Social and Economic Changes in Post-socialist Cities Essay

Social and Economic Changes in Post-socialist Cities - Essay Example This essay stresses that the economic systems that practice socialism are grounded on the concepts of production for use. This is a concept that is used to refer to a situation whereby the production of services and goods are aimed at directly satisfying the human needs, and economic demands of the society. This paper concerns itself with answering the question that what are the economic and social changes in Post Socialism Bulgaria. Between 1940, to 1990, Bulgaria was a socialist state, and MacKenzie consider it to be a satellite state of the Soviet Union. This is during the era of cold war, where there were two dominant ideologies competing, that of socialism, and capitalism. It is important to understand that because of the close relationship that Bulgaria had with the Soviet Union, the leaders of this party did not want to initiate an abrupt change of relations with the Eastern allies of the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union itself. However, the leadership of this new party proposed a series of measures, which included modernizing the treaty that formed the War Saw Pact, and even reforming the Council of Mutual Economic Assistance (CAMECON) into a new organization that reflected the trends occurring in the world. This is in terms of economic and political trends. The people who wer e advocating for an immediate cessation of relationship with the Soviet Union formed a party referred to as the Union of Democratic Party.

The Editing in Farewell My Concubine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Editing in Farewell My Concubine - Essay Example When characterizing the film in regards to its technical elements one notes that despite its elaborate mise-en-scene and epic subject matter, the film is shot and edited in a very straight-forward and direct manner. This essay specifically examines elements of editing in Farewell My Concubine and considers the means by which they contributed to the film’s meaning and overriding style. As the film opens the camera follows Dieyi and Xiaolou, in full opera garb, as they enter the vacant auditorium. The film cuts to a shot situated from high in the crowd and the viewer is put in the place of the audience. The juxtaposition of these shots has the effect of first giving the viewer the impression of an upcoming grand performance, and then subverting their expectations with the shot from a distance. It immediately creates a sense of isolation and emotional impoverishment; this is further enforced as the viewer soon discovers that the two performers haven’t performed together since the Cultural Revolution. During this opening scene director, Kaige largely refrains from editing shots together, instead of allowing the scene to develop. Some viewers might immediately be disrupted by this more ‘art film’ style approach, but by not cutting with the frequency the director situates the viewer as an actual member of the audience. The long scenes also establish the film overarching tone as somber and slightly cerebral. Farewell, My Concubine also makes notable uses of montage editing to condense time. While it’s become clichà © for many films to develop an entire sequence of shots that are spliced together to give the viewer the impression of time’s passage, director Kaige has a subtle technique that adds considerable poignancy to the film. After Xiaolou has been forced to sit outside in the snow with a board on his head, the film cuts to the troupe of boys standing outside in the cold reciting  lines.  

Management Business Intelligence

Management Business Intelligence Information systems Information Systems deals with the application of people, technologies and procedures to solve business problems. Management information systems are different from the normal is in the sense that they are applied in analyzing other is used in operational activities of the organization. In academics, the term usually refers to a group information management methods associated with the automation and decision making of humans for example, expert systems, decision support system , executive information systems. In management information system data is carefully and systematically collected, stored and disseminated in the form of information required to perform roles of management. The Zara has made of use of IS and to advance in many areas. This has resulted in huge success for the company. This included application of Business intelligence (BI) involves technologies, practices for collection, integration and applications to analyze and present business information. The main aim of business intelligence is to promote better business decision making. BI describes a group of information on concepts and methods to better decision making in business. This is achieved by employing a fact based support systems. The intelligence systems are data-driven and sometimes used in executive information systems. Predictive views on business operations can be provided by use of BI systems. predictive views on business operations can be provided by use of BI systems since historical and current data has been gathered into a data bank performance management benchmarking is done whereby information on other companies in the same industry is gathered. Since the Zaras have large network and therefore dealing with large volumes of data, an enterprise information system has been employed in the firm. This is generally a type of computing systems that involves an enterprise class that is, typically offering total quality service handling large volumes of data and able to sustain a big organization. With this system, a technology platform is provided which enables the enterprise is provided to that information can be shared in all useful levels of management enterprise systems are important in removing the problem of fragmentation of information. This happens when there are numerous information systems in an enterprise. The problem is solved by developing a standard data structure. The Zara being big organization, the enterprise systems is housed in many different data centers, and includes content management system as the main application. The Zara team comprises technology professionals. These include content specialists, network and system engineers, flash developers, database business analysts and administrators, software developers, quality assurance managers and computer and applications support technicians. All these specialists work in tandem to bring about competitive advantage to business by allowing for quick-response capability. The Zara is devoted to integrating information technology appropriately into all areas of its operations and activities. The range of services and resources available to its clients is attributed to the commitment of integration of IT properly in the organization. The client services group in the Zara partners with staff and clients to identify and meet each groups technological requirements. This group of technical advisors associates with departments to execute a roadmap for a teams technological vision and then defines this vision within entity projects. Much support is required for invariable innovation. The Zara IT group is devoted to developing community through technology and operates closely with business associates. The IT group is devoted to developing community through technology and operates closely with business associates. The IT group has technical support and tools they require to come up with new ideas and spread the ideas to the wider community worldwide. This ensures that client needs are realized. A constantly growing state-of-the-art technology infrastructure has enabled the firm to develop and maintain a fully integrated organization/ enterprise. The infrastructure has enabled the firm to develop and maintain a fully integrated organization/ enterprise. The infrastructure entails a core of systems and attempts designed to produce the flexibility and capacity for innovation and growth. The Zara thrives in an environment of change, experimentation and learning that is spreading over the boundaries for the application of IT in their business in the enterprises an easy-to-use modular tools, templates and platforms that involve all sides of life at the Zara firms including career development , administration and operations are implemented and developed. In the Zara other web-based solutions are deployed with an advance knowledge management thereby making a big shift in the quality and speed of work in how the enterprises function. In the exploding growth of the software market a new world growth for the software market a new world of connectivity is realized in the Zara. The urgency of the business recognizing the importance of corporate portal has enabled linkage of information, data, people and knowledge to provide business solutions. The corporate portals come from consumer portals like Alta-vista, yahoo! and Lycos. The portals (gateways) show the importance of letting clients have a wide scope of varied information on the web. This has given rise to the increase in multitasking, receiving information and checking from varied sources and thereby getting involved in projects that cross geographical boundaries with this technology the needs of the community, employees and even the extended network that is more advanced are served. The Zara is possibly the most devastating and innovative retailer in the world. With more than 1000 shops world wide, the Zara has turned controlled over garment factories into a competitive advantage by making and designing the garments. By making the garments itself, it can quickly react to varying market trends. The Zara has been able to succeed in building a massive brand , without promotion or advertising but through the information systems and information technology Recommendations Electronic gift vouchers should be introduced. The credit cards should be fitted with a micro computer chip which will debit the value for sale when pilfered, leaving on the card any remainder. The data should be updated to reduce the tendency of supply chains and all open-loop information systems to increase small hinderances. The IT services should be expanded to provide a comprehensive promotion of development for information and communications technology for the enterprise. The services are to be delivered to meet the needs of the clients. The ICT services should implement the I CT plan for important business systems. Other business applications such as financial management systems should be developed due to the growing numbers of users accessing electronic mail. Anew and easy to use computer policy is to be provided and thereby make new radical improvements to the website. The councils ICT strategy has to be implemented for the whole enterprise. A major evaluation of ICT strategy should be conducted to pave way for a new strategy for a further 4 to 7 years. There is also need for development of an IT program. The program will stand as an assessment to the resources of the IT staff that are to sustain the current systems and to implement and develop newer systems. Resources should be allocated to carry on the ICT strategy and improve important business applications. The information technology should be innovated for bigger success to be realized. The growing expectations for transparency should make the Zara look into more technology that is adaptable to the clients the organization should make use of I.T and client acceptance technologies. Here the I.T infrastructure should be modernized, to meet the competitive world. I.T experts should conduct literary reviews for different countries to gain information about the framework upon which good strategies are formulated for the betterment of the enterprise. A central organization of information technology is required for proactive resolutions to encourage wide use of information technology. Concepts of operations need to be classified to increase efficiency, quality and effectiveness of funding of IT processes. The stake-holders, should be educated on the value of advancing IT to facilitate the stakeholder buy-in. The adoption of I.T should be recommended. References www.sap.com www.northayrshire.gov.uk www.fashionedunited.co.uk/news www.havardbusiness.online.hbsp.harvard.ed www.hbswk.hbs.edu www.123helpine.com www.helium.com www.en.wikipedia.org www.computerweekly.com www.doicontentdirection.com

Allies Mitt Essay -- essays research papers

Allie's Mitt , Catcher In The Rye. Allie's mitt was a very important symbol in Catcher In The Rye, the mitt had poems written all over it. Allie was Holden's little brother, he got leukemia and died in Maine. Allie's mitt symbolizes the innocence that Holden yearns for , Allie's innocence was preserved in the mitt. Allie died when he was young, he was still innocent. By dying young Allie stayed out of the phony, adult world. In some ways Holden wants to be Allie. Holden wanted to preserve his own innocence but he could not. A baseball mitt is a common part of childhood, so it has the "power" to preserve innocence. The most interesting part about Allie's mitt are the poems, a grown up would not be writing poems and reading them during the game, he would be competitive, and all he would want is to win. Allie was to innocent he did not care about winning he just wanted to play baseball. Allie's death was tragic but maybe it is the death that Holden wanted for himself , he wanted to preserve his innocence. One example of Allie's innocence is " He was also the nicest, in lots of ways. He never got mad at anybody" Holden valued the mitt he only showed it to one person outside his family, Jane , "She was the only one, outside my family, that I ever showed Allie's baseball mitt to, with all the poems written on it. She'd never met Allie or... Allies Mitt Essay -- essays research papers Allie's Mitt , Catcher In The Rye. Allie's mitt was a very important symbol in Catcher In The Rye, the mitt had poems written all over it. Allie was Holden's little brother, he got leukemia and died in Maine. Allie's mitt symbolizes the innocence that Holden yearns for , Allie's innocence was preserved in the mitt. Allie died when he was young, he was still innocent. By dying young Allie stayed out of the phony, adult world. In some ways Holden wants to be Allie. Holden wanted to preserve his own innocence but he could not. A baseball mitt is a common part of childhood, so it has the "power" to preserve innocence. The most interesting part about Allie's mitt are the poems, a grown up would not be writing poems and reading them during the game, he would be competitive, and all he would want is to win. Allie was to innocent he did not care about winning he just wanted to play baseball. Allie's death was tragic but maybe it is the death that Holden wanted for himself , he wanted to preserve his innocence. One example of Allie's innocence is " He was also the nicest, in lots of ways. He never got mad at anybody" Holden valued the mitt he only showed it to one person outside his family, Jane , "She was the only one, outside my family, that I ever showed Allie's baseball mitt to, with all the poems written on it. She'd never met Allie or...

Mr. and Mrs. Pitt: A Troubled Relationship from the Start Essay

In the renowned fantasy novel Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling, Albus Dumbledore says, â€Å"indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.† The play, Angels in America, A Gay Fantasia on National Themes by Tony Kushner, presents several relationships of characters. The relationship of Joe and Harper Pitt in particular plays a vital role in his play. By not making the effort to fix the problems in their relationship, Joe and Harper have finally grown so distant from each other that it is impossible to fix it. Kushner uses many different writing techniques to present that Joe and Harper have a failing marriage. He uses tone and dialog to show that Harper isn’t going to follow Joe in his advancing career. Next, Kushner references movies that parallel Joe and Harper’s relationship. And lastly, Kushner adds real world examples to show the neglect of Harper’s emotional problems. All of Kushner’s writing techniques add up to clearly explain why the marriage is failing. Harper’s decision to not go to Washington D.C. with Joe is the first sign that Harper accepts that their marriage has failed. Harper denies Joe’s offer within seconds of him proposing the idea. Her instincts tell her that moving to Washington D.C. will just cover up their unhappy lives together even more. She then states, â€Å"We’re happy here,† (Kushner). The rapid response to Joe’s proposition and when she sarcastically states that they are â€Å"happy† hints that she is unhappy in the relationship. It is also shown when she directly says, â€Å"Pretend-happy,† (Kushner). It therefore implies that they are lying to themselves in order to make their relationship seem better. Harper does not want to move with Joe because she wants out of their relationship. She makes up several excuses to justify them for not moving. She starts out with referring to the Roman Polanski Film, Rosemary’s Baby. The movie’s protagonist, Waifi sh Rosemary Woodhouse, thinks that her husband has given a cult their unborn baby to be able to succeed in his failing acting career (Bozzola). In Angels in America, the similar situation is how Roy is giving Joe a promotion in order to get something out of it. The couple in the movie parallels to Harper and Joe’s marriage. Both Waifish and Harper have suspicions about their husbands that eventually become true. Harper on the other hand wants to get away from her situation by not wanting to move with Joe. She then refers to The Exorcist, but Joe quickly says, â€Å"The devil, everywhere you turn, huh buddy,† (Kushner). What Harper does not realize is that Joe is the devil and until they separate from each other, she will always be around the devil. Since Joe is the â€Å"devil,† it is nearly impossible for their relationship to grow and fix it self because it is â€Å"a thing that is very difficult or awkward to do or deal with,† (Google, Inc.). Towards the end of the conversation, Harper mentions that when they first got married Joe had â€Å"all these secrets and lies,† (Kushner). Those lies that the relationship is based upon caused it to be unsuccessful from the start. Because they were not truthful to one another from the beginning of their relationship, it has caused them later on to have problems that are coming out now. If they would have dealt with the problems that they have had since the beginning, then their marriage would not be failing. Harper realizes that her relationship has failed and therefore she declines going with Joe to Washington D.C. It is shown that she realizes her marriage has failed when later that day she says, â€Å"Without me. Without me, Joe. Isn’t that what you want to hear?† (Kushner). The emphasis Harper puts on â€Å"without me† confirms the fact that she has realized that the marriage has ended and that she wants to move on with her life. She does this so that Joe will get the hint that their marriage has failed and there is not anything they can do about it. Harper hears on the radio that part of the ozone layer is missing in Antarctica, but what she doesn’t realize is that the missing hole is a metaphor for her relationship with Joe. Kushner adds this into his play to show the audience that their relationship parallels to this atmospheric damage. Harper first mentions the ozone layer while she is alone at home waiting for Joe to come home. Harper states, â€Å"When you look at the ozone layer†¦things are collapsing, lies surfacing, systems of defense giving way†¦This is why, Joe, this is why I shouldn’t be left alone,† (Kushner). The things that are collapsing in the ozone parallels to Joe and Harper’s relationship. The neglect of the Earth, or the relationship in this matter, has caused problems to form that are nearly irreversible. With more and more neglect the worse the ozone is going to get therefor without the proper actions taken to fix the situation, it is going to diminish. Their relationship is the same way. Joe has not helped with Harper’s drug addiction, so it has gotten worse and worse. And since Joe has not helped with her problems it has just created another problem that they need to fix in need to improve their relationship. But they did not so their relationship has virtually diminished. It was exponentially declining since the start of the gap in their relationship. Since the ozone layer is depleting, Harper reasons that Joe should not be left alone, but right after she says that, she quickly changes saying that instead of Joe not being alone, she should not be left alone. This implies that Harper is the ozone layer and Joe is the person that keeps on damaging it. Harper does not know this but Kushner tells this to the audience so that they know. Joe has neglected Harper’s needs and has only thought of himself thus causing emotional â€Å"holes† in Harper. These â€Å"holes† can only be filled in with a substitute, in this case Valium. The drugs are the artificial necessities that fulfil her needs in her relationship. Just as Mother Nature tends to even things out, Harper needs to even out her emotions that are not present with Joe. Joe has caused a major portion of the holes that are found in their relationship. These holes are similar to the holes in the ozone layer that are caused by the neglect from mankind. The holes are irreversible and have a profound impact on Harper and Joe’s marriage. It is demonstrated when Joe shuts down Harper’s emotional problems that he had caused. Joe’s neglect for Harper’s emotional holes has caused them problems that cannot be fixed. Harper has always been afraid of the â€Å"man with the knives† (Kushner). At first Joe just thought that Harper was hallucinating and it was just a figment of her imagination. He even thought that Harper’s Valium addiction might have been the reason for her hallucinations. But after talking with her, he finally realizes that it has been him all along that had been the â€Å"man with the knives.† He has been slowly killing his relationship with Harper by his secrets which are represented by the knives. Harper was in bed when â€Å"someone was in there†¦ under the covers with a knife,† (Kushner). Harper and Joe’s situation represents that someone in their relationship is hiding a secret about themselves. This secret has to deal with the fact that someone is lying about their sexual needs. It turns out to be that Joe is hiding the fact that he is a homosexual to Harper. If in the beginning Joe would have told Harper that he was gay and that he was trying to work on it, their relationship would be more successful, but since he did not do this, his knives had been tearing away at their marriage. Each time he neglected to work on her problems and just let them slide by, his knife got sharper and sharper. It made it easier for them to grow apart and not know each other. Joe’s inability to help out with Harper’s problems and being secretive towards her had caused them to grow apart and ruin their marriage without being able to fix it. Harper and Joe’s relationship had diminished over the years that they were married starting from day one. They put their heads down to their problems and just let them slide. Their relationship could only slip so far until it is nearly gone and that had happened. Kushner presented their failing marriage through many ways. He used Harper’s decision to show that Harper does not want to advance with Joe in his career. Kushner then presents the movies The Exorcist and Rosemary Babies to parallel the relationship of Joe and Harper. The ozone layer is added into the play as a metaphor of their declining relationship to let the audience know that they are failing in their marriage. And lastly Kushner uses the â€Å"man with the knives† as a way to say that Joe is â€Å"killing† their marriage from neglect towards Harper’s problems. At first Harper and Joe had a great marriage, but after a while secrets and lies became the normal for them. These lies and secrets just worsened their marriage until it finally failed. Works Cited Bozzola, Rovi Lucia. Rosemary’s Baby – Rotten Tomatoes. n.d. 22 11 2012. Google, Inc. define: Devil – Google Search. n.d. 22 11 2012. Kushner, Tony. Angels in America, A Fantasia on National Themes. New York City: Theatre Communications Group, Inc., 1995. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . New York City: Scholastic, 2003.

Dementia in the world Essay

Alongside traditional A Levels in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, QMC offers an A Level in Applied Science. This is an ideal course for pupils who have studied the GCSE Applied Science and who are interested in a science based career. COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS General entry requirements are 5/6 GCSEs at C or above to include Double Science, English and Mathematics. WHAT KIND OF JOB/DEGREE CAN THIS SUBJECT LEAD TO? Success in the A Level will enable you to apply for work in science based companies, the NHS or apply for Foundation degrees at university such as: FdSc Applied Medical Technology FdSc Medical Imaging (Radiography Technician) FdSc Medicines Management (Pharmacy Technician) FdSc Oncological Therapies (Oncology and Radiography Technician) FdSc Paramedic Science, currently available at Portsmouth DURING THE AS COURSE YOU WILL STUDY THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: In the AS year you will be studying 3 units which cover all 3 sciences. Two of the units are assessed by portfolio with the third unit being assessed by examination. This course is therefore best suited to students who find producing a steady flow of written reports preferable to sitting several exams at the end of the year. The portfolio units look at how science is put to use in the workplace. You will visit a range of local organisations and see science in action. Back at College you will learn how to carry out some of the techniques that scientists use at work and write reports about issues relevant to the use of science. As you go you will build up a portfolio of evidence of your growing skills. The examined unit focuses on the use of science in healthcare. You will look at how the body’s circulatory and respiratory systems work, and how they can be monitored and investigated. This will include considering the ethical issues involved when diagnosing and treating illnesses. DURING THE A2 COURSE YOU WILL STUDY THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: In the second year you will be learning how to carry out an extended investigation and then choose one you would like to study in depth. This investigation, and a unit on the techniques involved in genetic engineering and biotechnology, are both assessed by portfolio. A final examined unit brings together all the skills you have developed during the course on working as a scientist, including collecting samples, developing methods for carrying out tests, working safely, analysing data, and ensuring accuracy and reliability in all you do. HOW IS THIS COURSE ASSESSED? AS Level A2 Level 3 Units. 2 units portfolio evidence, 1 unit examination 3 Units. 2 units portfolio evidence, 1 unit examination IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION †¦ Please contact the Head of Department, Dr Eddie Grimble, on (01256) 417500

Examination of SportsScotland and Inactivity in women in Scotland The WritePass Journal

Examination of SportsScotland and Inactivity in women in Scotland Introduction Examination of SportsScotland and Inactivity in women in Scotland IntroductionFundingLinks to Elite Sport and Mega EventsInclusionConclusionReferencesRelated Introduction Inactivity in girls and young women is an increasing public health issue in Scotland. 65% of 14 year old girls do not reach recommended levels of physical activity and 43% of adult women do little or no exercise (Sportscotland, 2011). It is therefore understandable that the government is striving to tackle this problem by implementing initiatives such as Fit for Girls (FFG) in secondary schools across Scotland. The Fit for Girls programme is a joint initiative between the Youth Sport Trust and sportscotland, aimed at increasing physical activity participation among girls aged 11 to 16 years. The programme was piloted in 2008 and is being delivered to 296 mainstream and 11 additional support needs (ASN) schools across Scotland, over a 3 year time schedule. The primary objective of the programme is to bring about sustainable change in schools that moulds a positive future for girls’ participation in physical activity. Fit for Girls aims to achieve this by providing an interactiv e environment for participants, emphasising the importance of consulting girls, working with them to establish reasons for disengagement and developing strategies to enhance future participation. The principles of respect, empowerment and participation are inherent of the programme. Girls who are currently inactive or have low levels of participation are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas in a real and honest way. It is hoped that the Fit for Girls programme, coupled with the engagement of PE staff and Active Schools Coordinators, has the ability to make a significant impact on girls’ physical activity levels as well as their perception of physical activity and sport. Funding Sportscotland is a Quango, that is, an organisation that is funded by taxpayers, but not controlled directly by central government. Sportscotland are provided with a budget from the government and they choose how, and where to distribute the funds. A sum of  £530, 000 was invested into the Fit for girls programme in 2008.   This would finance the roll out of the program over a 3 year period. Each participating secondary school was entitled to apply for a  £700 start up grant. There was flexibility in how the grant was spent. However, funding could be used to employ staff or coaches to deliver sessions as this was not viewed as being sustainable in the long term however, the funding could be spent to train staff, volunteers, parents and senior pupils, to provide them with the essential skills and confidence required to deliver the activities. Other uses included modernising changing facilities, upgrading equipment, and providing development pathways for senior pupils. Whilst man y acknowledge the importance of sport and its potential to greatly impact on a nation’s health, culture and pride, it can be argued that for a country in severe economic crisis, the  £46,257,000 savings, which could be achieved from cutting sportscotland may be better invested elsewhere in the public sector. It is due to this controversial issue that many organisations and projects such as FFG are hanging in the balance. They are completely dependant on funding and as FFG has reached the end of its three year schedule, it is not yet known whether their funding will be extended. Links to Elite Sport and Mega Events The links between Fit for Girls and elite sport is limited. It is unlikely that a project of this nature and capacity will unearth a substantial amount of new talent, of the standard to perform at an elite level. The links between this project and events such as the 2012 and 2014 Olympic and commonwealth games appear to be relatively minimal.   These mega events are elite sport and competition at the highest possible level and see countries and athletes from all over the world participate whereas, FFG is sport at a basic, introductory level and is a national strategy within Scotland, exclusive to girls of a certain age. However, by focussing on the foundation principles and objectives of both events, links can be made. â€Å"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.† (Olympic creed). Whilst the Olympic Games and FFG appear to be at polar opposites on the sporting spectrum, they both share a similar philosophy which places great importance on participation and personal achievement. It is evident that hosting the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth games provides the nation with a great opportunity to capitalize on the hype and publicity of the games and foster this as a catalyst for change and sporting development. This is recognized by reaching higher which acknowledges that â€Å"Major sporting events such as the Olympic, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games provide electrifying experiences for competitors and spectators. If such events are to provide an enduring legacy, they must be used as catalysts for chang e.† – (Reaching Higher, 2007). In FFG’s 1st year, participation levels in P.E and extra- curricular activities rose from 18- 27% This increased participation, expands the national pool of elite sporting talent for events such as the commonwealths, illustrating that FFG does link to elite sport and its major events. In the same way, these mega events greatly benefit schemes of this nature.   Reaching higher states that, â€Å"Volunteers and professional staff are core to the delivery of our vision. Without their expertise people will not get enthused and involved and our sportsmen and women will not reach their potential.†- (Reaching higher, 2007). Whilst it is unlikely that the programme will produce a wealth of new elite sporting talent, FFG does have the potential to produce girls who are passionate about sport and may pursue a career in the sport and leisure industry, in a voluntary, coaching or management and development capacity. This is perhaps the most prominent link to elite sport and mega events and the project   has a framework in place to promote and develop this. The level 1, Sports Leader Award is offered to s4 core pupils, this allows them to gain leadership experience, work with Active Schools Coordinators and Sports Development, as well as working with talented girls who are at risk of becoming disaffected. Additionally, the ‘Heartstart’ Training, British Heart Foundation program is offered, teaching pupils emergency aid such as CPR and how to recognise heart attack symptoms. It can therefore be drawn that whilst the links between this program with elite sport and mega events are indirect they are still significant. Inclusion The most prominent issue regarding inclusion with this program is that it excludes boys. Through FFG, the young women are receiving higher quality equipment and changing facilities, as well as having a greater deal of input and choice into the curriculum structure. It is evident that this may result in the boys feeling jealous and overlooked, which could have a detrimental effect on male participation levels and motivation. However, Reaching Higher illustrates that with regards to female participation in the 16+ age group: rates stand at 59% against 68% of young men additionally, 40% of girls have dropped out of all sports activity by the time they reach 18 (sportscotland participation survey. 2002-2004). This demonstrates that drop out and participation levels are a greater problem in girls than boys. Studies have suggested that the main reasons for girls drop out in P.E are lack of skill, and feeling embarrassed (Fit for Girls Workshop: Bucking the Trend, 2010). On average, girls e nter sport at 7.4 years of age in comparison to boys at 6.8 years old. 47% of girls are reported to be involved with some kind of organized sport by age 6, while 60% of boys of the same age are  participating. (Women’s Sports Foundation Research Report 2008). This illustrates that on average, boys have a head start on girls with regards to sports participation and skill development. Research into the sociological dimensions of girls’ physical activity participation concluded that the â€Å"traditional subject matter of physical education†¦privileges boys while disadvantaging girls†. What is sometimes referred to as the â€Å"hidden curriculum† in physical education, places great importance on skill level and ability, as well as emphasizing competition, rather than promoting sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. (Garrett, R. 2004). The curriculum centre’s around team games and competitive activities and this learning cli mate, in turn, has often favoured male pupils due to their greater level of experience in a sports environment. Additionally, their confidence to perform athletic skills, which they are both competent and familiar with lead them to enjoy and excel in P.E classes, while girls often experience anxiety and marginalization. Literature also states that women are far more self-conscious than men when participating in sport and physical activity. (Brudzynski, L., William, E. 2010). The Fit for Girls program aims to combat this by adapting the curriculum to include more expressive and artistic activities, in conjunction with this, evidence suggests that the female only environment assists in reduce anxiety and body image concerns â€Å"Female PE staff makes me feel more comfortable taking part in activities, especially trampolining and dance.† (Bannockburn High School, S3 pupils.) Many would champion the program for seeking activities and teaching environments which increase female p articipation in P.E however, it can be argued that with regards to the modernized changing facilities, which include hair dryers and straighteners, the boys are being unfairly discriminated against and are disadvantaged. In today’s society, young men feel the pressure to look a certain way and conform as well as girls, this could be seen as a luxury which if anything, nurtures stereotypical views and creates an even greater sense of segregation and conflict between male and female pupils. Alternatively, Evidence suggests that whilst boys do care about their appearance and would like upgraded facilities, it has a stronger influence on the take-up of females than their male counterparts. Fit for Girls’ runs in 296 of 376 mainstream high schools, which equates to 79% and only 11 out of 193 ‘ASN’ high schools, equivalent to 6%. Whilst disabled pupils are not completely excluded from this scheme, the figures clearly illustrate that the provision is severely limited. â€Å"People with a disability, who equate to one in five of our population, are also less likely to participate in sport† (Reaching Higher, 2007). Therefore, it can be argued that if anything, they are at a greater need for exposure to projects such as this. Conversely, it is evident that there are many children with additional need who do not attend an ASN school, instead they are included in the mainstream schooling system,(Scottish Education Report 2007), suggesting that whilst the program is only operating in 6% of ASN schools, it is likely to be reaching a larger percentage indirectly. A further issue regarding the inclusion of this program is that it is only delivered in secondary education. It can be postulated that FFG would achieve even greater results if it was to engage with the girls at a younger age i.e. primary school. By interacting with the girls at a younger age, there is more chance of positively influencing their perception of sport and instilling good habits and attitudes however, It has been identified that between the age of 14-18 is the period in their life when most girls drop out of sport, with 40% being completely disaffected by the time they reach 18. With projects such as this, which rely heavily of funding, there is always going to be issues of inclusion. This is a project which undeniably targets a very specific population, thereby excluding many others however, by analyzing the scheme and what they are striving to achieve, it is difficult to condemn or pick fault in their strategy. The nations’ disengagement with sport and the problems that this creates cannot be tackled with one sweeping solution, whilst FFG may isolate certain groups; it is likely to have a greater success rate by focusing on its target demographic and their specific needs, rather than attempting to reach a larger population on consequently limited funding and resources. Whilst the reasons to target such a specific population are justifiable, the project could be made more sustainable and inclusive if it was integrated into the curriculum for excellence. This appears to be the next logical step forward and would enable the program to flourish and prog ress without the requirement of additional funding. Conclusion In today’s society a physically active lifestyle is recognised as an essential component of healthy living. In addition to the long term health benefits, physical activity during childhood supports holistic development, assisting to prevent overweight and obesity and the health concerns associated with these conditions, as well as enhancing psychological wellbeing. With adolescent girls being identified as at risk of becoming disaffected, The Fit for Girls project set out with clear objectives to increase the participation in sport of this population and improve their experience of sport. There is limited literature evaluating the success of the project to date however, from initial figures and case studies, the project appears to have been a success in achieving its primary objectives. With regards to elite sporting pathways and links to mega events, the connections are extremely limited, only by analysing the basic foundation principles can any parallels be drawn and even th en, they are still weak. Undoubtedly there are issues of inclusion with this scheme, by targeting such a specific demographic; it inevitably isolates a wider population. With everything considered, it can be drawn that whilst its links to elite sport are limited and it may be subject to scrutiny over issues of inclusion, the project was successful in achieving its objectives and is a small, but significant stepping stone towards increasing female sports participation. Despite acknowledging the success and importance of this project it could be concluded that the best way forward does not require an extension to the funding, instead, the principle and structure of the project should be addressed and integrated into the curriculum for excellence. References Bailey, R., (2005). Evaluating the relationship between physical education, sport and social inclusion. Education Review, 57, (1), 71-90. Brudzynski, L., William, E. (2010) Garrett, R., (2004). Negotiating a physical identity: girls, bodies and physical education. Sport, Education and Society, 9 (2), 223-237. Ferguson, M., (2009). Call for Scottish PE overhaul after damning report. Future Fitness. Sport and Fitness for today’s youth, July. p.5. Fit for Girls Workshop: Bucking the Trend, (2010) Hardman, K. (2007). Physical Education: â€Å"The future ain’t what it used to be!† University of Worcester, UK. Hardman, K., (2008). The Situation of Physical Education in Schools: a European Perspective. Human Movement, 9 (1), 1-14. Scottish Executive (2003). Let’s make Scotland more active – A Strategy for Physical Activity. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh. Scottish Education Report. (2007) Wallace, J ., Homes, A. (2007). Fit for the Future? Young people’s participation in physical activity in Scottish secondary schools. Scottish Consumer Council, Glasgow. Women’s Sports Foundation Research Report. (2008) Reaching Higher. (2007) www.scotland.gov.uk www.sportscotland.co.uk. www.youthsporttrust.org