Gigabit Token Ring Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gigabit Token Ring - Research Paper Example It is possible to make use either of the first two token rings in the same equipment. The drawback to this functionality is that the introduction of a new device to such network brings problems to the entire ring (Carlo, 1998). The token ring was first initiated by IBM in the early 80s in their research facility located in Zurich. In 1985, IBM launched its fist token-ring product as a form of adapter that could be used in their original personal computers. In the following year, in collaboration with Texas Instruments, they jointly developed a chipset to help other companies to develop devices that are compatible with the token ring. The year 1989 saw IBM introduce an improved version of their earlier token ring model which had a speed of 4 Mbit/sec. The improved version had a speed of 16 Mbit/sec and in line with this development; the IEEE 802.5 standard was extended to cover it (Muller, 2003). In the year 1994, the leading suppliers of token ring created the Alliance for Strategic Token-ring Advancement and Leadership (ASTRAL) whose main mission was increase the speed of Token-Ring technology to counter the ever rising popularity of Ethernet technology. The members of this group included: ACE/North Hills, 3Com, Bytex, Bay Networks, Cabletron, Chipcom , Centillion, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, , Intel, Olicom ,Madge, Racore, Proteon, Texas Instruments, SMC, UB Networks., Xircom, and XPoint (Muller, 2003). In 1997, a revised version of 802.5 standards was developed which marked the introduction of Dedicated Token-Ring. It was a form of full duplex token ring that bypassed the usual protocol used by token ring in data transfer. A single station thus had the capability of sending and receiving data streams concurrently. This had the effect of doubling the transfer rate of any token ring such that a 4 Mbit/sec dedicated Token-ring station acquired an overall transfer rate of 8 Mbit/sec. They are mainly Type 1, type 6 and type 3. The first wiring done on token ring

Contemporary artists - Ackermann, Andre, Applebroog, Arevalo, Acconci Essay

Contemporary artists - Ackermann, Andre, Applebroog, Arevalo, Acconci - Essay Example The essay "Contemporary artists - Ackermann, Andre, Applebroog, Arevalo, Acconci" will specifically discuss the achievements of some contemporary artists like Rita Ackermann, Carl Andre, Ida Applebroog, Javier Arevalo, and Vito Acconci who contributed much to the world of contemporary art. Rita Ackermann, the Hungarian- American painter was born in 1968 at Budapest in Hungry. She completed her basic training from University of Fine Arts Budapest and flew to New York in order to achieve higher degrees in painting from the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture. Even though Ackermann mainly concented in paintings and drawings, she was also interested in T-shirts and skateboard designing. She is a well known contemporary artist who challenged all traditional concepts of painting and depicted contradictions of human nature on her canvas. In her early stages of painting, she focused on the seductive notions of pubescent girls and their conceptual transitions of nymphoma nia in various phases of their lives. She also tries to enlighten a plethora of social factors which influences or inspires these mental abnormalities. Similarly she bases pornographic ideas in her paintings with the intention of reflecting mental variances in human values and relations. In her opinion, attraction of music and other art performances influence her a lot in the works. Ackermann’s â€Å"work is often most striking where it most closely resembles something we have been seen before† (Schjeldahl).

How does a mainstream school support new arrivals Essay

How does a mainstream school support new arrivals - Essay Example ganised but it is important that they are organised in such a way that there is a positive ethos and a learning atmosphere where every child succeeds in some way and where every adult works towards helping every child achieve his or her maximum potential’. Generally, the main purpose of schools in accordance with the above researcher is ‘to develop the intellectual, social, emotional and physical abilities of all children’ (Smith, 2002, 4). Although this purpose is absolute understandable in practice there are many cases where schools fail to meet the necessary requirements set by the governors and the social context (ethics) and as a result they can lead to the opposite direction: the creation to the children of severe ‘psychological injuries’ related with their presence in the school environment but also within their families (the influence of conflicts created within a school environment often ‘follows’ children to their homes). When d ealing with children that have recently entered a school environment, the difficulties during their ‘adaptation’ within the new school can be many. Issues like gender or race discrimination, equality and inclusion are then very likely to appear. The behaviour of children towards these ‘adverse’ conditions is usually depended on the support offered by the school administrator and the staff either directly (psychological support, punishment of those who have the responsibility for this situation) or indirectly (provision of extra benefits compared to other pupils of the same school). In this paper the main issue under examination is the support offered to bilingual learners in a particular Scottish school (the one of the Secondary Schools in the Support for Learning Department). Issues like the access to curriculum, barriers in language, equality, discrimination and social exclusion are being examined in order to identify the most appropriate plan of action for the development of support offered to bilinguals

The Celtic Religion Essay Example for Free

The Celtic Religion Essay The Celts were an ancient group of people who populated a substantial area of Europe from the British Isles to Galatia. The Celts are thought to have existed from about 1000BC to the 1st century when they were conquered by the Romans. The Celtic religion was extremely complex and is difficult for modern day man to understand. This essay will discuss the nature and role of religion in the ancient Celtic society. The Celts were polytheistic sharing some beliefs that spanned across all the tribes; however, each tribe had their own beliefs and rituals. The Celts worshiped many gods and goddesses and a lot of the Celtic religion revolved around the worship of natural phenomena including water, sky, mountains, trees and earth. The worship of water deities was common among all Celtic tribes due to their medicinal and healing properties. There have been a number offerings which the Celts made for their gods that have been discovered in rivers, springs and wells. An example of a famous Celtic-healing site linked with water is Bath found in England. Other places where Celts made offerings to their gods were in sacred groves and forest clearings. Animals were revered by the Celts for their special qualities of speed, strength, ferocity and cunning and the gods that were represented were mostly in animal form. Some of the animals important to the Celts included boars, stags, bears, hares, birds and horses. Due to the Celts close connection with nature shrines and altars were built in the forest. These were generally made of wood, evidence for this is found in classical literature. For example, Lucan, a Roman poet, describes an altar in a forest near Marseilles, â€Å"altars were erected on little hillocks and all the trees were purifies with human blood.† This is also evidence of sacrifice, which formed a part of the nature of the Celtic religion. Both humans and animals were sacrificed in honour of their gods. Julius Caesar mentions such sacrifice in The Conquest of Gaul, â€Å"†¦after a victory they sacrifice the captured the animals and collect the rest of the spoil in one spot†. The Druids were Celtic priests who played a major role in the ancient Celtic society and were of a high status among the Celts. Their role was that of priest, scholar and judge. They were in charge of religious activities; they performed rituals and also played the role of a judge. No significant political decision was made without the Druids as there attendance was seen as necessary to obtain the gods favor. When disputes arouse the Druids played the role of a judge whether the issue was between tribes or individuals; whatever the crime being committed was, it was the responsibility of the Druids to arbitrate the problem and decide on the compensation to be paid and received by the parties involved. The Druids also gave rulings on all religious questions and groups of numerous men would go to them for instruction and advice. According to the historian, Diogenes Laà «rtius, it is apparent that the Druids held three truths; the need to honour the gods, to abstain from evil and to show bravery. The Druids spent many years learning the sacred texts and passing them onto their followers. An example of the way in which they taught their followers were at feast and festivals through the bardic tradition of singing and reciting stories of gods and heroes. As can be seen, the Druids played an important role in the lives of the Celtic people. It is evident from looking at the writings of classical authors that Celtic festivals, when held, were grand. They included great feasts, processions, the making of offerings and human and animal sacrifices to their gods. The four main festivals that were held by the Celts were the Samhain, Imbloc, Belteine or Beltane and Lughnasadh. Samhain was believed to be the most important festival and occurred on the first of November, some believe this was the beginning of the Celtic year. This was not only a significant religious festival that included proper ceremonies and sacrifices, but was also a day holding important political and administrative functions. Barry Cunliffe writes in his book The Celtic World, â€Å"During Samhain†¦ the whole tribe presumably assembled for feasting and to ensure, through sacrifice, the continued fertility of the crops and herds.† The Imbloc festival was celebrated on the first of February and meant ‘ewe’s milk’, this name was given for this festival as it marked the birth of the first lambs and commemorates the return of fresh milk. This festival celebrates the return of the cycle of new life to the earth and marks the rebirth of nature and fertility. It is the celebration of bringing nature back to life. The Belteine or Beltane festival took place on the first of May and is the feast of light and marks the season of sunny weather. On this day the Druids light the beacon fires to bring good news of the coming season to the people. The Lughnasadh was a harvest festival that occurred on the first of August and marked the end of summer growth and the beginning of autumn harvest. These four festivals marked the seasons of the year and were major events for the Celtic society. The practice of human sacrifice in honour of their gods was a normal occurrence in Celtic society. Strabo, a Greek geographer, talks about the Celts and human sacrifice in his book Geography, â€Å"They used to strike a human being, whom they have devoted to death, in the back with a sword, and then divine from his death struggle.† The Celts held the belief â€Å"an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth† and also â€Å"a life for a life†. For example when a person was sick, the relatives may make a human sacrifice in order that their kin would be spared. Other reasons the Celts made human sacrifices were to ensure survival of warrior before battle, the prisoners were usually the ones that were sacrificed in this circumstance and in times of need such as famine or plague. Celtic society was heavily influenced by their religious beliefs and practices, this is shown through the connection they felt with nature, the Druids status and power in the society and the festivals that marked their calendar year. Religious matters were never expressed in writing; however, the strong oral tradition of the Celts enabled the passing down of their religious practices. This along with classical literature has provided the future generations with an insight into both the nature and role that religion played in Celtic society.

Victorian Society in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Essay Example for Free

Victorian Society in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Essay The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a Horror story written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The novella explores the divided nature of human personality and Victorian society by telling the story of a respectable gentleman named Dr Jekyll, who devolves into a beast by the name of Mr Hyde. The dominant theme of the novella is the theme of the double. Stevenson explores this in many different ways throughout the novella. Some of the characters in the book turn out to be very different from what they at first appear to be. For instance, Gabriel Utterson has a very rough countenance and looks quite ugly but he is a very nice, respectable gentleman of the novella and he is also a lawyer that helps down-going men. Also, Dr Jekyll, one of the main characters of the book, is very different from what he appeared to be. He becomes the most hideous character of the novella, Mr Hyde. The first time we encounter Mr Hyde, is during Enfields terrible sight of a little girl being trampled over. Stevenson conveys how dark the streets are by focusing on the lamps which can be seen onstreet after street. Stevenson also draws our attention to the emptiness of the streets, emphasising this by using the simile all as empty as a church. Stevenson builds up a sense of mounting fear by adding that Enfield is so frightened that he listens and listens and begins to long for the sight of a policeman. Stevenson uses the character of Mr Hyde because he is everything a monster is. He is the definition of a monster and his appearance is very easy to picture. Mr Hyde is often described using animal imagery. An example of this is when Mr Enfield witnesses first hand a terrible sight of a little girl being trampled over, for the man calmly trampled over the girls body. Elsewhere, in the novella, he is compared to a hissing snake, a snarling dog and an athletic monkey and this reinforces the idea that he is some way sub-human. It is also significant that Hyde is only ever seen in the shadow, darkness or fog because he represents the hidden and mysterious side of mans personality. Stevenson uses language in a way that reveals to us the characters insincerity or sincerity by the way they speak. In the novella, there are many different characters which use their language in different ways. For example, Dr Jekyll speaks in a very indirect, reserved and cagey way of speech. He proves this in chapter three, when he become quite angry and tries to dissuade Utterson from pursuing the topic of his will, You do not understand my position, and this shows that he is reserved and unwilling to express his emotions. Utterson is also reserved and indirect. However Mr Hyde speaks with short simple and direct words like What do you want, this shows that he is very straight-forward, direct and emotional because he is not afraid to show his emotions or tell people what he thinks. Mr Hyde does speak quite aggressively also, which reveals that he is open minded and doesnt think properly before speaking. He is honest and straight to the point because he doesnt mind to tell people his thoughts. In a strange way, then, the villain of the story is more honest than its hypocritical hero. Poole is the lower-classed disreputable character in the novella as he is Dr Jekylls butler. His use of language shows that he is willing to express his emotions. For example, he also uses short direct way of speech. Through the use of different types of speech, Stevenson seems to suggest that the more respectable and self-restrained the person the more insincere and emotionally dishonest they are. In his exploration of the divided personality, Stevenson draws our attention to the divided nature of London in the 1880s. Throughout the novella, we are aware of the fact that the main respectable characters such as Utterson, Enfield, Lanyon and Jekyll all live in and around Cavendish Square. They live in that citadel of medicine, in ancient, handsome houses, which have a great air of wealth and comfort. However, we learn that the shadowy character, Edward Hyde, lives in the less respectable part of London, Soho. We also learn that he lives on a dingy street in villainous, blackguardly Surroundings. Stevenson, then, by connecting Cavendish Square with Soho, connects the rich characters in the book to the poor ones. Towards the end of the Nineteenth century, Soho was one of the least respectable areas of London. Soho was the kind of area where you would find crowded, shabby streets, people of all different nationalities, cheap eating houses, music halls, brothels or criminals making crooked deals. By connecting these two areas, Stevenson seems to be saying that the two are actually inseparable, that the rich cannot exist without the poor, that Jekyll cannot exist without Hyde. The reason that Mr Hyde who lives in Soho is in the novella at the time of dark is to show that his personality is a dark person inside. However, Jekyll and the others that live in and around Cavendish Square are in the novella at the time of light because they are bright characters who appear to be wholly good and removed from evil. Victorian society was highly moralistic and encouraged respectable gentleman to keep their private lives carefully hidden away. Stevenson makes this point by including numerous symbols of privacy and secrecy throughout the novella. For instance, Dr Jekylls laboratory is at the back of his houses which showed no window. This suggests that Dr Jekyll does not want people to know what he does in his own time because the simple reason that Victorian society was too highly moralistic. This kind of secrecy carries on through the novella with other characters as well. For example, Mr Utterson receives a package from Dr Lanyon which he examined in his office. Before opening the package he locks the door of his own office which shows that Utterson is very secretive about his business and does not want to be associated with down going men. The package was then put in a safe so that no one could have seen it. Taken as a whole, these symbols of secrecy reinforce the idea that Victorian gentlemen were compelled to keep their private lives hidden away. I think that the themes of the novel are not relevant now because the society is not so strict and people dont have to cover up their different types of living or their utmost desires.

Esophagram Barium Swallow Analysis

Esophagram Barium Swallow Analysis Two common radiographic procedures of the upper GI system involving the administration of contrast media are the esophagram, or barium swallow, as it is sometimes referred to, and the upper GI series. Each of these procedures is described in detail, beginning with the esophagram. This examination is used for the patient who have high dysphagia or definite oesophageal symptoms, or have quite often had a normal OGD but are still symptomatic, quite often a motility disorder may be the cause. Esophagram or barium swallow, is the common radiographic procedure or examination of the pharynx and esophagus, utilizing radiopaque contrast medium may be used. The purpose of an esophagram is to study radiographically the form and function of the swallowing aspects of the pharynx and esophagus. No major contraindications exist for esophagrams except possible sensitivity to the contrast media used. the technologist should determine whether the patient has a history of sensitivity to barium sulfate or water soluble contrast media. Known aspiration during ingestion (although this can be overcome by using non-ionic water soluble contrast). The contrast agent for barium swallow is barium sulphate suspension 250% w/v or water soluble contrast medium. Barium sulphate are, high atomic number, not soluble in water, used to coat the lining of organs, supplied in different thicknesses. Used in esophogram, UGI, Small Bowel, Lower GI or BE. History of barium sulphate is starting with, lead substrate-toxic, bismuth subnitrate-toxic, thorium-radioactive, barium sulphte-inert(goes in and comes out the same not absorbed). Barium sulphate mixture are contraindicated if any chance exists that the mixture might escape into the peritoneal cavity. This escape may occur through a perforated viscus or during surgery that follos the radiographic procedure. in either of these two cases, water soluble, iodinated contrast media should be used. Two example of this type gastrografin and Gastroview. Both of these water soluble contrast agent can be easily removed by aspiration before or during surgery. if any of this water-soluble material escape into the peritoneal cavity, the body can readily absorb it. Barium sulfate, on the other hand, is not absorbed. One drawnback to the water soluble materials is their bitter taste. Although these iodinated contrast media sometimes are mixed w ith carbonated soft drinks to mask the taste, they often are used as is or diluted with water. The patient should be forewarned that the taste may be slightly bitter. The technologist should be aware that water soluble contrast agents travel through the GI tract faster than barium sulfate. The shorter transit time of water soluble contrast agents should be kept in mind if delayed images of the stomach of duodenum are ordered. If there is any query that the patient may aspirate, the initial swallow is best carried out using a water-soluble contrast medium, although aspiration of barium has been considered by some to be relatively harmless. Aspiration may not be suspected but unsuspected silent aspiration may be found. The more common pathologic indications for an esophagram procedure suchas, achalasia also term cardiospasm, is a motor disorder of the oesophagus in which peristalsis is reduced along the distal two thirds of the esophagus. Achalasia is evident at the esophagogastric s phincter because of its inability to relax during swallowing. The thoracic esophagus may also lose its normal peristaltic activity become dilated (megaesophagus). Video and rapid digital fluoroscopies are most helpful in diagnosis of achalasia. Anatomic anomalies may be congenital or caused by disease, such as cancer of the esophagus. Patients suffering from a stroke often develop impaired swallowing mechanisms. certain foods and contrast agents are administered during the examination to evaluate swallowing patterns. A speech pathologist may witness the study to better understand the speech swallowing patterns of the patients. Video and digital fluoroscopy are used during these studies. Barretts esophagus, or barrette syndrome, is the replacement of the normal squamos epithelium with columnar-lined epithelium ulcer tissue in the lower oesophagus. This replacement may produce a structure of the distal oesophagus. In advanced cases, the development of a peptic ulcer in the distal esop hagus may occurs. The esophagram may demonstrate subtle tissue change in the esophagus, but nuclear medicine is the modality of choice for this condition. the patient is injected with technetium 99m pertechnetate to demonstrate the shift in tissue types in the esophagus. Carcinoma of the oesophagus includes one of the most common malignancies of the oesophagus, adenocarcinoma. advanced symptoms include dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and localized pain during meals and bleeding. Other tumors of the oesophagus include carcinosarcoma, which often produces a large, irregular polyp, and pseudocarcinoma. Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing. This difficulty may be due to a congenital or acquired condition, a trapped bolus of food, paralysis of the pharyngeal or esophageal muscle, or inflammation. Narrowing or an enlarged, flaccid appearance of the esophagus may be seen during the esophagram, depending on the cause of the dysphagia. Video and digital fluoroscopy are the modalities of choice. Esophagram and endoscopy are performed to detect these tumors. The esophagram may demonstrate atropic changes in the mucosa due to the invasion of the tumor as well as stricture. Because the esophagus is empty most of the time, patients need no preparation for an esophagram only, all clothing and anything metallic between the mouth and the waist should be removed, and the patient should wear a hospital gown. Before the fluoroscopic procedure a pertinent history should be taken and the examination carefully explained to the patient. The first part of an esophagrams involves fluoroscopy with a positive-contrast medium. The examination room should be clean, tidy and appropriately stocked before the patient is escorted to the room. The appropriate amount and type of contrast medium should be ready. esophagrams generally use both thin and thick barium. Additional items useful in the detection of a radiolucent foreign body are cotton balls soaked in thin barium, barium pills or gelatine capsules filled with BaSO4, marshmallows. After swallowing any one of these three substance, the patient is asked to swallow an additional thin barium mixture, because the esophagram begins with the table in the vertical position, the footboard should be in place and tested for security. lead aprons, compression paddle, and lead gloves should be provided for the radiologist, as well as aprons for all other personnel in the room. proper radiation methods must be observed at all times during fluoroscopy. With the room prepared and the patient ready, the patient and radiologist are introduced and the patientis history and the reason for the exam discussed. The fluoroscopic examination usually begins with the general survey of the patients chest, including heart, lungs and diaphragm, and the abdomen. During fluoroscopy, the technologists duties, in general, are to follow the radiologists instructions, assist the patient as needed, and expedite the procedure in any manner possible, because the examination is begun in the upright or erect position, a cup of thin barium is placed in the patients left hand close to the left shoulder. The patient then is instructed to follow the radiologists instructions concerning how much to drink and when. The radiologist observes the flow of barium with the fluoroscope. Swallowing (deglutition) of thin barium is observed with the patient in various positions. Similar positions may be used while the patient swallows thick barium. The used of thick barium allows better visualization of mucosal patterns and lesion within the esophagus. The type of barium mixture to be used, however is determined by the radiologist. After the upright studies, horizontal and trendelenburg positions with thick and thin barium may follow. The pharynx and cervical esophag us are usually studied fluoroscopically with the spot films, whereas the main portion of the esophagus down to the stomach is studied both with fluoroscopy and with post fluoroscopy overhaed radiograph. the diagnosis of possible esophageal reflux or regurgitation or gastric contents may occur during fluoroscopy or an esophagram. One or more of the following procedures may be performed to detect esophageal reflux. First, breathing exercise the various breathing exercises are all designed to increase both the intrathoracic and the intraabdominal pressures. The most common breathing exercise in the valsalva maneuver. The patient is asked to take a deep breath and, while holding the breath in, to bear down as though trying to move the bowels. This maneuver forces air against the closed glottis.  A modified valsalva maneuver is accomplished as the patient pinches off the nose, closes the mouth, and tries to blow the nose. The checks should expand outward as though the patient were blow ing up a balloon. A Mueller manoeuvre can also be performed as the patient exhaled and then tries to inhale against a closed glottis. With both methods, the increase of intraabdominal pressure may produced the reflux of ingested barium that would confirm the presence of esophageal reflux. The radiologist carefully observes the esophagogastric junction during these manoeuvres. Second is water test that done with the patient in the supine position and turned up slightly on the left side. This slightly LPO position fills the fundus with barium. The patients are asked to swallow a mouthful of water through a straw. Under fluoroscopy the radiologists closely observe the esophgogastric junction. A positive water test occurs when significant amounts of barium regurgitate into the esophagus from the stomach. A compression paddle can be placed under the patient in the prone position and inflated as needed to provide pressure to the stomach region. The radiologist can demonstrate the obscure esophagogastric jun ction during this process to detect possible esophageal reflux. The toe-touch manoeuvre is also performed to study possible regurgitation into the esophagus from the stomach. Under fluoroscopy the cardiac orifice is observed as the patient bends over and touches the toes. Esophageal reflux and hiatal hernias are sometimes demonstrated with the toe-touch manoeuvre. If the patient is a female, then a menstrual history must be obtained. Irradiation of an early pregnancy is one of the most hazardous situations in diagnostic radiography. X-ray examinations such as the upper GI series that include the pelvis and uterus in the primary beam and include fluoroscopy should only be done on a pregnant female when absolutely necessary. In general, abdominal radiographs of a known pregnancy should be delayed at least until the third trimester or, if patients condition allows (as determined by the physician), until after the pregnancy. This waiting period is especially important if fluoroscopy, which greatly increase patient exposure is involved. Potential difficulties that may arise out of a Barium Swallow is discomfort of air insufflation. Poor tolerance of swallowed gas mixture can make for poor stomach and oesophageal distension. Where buscopam injection is used to relax bowel for better pictures, patients may experience some blurring of vision.  Tendency  of barium to cause constipation in the days following the procedure. Need for an interpreter in non-English speaking patients. Disadvantages of Barium Swallow Useful for functional assessment allows the assessment of motility, reflux and distension. In comparison to gastroscopy, barium swallow is safer. Available resource. It is difficult to compare costs between barium studies and endoscopy and they may be of comparable costs. However is some centres barium studies are much more accessible to GPs and may be arranged with much less delay for the patient than gastroscopy. Not as comprehensive or accurate method for diagnosis of some conditions in comparison to gastroscopy. Not able to take samples or provide treatment as part of the procedure. Radiation exposure. Dose is 2 3 millisieverts compared with chest film 0.06 millisieverts and background radiation of 2millisieverts per year. Users of ionising radiation are required to inform all women of child bearing age about the risks of radiation in pregnancy. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to the use of radiation but generally in the context of the barium enema the urgency is such that can delay or choose alternative investigation.

Why Some Small Businesses Fail Essay -- Economics Business Management

Why Some Small Businesses Fail It is hard to measure the size of a business. According to The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), an SME can be described as a business that employs between 0-49 people. However a company such as a Chemical Plant may employ less than 49 people but have a turnover of  £20 million. So according to the number of employees, the DTI would class it as a small business. However, according to the level of turnover it could be classed as a large business. The size of the firm is generally measured by the amount employed1. The amount of SME’s is forever increasing. There are many reasons for the increase, such as; improved technology, ability to sub-contract part of business and public sector being encouraged to become smaller. There is also Push and Pull factors that help people come to the decision to be self-employed. â€Å"Push factors† include people who are unemployed or made redundant decide to venture on their own. This may be simply starting their own window cleaning service. Another â€Å"push factor† is the â€Å"Pratt factor† this is when an employee finds himself working for someone else less talented and wonders ‘why am I working for you?’ so decides to start up on his own. The amount of SME’s is forever increasing. There are many reasons for the increase, such as; improved technology, ability to sub-contract part of business and public sector being encouraged to become smaller. There is also Push and Pull factors that help people come to the decision to be self-employed. â€Å"Push factors† include people who are unemployed or made redundant decide to venture on their own. This may be simply starting their own window cleaning service. Another â€Å"push factor† is the â€Å"Pratt factor† this is when an employee finds himself working for someone else less talented and wonders ‘why am I working for you?’ so decides to start up on his own. â€Å"Pull factors† include peoples increasing desires to exploit an opportunity, turning their hobby into a business, the motivation to work independently and when people become older they sometimes inherit money; they sometimes put this money into a business venture they perhaps previously couldn’t afford. The failure rate for small businesses is very high. The probability that your new business will make it past the third year is less than 25%. In other words, over three-... ...elves in a whole too deep to dig themselves out of. It was now too late for them to ask for advice and the shop closed down. My advice to my friend was to learn by his mistakes and try again. It is inevitable that small businesses will carry on failing. Sometimes the reason behind the failure cant be helped. However from reading this essay you should gather that the majority of the times, failure could have been prevented. In fact 82% of the time when businesses fail, the owners really could have done something differently to stop it from happening. REFERENCES 1 Business Studies by Dave Hall, Rob Jones, Carlo Raffo. Edited by Ian Chambers.(1996) 2 www.compulink.co.uk 3 www.bcentral.com 4 The Business Environment (second edition) by Ian Worthington and Chris Britton. Published 1997 by pitman publishings JOURNALS USED  ¹ Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol 9, Issue 1.Learning the hard way: the lessons of owner-managers who have closed their businesses. By David Stokes and Robert Blackburn.  ² Journal of Management Development, Vol 13, Issue 7. Managerial Competences in Small Firms. By Graham Martin and Harry Staines.