Would Businesses Gain Competitive Advantage If Dss, Gdss?

Explain how businesses can benefit from each technology. i. Autonomic computing The computer system have self-management capabilities. An autonomic computing system must include the following features: monitoring, analysis, planning, implementation, and Knowledge Base, and several parts constitute a circulatory system. They need to constantly run and perfect. The goal of autonomic computing can automatically manage itself and maintain its reliability. It is able to work autonomously intelligent middleware. Some of data no need to save it and that only need to be monitored it.Because the data gave the network a big load. So autonomic computing can be handle it. Growing the number of users and connected devices. Business need more equipment and maintenance personnel it. Autonomic computing system can help company solves problem. The responsiveness and flexibility of the system can handle the unpredictable things. It has self-management, self-healing and adaptive functionality, the comp any does not have to hire a lot of staff to monitor the system. ii. Virtualization Virtualization is a subset of the process performance logical group, or computer resources.User can use a better way than the original configuration to access these processes. New virtual part of these resources is limited erected from existing resources. eg, geographical or physical configuration. Generally within the meaning of virtualized resources include computing power and data storage. Server virtualization software technology refers to the use of the substance of the host hardware or operating system of the end-user hidden, and set one or more abstract hardware platform. The hardware platform is flexibility configuration for the operating system.Such like the face of a real hardware. As a result, a variety of different operating environments (eg, Windows, Linux, etc. ) can operate simultaneously on the same physical host, but its independence as the operation of the general in a different phys ical host. iii. Green computing â€Å"Green computing† refers specifically to people's efforts to reduce the use of information technology hardware energy consumption. Many energy generation still relies on coal and oil, and process a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. his reducing energy consumption, also known to reduce carbon emissions. From power management can save a lot of energy expenditure. The power management of energy-saving measures include computer shutdown when not shorten the computer into hibernation, turn off the screen saver, the machine is set to low-power sleep mode, and the total power off when work. (eg. E-mail can reduces paper-consuming. ) Energy-saving mode of the computer in order to reduce the company's electricity costs. Define an enterprise resources planning (ERP) system.How do ERP systems help businesses achieve operational excellence? Applications of enterprise manufacturing, financial, marketing and other related funct ions to achieve a balance. Internally, it is the integration of the corporate body of diverse resources to achieve the effective application of organizational resources through optimal planning and allocation system. Externally, through the network and system can do the combination of main customers and partners to form a horizontal or vertical integration of the global competitiveness of the virtual enterprise entity.ERP is major of contribution about strategic management for the enterprise. Today, only the information technology in the pursuit of flexible production, rapid assembly, rapid delivery and product life cycles continue to shorten trend. The combination of the information and corporate resources. Making the right decisions at the crucial moment, satisfied the customer needs or wants in a timely manner. It was able to grasp the market opportunities. ERP plus e-commerce applications and ERP combined with the concept of supply chain management. This extending to the entire internal supply chain.ERP system is the information system of the enterprise marketing, finance, personnel, general affairs and production operations to be effectively integrated to enhance the operational efficiency of enterprises. Nowadays. The speed and intensity of today's global industrial competition, general MIS system is already unable to meet the actual needs of the enterprise, For example: you can not immediately grasp the supplier of production information and customer sales situations, resulting in insufficient or excess production, or the failure to satisfy orders in a timely manner, resulting in the loss of business opportunities.So ERP enterprises to take advantage of supply, production, sales and other information to achieve the ultimate goal. Would businesses gain competitive advantage if DSS, GDSS, and ESS are widely used? DSS is not an endorsement, it is to solve the practical problems of organizations and businesses. If you make a decision-making, it must be base d on a â€Å"standard†. For the human nature, They like to use subjective judgement to make a decision. tend to use subjective, intuitive standard, and not necessarily have a scientific, informative standard. GDSS have independent of time and space limitations.Decision makers can easily to exchange information with each other and share information to reduce the one-sidedness. Decision-makers can overcome the negative psychological impact, unreservedly to express their views. Stimulated the thinking of policy-makers make the problem of the program is as perfect as possible. Prevents small collectivism and personality of the decision-making results. It can improve the satisfaction and confidence of the decision-making groups, members of the decision-making results. The greater of the effect is more significant if the group is bigger.In this society, competitiveness is increasing and it depends on the best of decision making. So that any of companies often believe their own hist ory and their former transactions and activities to make decisions. When the business make decisions, That is usually to use a decision-support system and firm-wide data. These systems can automate certain decision procedures. They can submit information for different appearance of the decision situation. They can help managers existing decision procedures. It can valuable to explore the consequence of alternative organizational scenarios.Using GDSS can ameliorate how groups make decisions and ameliorate the decision which have been made by an independent people. On the other hand, these systems don't automatically lead to make better decisions unless the decision problem or the situation is easy to understood and the systems are advisably designed. Read the article on the next page, then answer the following questions. A. Assess the organization and technology issues for using social media to engage with customers. The marketing power of social media is growing, it is no longer mak es sense to consider. t carry advantage of social media's own ability to involve with customers organized in three clusters in the exhibit. Efforts to use social media to tips and an active response program to engage with people. Company through the social media can be a pass a message for people. Create word-of-mouth and It can be one- by- one to attract social group. B. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for advertising, brand building, market research, and customer services? Advantages Social media to enhance product quality. Consumers can comment and criticize the product. So that products must have excellent quality.If the product quality is poor , The manufacturers will be exposed and ultimately fail. This is why good products are often less funds invested in traditional marketing reason. The existence of social media makes good products to get their own users and fans follow them. Social media to follow the rules the secondary sale principle simil ar to the media, by user popularity uplift brand and reputation. Thought the impact and social reputation is increasing the impact and social reputation of the brand. Market research that means product sales in order to improve the quality of decision-making.The advantage is mainly to improve research efficiency and saving cost of the investigation, survey data processing. unlimited to the restrictions of geographic area. But the online market research can not be easily can be achieved. Disadvantages Social media weak control brand image. It makes many business to the high degree of freedom for the masses to participate into the development of the multi-surface radioactive. In internet, both good and bad. If it is good, it will clearly more conducive to business. If it is bad, it is caused by a viral divergence will bring very serious consequences.Employees using social media at work that might bring a lot of uncertain risk. For example, social networking sites are not regular, carr y the virus and malicious software. In social media, all employees of the business will replace the company's image. However, once a staff encountered a problem not their work area. And this does not know or the payable answer and it will bring a negative impression to the company. C. Should all companies use Facebook and Twitter for customer service and advertising? Why or why not? What kinds of companies are best suited to use these platforms? No, the data of FACEBOOK have many users.But it does not mean that 60% of users can see the ads. FACEBOOK can be turned off Some features about blocked advertising. And high exposure that customers hate it. Because I was one example of this kind of audience. Highly visibility does not mean high click-through rate. Internet users for online channels that provide customer service to high value, these channels including social media and instant communication. Retail companies This type of company is more emphasis on the sales performance of dis tributors and individuals. They do not attach importance to the organization and leadership structure.

Recruitment, Selection and Onboarding Processes Essay

When assessing the strengths and weaknesses of my company’s recruiting, selecting and onboarding processes, there are definitely good processes and areas that need some significant improvement. As with most companies, they have to deal with a large number of applicants so it is easy to understand why some areas of the hiring process may become neglected. It is perfectly okay to admit there are deficiencies in a process or program as long as steps are taken to rectify the deficient areas in order to enhance the program. First of all, my company does very well in the recruiting and selecting of candidates because they are very critical of their choices. Recruiting is mostly done through employee referral and social networking sites and internet job boards. The requirements are spelled out very clearly online for each position that is listed and the recruiters make sure they select candidates who fit the proper criteria. An initial interview is performed by the recruiter to see if you are a viable candidate and if they believe you have what it takes as well as the proper credentials then they will forward your name and resume to the hiring manager where you will sit through a more thorough interview to determine if you are truly the best candidate for the position. All of this is a very good process to make sure qualified candidates are being brought into the organization; however, once the new hires are brought into the organization there is a serious breakdown in the hiring process and it is with the onboarding. If there is one area where my company desperately needs to make improvements, it is in the onboarding process because there really isn’t much of one. It is essential that every successful organization establish and maintain an effective onboarding program to ensure each new employee is properly welcomed into the organization and feels as if they belong there. Without proper onboarding, new employees can become quickly frustrated because there are many new things to learn in a new job and they aren’t being shown what to do. All too often it is assumed that new employees were hired because they know what they are doing, therefore nobody bothers to show them the ropes. Just because someone has all of the credentials for the position does not mean they understand how the process plays out within a specific organization. I know that when I was hired at my company I was left hung out to dry. Nobody showed me how to do anything for the first couple of weeks and I quickly became frustrated. I had just been hired and I already wanted to quit the position. So what should be done in the onboarding process to make sure each new employee feels a sense of worth and importance? New employees should go through a company orientation that explains all facets of the company and they should also be given a guided tour of where they will be working so they know exactly where all of the essential equipment and personnel are located in order to alleviate much of the newcomer stress. Most of all, new hires should be assigned a sponsor who will assist them while they are making the transition into the company so the new employee knows that if they are having any troubles or need questions answered, there is someone there to assist them. These simple actions will make a new employee feel much less stress and anxiety while transitioning into their new position and it will leave a lasting impression on them which may persuade them to stay on with the company longer than what they probably would if they were just left to fend for themselves. So, the bottom line is this†¦don’t just have a hiring process that has â€Å"some† good aspects to it with some areas needing serious attention. Make sure all the areas (recruiting, selecting and onboarding) are given the proper attention so the program is well-rounded. This will go a long way in retaining employees and giving them a positive attitude about the company they have just been assigned to.

To What Extent Can Language Shape Our Beliefs?

TO WHAT EXTENT CAN LANGUAGE SHAPE OUR BELIEFS? Language is all around us. We use it for all kinds of things like expressing our feelings, describing things, talking with our friends and family and writing literature. We may think that we know what language really means, but can we really be sure about that? More importantly, to what extent can language actually shape our beliefs? Well I think it depends on different people. With some examples I will try to show that usage of language is more complicated then many of us think. If we look how scientists express themselves. Most of them believe in some kind of facts.They believe that everything on this planet can be explained by facts, with words that we can find in different dictionaries. And this words are not so hard to explain. So if I would be a scientist, I would probably say, that the most important theory of meaning is the definition theory. I would say that, because I would believe that I can explain anything, let’s say mathematics, with words that we found in dictionaries. And definition theory says that meanings are to be found in dictionary. So if we believe in something, that has a meaning in dictionary, can we know what we believe in?But if we look at artists, how can they express themselves? How can they express what they believe in? Definitely, they do not support definition theory. If an actor wants to express love, he cannot look in dictionary and find its definition. He must make some kind of image in his head for which he thinks, it is the best meaning of love. In that case, image theory is the most appropriate one, because this theory says that meanings are found in our minds. He just makes an image and he can tell everybody else, what they believe that love is.But, if we cannot find the exact meaning of word, can we believe in something that we just thought about ourselves? Can we believe in our image without thinking about ideas of other people? In my opinion, you cannot express yours elf completely by definition theory or image theory. You must believe in both of them. If you find a word in a dictionary, you only know what it means and I think that is not enough. You can know its meaning, but sometimes you must make your own image in your head. But in the other hand, if you find meanings mostly in your head, you can make mistakes and change the true meaning of the word.So mathematician shouldn’t just rely on facts, he should also express his own ideas, even if they are not proved. And an artist should know that there are some meanings, that just cannot be changed and he must leave them as they are. I think that everybody in this world is more a scientist or more an artist. We must know that there are certain facts that we must believe in like a scientist does, but there are also a lot of things, which we can give our own meaning and believe in them. Language can’t totally shape our beliefs, but it is up to us, if we stick to language as it is or if we look beyond it. To What Extent Can Language Shape Our Beliefs? TO WHAT EXTENT CAN LANGUAGE SHAPE OUR BELIEFS? Language is all around us. We use it for all kinds of things like expressing our feelings, describing things, talking with our friends and family and writing literature. We may think that we know what language really means, but can we really be sure about that? More importantly, to what extent can language actually shape our beliefs? Well I think it depends on different people. With some examples I will try to show that usage of language is more complicated then many of us think. If we look how scientists express themselves. Most of them believe in some kind of facts.They believe that everything on this planet can be explained by facts, with words that we can find in different dictionaries. And this words are not so hard to explain. So if I would be a scientist, I would probably say, that the most important theory of meaning is the definition theory. I would say that, because I would believe that I can explain anything, let’s say mathematics, with words that we found in dictionaries. And definition theory says that meanings are to be found in dictionary. So if we believe in something, that has a meaning in dictionary, can we know what we believe in?But if we look at artists, how can they express themselves? How can they express what they believe in? Definitely, they do not support definition theory. If an actor wants to express love, he cannot look in dictionary and find its definition. He must make some kind of image in his head for which he thinks, it is the best meaning of love. In that case, image theory is the most appropriate one, because this theory says that meanings are found in our minds. He just makes an image and he can tell everybody else, what they believe that love is.But, if we cannot find the exact meaning of word, can we believe in something that we just thought about ourselves? Can we believe in our image without thinking about ideas of other people? In my opinion, you cannot express yours elf completely by definition theory or image theory. You must believe in both of them. If you find a word in a dictionary, you only know what it means and I think that is not enough. You can know its meaning, but sometimes you must make your own image in your head. But in the other hand, if you find meanings mostly in your head, you can make mistakes and change the true meaning of the word.So mathematician shouldn’t just rely on facts, he should also express his own ideas, even if they are not proved. And an artist should know that there are some meanings, that just cannot be changed and he must leave them as they are. I think that everybody in this world is more a scientist or more an artist. We must know that there are certain facts that we must believe in like a scientist does, but there are also a lot of things, which we can give our own meaning and believe in them. Language can’t totally shape our beliefs, but it is up to us, if we stick to language as it is or if we look beyond it.

Social media impact on public relations practice Research Paper

Social media impact on public relations practice - Research Paper Example Public relations experts were the first individuals to embrace the supremacy of social media. Consequently, social media alters the face of this industry (Folkens, 2011). Public relations experts can take advantage of social media by utilizing it to communicate with their clients. This is a significant opportunity for industries to gain direct responses from their clients. This interaction permits for constant refinement and advancement to create a deep relationship with their clients. Human relations made possible by listening and responding via social media bring the clients closer to a brand. The rapidity of information distribution is extremely fast. Public relations experts can now access a wealth of information that is shared with clients seeking resolutions to a quandary. Social media has the potential to develop constructive interactions between institutions and their clients. There are various ways in which social media has an influence on proficiencies, information and work performances of present and future public relations experts. This is in the manner new media is put into use including the influence that connected expectations and deme anor of clients has on the public relations industry (Melanie, 2007). Another proposal is that public relations industries need to develop comprehensive policies on the utilization of social media for their own advantage. Each professional has a significant role to play in depicting the company he or she works for in constructive radiance in social media. This will, consequently, expand the responsibility of every worker in the industry. There is also the need for institutions to put strategies in place on how social media can be utilized as part of the public relations techniques. This is crucial in adding a competitive advantage to the institutions and enhancing their communication channels with their clients. However, there is the proposal to introduce appropriate measures with regard to

Argument-driven essay Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Argument-driven essay - Research Paper Example If an advert targets specific futures in competitor's product, it achieves results that are more appealing. This paper will address a Samsung Galaxy Phone advert in the New York Times magazine. The magazine is in a business environment and therefore the advert is customer oriented. However, the advert has peculiar features that make it stand out amongst other competitive adverts. Firstly, the advert is titled â€Å"A Phone Bristling with Extras.† This a critical catch-up line for any advert on technology commodities. Arguably, people or consumers are on the lookout for new ideas or values. Thus, consumers will ignore or reject an advertisement that contains mediocre information. For instance, the ad would have had minimal views if it were titled â€Å"A Phone with exciting features.† This is because nearly all phones have exciting features. In addition, the message would be vague since it does not clarify how exciting phone’s features are. Thus, most readers will ignore such advertisements. Secondly, consumers are on the lookout for commodities that provide extra value. Therefore, consumers prefer commodities that provide satisfaction beyond their commodity value. It seems that developers of the ad had a clear understanding of consumer behaviors and psychology. Into the adverts’ content and you will notice stuff that is more exciting. The nature of excitement portrayed in this advertisement is market oriented. Clearly, the advertisement wishes to utilize already existing market by creating new value. In particular, the advert is targeting the iPhone market with the aim of having a share of its fortune or capitalizing on its marketing networks. The editorial environment is also business oriented. This is because the advert wishes to create an instant market. Consumer decisions are influenced by group dynamics more than rational decisions do. Thus, consumers will buy or consume commodities based on the popular belief. This is of partic ular interest in technology-based commodities such as phones, laptops, iPods, and cars. Most consumers are not capable of evaluating such commodities and, therefore they are dependent on popular belief as criteria for their evaluation. Recently the iPhone and most of other Apple products have had high market ratings. However, these ratings are not a sufficient measure for the product’s superiority. In fact, the iPhone might be equivalent to other cheap Smart Phones produced by less popular manufactures such as Huawei. The advert demonstrates the role of brands and popular belief in marketing. In addition, the ad demonstrates the target points in successful advertisement. In particular, successful sales message should target the brand rather than the product. This is a significant aspect of advertisement and, it seems to attract the desired traffic. Specifically, the S III ad targets iPhone ads with the aims of establishing a similar market. Considering that, Apple products ha ve had successful marketing opportunities. From the advert, it seems that the message is comparative. This is because it relates a particular feature in S III to a similar feature in iPhone. Moreover, the ad explains why S III features are superior to those of Apple’s iPhone. For example, the ad refers to S III as the latest machine that has stunning features. In addition, the new devise is smarter than the iPhone. This is because

Church In Controversy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Church In Controversy - Essay Example First, the author lays bare the flaws in the arguments for the proponents of women ordination; to do this, the author clearly explains how the arguments of the proponents of women ordination in the Catholic Church is not based on Scriptures or any Theological knowledge. Secondly, the author explains how women ordination would change the iconography of worship, making Christians to have a different view of God and a different understanding of the relationship of Jesus Christ with the Church. And lastly, the author explains how the priesthood of women is opposed to the sacramental nature of the priesthood.The author has really convinced me to accept his thesis. The main reason why I am convinced that the author’s thesis is true is that the author’s arguments demonstrate, in very clear terms, that the ordination of women is inconsistent with the Christian understanding of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church; also, the author has demonstrated in this articl e that ordination of women is, indeed, not compatible with the sacramental nature of priesthood. In my view, the author has not left out any important point, or any important fact or argument that is opposed to his viewpoint on this topic.The following two relevant historical and cultural circumstances can help us to understand the author's point better. First of all, the author is writing in the contemporary world where the culture of relativism and skepticism seems to characterize the people's general approach to life.

The Notion of A Living Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Notion of A Living Constitution - Essay Example The clear understanding or meaning of the word may not be contextual to the current situation in one approach thereby creating a conflict of interest. Substitution of some of the value of the living constitution that may be derived from the framers’ language and intents is not argued in many words to create the contextual meaning. Rather it is argued on few words which create a wide opening in the textual approach of interpretation. The living approach demands the understanding and the concept of the common people with the present contextual understanding which varies widely depending on the present environment from the original one (Rehnquist, 2010). Social problem may be addressed by the federal judiciary of nonelected members simply because branches of government are unable to come to a precise conclusion of the matter. This arises in the understanding of framed constitutional words in the textual approach. Therefore the living approach is required through â€Å"the voice and conscience of contemporary society† under the judges. The interpretation has to be done with the basic understanding of the ultimate source of authority that is the people and not the Supreme Court or government. Constitution being not a one worded document that is specific, the couched general phraseology cannot be placed into the textual approach without reference to the historical understanding and applications. This application brings in a foreign environment to the literal present environment hence results to an interpretation that favors government, state or congress and not the people. Textual approach gives wider room for opinion differences that are honest over the meaning of general constitutional phrases. The living constitutional concept requires justice decision in case of arising questions on the general phrases in relation to

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 69

Journal - Essay Example I forgot how to properly communicate with my friends, and in the sense, forgot to properly live in the community. Facebook and other forms of social media has influenced me to become less participative in the community. I have forgotten that laughing with friends is very different than just typing "LOL" or putting a smiley on the board. I did not realize this, until I read Kingsolvers speech. And as much as I hate to admit it, she was right. At this point, my reflection is beyond just the meaning of the speech. I believe I have to adjust my way of life and prevent myself from becoming one of those people who have forgotten to associate in the community. Now, Facebook or Skype I think, were designed to help us communicate with people who are thousand miles away from us, not those near us physically. I intend to keep that thinking in me. Maybe I should start trying to minimize chatting with my friends through SMS or over the phone, and be with them physically, to laugh with them and talk with them than working my fingers out typing in my laptops keyboard. Kingsolver spoke of hope, of building dreams with it, of putting it in ones life. I could not agree with her more, and I will try to live in that community that she portrayed. One that does not hesitate when asked at gunpoint, and I intent to be one who will always choose

Intentional & Unintentional Socialization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Intentional & Unintentional Socialization - Essay Example This affect the person’s development of how their self-concept, how they feel, how they think, and how they act. Hence, socialization may be intentional and unintentional. Intentional socialization is the acquiring of social experience which is done on purpose. This happens â€Å"when adults have certain values that they consistently convey explicitly to the child, and when they back these up with approval for compliance and negative consequences for noncompliance† (Berns). Take for an instance the potty training that a child receives. Reminding the child continuously on how to use the toilet for urination and defecation makes the child aware that there is a proper place to do it. Another example is an adult reminding the child on not talking to strangers. The consistent reminder will let the child learn that it is not proper to talk to a person that you do not know because that person may hurt him or her. Also, an adult reminding a child to brush his teeth three times a day gives the child the impression of the importance of oral hygiene. The negative reinforcement of hitting or embarrassing the child when he/she did not do it right or giving positive reinforcement when he did it right makes it easier for him to remember these. On the other hand, unintentional socialization is acquired more as â€Å"the product of involvement in human interaction or observation† (Berns). For example, when a child sees his parents fighting, he might take it as if it is okay to shout at each other during a conversation. Another instance is that when a child sees that an adult smokes frequently, he may perceive smoking as good for the health. Moreover, the child will have the instinct to do it when he reaches the same age. Also, if a child is the only girl born in the family, she might have the tendency to resemble the look of his boy siblings, choosing more loose pair of jeans and clothes. So to say, the development of human personality is influenced

Public Relations Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Public Relations Strategy - Essay Example However, in order to formulate a successful strategy, it is critical that a proper strategic management process is followed. This process is a step by step process which involves different stages through which organizational strategy has to pass through in order to be effective. Such process involves a detailed situational analysis i.e. the process of taking into account the external as well as internal factors before framing and formulating an strategy. The situational analysis also allows an organization to set its strategic objectives and bases on such objectives; strategies are designed to achieve such strategic objectives. Further, organizations also need to choose the tactics and then subsequently communicating the same to the stakeholders so that the same can easily disseminated to all the relevant stakeholders. "Public Relations is the profitable integration of organization's new and continuing relationships with the stakeholders including customers by managing all communications contacts with the organization that create and protect the brand and reputation of the organization"(Cawood,1997) British Petroleum or BP is one of the oldest companies in this line of business having more than 100 years of experience. Listed on London Stock Exchange, BP was formed during 1909 as Anglo-Persian Oil Company and has successfully transformed itself into one of the highly successful firms in the world. BP claims to be one of the largest energy companies in the world providing efficient fuel for transportation, energy for heating as well as light and offering other retail petrochemical products for use in everyday life. BP has the presence in over 100 countries with more than 90,000 employees working for it in different countries drilling more than 3 million barrels of oil per day. Such huge level of operations is only possible due to the successful management of the firm in strategic manner through diversification of its brands which cater to the needs of the different segments of the market. It is also critical to note that British Government has remained one of the shareholders of the firm during 1950s however; the stakes of UK government were subsequently sold during 1970s in order to give the firm more freedom and creativity to flourish as the third largest energy company in the world. BP is technically engaged into the exploration and production of petroleum and petroleum related products, refining them and subsequently marketing them. Apart from this, the firm is also involved into the production of different chemicals such as engine oils etc. Some Statistics about BP1 As of December 2007, 1. BP had the market capitalization of over GBP 230 Billion. 2. Sales and operating revenue of approximately GBP 284 Billion. 3. Number of total shareholders is in excess of 1 million. 4. Its proven reserves of the gas and oil were approximately over 17 billion barrels out of which 57% of the reserves are oil whereas rest comprises of the natural gas. 5. It produces 2.4 million barrels of oil and 8.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas from its various sites operated at multiple locations across the world. 6.

Performance of Stock Exchange of Thailand Essay

Performance of Stock Exchange of Thailand - Essay Example One of the most salient features of stock exchange is that it provides liquidity to investors who are often in need of trading their securities without loss of time and value. One of the most important functions of the stock market is that it can serve as a strong indicator of price discovery. Since securities held by shareholders represent claims against the real assets of a firm, their price indicates the return that their assets can fetch from the market, if they are realized. This important function of price discovery provides necessary impetus to the organizations to issue new stock and arrange relatively cheaper funds from external sources to fund the future expansion. The return from the shareholdings of an investor is the strong factor that keeps him/her to maintain investment with the same firm and inspire him to buy more of the same firm. However, the size of market return is not reliable as it is subject to variations over time owing to many factors, mostly beyond the control of an individual firm. The factors that determine and influence the return and/price of stocks are coined as the determinants of stock market return. ... However, these forces are decided by many factors, which include both internal and external variables that can influence the investment decision of investors. From another perspective, these factors may be categorized as systematic factors (economic, political or sociological changes) that are common to all securities and unsystematic factors (company specific factors), which are unique to certain industries or firms. This chapter is meant to document the studies and researches undertaken across different parts of the world on the subject matter of stock market return and its determinants. This literature review covers a wide spectrum of empirical as well as non-empirical studies conducted to study the economic as well as non-economic variables, which influence the market behavior and return individually and collectively. 2.0 Stock Market In today's investment arena stocks have been widely accepted as the most important investment avenue for individual as well as institutional investors. A stock is referred to as a financial claim against the real assets of a firm. It represents a valid legal claim in favor of its holder for the right to get periodical return and capital appreciation, if any. It not only represents the partial or pro-rata ownership of the investors in a firm but it also allows them to influence the decisions affecting the day to day affairs of the company. One of the most appealing features of the investment in stock is that it provides maximum protection and liquidity to the investors by allowing easy trading at stock exchange at agreeable prices. Even though stock represents ownership in a company, it does not mean that the shareholders are liable for the

Creativity in Translation Essay Example for Free

Creativity in Translation Essay 1. Introduction Translation has been defined as follows: â€Å"The replacement of textual material in one language by equivalent textual material in another language. † (Schjoldager 2008: 17) However, most translators will argue that translation is much more than that. And I will too. Translation has many purposes and many different audiences – and therefore, the same text can have several different translations. But do translators take advantage of the option of being creative when translating? This project will try to respond to this particular question. 2. Problem statement. With reference to the hypothesis and questions beneath, this project will focus on how and why creativity can be used in translation. The aim is to examine how creative translators are when translating different text types. The degree of creativity used in translation varies enormously when translating different text types. How can creativity in translation be defined? Why can a translator be creative in some text types – and not in others? Which role does the culture of the target group play? 3. Method and delimitation This project will constitute an empirical case study of different translated texts by means of a  comparative analysis of the source texts1 and target texts2. Initially, the notion of translation will be defined using primarily Anne Schjoldager’s, Hans Vermeer’s, Christiane Nord’s and Katharina Reiss’ theories on the subject. Different relevant and important terms will be explained for use later in the analysis. Creativity in relation to translation will then be defined and also, I will determine and delimitate this project’s definition of creativity by suggesting ‘a model of creativity in translation’. This part will be based on Schjoldager’s  aforementioned theories as well as Loffredo and Perteghella’s theory on creativity and translation. Subsequently, I will analyse eleven translated texts of the types: journalistic texts, advertising texts, tourism texts and technical texts, in order to determine their level of creativity. Using Anne Schjoldager’s models of macro- and microstrategies and Christiane Nord’s theories of extratextual and intratextual factors, the textual analyses will include genre determination, 1 From now on termed ’ST’. 2 From now on termed ’TT’. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 4 of 35 accounting of the communicative situation and purpose as well as elaboration on the microstrategies used by the translator. The TTs will be compared to their STs in order to decide which microstrategies have been applied in the process of translation. The approach to analysis will be the same for all eleven cases as this will produce the most reliable result when discussing the outcome. In selecting the texts for analysis I have distinguished between actual translation and copywriting. Thus, all the TTs are clearly translations of a ST, and the data consists entirely of texts that have been translated from Danish to English. As a supplement to the analysis, I have included a quantitative counting of the creative microstrategies applied in each TT. The purpose of this counting is solely to provide an illustrative representation of the occurrences of creative strategies in the TTs. Given that the body of empirical data in this project is relatively small, it will only allow me to attempt to come to inductive conclusions founded on generalisations which I base on individual instances and existing theory. In other words, this study can only constitute an indication, and a larger data basis would be necessary for deriving results of greater veracity. 4. Introduction to translation theory 4. 1. Defining translation In order to carry out precise analyses of the translated texts, the concepts involved must be clearly defined. Therefore, this introductory part of the project will elaborate the notion of translation and important concepts which will be employed in the succeeding parts. 4. 1. 1. The skopos theory The skopos theory is the best known functional approach to translation, and it has had great influence on professional translation. Skopos is the Greek word for ‘Intention’, ‘purpose’ or ‘function’ and Vermeer, who evolved the theory uses this term to emphasise the purpose with the TT, which he sees as the most important factor in the translation process (Vermeer 2000: 224). The claim of the theory is that, exactly like all other communication, translation requires a purpose (skopos) and the translator of course have to abide by this. The so-called ‘skopos rule’ (Schjoldager 2008: 154) says that it is important for all translators to translate conscientiously and always in accordance with a given skopos. However, one ST can have several ‘skopoi’ since the different  parts of it can be translated for different reasons. This project will use the notion of skopos in the sense described by Schjoldager (2008: 154); the aim of the TT. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst. 4. 1. 2. Presuppositions Another essential notion in translation theory is the one of presuppositions. According to Nord (2005: 106), ‘presuppositions comprise all the information that the sender expects (=presupposes) to  be part of the receiver’s horizon. ’ This project will adopt Nord’s interpretation of the term, and presuppositions are therefore regarded as the elements of the communicative situation – in this case, the texts – which are known to both sender and reader and which do not need to be mentioned explicitly. When translators translate a text, they are receivers of the ST and therefore share the implicit presuppositions of the source culture. Hence, the presuppositions do not ‘appear’ until a text is translated and targeted at new receivers in the target culture (Nord 2005: 106). 4. 1. 3. Reiss’ text types. Katharina Reiss’ notion of text types mainly focuses on different texts’ functions in the culture they were produced in and how these functions can be reflected in the translation of the text. She defines translation as the functionally equivalent text of the source text in the target culture. So, her idea of translation depends on the function and creation of the equivalent of it in the target culture. Reiss defines three main functions; Informative, expressive, and operative3. The functional characteristics of the three text types are depicted in the table below. Text type: Informative Expressive Operative. Language function Informative (representing objects and facts) Expressive (expressing sender’s attitude) Appellative (making an appeal to text receiver) Language dimension Logical Aesthetic Dialogic Text focus Content-focused Form-focused Appellative-focused TT should†¦ Transmit referential content Transmit aesthetic form Elicit desired response Translation method ‘Plain prose’, explicitation as required ‘Identifying’ method, adopt perspective of ST author ‘Adaptive’, equivalent effect Functional characteristics of text types and links to translation methods (Reiss in Munday 2008: 73). 3 Reiss also includes the audiomedial text type which will be excluded here as it only concerns visual and spoken texts etc. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 6 of 35 4. 2. Macrostrategy In order for the translator to decide how to translate a given text, he would have to estimate which macrostrategy would be appropriate. A macrostrategy can either be ST oriented or TT oriented. A  translator should always decide which macrostrategy to employ to a TT with respect to the skopos of the ST. Anne Schjoldager (2008: 71) suggests that the translator should take three aspects into consideration which will help deciding on a macrostrategy. She has set up the three aspects in the model below: ST oriented macrostrategy TT oriented macrostrategy Focus on source-text form and content Focus on target-text effect Communication of somebody else’s communication Mediation between primary parties in a communication Overt translation Covert translation A model of macrostrategies (Schjoldager 2008: 72) If the translator is expected to focus on form and content of the ST, to be a communicator of someone else’s communication and to make the translation overt, the result will be a ST oriented translation. On the contrary, if focus is on the effect of the TT, the translator functions as a mediator and produces a covert translation, the result is a TT oriented translation (Schjoldager 2008: 71-72). 4. 3. Microstrategies After having decided on the macrostrategy, the microstrategies must be considered by the translator. The microstrategies applied in the text tell us something about how the translator has chosen to deal  with specific problems or issues. That is, at the micro level, i. e. in connection with words, phrases and sentences (Schjoldager 2008: 89). The strategy at micro level decides how the ST should be translated in order to produce an appropriate TT. Below is Anne Schjoldager’s ‘Taxonomy of microstrategies’. A more elaborate account of the microstrategies relevant for the analysis will be presented later in connection with my definition of creativity in translation (cf. section 5. 2). Direct transfer Transfers something unchanged. Calque Transfers the structure or makes a very close translation. Direct translation Translates in a word-for-word procedure. Oblique translation Translates in a sense-for-sense procedure. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 7 of 35 Explicitation Makes implicit information explicit. Paraphrase Translates rather freely. Condensation Translates in a shorter way, which may involve implication (making explicit information implicit). Adaptation Recreates the effect, entirely or partially. Addition Adds a unit of meaning. Substitution Changes the meaning. Deletion Leaves out a unit of meaning. Permutation Translates in a different place. A taxonomy of microstrategies (Schjoldager 2008: 92) 5. Creativity in translation In order to answer the question ‘how can creativity in translation be defined’, this project will suggest a model of creativity in translation, based on Anne Schjoldager’s taxonomy of microstrategies above, Loffredo and Perteghella’s theory on creativity and my own characterisation of creativity. According to Loffredo and Perteghella (2006: 9) ‘creativity is still regarded as a  spontaneous process readily associated with a special individual and a sort of freedom, which is sustained by an individualistic conception of authorship According to this conception, the author freely expresses his thought and feelings in writing. ’ This project, however, will have a somewhat narrower definition of creativity. The twelve aforementioned microstrategies posed by Anne Schjoldager can be divided into more and less creative strategies. Characteristic for some of them is that they do not alter, add or remove any linguistic or semantic meaning when applied to the TT. This goes for direct transfer, calque, direct translation and oblique translation4 which all translates close or very close to the ST (Schjoldager 2008: 93-99). Therefore, I do not consider these creative microstrategies, and texts translated using solely these cannot be considered creative translations. On the contrary, the remaining eight strategies do all in some way add to the level of creativity when applied in a translation. Though the semantic meaning is by some means rendered, there are linguistic changes when employing these strategies. Within these eight creative strategies, the degree of creativity varies as well. The model of creativity classifies the strategies explicitation, condensation and deletion as slightly creative since they merely involve elaborating on existing 4 To some extent, oblique translation can also be regarded a creative strategy, as smaller linguistic changes can occur in connection with the use of it. Though, in this project, I have chosen not to include it as a creative strategy. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 8 of 35 meaning, shortening text and taking out meaning. The top five strategies, however, are rewriting semantics of the ST or adding meaning which cannot be directly inferred from the ST. Therefore, I regard these as slightly more creative. A creative translation, though, still renders more or less all ST meaning, and this is what I find distinguishes actual translation from e. g. copywriting. 5. 1. Model of creativity High degree of creativity. Non-creative 5. 2. The creative microstrategies This section will shortly outline the important features of the above mentioned creative  microstrategies; that is, the topmost eight in the model of creativity. 5. 2. 1. Explicitation Explicitation makes implicit information explicit, to put it briefly. In literary translation, the strategy is often used to make texts more cohesive, but it is also seen in other kinds of translation. It is used when there is a need to expand on something, e. g. cultural bound references or presuppositions not shared by the TT audience. What makes this strategy creative is the fact that a unit of meaning is added to the text; although it can be directly inferred from the ST (Schjoldager 2008: 99-100). Substitution Permutation Adaptation Paraphrase Addition Deletion Condensation Explicitation Oblique translation Direct translation Calque Direct transfer Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 9 of 35 5. 2. 2. Condensation Condensation translates a ST unit in a shorter way which may involve making explicit information implicit; implicitation. Condensation renders the already existing contextual meaning in a shorter  way and is therefore only considered slightly creative. (Schjoldager 2008: 102). 5. 2. 3. Deletion Deletion is leaving out a ST unit of meaning from the TT. The unit is completely taken out and is not implicitly present, as is the case in condensation (Schjoldager 2008: 108). In that way, this microstrategy is somewhat creative although not considered one of the most creative. 5. 2. 4. Addition When a unit of meaning is added to the TT, Schjoldager (2008: 104-105) refers to it as addition. The added unit cannot be directly deduced from the ST, thus, addition is different from explicitation  and is also slightly more creative. 5. 2. 5. Paraphrase By paraphrasing, ST meaning is rendered, though quite freely. The TT elements can seem somewhat different to those of the ST but the contextual meaning of the elements corresponds. It can be hard to define just how the two units of meaning correspond; however, there is no doubt that they do (Schjoldager 2008: 100-101). Therefore, this strategy can be considered creative. 5. 2. 6. Adaptation Adaptation is one of the most creative strategies as it does not necessarily render any contextual meaning, but rather recreates the effect of a ST item in the TT. It is applied, for example, where cultural references in the ST cannot be translated or explicated. It is somewhat similar to oblique translation and paraphrase, but is more creative and is often applied, where the translator wants to ‘imitate the source-text author’s thinking process’ (Schjoldager 2008: 103). That is, the translator ‘adapts’ the text to the TT audience and culture. When applying this strategy to larger units in a translation, it can be discussed whether it is actual translation or copywriting. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst. Page 10 of 35 5. 2. 7. Permutation Permutation is mostly used in literary translations. It translates ST effects in a different place in the TT. It is applied when a given ST effect cannot be rendered in the TT for linguistic or stylistic reasons. Hence, the effect is recreated somewhere else in the TT (Schjoldager 2008: 109). 5. 2. 8. Substitution Again we are dealing with a rather creative strategy as substitution involves changing the meaning of a ST unit. The TT unit is clearly a translation of the ST, but the semantic meaning has changed (Schjoldager 2008: 106). 6. Approach to analysis In order to comment on the level of creativity in the translated texts, an analysis of both extratextual and intratextual factors must be carried out. According to Nord (2005: 43-141), the extratextual factors are aspects concerning e. g. sender, audience, medium and text function, while the intratextual factors involve subject matter, content, genre and register. In my analyses of the TTs, I will take both extratextual and intratextual factors into consideration, as well as discuss the macro-  and microstrategies applied in the translations. The extratextual analysis will be partly inspired by Reiss’ theories on text types, and I will also make use of Anne Schjoldager’s above-mentioned ‘Model of macrostrategies’ and ‘Taxonomy of microstrategies’. The analysis will be carried out with awareness of the fact that all microstrategies cannot be ‘placed in watertight boxes’ and conclusions will therefore be drawn on the basis of a somewhat subjective interpretation of the microstrategies. 6. 1. The data The eleven texts have been chosen in an attempt to cover different text types and genres within  different fields. Because of the limited time and lack of space, it is only possible to include a restricted number of texts in the analysis, which is why I have chosen four different types and analysed two or three examples within each. In all cases, I assume that the texts have originally been written in Danish and then translated into English given that only texts from Danish companies have been selected. All STs and TTs have a length of approximately one standard page and can therefore be considered rather short texts. The data is typical data, representative of many  other texts of the same type as they are chosen more or less randomly from their natural context. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 11 of 35 7. Analysis 7. 1. Journalistic texts Journalistic texts belong partly to Reiss’ ’informative text type’. Journalistic texts, such as news paper articles and press releases perform the function of communicating ‘information, knowledge opinions etc. ’ (Munday 2008: 72) as facts must be reported correctly. Of course, the journalistic text type is a vague term and certain texts within the category will also be characterised by the expressive and operative function according to the field and skopos of the text. This section will comprise analysis of three texts within the journalistic type; a press release, a news article and a business article. 7. 1. 1. Analysis of ‘DSB wins fourth rail contact in Sweden’ The text which is of the written medium was published on DSB’s website. It is a press release informing readers about DSB’s new rail contract in Sweden. The receivers of the text, the readers,  are foreign users of DSB’s website and in particular those with an interest in DSB’s business concern and in business in general. The text is a translation of the Danish press release ‘DSB vinder fjerde togkontrakt i Sverige’, and I assume that it is translated by a professional translator (Schjoldager 2008: 29). It is an interlingual translation as the Danish article has been translated into another language: English. When readers of the press release enter the English website of DSB, the translation will appear covert to them, but since it is obvious that DSB is a Danish company and their corporate language is  Danish, readers should be aware of the fact that they are reading a translation, and I will categorise the translation as more overt than covert (Schjoldager 2008: 31). Generally seen, the translator of this text has mostly made use of the microstrategies direct translation and oblique. These render the content of the TT very close to the ST and are therefore not considered creative strategies according to my definition of creativity (cf. chapter 5). However, there are a few examples of deletion and explicitation (appendix 1). Microstrategy ST TT Deletion ‘( )der ligger i det centrale Sydsverige lige syd for Sveriges n?m  ststorste so Vattern. †¦ Appendix 2 and 3 The Danish sentence ‘( )der ligger i det centrale Sydsverige lige syd for Sveriges n? ststorste so Vattern. ’ has been left out in the English translation. This is an example of deletion. As the TT is Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 12 of 35 probably intended for foreigners who might not have any knowledge of the geography of Sweden,  the translator has most likely found the information irrelevant and simply left it out. It does not change the meaning or effect of the ST, and so, the translator is free to be a bit creative and delete it. Apart from the few instances of deletion and explicitation, the press release has been translated in a fairly ST-oriented way. The skopos of the TT, and perhaps of press releases in general, is assumedly to be solely informing people of news and new initiatives of the company. In other words, this is an example of a predominantly informative text type. Moreover, one could  imagine that a big company like DSB would attempt to standardise all official communication with its customers and other stakeholders, regardless of the native language. 7. 1. 2. Analysis of ’Claims of bribery at tax authority’ The text is an online news paper article published at www. politiken. dk on March 24 2010, and it is a translation of the Danish text ‘Eks-kontorchef: Skattechef fik store middage af firma’. It is an article informing about bribery at the Danish tax authority SKAT. The target audience – both of the Danish and the English version – are readers of politiken. dk and perhaps in particular those with an  interest in business matters and the company SKAT. The TT is a written, interlingual translation and presumably, the ST has been translated by a professional translator (Schjoldager 2008: 29). When readers of the article enter the site with the English news, the translation will appear covert to them. Though they might be aware of the fact that the TT is a translation, it is of no significance to them as they are not expected to know the ST (Schjoldager: 32). Therefore, the translation can be categorised as covert. The translation of this text is characterised by the use of quite a few creative strategies (appendix 1)). The TT is as such not very close to the ST, but still, it must be categorised a translation since more or less all information communicated by the ST is included in the TT as well. Some of the strategies which make this translation rather creative are addition, deletion and especially paraphrase. In this analysis, though, I will only include a few examples of paraphrase, as an assessment of them all would be too extensive. Microstrategy ST TT Paraphrase Eks-kontorchef: Skattechefer fik store middage af firma Claims of bribery at tax authority Appendix 4 and 5. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L.  F. Holst Page 13 of 35 The first creative strategies are seen in the headline and the subheading. The Danish headline ‘Eks- kontorchef: Skattechefer fik store middage af firma’ is translated into ‘Claims of bribery at tax authority’. The ST meaning is rendered, though in a slightly different way. The ST headline has an agent; namely the ‘eks-kontorchef’ who claims the bribery. Whereas the TT headline expresses the action with a noun. That is, the translator has chosen not to just apply direct translation even though it is possible. He has translated it in a more creative way by using the strategy of paraphrase. Microstrategy ST TT Paraphrase Tidligere kontorchef advarer i Jyllands- Posten om bestikkelse i Skat. Former tax authority department head goes whistleblower. Appendix 4 and 5. Also the subheading has not been translated by means of the more direct, non-creative microstrategies. Again, the ST meaning is rendered but in a way that is difficult to define precisely. The Danish sentence contains more explicit information and also, the term ‘goes whistleblower’ is  sort of a fixed expression which gives the phrase a negative ring. Nevertheless, it does not add or take out meaning and therefore, it can be considered a creative translation. The examples of paraphrase together with the other creative microstrategies applied by the translator make the TT appear creative. As an article, the ST must still be considered an informative text type, and the TT is too, although the translation is somewhat TT oriented. 7. 1. 3. Analysis of ‘Vestas lands massive turbine order’ This TT is a translation of the Danish version ‘Vestas scorer historisk stor ordre’, which is found at www. politiken. dk; a Danish news website. It is a business article dealing with a new big turbine order of the Danish company Vestas. The target audience, therefore, consists of non Danish- speaking users of the website with an interest in Vestas’ businesses or in business in general. The TT is a written, intralingual translation from Danish to English, in all probability translated by a professional (Schjoldager 2008: 29). Users of the site with English news might be aware of the fact that the TT is a translation but like the previous example, it is of no significance to them as they are not expected to know the ST (Schjoldager 2008: 32). Hence, the translation will appear covert to them. Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 14 of 35 The English TT is marked by several creative strategies of the kinds addition, deletion and explicitation (appendix 1). It is somewhat similar to the ST in both form and content, but many details have been altered or conformed to the target audience. Microstrategy ST TT Deletion Gl? de hos Vestas Deletion Aktion? rerne begejstrede Appendix 6 and 7. The above examples of deletion show that the two subheadings in the Danish ST has been left out in the TT which in fact is the case of many of the English news stories at politiken. dk. The example below is a very typical case of explicitation which is often found in relation to proper nouns and titles etc. which are presupposed by the source audience. Here it is the Danish company Vestas that has been explained to the foreign readers who might not share the presupposition that it is a Danish company. Microstrategy ST TT Explicitation Vindmollefabrikanten Vestas har faet sin  storste enkeltstaende ordre nogensinde Denmark’s wind turbine giant Vestas has landed its biggest single order ever. Appendix 6 and 7. The above examples, together with the additional cases of creative translation, do not make the TT appear as creative as one would think. This is probably due to the fact that, although there are many instances of creative translation in the text, the strategies applied do not belong to the most creative microstrategies; that is, the topmost strategies in the model of creativity (cf. section 5. 1). Therefore, the translation must be considered fairly ST oriented, with only the alterations required by the  culture of the target audience. 7. 1. 4. Initial conclusion The three analyses of journalistic texts show that the degree of creativity in the translations varies within this text type. The press release from DSB is translated quite close to the ST seeing that mostly non-creative strategies have been applied. The article from politiken. dk about SKAT, though, has been applied several creative strategies. This is also the case of the third article about Vestas, although the strategies employed belong to the slightly less creative ones, and therefore the Creativity in translation – a study of various source and target texts June L. F. Holst Page 15 of 35 translation does not appear that creative. Even though the three texts all include elements of creativity, they are still associated with the informative text type, as the TTs do transmit the referential and conceptual content of the ST (cf. section 4. 1. ). The analysis could have included more different types of journalistic texts and articles; as for instance sports journalism and entertainment. That might have shown higher degrees of  creativity since these kinds of texts belong more to the expressive, TT oriented texts which aim to transmit the effect of the ST rather than the form and content (Munday 2008: 74). 7. 2. Tourism texts ‘The tourist brochure is an operative text. Its dominant function is to present material in such a way that it attracts attention and invites patronage. ’ (Snell-Hornby in Anderman Rogers: 1999: 95). The above extract concerns tourist brochures but can apply to all forms of tourism texts in general. Snell-Hornby argues that the main focus of tourism texts is the appeal to the audience, and that they  are culture bound. That is, their purpose and effect varies with the reader (Mary Snell-Hornby in Anderman Rogers: 1999: 95). According to Reiss (Munday 2008: 73), the tourist text is one of the hybrid text types since it provides information about a subject, attempts to persuade readers to visit a certain attraction, and at the same time it can have expressive features. In this section, three tourism texts from the web will be analysed. 7. 2. 1. Analysis of ’Petzi moves into Tivoli Gardens’ The text is a translation of the Danish ST ‘Rasmus Klump flytter ind I Tivoli’. It was published on  the website of the Danish amusement park, Tivoli, with the aim of informing tourists about a new attraction, Petzi’s World. Therefore, the target audience of this TT is tourists visiting Denmark or foreign people living in Denmark who plans to pay a visit to Tivoli. The TT is a written, interlingual translation and most likely, the ST has been translated by a professional translator commissioned by Tivoli (Schjoldager 2008: 29). Tourists entering the website are almost certainly aware of the fact that Tivoli is a Danish corporation; thus they know that they are reading translated texts when choosing the English version of the website.

Cattle breeding: Sanitary practices and perceptions

Cattle breeding: Sanitary practices and perceptions Chapter 1: Introduction Cattle are raised mainly for meat and dairy products in Mauritius. Cattle breeding are an essential component of modern agriculture. According to norms, safe food of animal origin must be free from pathogens and contaminants. There is a need to reduce the risk and if possible, eliminate it at the on the farm stage. Cattle disease compromise animal welfare, reduce productivity and can also infect human beings. Sanitary conditions and perceptions in cattle breeding farms are very important to ensure a better health of the cattle and consumers of the products. The main reason for disease prevention and management for breeders is the gain in productivity. Sanitary conditions are very crucial in the disease prevention and management. The health of the cow and its environment, improperly cleaned and sanitized milk handling equipment, and workers who milk cows and come in contact with milk due to a number of reasons could serve as sources of microbial contamination of milk (Yirsaw A.W,2004). Contaminants in the form of chemical residues are also of concern to public. Controlling the safety of food of animal origin at the primary production stage therefore involves all the measures (implemented at the farm or production unit level) necessary to ensure that these contaminants do not end up in animal products, or, if they do, that their levels do not exceed the maximum permissible levels, notably the maximum residue limits and microbiological criteria set by Codex Alimentarius Commission (OIE, 2008). Many factors influence milk composition and hence the nature and abundance of the microbial load. The conditions of raw milk production, in particular the hygienic practices of farmers (e.g washing of milking equipment an d pre and post milking udder preparation), determine the contents in useful products and spoilage microorganisms (lafarge V et al, 2004). Henceforth, this case study of dairy cattle breeders, help in meeting the following objectives of the project. The main objective of the study is to assess sanitary practices and perceptions in dairy cattle breeding farms. The specific objectives are: To assess the sanitary milking practices in dairy cattle breeding farm through pre-milking teat disinfection, foremilk rejection and post-milking teat disinfection. To investigate on sanitation practices in dairy cattle breeding farm through practices of cleaning and sanitizing milking equipment. To assess level of awareness on mastitis and sanitary conditions at farmers working place. To evaluate responses based on survey questionnaire on sanitary practices and perceptions on dairy cattle breeding farms. Chapter 2: Literature Review Evolution of dairy cattle breeding Mauritius is categorized as a net food importing country. The dairy production contributes negligibly to the countrys economy with only 2% local milk production (AREU, 2007). According to Milliken (1986), there were about 22,000 milch cattle in 1914, representing a little more than 50% of the total cattle herd at this time (Heera MK, 2008). However the number of cattle head and farmers has been steadily declining over the years, leading to the current situation of only 7150 heads for 1758 breeders (CSO, 2008). Traditionally, the dairy industry in Mauritius was dominated by backyard producers, mostly women. But many of them abandoned farming in the 1980s to take higher paid jobs in the textile and clothing manufacturing industry (Ackbarally N, 2009). Simultaneously the sanitary problems (number of complaints due to lack of sanitation) and diseases, poor management also accounts for the decline. Food crisis in relation to dairy cattle rearing The food crisis which has hit with alarming speed and force the planet over the past recent years has showed how vulnerable net importing countries, like Mauritius, are against such situation. The milk (UHT and powdered) import bill has increased from Rs 975 M in 2001 to Rs 1.8 billion in 2007, representing a 85 per cent rise, while the import volume has remained unchanged (around 17,500 tonnes) (Anon, 2009a). Since the early 1980s milk consumption has grown more than 3 percent per year in developing countries and is projected to grow even faster through 2020. Meat consumption has been growing about 5 percent per year and is expected to grow 2.7% per year through 2020 compared to a low 0.6% per year in rich countries (Zessin K.H, 2002). Hence in response to the global rising food prices and shortages, the government is implementing measures to foster local production of milk and meat to mitigate, in short and medium term, the dependency of the country on imported food commodities. To stimulate dairy production, the government has introduced a battery of grants and loans to purchase equipment, import improved genetic breeds and acquire land for grazing (Ackbarally N, 2009). Importance of Sanitation in dairy cattle breeding farm Sanitary condition is defined as the state of sanitation whereby sanitation is the formulation and application of measures designed to protect public health (wikipedia). The cattle breeding are often viewed as a lucrative opportunity. There are nevertheless a series of complications which may arise during such an event if proper hygiene and sanitation is not maintained. When it comes to sanitation at farm, it is closely linked with Food safety which is now universally recognized as a public health priority. There are a series of precaution that can be taken by farmers, right at the first stage of the food chain, to optimise the food safety control of products of animal origin (OIE, 2006). This inevitably means controlling the health status of the animals from which food products are derived. World organization for animal health (OIE) In this age of globalisation, ensuring healthy, hazard-free food is one of the key issues for international organisations working in this field. To this end, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) work closely together, each in its area of competence (OIE, 2008). Since 2002, the OIE has had responsibility for animal production food safety. The renewed importance conferred by the Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement) to the OIE and to WHO/FAO has spurred the interest of countries around the globe (Zessin K.H, 2002). Preliminary Environmental report Cattle rearing do have certain direct and indirect impacts on the environment which require special attention while setting up a farm. Those impacts are mostly associated with solid and liquid waste originating from the farm such as; wastewater from cleaning activities, urine, and manure. Other problems such odour nuisance and flies nuisance are not to be omitted. In case the farm is near residential areas, consultation with neighbours and all other bodies who are likely to be affected by the farm is compulsory. According to Environmental Protection Act 2002, livestock rearing on a scale of up to 20 heads require a Preliminary Environmental Report in which all the environmental and socio-economic parameters are addressed and their impacts are identified and taken into account in the project design (Anon, 2009b). Dairy cattle breeding There are mainly three types of farms in Mauritius. These are: Small Scale farms Locally cattle breeding are more of a family business. Cattle rearing are carried out in a traditional manner in the backyard as a part time activity. The small cattle breeders also known as cowkeepers mostly live in the country side and they own on average two to three lactating cows that are kept in enclosed shed(RATES, 2004). The level of inputs and management vary greatly among the farmers and they are generally low because of limited facilities and lack of financial resources. Medium Scale farms Medium scale farm is quite similar to small scale farm. However they have slightly better management practices in terms of inputs (e.g. better feeding system) and modern techniques are applied e.g. use of milking machine ( Ackbarally N, 2009). Large Scale farms Presently there are two private farms namely Golden Cream Dairy farm ltd at Salazie and SKC Surat Co Ltd at Rose-Belle who are operating at large scale for commercial milk production. Another type of large scale farms which have almost ceased to exist is the Government Dairy farm. In the past there were three Government dairy farms that would keep around 200 head of cattle. Richelieu Livestock Breeding Station (RLPU) has been converted into a quarantine station and recently the Palmar Livestock Breeding Station has been closed. Presently there exists only the Curepipe livestock Research station where other species of livestock are also reared with the main objective to carry out research and development activities in livestock production and training for the benefit of farmers. Guiding objective for good dairy farming practice The guiding objective for good dairy farming practice is that milk should be produce on-farm from healthy animals under generally accepted conditions. This is achieved by applying good agricultural practice in the five areas. Health Management Cows that produce milk need to be healthy and an effective health care programme should be in place. Animal health care includes different veterinary treatments given to the animals for early detection of diseases, prevention of disease spread among healthy animals, prevention of transmission of zoonoses and to ensure traceability (FAO/IDF, 2004). It is important to have strict control of any animal introductions to prevent the movement of the infectious diseases onto the farm. Sick animals are liable to be a major source of disease to healthy animals and hence need to be segregated to reduce the chances of diseases spreading. In case where animals are imported or brought from other local farms, they need to be kept in isolation from the existing herd for about 30 days. This is done again to prevent contamination of existing herds by parasites and pathogens (AREU, 2004). Other activities such as vaccination and deworming schedules, hoof management and routine health assessment form p art of a good Health Management. Guidelines to be followed for effective housing of cows Dairy housing systems have a substantial impact on the overall health and longevity of dairy cattle (Barberg A.E et al, 2007). In addition to keeping animals healthy, a critical part of husbandry is also to make sure they are kept visibly clean. It is of particular importance, to reduce the possibility of contamination of the food, for milking animals and for animals destined for slaughter not to have dirty outer coats. A major influence on the cleanliness of the animals is the type of housing, the material used as bedding and the underfoot conditions if the animals are kept outside (A M Johnston, 2000). Where cows are kept indoors it is important that suitable and adequate buildings be provided if the cows are to be fully productive. Good dairy farm buildings are extremely important in considering any of the hygienic aspects of milk handling (WHO, 1962). The design of the housing system is also important so that there is adequate space and facilities to optimize feeding, collection of manure, cleaning, washing, artificial insemination. The housing system can be either loose or tied system with adequate space and facilities to optimize feeding, collection of manure, cleaning, washing, artificial insemination and milking (AREU, 2007). Layout The general layout of a dairy farm should be according to the number and category of animals to be housed. The cowhouse is a specialized building which should be carefully designed and constructed so as to provide comfortable and healthy housing for the cows and at the same time to enable them to be milked in clean conditions. Housing must be managed hygienically to avoid soiling of animal. A standing of 1.5m long has been found most suitable to enable cows to lie clean, but with the smaller breeds of cow 1.4m or less may be sufficient (WHO, 1962). Moreover it should be free of obstruction and hazards; dead ends, and steep and slippery pathways should be avoided. It should be resistant to adverse weather conditions and consequences thereof especially cyclones, unseasonal change causing cold or heat stress (FAO/IDF, 2004). The windows should be fitted with hinged shutters to be used in case of cyclonic conditions. Floor The floor should be non-slippery to minimize slipping and bruising due to rough uneven floors. Unsuitable floors may inhibit mounting or lead to injuries during mating. The floor should be preferably sloping 10 cm above surrounding ground to enable drainage of urine in a canal leading to a suitable point of disposal as required by the Sanitary Authority (AREU, 2007). Wall Plastering of the wall to a height of at least 1.5m is recommended to prevent accumulation of dirt, disease germs and to facilitate cleaning (WHO, 1962). Cowshed should be provided with at least two doors, one opening on the feeding passage and the other one on the manure cum milking passage. Ventilation and lighting The regular renewal of the air in a cowshed is essential for the maintenance of the health of the cows and prevention of contamination of milk (WHO, 1962). The cowshed should have sufficient openings to allow natural ventilation and adequate sunlight. This will enable proper supply of fresh air to remove humidity, allow heat dissipation and prevent build-up of gases such as carbon dioxide, ammonia or slurry gases (FAO/IDF, 2004). Direct sunlight helps to keep the shed dry and would act as a germ killer. Water Supply Water supply plays an imminent role in maintaining a proper sanitary balance in breeding farms. Besides being used for drinking purpose, efficient water supply helps in cleaning and other activities leading to part of proper sanitation. The cow needs a lot of water (up to 50L daily) to be able to produce saliva for rumination and milk production. It is best to allow the animal continuous access to ample fresh and clean water (AREU, 2004). Water is an obvious potential source of pathogens because it can contain nutrients from feed or manure and be contaminated with pathogens, thereby serving as a vehicle to contaminate or infect animals on consumption (CAST, 2004). E. coli 0157:H7 is found commonly in water troughs on farms and feedlots and persists in these environments for as long as four months (Lejeune J.T et al, 2001). Water supplies should be clear and free of excrement (FAO/IDF, 2004). Feed Management For healthy living and proper growth, reproduction and milk production, dairy cattle require a daily balanced diet. The feed contains nutrient namely carbohydrates, fat, proteins, minerals (e.g. calcium, phosphorus) and vitamins (A, D, E, K). Moreover, foodstuffs which are fed to animals must be free from both pathogens and undesirable residues. Since Mauritius is mainly based on a zero-grazing system, breeders have to make provision for forage based on a cut-and-carry fodder system. The source of forages varies among breeders; they are collected from Sugar Cane Estates or along roadsides, fallow lands, riverbanks, and state lands or vegetable fields (Heera M.K, 2008). Withholding periods should be applied to forage crops if they have been treated with agricultural chemical, prior to use as feed. Control storage conditions of feed The different control measures in relation to feedstuffs and its storage are as follows: Feeds intended for different species should be separated. No animal material should be included in dairy cattle feed rations. Appropriate storage conditions should be ensured to avoid feed contamination. It should be ensured that animals are not able to come into contact with contaminants in areas where these feed products are stored and mixed. Hay and dry feeds should be protected from a moist environment, silage and other fermented crops should be kept under hermetically sealed conditions(AREU,2004) Moldy feed should be rejected (FAO/IDF, 2004); feeding of any moldy stock feed to milking cows should be avoided. Particular care should be taken with wheat bran, silage, hay, bagasse, cotton seed cake as these contain poisonous fungal toxins that can be transferred to milk. Fungal mycotoxins may also be present in pasture. In New Zealand, the ingestion of saprophytic fungus containing the toxin, sporidesmin, causes the disease facial eczema with impaired liver function, photosensitivity, decreased milk production and sometimes death (Ferraud C, 1995). Although the disease is uncommon in other temperate countries, it is important to realize that increased forage use carries the risk of an increased incidence of pasture borne mycotoxicoses. Milk Milk plays an important role in our daily diet. Cows milk contains a wide array of key nutrients that help support human health. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Apart from being a nutritional food, milk has a high water activity, moderate pH of 6.4 to 6.6 and ample supply of nutrients, making for an excellent medium for microbial growth. There is wide spectrum of bacteria present in nature which can contaminate milk rendering it unsafe for human consumption or unfit for further processing. Human pathogens known or likely to contaminate raw milk Microorganisms are widely present in animals and in their environment. Disease in animals is inevitable on farms, no matter how good the husbandry (Johnston, 2000). The diseases that form the greatest threat to animals are caused by microorganisms that invade the body. Diseases could be infectious (of viral or bacterial origin), non-infectious (caused by parasites) or metabolic (caused by imbalanced diet). Specific infectious diseases are generally restricted to the large farms and metabolic diseases are more commonly seen in cattle belonging to small breeders (Sibartie D, 2001). Healthy dairy cattle are considered a reservoir for several of the most important food borne human disease pathogens (Tauxe, 1997). Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter jejuni are considered important treats to food safety because of the enormous number of illness they cause. Cattle have been shown to carry Salmonella at rates as high as 64% (CAST, 2004). Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 are priority pathogens because of the severity of symptoms associated with infection and because of the number of deaths that occur in infected people. All of these pathogens are shed in cattle feces and can contaminate dairy farm premises including unpasteurised bulk tank milk (Ruegg P.L, 2003). Milk borne diseases Human-health threats from livestock come in two basic forms: (i) zoonotic diseases, and (ii) food-borne illnesses. Zoonotic diseases are those that arise in animals but can be transmitted to humans. Potentially pandemic viruses, such as influenza, are the most newsworthy, but many others exist, including rabies, brucellosis and anthrax (FAO 2009). A joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee (1970) on milk hygiene classified milk-borne diseases: infections of animals that can be transmitted to man: Primary importance: Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Streptoccocal infections, ;Staphyloccocal enterotoxin poisoning, Salmonellosis, Q fever. Lesser importance; cowpox, Foot and mouth disease, Anthrax, Leptospirosis and Tick-borne encephalitis infections primary to man that can be transmitted through milk: Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, Shigellosis, Cholera, Enteropathogenic Escherchia coli, Non-diarrhoeal diseases, Streptococcal infections, Staphylococcal food poisoning, Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Enteroviruses and Viral hepatitis (Kamalam S, 2005) Outbreaks associated to milk Warnings to consumers about the risks of drinking raw milk have been stepped up over recent years because health professionals are trying to protect health and have seen a resurgence in milkborne diseases that had dropped dramatically with pasteurization, as raw milk has become trendy and its marketing has increased (Szwarc S, 2009). Mastitis Worldwide, mastitis is the most common disease in dairy cattle (Tan et al, 2009). Mastitis is defined as an infection of the udder, caused by bacteria entering the quarter through the teat end. According to the US national mastitis council(1996); mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in response to injury for the purpose of destroying and neutralizing the infectious agents and to prepare the way for healing and return to normal function ( Fadlelmoula A.A, 2007). This results in physical, chemical and microbial changes in the milk. It can be caused by a variety of bacteria or even fungi, the most common in Mauritius being Staphylococcus epidermidis (Sibartie D, 2001). Mastitis in dairy cattle represents a disease problem which is difficult to prevent or control effectively, since so many different workers have pointed out special instances which indicate that the susceptibility to mastitis manifested by related animals might have genetic basis: various studies have given heritability estimates for mastitis resistance ranging from 0.05 to 0.38 (Warwick E J et al, 1979). Principles of mastitis control Worldwide, farmers have achieved tremendous success in reducing the incidence of contagious mastitis by adopting five basic principles of mastitis control (Ruegg P.L, 2003): Postmilking teat disinfection Universal dry cow antibiotic therapy Appropriate treatment of clinical cases Culling of chronically infected cows Regular milking machine maintenance Sources of contamination of raw milk There are several principal sources of contamination of milk. From the time the milk leaves the udder, until it is dispersed into containers, everything with which it comes into contact is a potential source of more microorganisms. Within the udder Healthy Udder For many years, it was believed that milk drawn directly from the udder of a healthy cow was a sterile fluid, that is, it contained no living microorganisms (Yirsaw A.W, 2004). In healthy cows, many microorganisms resides in the teat cistern, teat canal and teat apex. Natural flora within the udder of healthy animals is not considered to contribute significantly to the total numbers of microorganisms in the bulk milk, nor the potential increase in bacterial numbers during refrigerated storage (Murphy S.C et al, 2000). The first few streams of milk from each teat should be collected, separated, discarded. This flushes out the organisms that entered the teat through the teat opening (FSA, 2006). Unhealthy Udder In cows having mastitis, the infected udders can shed lots of microorganisms into the milk. Selim and Culor (1997) found that Streptococci and coliforms are the most dominant isolated bacteria from milk followed by Staphylococcus spp (Yagoub S.O et al, 2005 ; Murphy S.C et al, 2000). Exterior of the udder Usually the microorganisms from the skin of the animals and the microorganisms from the environment where the cow is kept and milked cause contamination to the exterior of the udder. Common organisms associated with the bedding materials are staphylococci, streptococci, coliforms, spore formers, and other gram-negative organisms (Murphy et al, 2000; Elmoslemany A.M, 2009). Surface of milk handling and storage equipment The most important factor affecting the total bulk milk bacteria count is the cleanliness of the milking system. Utensils and equipment are known to be the greatest sources of contaminants. They may account for as much as 100,000 to billion organisms per milliliter (Murphy S.C et al, 2000). Pails, strainers, milking machines, cans, pipes bottles, and other equipment used for the handling of milk are sometimes not properly washed and sanitized. Organisms survive in the cracks, corners, crevices, dents, scratches and other irregularities of the utensils. Such neglect affords ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms before the utensils are being used again. Refrigeration is also essential to prevent or slow the growth of bacteria in raw milk. Sanitary practices The consumers are nowadays well conscious about food hygiene and they demand high standards of milk quality. Hence it is fundamental that breeders respect the quality criteria of their product to satisfy the demand and to remain in competition. Milking performed under strict hygienic conditions, with strict attention to sanitary practices, will reduce the entry of microorganisms into the milk. Naturally the fewer the organisms that get into the milk, the fewer have a chance to grow. Personal hygiene of milk handler At all stages hygiene is necessary to prevent contamination of milk. This starts from the person first handling the milk that is the milker and all throughout its handling. It is the responsibility of the milker to follow strict level of personal hygiene to prevent direct contamination of the milk. Personal hygiene of milk handler includes the following (CAC, 2004): The milker should be in good health; those with an open wound or suffering from any skin disease or any other contagious disease should not come in contact with the milk. Any injury on hands or forearms must be covered with a water-resistant bandage. He should possess a valid food handler certificate issued by Sanitary Authority Effective washing of hands and arms with proper means; adequate clean water, soap, nail brush, and thereafter drying hands and arms with a clean cloth or disposable paper towel. He should properly trim nails and must not wear ring or any other jewelry so as not to injure the udder or teats. Neat appearance; wearing clean clothes, hair cap to cover hair. Smoking is not permitted in areas for milking, and milk storage (FSA, 2006). Pre-milking practices A good milking technique is essential for the production of safe raw milk. Cleaning of teats before milking is important to remove both visible soiling (e.g. feces, bedding, mud, residual post milking disinfectant) and bacteria which could contaminate the milk. Washing with water gives the cleanest udder, teat and flank. The water should be between 200C to 400C. Long hairs from the flank and udder should be removed regularly. The wet udder should be dried with paper towel which should be used only once to prevent the spread of bacteria and other pathogens to other cows. If paper towels are not available, sterilized cloth can be used but should be replaced regularly. Thorough washing and drying may be followed by treating with disinfectant (e.g. sodium hypochlorite solution or Dipal), an approved pre-dip solution which must be effectively removed before hand milking or cluster attachment. The use of predipping using iodine has demonstrated to reduce standard plate count and coliform c ounts in raw milk by five- and six-fold respectively as compared to other methods of premilking udder preparation (Galton et al, 1986). The overall reduction of microbial loads in raw milk through the use of predipping should result in reduced numbers of zoonotic pathogens. Predipping has been shown to reduce the risk of listeria monocytogenes in milk filters by almost four-fold (Ruegg, 2003). Foremilk rejection Before the real milking can start each quarter should be inspected for physical/chemical/organoleptic abnormalities by checking the foremilk. The first milk should be spread on a dark surface, a foremilk cup or a dark tile. Abnormal milk shows discoloration, flakes, shreds, clots, blood spots and/or wateriness (Bonnier et al, 2004). If the milk shows such warning signs then the milk should be kept aside because of the risks to humans. The examination of milk must also be done before attaching milking units. Fore-milking assists early detection of mastitis removes potentially contaminated milk from the teat canal and stimulates milk let down. Cows with infected udder (mastitis) and those under treatment with antibiotics should be milked last and the contaminated milk disposed of properly (FSA, 2006). Post-milking practices After fore-milking the milker will be aware if milk quality is satisfactory or not. If milk is free from warning signs, milking of the healthy udder can carried out for human consumption. To milk the cow clean, dry hand must be used and the whole hand should be used instead of only thumb and forefinger because the latter grip is considered bad for udder health and flow rate (Bonnier et al, 2004). Equipment used during milking As soon as milk comes out from the udder it gets into contact with the surface of the recipient vessel for example bucket/pail or aluminium can. Surfaces are usually metal, stainless steel, tinned steel or plastic and they should all be kept in good hygienic conditions. Nowadays Stainless Steel is used as the material of construction for Dairy and Food processing equipments world over to achieve the most exact requirements for easy maintenance, sanitation, product preservation, corrosion resistance and to avoid health hazardous effects of aluminium and plastic (http://www.busiverse.com/dairyproducts). The design of milking equipment, where used, and cans, should ensure there are no crevices or recesses that can interfere with proper cleaning (CAC, 2004). Chapter 3: Methodology Data collection Data collection was done by carrying out a questionnaire based survey. The questionnaire assessed the various sanitary practices and perceptions on the dairy farms. Desk study of recent reports on cattle breeding sector was also conducted to get relevant information on the topic. Moreover key informants like the Agricultural Research Extension Unit situated at St Pierre and the Veterinary Service Division at Reduit were approached. An appointment was fixed through contacts by email and phone call. After interviewing the concerned party, an idea of the current situation as concerned the cattle breeding of the livestock sector was obtained. The names, contact numbers and addresses of the dairy cattle breeders around the island were obtained. Statistical data was obtained from the government website of central statistic division. Questionnaire design The study was based on questionnaire survey among the dairy cattle breeders. While designing the questionnaire, the data collected was considered. The survey covered both management practices used on the farm and it was also composed of questions regarding beliefs and opinions about selected dairy breeding farm issues. The questionnaire consisted of different parts namely the sanitary condition of the cowshed, Pre-milking practices, post milking practices, and animal health. The types of questions used were mainly close ended type and only a few open ended. Sample size The sampling population was the dairy cattle breeders in Mauritius. It is obvious that the whole population cannot be surveyed, thus a total of 26 breeders were randomly selected using random numbers from a sampling frame that included addresses of all dairy cattle breeders registered by AREU. The her