Business Decision Making Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Decision Making Process - Essay Example It is because of this reason that it is often important for the higher management to improve upon the decision making process by learning tools and techniques which contribute towards improving the overall effectiveness of the decisions made. It is important to note that decision making and problem solving are often considered as the same however, there are certain subtle differences which need to be taken into account for decision making and problem solving. It is important to understand that decision making takes place at every level of the organization i.e. from top management of the organization to the operational level and as such magnitude, nature and importance of decision making at each different level differs from each other. This paper will apply the analyses and techniques of business decision making in planning and delivery of the Ashes Test to be played at Cardiff during 2009 providing at least three illustrations or examples. Business decision making process is quite complex process as it draws upon data from different sources and utilizes them in different manner in order to achieve the desired results. In order to make better and more effective decisions, it is therefore important that almost every possible aspect of decision making shall be taken into consideration. Cost and benefit analysis is the major criteria based on which most of the business decisions are made and as such there are different tools and techniques which are used to make decisions more effective. Over the period of time the general theoretical thrust behind the business decision making has been based on finding the quantitative aspects of the decision making whereas on the other hand qualitative aspects of decision making were not taken into consideration. (Baker,1981). This focus on the quantitative aspects of decision making has greatly improved the capability of

Eastenders and Coronation Street Essay Example for Free

Eastenders and Coronation Street Essay astenders and Coronation Street deals with these rules by not showing any bad violence, drugs, sexual intercourse, nudity or demonstrations of exorcisms. If any of these are shown they will be justified so much that it is suitable for all ages. This affects the reality of the programme because in some of the storyline situations they cannot fully show the reality of what may happen in real life because they cannot swear for example, and all the things they cannot show are usually in everyday life. Paragraph three There are different principles shown in every episode, from the Eastenders episode we watched issues raised were things like underage drinking, working underage and adultery all these issues are delt with without harming or offending anyone. In the Coronation Street episode issues raised were slander, stalking, teenage depression, abortion and St Georges Day. Again all these issues were raised without insulting people. They couldnt show anything on local elections because it is against the broadcasting code and it may sway peoples decisions on who they are going to vote for. This also makes the reality of the programme not real because at that time of year people are talking about elections but on these programmes they cannot. Paragraph four The two soap operas Eastenders and Coronation Street differ from advertising because BBC1 dont have a commercial breaks in the middle and Coronation Street do they also are sponsored by Cadburys so at the start, the breaks and the end they advertise Cadburys. On BBC1 the viewers pay for the channel to stay up and running, but on ITV they make their money from adverts and advertising different products, and in Coronation Streets instance it is Cadburys. The commercial breaks are limited and regulated so they suit the stereotypical types who watch that certain programme but in soap operas instance all ages watch so there is adverts for all ages. Coronation Street and Eastenders are similar in that both dont show any products, brand names or designs so people are not persuaded to buy one product over another. Paragraph five Conclusion My opinion is that soap operas can never be real because of the regulations they are under, for example swearing and abuse is apart of everyday life even if it is to the minimum. However I dont think people watch them, for the realism of the programme but for the gossip or the melodrama others for the humour or the storylines which may help people with similar situations.

Effects of Stigma on Drug Users

Effects of Stigma on Drug Users In this essay I will demonstrate my understanding of stigma and labelling. There are certain people who are stigmatised and substance users often have a negative stereotype. This negativity will often not allow the substance user to seek the help and medical treatment that they need due to the stigma and labelling. I will be discussing the research around the impacts of stigma and labelling that will affect not only their treatment but in housing and employment. The term stigma originates from the ancient Greek word and signifies that he or she could be a slave, criminal or traitor and was used as a sign of disgrace and shame. It is now used to describe people who are stereotyped because of their social identity (Pierson Thomas, 2010). According to Goffman, when a person is not able to meet expectations because their behaviour or attributes are undesirable or unacceptable, then stigma disqualifies a person from social acceptance. Goffman suggests that stigma is, an undesirable attribute that is incongruous with our stereotype of what a given individual should be Goffmam (1963:3). Stigma is a use of negative labels and is about disrespect. It is not just a matter of using the wrong word but labels that person who has the substance use disorder. Stigma results in discrimination and abuse and is damaging to the lives of many people. The fear of stigma discourages families and many individuals from getting the support and treatment that they ma y need to lead normal healthy lifestyles. Stigma deprives people their full participation into society which then reinforces negative stereotypes (Goffman, 1968). The way of coping with stigma is to conceal behaviours and internalize these negative views and as a result will be subject to discrimination and exclusion within many areas. Drug problems will remain entrenched if substance users are seen as junkies. Landlords will be reluctant to let out their properties and employers will be wary of giving them jobs. Employment and housing are important to substance users as it can be vital in establishing themselves back into society (UKDPC, 2008). Research studies show that 80% of drug users are unemployed. Being employed is shown to be an important component into the reintegration into society. Once in work, it will help in building their self-esteem and back into normal life (UKDPC, 2008). Family members feel shame and stop trusting them and in some cases, disown him/her. Communitys will finger point, try to avoid contact and will gossip about them. Many would argue that societys disapproval of drug use; especially cannabis and heroin will say stigma is necessary to demonstrate disapproval (UKDPC, 2010). Stigma can also make the substance user stigmatize themselves, make them feel alone, rejected and destroy their self-esteem. Seeking help is very difficult for the substance user and will prevent them from doing so. They will often feel that quitting would be no use and returning to normal life would be impossible because people in society will no longer trust them and so will join in with other drug users, start criminal activities to pay for their use and accepting the blame of society (UKDPC, 2010). Stigma discourages families and individuals from getting the support and treatment they require. Families suffer the impact when another family member has a drug use (UKDPC, 2009) and it alters all their social invitations and friends that they once had. Other family members will often withdraw and children will often be targeted by bullies. Stigma deprives people of their full interaction into society. The UK Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC) suggests that 1.5 Million people in the UK are affected by a relatives drug use. Supportive relationships are key to a successful recovery. Carers UK commissioned a study which estimated that carers in the UK made a contribution of  £87 billion in total economic value in one year. This may have excluded many who have not come forward with coping with a relative who has a drug problem but this gives us some indication of the social contribution likely to be made by the supporting families (DrugScope/Adfam, 2009). The drug user must have determina tion and faith in reaching their goals and there will probably be setbacks and barriers but with the support and contribution of social workers, support groups, family and friends, this will help towards the recovery process (HM Government, 2010). Families and relationships are key issues for recovery and drug users improve when their family is behind them. They are more than likely to complete treatment and maintain their new lifestyles (Best Laudet, 2010). DrugScope published research in 2009 by interviewing a random sample of over 1000 people aged 18 plus. The research published showed that one in five adults had a personal experience of drug use, either direct or indirect. The findings where: 19 % have personal experience of drug addiction either directly or among family or friends; 1 in 10 adults have a friend who has experience of drug addiction; 1 in 20 have experienced drug addiction in their family; 1 in 50 has personal experience of drug addiction. 77 % agree investment in drug treatment is sensible use of government money. The poll found that 19% either had direct or indirect personal experience of a family member or knowing someone within their circle of friends. 11% were likely to have a friend who has experienced drug addiction. 6% had family members who were drug dependant, yet 2% experienced the drug dependency themselves. These figures do suggest that drug misuse and the dependency do affect many peoples lives and is a social problem (DrugScope, 2009). Stigma to substance users will possibly make addiction recovery and treatment more difficult. Substance users often manage in secret and would rather not seek out the treatment and live in denial. The University of Nevada studied 197 drug users on the affects of stigmatization. This research identified that because of the use of stigma they would become more dependent on their drug use due to the perceived negativity that the society had on drug users. 60% of drug users in this study felt that they were treated differently after people knew that they were a drug user. 46% felt that others became afraid of them once they found out and 45% felt that their families gave up on them and wanted nothing more to do with them. 38% of their friends had rejected them and finally, 14% of employers paid a lower wage (Addiction, 2010). Users have no good reason to stop using when you look at this research study. This research identifies that stigma is conceptuality unique. Drug users also had a mo re difficult time in treatment at succeeding when there were higher levels of stigma. The study also showed that drug users often cope in secret due to their inability to openly discuss their addiction; this caused poor mental health and decreased their chances of recovery. By reducing shame the society could help in driving forward in helping the treatment of drug users who are not coming forward due to stigma (Addiction, 2010). Stigmatising is not only found amongst the public but also by the professionals who may be working directly with them. Professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who work directly with drug users, will have a greater insight into the problems that drug users face on a day to day basis. Miller et al (2001) mentioned in UKDPC (2010:30) summarised research from the USA which showed an increase in negativity towards drug users. Two studies of the treatment of problems with drug users and drinkers both in the inpatient care and safety net emergency department showed that negative views during training, continued when they became qualified and working within their practice (UKDPC, 2010). Stigma between health professionals and the drug user will prevent them from seeking help and may be one of the reasons as to why the drug user will not seek out the help or medical treatment that they require (Kelly Westerhoff, 2010). Everyone knows that it is wrong to discriminate, whether it is because of their race, culture or religion. Substance use is very common and is widely misunderstood. It is essential that we learn about the person and treat with dignity and respect. This will then help in emphasizing their abilities (Mental Health and Recovery Board, 2009). Public attitudes to drug addiction were explored in the UK in 2002 (Luty Grewal, 2002). Results showed that 28% regarded drug users as having a mental health problem. 38% assumed that drug users were criminals and 78% to be deceitful and unreliable. 30% said that they deserved the misfortune that fell upon them. 62% thought that the law were too soft on drug users and 40% believed that their children should be taken into care. It was concluded by Luty and Grewal, 2002, the results clearly indicate a negative view of drug addicts (Luty Grewal, 2002:94). Yet, DrugScope in 2009 wanted to find out the attitudes of the public towards drug users and drug treatment. They commissioned a poll and the findings suggest that the public to be very sympathetic than sometimes often assumed. 80% of the people surveyed agreed that people can become addicted to drugs because of other problems within their life. 35% agreed that it was the individuals fault for drug use and that there is no excuse. A large amount of respondents 88% agreed that for the drug user to get back on track, they needed help and support and 77% agreeing that the investment of government money towards drug treatment is sensible. This research showed a sympathetic response of the majority of the people surveyed. Drug users are the most marginalised people in society where discrimination and stigma are key into the barriers of receiving recovery. Two thirds in a recent poll showed that employers would not employ anyone with history of drug use, even though they were suitable for the job. Stigma and discrimination still remains a barrier to recovery and will clearly impact of them finding work. It will also affect being housed appropriately and accessing the healthcare that they need (DrugScope, 2009) The things that we can do as practitioners in helping to overcome the stigmatisation is to have a better understanding of how difficult it is for people to change who may have low self-efficacy. First impressions count and for a substance user, coming through the door is hard enough. The substance user will have come because they are in a crisis and has realised it is time for change (Lecture Notes, 2012). As social workers we have to realise that engaging with the substance user will help in the first steps to recovery and help in building relationships. Building respect and trust will prevent misunderstandings that may lead to conflict. Having good communication skills is effective and at the heart of social work. It is only through our communication skills that we are able to understand the knowledge of others and work effectively (Trevithick, 2009). It is important to communicate as it helps in exchanging our thoughts and feelings and in forming the foundation of a good relations hip. Communication allows you to help the substance user to be more receptive to the new ideas by creating an environment that they can trust and help in developing resolutions. To have an open and honest relationship, trust is important in succeeding this. An agreement ideally should be met with the substance user about confidentiality. They have a right to know who will be able to access any information about them (Koprowska, 2010). Motivational Interviewing is a well known model developed by William Miller in 1982. It is a model used with people to evoke change, especially people who have problematic substance misuse. Motivational interviewing is a client-centred counselling style and helps the service user to reach their decisions about potential behaviour change (Nelson, 2012). This model helps in identifying and understanding the substance users motivation to change and highlight to the client their perceived negatives and benefits of change. The principles of motivational interviewing are to express empathy, develop discrepancy by helping the client in increasing their awareness of the consequences of their behaviour. Avoiding argumentation as it is them who are the expert. Roll with resistance by encouraging the client to develop their own arguments. Resistance is normal if you are uncomfortable about something and lastly self efficacy by highlighting the skills and the changes they have already made (Lect ure Notes, 2012). Assessing motivation with the substance user and finding out at which stages they may be will help in me identifying where the substance user is in their dependency. A well known model called the cycle of change developed by DiClemente and Prochaska (1982) represents the point at which the substance user passes during their change in behaviour. The different stages are: Pre-Contemplation, this is where the service user has no desire to change. Contemplation, this is where the service user may be considering their situation and is more aware of it. Preparation is where the service user makes a decision to change their substance misuse. Action and this is where the service user takes steps in bringing about change. Maintenance is where they have stopped using the drugs and moved to a more controlled and less harmful way of using and is maintaining that change. Relapse is where the service user will go back to their old behaviour and will have to start the Cycle of Change again (Teater, 2011:122). The substance user may slip back or relapse in to their old behaviour because permanent behaviour is very difficult to change, particularly with people who want to make change in substance misuse. This is very difficult and may take several attempts (Nelson, 2012). Motivational interviewing will help the substance user move through the stages of change. Having good active listening skill is important and will help in making the substance user feel that he/she is being helped. Many people will feel encouraged when they have been truly listened to without interruption and will often become encouraged and empowered (New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse). A good listener allows the person to get their own stories and opinions across, which active listening will allow them to do so. If you interrupt, the person will feel that they may not have been listened to. They will not feel respected and may hold information through being cautious. It is important to allow them to know that you were listening and will help in encouraging them to continue talking. Leaning forward, maintaining eye contact will also show them you are interested in what they have to say (MindTools, 2012). You have to remember to not let environmental factors distract you as this could make you lose focus. Giving the substance user your undivided attention and ackno wledge what they are saying. Using body language either by nodding occasionally, smiling and encouraging the speaker to continue by saying verbal comments, such as yes and go on will encourage the speaker to continue by knowing you are listening. Giving positive feedback by paraphrasing e.g. What I am hearing is and It sounds like you are saying, are good ways of reflecting back and help in clarifying certain points that the substance user may have said and helps towards getting more background information. Paraphrasing also helps in allowing yourself to really understand what has been said and helps the substance user know that they have been heard und understood correctly (Koprowska, 2010). Having the three core conditions of counselling of empathy, respect and congruence will help to enhance the substance users motivation to change. Empathy allows putting you in another persons shoes and having a better understanding of their feelings and emotions. You must ignore your own percep tion of the situation and accept their feelings and thoughts. By doing this does not mean that you accept the behaviour they are doing but means that you understand them. Congruence allows you to be yourself and that you are only human and a real person. This will help in reducing the stress the substance user may have. Having respect is accepting the person for who they are regardless of what the person says or does. When others have possibly made that person feel negative, it is very hard for them to feel positive. Showing the substance user respect will show willingness that you want to work with them, which will allow them to grow confidence (Trevithick, 2009). Change is difficult, so it is normal for the substance user to feel ambivalent. Using the Decisional Balance will help in identifying the positives and negatives of their behaviour. If you are going to change, you need a reason to and people change when the positives outweigh the negatives. We always have to be aware of the short term or long term risk factors including their level of usage and what type of drugs they are using (Miller Rollnick, 2002). Motivational interviewing helps the substance user in identifying the importance of their behaviour change and also helps the practitioner help in doing so by enhancing their motivation. This model works well alongside the cycle of change as it is useful to assess where the substance user may be in their cycle of change and help in identifying the strategies you may use (Nelson, 2012). In conclusion, if a person does not conform to social stereotypes, they are more than likely to be marginalised and bear stigma. People with substance misuse are of all types and come from different backgrounds (Pycroft, 2010). Working with individuals who are experiencing substance use, it is important to remain focussed. Providing constant feedback and offering support will help in engaging the drug user towards solving the crisis the substance user may have. Having a non-judgemental attitude underpins social work along with empathy and advocacy (Trevithick, 2009). People with substance misuse are often viewed as less worthy and deserving. Stigmatisation can cause prejudice, marginalisation, discrimination and oppression and is often reinforced by the media and even our own families (Theory and practice, 2011). People who substance use are often stigmatised and feel shameful of it and can happen if the substance user has had several attempts. When you are ashamed of something and y ou disclose it, it is very hard especially if youre unsure as to how the other person is going to respond. It is important for myself to reflect upon my own value base and prejudices that I may have. Referances All about Addiction (2010) Addiction Stigma: making addiction recovery, and addiction treatment entry, even harder. www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/addiction-stigma-making-addiction-recovery-harder (accessed 16 November 2012) Best, D,. Laudet, A. B. (2010) The potential of recovery capital, Royal Society of Arts. DrugScope/Adfam (2009) Recovery and drug dependency: a new deal for families. http://www.adfam.org.uk/docs/recovery_dependency.pdf (accessed 26 November 2012) DrugScope, (2009) Closer to home than you think: one in five adults knows someone with experience of drug addiction. London :DrugScope http://www.drugscope.org.uk/Media/Press+office/pressreleases/ICM_poll_results (accessed 18 November 2012) Goffman, E. (1963) Stigma: notes on a spoiled identity. Prentice-Hall. New York. Goffman, E. (1968) Stigma: notes on the management of spoiled identity. Harmondsworth: Penguin. HM Government, (2010). Drug Strategy 2010: reducing demand, restricting supply, building recovery: supporting people to live a drug free life. http://mhfe.org.uk/sites/default/files/shared/drug-strategy-2010.pdf (accessed 26 November 2012) Kelly, J.F. and Westerhoff, C.M. (2010). Does it matter how we refer to individuals withsubstance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms. International Journal of Drug Policy, 21 (3), 202-7. Koprowska, J. (2010). Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd. Lecture Notes (2012) Social Work with Substance Users: Assessment and Initial Intervention. Hull University. Luty, J. and Grewal, P. (2002). A survey of the British publics attitudes towards drug Dependence. Journal of Substance Use, 7, 93-5. Mental Health and Recovery Board (2009) http://www.mhrbeo.org/stigma.html (accessed 20 November 2012) Mind Tools (2012). Active Listening. http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm (accessed 26 November 2012) Miller, W,. Rollnick, S. (2002) Motivational Interviewing: preparing people for change. New York: Guildford Press. Nelson, Anna (2012) Social Work with Substance Users, London: Sage Publications Ltd. New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. Improving your listening Skills. http://www.mededfund.org/NJgroups/Listening_Skills.pdf (accessed26 November 2012). Pierson, J., Thomas, M. (2010) Dictionary of Social Work. England: Open University Press. Pycroft, A. (2010) Understanding and Working with Substance Misusers. London: Sage Prochaska, J., DiClemente, C. 1982) Transheoretical therapy: Towards a more integrative model of change, Theory, Research and Practice, 19:276-88. Maclean, S,. Harrison, R. (2011). Theory and Practice: A straightforward Guide for Social Work Students. Great Britain: Kirwin Maclean Associates Ltd. Trevithick, p. (2009) Social Work Skills: a practice handbook. England: Open University Press UKDPC (2008) Working Towards Recovery. London: UK Drug Policy Commission. http://ukdpc.org.uk/publications.shtml#employment_report (accessed 15 November 2012). UK Drug Policy Commission (2009). Adult Family Members and Carers of Dependant Drug Users: Prevalence, social cost, resource savings and treatment responses. http://www.ukdpc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Evidence%20review%20-%20Adult%20family%20members%20and%20carers%20of%20dependent%20drug%20users_%20prevalence,%20social%20cost,%20resource%20savings%20and%20treatment%20responses.pdf (accessed 26 November 2012) UKDPC (2010) Getting serious about Stigma: the problem with stigmatising drug users. London: UK Drug Policy Commission. http://www.ukdpc.org.uk/publication/getting-serious-about-stigma-problem-stigmatising (accessed 15 November 2012). UKDPC (2010) Sinning and Sinned Against: The Stigmatisation of Problem Drug Users. London: UKDPC http://www.ukdpc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Policy%20report%20-%20Sinning%20and%20sinned%20against_%20the%20stigmatisation%20of%20problem%20drug%20users.pdf (accessed 18 November 2012) Trevithick, P. (2009) Social Work Skills: a practice handbook. England: Open University Press. Teater, B. (2011) Applying Social Work Theories and Methods, England: Open University Press.

Platos The Allegory of the Cave Essay -- Plato Allegory Cave Essays

Plato's The Allegory of the Cave In Plato’s â€Å"The Allegory of the Cave,† he suggests that there are two different forms of vision, a â€Å"mind’s eye† and a â€Å"bodily eye.† The â€Å"bodily eye† is a metaphor for the senses. While inside the cave, the prisoners function only with this eye. The â€Å"mind’s eye† is a higher level of thinking, and is mobilized only when the prisoner is released into the outside world. This eye does not exist within the cave; it only exists in the real, perfect world. The â€Å"bodily eye† relies on sensory perceptions about the world in order to determine what is reality. Metaphorically speaking, the cave is a physical world filled with imperfect images. This world is filled with distorted images about reality. Inside the cave, the prisoners believe that the shadows they see on the wall are actual reality. Their â€Å"bodily eye† tells them that this world is real because their senses perceive so. Plato suggests that the senses do not perceive actual truth. The â€Å"mind’s eye† is not active inside the cave because the prisoners are imprisoned in this distorted world, which they believe is reality. When one prisoner is pulled out of the cave and into the light, it is this sudden freedom that starts the gradual process of enlightenment. This sudden freedom opens the â€Å"mind’s eye†. The prisoner â€Å"will be able to see the sun, and not mere reflections of him in the water, but he will see him in his own proper place, and not in another; and he will contemplate him as h...

Part Five Chapter XV

XV In Church Row, Miles Mollison came tearing out of his house in bedroom slippers and sprinted down the steep sloping pavement to the Old Vicarage on the corner. He banged on the thick oak door with his left hand, while trying to dial his wife's number with his right. ‘Yes?' said Parminder, opening the door. ‘My dad,' gasped Miles ‘†¦ another heart attack †¦ Mum's called an ambulance †¦ will you come? Please, will you come?' Parminder made a swift move back into the house, mentally seizing her doctor's bag, but checked. ‘I can't. I'm suspended from work, Miles. I can't.' ‘You're joking †¦ please †¦ the ambulance won't be here for – ‘ ‘I can't, Miles,' she said. He turned and ran away from her through the open gate. Ahead, he saw Samantha, walking up their garden path. He called to her, his voice breaking, and she turned in surprise. At first, she thought that his panic was on her account. ‘Dad †¦ collapsed †¦ there's an ambulance coming †¦ bloody Parminder Jawanda won't come †¦' ‘My God,' said Samantha. ‘Oh my God.' They dashed to the car and drove up the road, Miles in his slippers, Samantha in the clogs that had blistered her feet. ‘Miles, listen, there's a siren – it's here already †¦' But when they turned into Evertree Crescent, there was nothing there, and the siren was already gone. On a lawn a mile away, Sukhvinder Jawanda was vomiting river water beneath a willow tree, while an old lady pressed blankets around her that were already as sodden as Sukhvinder's clothes. A short distance away, the dog-walker who had dragged Sukhvinder from the river by her hair and her sweatshirt was bent over a small, limp body. Sukhvinder had thought she felt Robbie struggling in her arms, but had that been the cruel tug of the river, trying to rip him from her? She was a strong swimmer, but the Orr had dragged her under, pulled her helplessly wherever it chose. She had been swept around the bend, and it had thrown her in towards land, and she had managed a scream, and seen the man with his dog, running towards her along the bank †¦ ‘No good,' said the man, who had worked on Robbie's little body for twenty minutes. ‘He's gone.' Sukhvinder wailed, and slumped to the cold wet ground, shaking furiously as the sound of the siren reached them, too late. Back in Evertree Crescent, the paramedics were having enormous difficulty getting Howard onto the stretcher; Miles and Samantha had to help. ‘We'll follow in the car, you go with Dad,' Miles shouted at Shirley, who seemed bewildered, and unwilling to get into the ambulance. Maureen, who had just shown her last customer out of the Copper Kettle, stood on the doorstep, listening. ‘Lots of sirens,' she said over her shoulder to an exhausted Andrew, who was mopping tables. ‘Something must have happened.' And she took a deep breath, as though she hoped to taste the tang of disaster on the warm afternoon air.

Culture at Thai Temple Essay

Today, I have the opportunity to go to the Thai Temple on North Broadway Street. As we all know that Thai community is not a big population in Wichita, Kansas, and there’s not many temple here as well. I walked into the temple with a beautiful site view, there was only one Buddhist statue inside the building. Walking in the temple there stood three monks with a warm welcome from them to show me around the temple. I turned around with a curious look on my face, and started to asked them how often do they held ceremony for praying time. They told me that it is usually every Saturday and Sunday. One of the monk name was Michael, he told me that usually the people who participate or come visit the temple they would bring food to share with monk, and other people. The food must be vegetarian, and that your spoon or any utensil must not touch any meat at all. Monk Michael told me that monks are vegetarian, they cannot eat fish or any meats at all. They always eat before 11 o’clock and usually once a day before the prayer. It was really fascinating for me to have the opportunity to view the different from my usual culture and belief system. As monk Michael guide me through the temple, he said that when there’s a hug festival there is a lot of people from Thai community gather to celebrate the holiday. He told me that during the New’s Year which is the most important holiday for Thai and Cambodian society. People would come to the temple to pray and lit up incense for the Buddhist statue, and get red envelop under the Ochna tree. The red envelop meant to bring us luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. Monk Michael ask me to come by during the big festival in April 14. It is the most exciting day for Thai and Cambodian which they shared the same New Year day. Attending this Buddhist temple I have engage and learnt the culture difference between Catholic and Buddhism. My belief is Catholic, and I noticed the New Year holiday for Catholic and Buddhist was totally difference from my culture, and my own belief. Catholic biggest holiday is Christmas just like American society. We only celebrate Christmas in church, but we don’t celebrate New Year as Buddhist. As monk Michael asked me to engage in the part of prayer, I felt a little uncomfortable, because I was afraid I might do something wrong, and that we have to knee down through the whole praying time. It is usually lasted about an hour or so. My religious is not the same as Buddhist, but I know the food flavor and the taste are the same. Even though, monk Michael asked me to stay and enjoy the meal with the rest of the monks. The food might be plain without the meat, but it was really delicious. The monk is vegetarian, and they cannot eat meat, if they did people would not respect them as a monk who guard the temple, because if they did they will break the rule of being a monk. That’s what monk Michael tell me about their habit and the protocol the have to follow. Monk Michael also told me that, monks cannot have spouse and kid, also drinking as well, because that’s is against the religious value. Being Catholic I feel that’s our Father or priest we don’t have to fast, even if we do. Catholic only eat fish during Easter month. The majority people who goes to temple are usually Buddhist believer or any people who want to come to pray is always welcome. Our culture and religious are different, but we have the same view of life such as karma. Attending Buddhist temple I can see the different between religious and the different in culture practices. It was worth of my time to spend today to engage in this wonderful heritage of Buddhism. Thai people worship Buddhism is stronger believer. They believe that life is does not end with dead, but it is more base on karma. â€Å"What we sow, is what we reap† it is the concepts in every human being; it doesn’t have to be in your religious. Going to the Thai Temple make me feels like there are a lot of great culture practice not only around world, but also in the community of Thai, and Vietnamese who practices Buddhism it is worth my time to explore this culture. After attending this culture event, I feels closer not only to my heritage, but I have deeply appreciated Thai heritage as well as my own. Thai Temple had taught me more about their background, and their religious, which they provided on this fieldtrip. Michael monk had provided me with real life interaction experience with his culture and exchange different belief. I will come back to Thai Temple during their New Year’s events to gain more knowledge of their culture holiday. This fieldtrip has help me become less ethnocentric and become more open to experience new culture. After this fieldtrip I would like to go and learnt more about other culture that I never have intents to tries. This make me realize that I have missed a lot of this opportunity to seek and learnt other culture belief.