of brick or block between the inner rooms and the outer atmosphere and an air gap between the walls. The air gap reduces heat losses from the walls by both conduction and  convection: conduction, because theres relatively little air between the walls and its sealed in, so convection currents cant really circulate. The best way to insulate is to fill the air gap with expanding foam or other insulators. Cavity walls are often filled with loosely packed, air-filled materials such as vermiculite, shredded  recycled  paper, or  glass  fibers, it traps the heat and prevents it from escaping. Since warm air rises, plenty of heat escapes through the roof of the houses. Most people also have insulation inside the roof, also known as the loft area, of their homes. Loft insulation is generally made from the same materials as cavity-wall fillings-such things as rock wool and fiberglass. Wall and roof insulation cuts down on heat losses by conduction. Double-glazed windows have two panes of  glass  separated by a sealed air gap. The air stops heat losses by conduction, while the extra pane of glass reflects more light and heat radiation back into home and reduces heat losses. If a thin reflective metallic coating or made from special thermal glazing (such as Pilkington-K, which traps heat a bit like a greenhouse) is added to the windows, the heat loss will reduce further. Window insulation film  can be applied to reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Pipe insulation  is also important in buildings for pipes that carry heated or cooled fluids.. In industry, energy has to be expended (extended) to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of objects or process fluids. If these are not insulated, this increases the heat energy requirements of a process, and therefore the cost and environmental impact. In hot regions, the greatest source of heat is the solar radiation, which enters the buildings through windows, heat the building shell and causing the heat transfer to increase through the building envelope. Solar gain can be reduced by adequate shading from the sun,  light colored roofing, spectrally selective (heat-reflective) paints and coatings and various  types of insulation  for the rest of the envelope.   The graphs above represent a comparison study between the insulation capacity of Cellulose and Fiber glass. http://www.msgreenconstruction.com/uploads/images/cellulose-insulation-r-value.png Cellulose is basically glucose-tapped from recycled newspapers, magazines and cardboard which are treated with chemicals to produce an insulating material with varying properties. Fire resistant chemicals are added to cellulose to increase the efficacy*. Fiberglass is an artificial synthetic fiber that consists of calcium silicates, aluminum and other metals. There are various benefits consumers receive with the use of conduction and/or insulation systems in their houses. Some of the benefits include: It is energy-efficient It is cost-effective, durable Their uses doesnt cause any harm to the surrounding environment. It provides more uniform temperatures throughout the space. It has minimal recurring expense. Unlike heating and cooling equipment, insulation is permanent and does not require maintenance, upkeep, or adjustment. It absorbs noise and vibrations coming form both the outside and from other rooms inside the house, thus producing a more comfortable occupant environment Thermal insulation materials fixed on inside surface of the room walls prevent condensation on interior walls and ceiling. There are also limitations to the use of insulation systems, like the use of cellulose for insulation attracted many rodents to the house. . The main technical limitations of fiberglass matting as insulation are poor structural strength, poor compression (to shorten) resistance, permeability to moisture and a tendency to settle after installation if not properly installed. There are many areas in insulated houses which lack of sufficient insulation, like the corners of buildings, and areas where insulation has been removed or displaced to make room for system infrastructure. During rainy seasons, most of paints used to absorb or emit heat are washed away or gets dull, even metals rusts. Most of the above limitations are solved by science and technology. As the use of cellulose on wooden pipes and furniture attracts rodents, after many experiments they made cellulose which wont attract rodents. As paints gets dull or washed away with rain and metals rust, scientists have devised new un-washable paints and metals are coated with other substances that wont rust or wash away with rain water. Environment- In countries which experiences extremely harsh winters and hot summers, cane reed offers better insulation than brick. This keeps heating and cooling costs down, which translates into energy savings as well as cost savings for the family. It also contributes towards a reduction in the dependency on foreign solid fuel sources and reduces pollution. The cane reed used in the house construction is a locally produced, renewable resource. Harvested (grown) annually, reeds sustain life in ponds and lakes; their roots also stabilize the surrounding earth, preventing soil erosion. The use of the reeds also reduces dependence on, and misuse of, forests. Other building materials used in the process are sourced locally, including the pipes used in the under-floor heating system, which are produced locally by a partner company. The use of insulation even reduces the use of heaters and air conditioners, in turn saving fuel and reducing pollution. Economic- Buildings made of cane reeds area helps the local economy by employing a community labor force to harvest the reeds which are woven into the timber frame, as well as gathering the clay, sand and mud used to fortify the reed. In some cases, residents have been able to obtain permanent employment as a result of the training received during the construction process. The cane reed technology increases affordability as it offers a 40 per cent reduction in housing cost compared with conventional brick housing. Plans are currently underway for the development of a Building and Training Centre where all construction materials to be used in Habitat homes will be produced, further decreasing the costs to participating families. Social- As these buildings are easy to make every body in the family and community takes part in making it, they found a improved way of living as they are no longer required to gather firewood, wash dishes and clothes outside by hand and cook in a confined space. They have time and energy to pursue work outside the home, therefore helping to increase household income. The reduction in the use of solid fuels has also resulted in decreased levels of indoor air pollution and has consequently improved health, with a particular fall in respiratory illnesses.   Thus, an insulated home is comfortable as the temperature remains consistent over weather changes. It makes the house comfortable and keeps the temperature of house cool in summers and warm in winters. Effective use of insulation is necessary for each and every people who face harsh summers or winters. It helps them to stay warm and cozy in their homes, while contributing less to global warming and pollution. With the increase in the uses of insulation, the use of heater and air conditioning units will reduce. The use of fuels and other non-renewable sources will also be automatically reduced as this is a natural technique of absorbing or emitting heat. If the use of air conditioning units and heaters keeps on increasing, then there will be drastic effect on the climatic changes. To keep our surrounding safe as well as save natural resources for the upcoming generations, insulating our homes instead of using air conditioners, heaters, and other technologies which cause harm to the en vironment, is essential . Though insulation is expensive, its worth as its durable and doesnt have a recurring cost unlike other means.

MBA Admissions Essays - International Business :: MBA College Admissions Essays

MBA Admissions Essays - International Business    Ever since I was young I have always been interested in businesses and how they operate, as well as being fascinated by other languages and cultural differences. My passion for the subject expanded when I chose business studies and french, as part of my A-level education. Although these subjects are somewhat demanding, I find them extremely interesting. I believe that a degree combining both these aspects is the correct choice for me. I am confident that a course in international business studies and modern languages satisfies both these interests. I will be looking forward to learning about the international business world and I am relishing the thought of learning to integrate with other European countries. The idea of learning to communicate with other people across the world is something that has always appealed greatly to me.    I am currently attending Sprowston High School which is a school located on the outskirts of Norwich. I am currently studying three A2 courses after completing four AS-level courses. The subjects that I am currently studying include physics, french and business studies, whilst information technology was taken at AS-level. I am confident with my grades at the end of the first year of studies. I am confident that with extra effort I could improve my grades and push them past my expected target minimum grades.    In my spare time I enjoy a wide range of sporting activities. These include: cricket, skiing, badminton, tennis, long distance running, football and table tennis to name but a few. I have many trophies in my room for cricket. I am hoping to carry on these activities whilst conducting my studies at university. I also have a part-time job working in the local supermarket. I believe that I have gained invaluable experience in dealing with customers and trying to deliver customer satisfaction, whilst learning to work effectively and efficiently in a well structured team. Hopefully I will be able to carry on within the organisation whilst at university as a transfer to a local store is possible. I have also completed two work experience programs. The first at Viking Computers Norwich, the second at the school involving administrative work. These were both valuable experiences and gave me an insight to how a business operates. I enjoy my spare time and try to use it to the best of my use.