Monday, September 30, 2019

Universal Design

Question 1 i) The current state and extent of universal design in the interior design practice. The 20th century had brought major social changes with respect to civil and human rights. Medical advances during this period meant that the surviving an injury or illness was far greater. Many people were living longer and the average life expectancy of people with severe impairments was increasing too. Therefore many governments in developed country responded with the introduction of equal rights and anti discrimination legislation to support this group of people especially in built environment (centre for excellent in UD, 2008).In line with that Malaysia’s government is also moving towards the same goal where the first action taken required a 1993 amendment in the Uniform building by-laws (UBBL) stated that new developments have need to incorporate universal design into the building plan. Similar action taken by the department of standards Malaysia, through SIRIM Bhd, on revising two of the existing Malaysian standards (MS) to enhance accessibility for all. They are ms 1184: 2002: code of practice for access of disabled persons to public buildings (first revision) and MS 1331: 2002: code of practice for access of disabled persons outside buildings (first revision).After all, both had been merged into a new document called universal design and accessibility in the built environment: code of practice (second revision). Those amendments and revision is applicable to new and existing buildings. Under the amended UBBL, new developers had to comply with existing standards in order to improve universal access. As far as researcher concern, as stated by leader of revising Malaysian standard Asiah (2006), the revised standards is more toward guidelines on features, from traffic islands and footpaths to door handles and taps, referenced from international universal design standards in developed countries.Which she acknowledged that it has been difficult to incorporat e the desired features within existing buildings in Malaysia, but government stressed that the buildings should at least provide basic amenities, such as ramps and toilets for the disabled, and lifts with braille buttons for the blind, as well as voice activation (Asiah, 2006). On the other hand, from researcher observation those amendments and revising law and act are mean for public spaces and institution building which directly focusing on special group of users such as disable and older people.For that reason, therefore none or less interior designer sensitive or try to utilize the established regulation in their practice due to no enforcement from government. This was happen because the regulation and standard are mean or have been set up for special group of people only such as for disable people and more widely need to be implement in the public buildings only. With this indication it showed that most designers and users are not ready to accept that accessible and usable feat ures are for everybody and they tend to see those regulation and standard are something that will add the cost of the project.With this misconception, the interior design practice is hardly to be change because designers cannot relate about design and the nature of human being. Contrary with universal design (UD) approach that have been coin by Ron Mace that in designing for users, we should assumes the wide range of human ability is ordinary, not special (Ostroff, 2001). This is because, despite of disable and older people, users especially those used the interior space are not homogenous group which consist various physical abilities (Story and Mueller, 2002).This can be view from the world statistic that population today is much more broaden from the past, where many people survived from serious illness and accident. Furthermore the declining fertility and mortality rates are higher and it contributes to the increases of the world population. Therefore this shift of demographic c hange has a multifaceted impact on the society particularly in relation of use of the interior design. On the overview of Malaysia’s statistic in year 2005, Malaysia has been classified as an ageing nation (department of statistic, Malaysia 2006). The number of elderly citizen rise to 1. 7 million (7. percent of the population) and by year 2020, Malaysia will be a mature society with 9. 5 percent of the population aged 60 and above (department of statistic, Malaysia 2000). This statistic means that 1. 4 million older people today will be more than double in their numbers in 16 years time. Those people are the â€Å"real users† and they are active person that used the interior space and demand the space to be support their daily activities through their life course. The phenomenon of changing physical abilities related to age and disabilities are something that everybody will experience during life course (Etchell and Yelding, 2004).Therefore considering diverse users i s significant in providing a better living space for all rather than segregated them. However, in interior design practice today, frequently designers are inclined to design for a stereotype of users that know as an â€Å"average people†. Which result the built environments means for users with specific ability range only that engage in specific lifestyles that prevent or limit the activities of others outside of the targeted group of inhabitants (Kreinbrook, 2007).Nevertheless until today, through researcher observation the implementation of new regulation and standard specifically in interior design is still moving slow where many interior designers does not aware about the pertinent of utilizing and incorporate UD in design practice specifically during design process in accommodating diverse users. Through researcher observation and experience all this happen because of two major reasons; firstly because there is less sensitive responsiveness related to global issue such a s on demographic change among interior designers.And the second factor is on the old school of thought in their design practice that have been pass from generation to the next generation which become a central root in designing. To be elaborate more on the first reason, researcher believed that demographic pattern is very essential for interior designer in order to understand the market demand in design. This is because from there on, the indicator of the â€Å"real users† can be established. From the â€Å"real users† indicator the solution and action during design process in creating a better living environment to all will be more sufficient and efficient in supporting their daily activities.The second reason that causes low interest on new design paradigm specifically UD is because of old school of thought among interior designer. Conventionally, designers are still generalizes users into two different groups, such as â€Å"average† and â€Å"disable† people. With this point of view, design has been divided to standard practice and special design requirement practice where the UBBL and Malaysian standard is referred. Contrary meaning of UD which strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities.Moreover, UD recognizes a wide range of consumers and they try to include everyone in design. The practice of UD as stated by kose (2009) have a holistic view that when considered disable or elderly person in design, it will benefit to others group of people too. Therefore by consider diverse users in design process, the usable and accessible living environment will be increases and no one is been excluded or segregate from the system. Furthermore, as stated by Imrie (2006) none of human being can be described as an average throughout life course.This is because people are growing older everyday, they become temporary disable because of sickness, accident, broken limb, serious illness and experi ence pregnancy (Imrie, 2006). Those changing physical criteria and abilities are describing a nature of human being no one has control on that. Beside the issue discuss above, if we look at the pattern of one living space in Malaysia it probably been occupied with minimum of or at least one family member. Where the family members are consists of adult, children, and sometime been visit by their older parent or disable friend.Those indicators of various types of users are describing all of us that used the living environment. Parallel with commercial spaces too, which users and visitors are come in various size and physical abilities too. Those unexpected visitors will use the same living space and amenities with others. In view of that, researcher understood it is inflexible to consider only specific group of users during design process where the world today is heading to universal solution in design for all people.Therefore an old school of thought specifically on the categories of users is insignificant anymore in today practice. Therefore, interior design field demands a revolutionize in designing and thinking to incorporate new design paradigm such UD as part of the practice in order to have an alternative way to switch over from old school of thought to new shift of thinking that respect diverse users. A consequence of looking holistically to â€Å"diverse users† in creating interior design is very significant in challenging the interior design practice today. Therefore this research is heading to.Yet through researcher experience, many of interior designers especially in Malaysia are still unaware about the impact of demographic change to the design industry especially in interior design. sadly, as reported by Harrison and Parker (2003), this is happen because there are deeply rooted problems in the minds of those responsible for the design of the built environment, where the inclusion of people-friendly features is visualize as a necessary but no t serious attempt or late to be tacked-on in the design process that create an obstacles to utilize the living environment.In addition, base on researcher observation, there are none or few of interior designers practice in Malaysia had considered diverse users (human diversity) during design process due to lack of knowledge and support. All this happen, because of there is no enforcement and less awareness among interior designers to see the relationship of nature changing on human being related to living environment that had highly impact on user’s daily activities performance.For that reason, a new shift of design thinking and practice in interior design need to appraisal in order to support a new trend of world population that approached a crossroad where the population of older peoples and disables are increased and this scenario included Malaysia too. As a result, with this stipulation, researcher believed the definition of users in design should be extended and include s a vast and diverse range of people that need to cope with or without extreme, unusual or unique daily challenges to use the living environment.So, therefore this study tries to integrate UD in interior design process beyond the current database of anthropometric and ergonomic to comply with Malaysian law and act in built environment. The integration of UD in interior design process is more toward creating usable interior space, products, and systems that  can be used by as many people as possible at their own choice or option of the operational in interior spaces.This is because UD is a user-centered process that evolves designers and users at broaden understanding, perspectives and experience by working with the range of users in a variety of environments. For that reason by emphasizing on careful selection and placement of the design features and product guided by UD principles will encourage more â€Å"choice† and â€Å"option† to user to use the space and produ ct at their own level of physical abilities. This integration process may result as flexibility operational, and multiple alternative way or means to use the interior space that can support diverse users need.However, as stated by Guimaraes (2008) there is a challenger to include diverse users in design process because, both consumers and design professionals are not yet prepared to work continuously for development of new and more socially responsive structures. Which many active adults in the work force are still reluctant to acknowledge the impact of such issues on their lives, and they are unwilling to assign personal attention and private resources to the development of usable environments where they live, work and spend their time with their families and friends (Guimaraes, 2008).Hence, the development of usable environments per say may not be a priority for many designers too, simply because they do not perceive disability as a problem for themselves (guimaraes, 2008). For th at reason, researcher endeavor to incorporate diverse users as a main factor for UD integrated in interior design process. With that proposal it shows the significant transformation in design practice which indicates an interior design is about long term care of users rather than a short attempt at the prime time of life only.For the wrapping up, researcher concluded that the real end user can not be described either one of the group portray as an average or disable but it is the combination of population and more. As a fact of truth people are changing their physical and abilities every day due to growing older, yet their living environment are not changing toward their nature. Therefore researcher has highly motivated to pursue this research by focusing on diverse users at the early stage of designing which may result a usable living environment for all people rather than segregated them.Hence, this complex issue had motivated researcher to investigate an alternative way in design process to maximize usable of the space for diverse users that may beneficial not only to targeted group but also to others that unintended to use the same living environment. For conclusion, by include as many people as possible in design process, it will make a practical and economic sense to all regardless their age and abilities. So that the final result of living environment can be use and access by all people at the same amenities with equal comfort regardless age and abilities.Furthermore by given a variety of choice or option of use and access the design features and product in interior design everybody have equal right to use and none have been excluded accept if the physical abilities is extremely low such paralyzed. Those indication discuss above would be appropriate to be consider in design as early part as possible rather than to duplicate and separate circulation paths, vertical access, toilets and other facilities which required high cost in the projects.The bottom l ine of this research is to have all living environments that considered capable of being utilized by everyone, and necessity to provide for their differing needs simultaneously. ii) Literature evidence on the important UD theory that can improve the quality of everyday life of users. Over the last few years, the concept of universal design (UD) has become quite accepted. As a new way of thinking in design that driven from demographic trends.UD is a relatively new design paradigm that emerged from â€Å"barrier-free† or â€Å"accessible design† and â€Å"assistive technology†( Welch and Palames, 1995). The special about UD, it is differs from accessibility requirements that are usually prescriptive whereas UD is performance based (Story and Muller, 2000). Furthermore, UD does not have standards or requirements but addresses usability issues for wide range of users as possible (Horton, 2005). Rather than focus on adapting new device or support for individuals at t he later time (Horton, 2005).Therefore when designers apply UD principles in their design, the interior space and products and services meet the needs of potential users with a wide variety of characteristics (the center for universal design). Disability is just one of many characteristics that an individual might possess (Burgstahler, 2012). In addition, barrier free design and assistive technology provide a level of accessibility for people with disabilities but they also often result in separate and stigmatizing solutions for others unintended users, for example, a ramp that leads to a different entry to a building than a main stairway (Parette and Scherer, 2004).Therefore, the movement of UD strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that supports everyone, not just people with disabilities (Stainfield, 2005). Furthermore UD is assuming a growing importance new design paradigm that represents a holistic and integrated approach to design ranging in scale, for example, from product d esign to architecture and urban design, and from simple systems such as those that control the ambient environment to complex information technologies (Ostroff, 2001).As a result, UD become an approach to the design of all products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation (Ostroff, 2001 ). The ultimate goal of UD is to serves people who are young or old, with excellent or limited abilities, in ideal or difficult circumstances (Ostroff, 2001). Therefore UD become a very significant theory that can benefit everyone by accommodating limitations of the users.As the world’s population ages, so does the demand for senior to have an appropriate living environment, facilities, outdoor environments, and products. Therefore UD has been established by many professional which have a potential to address the needs of older clients yet benefit others too (Kemp, 2002). Contrary to the negative assumption that attent ion to the needs of diverse users limits good design, the experience of imaginative designers around the world reveals the range of applications that delight the senses and lift the human spirit when UD is integral to the overall concept (Imrie, 2006).For that reason UD is assuming a growing importance design paradigm which aims at a holistic and integrated approach to design, ranging in scale from product design to architecture, and urban design on one hand, and systems controlling the ambient environment and information technology, on the other (Imrie, 2006). Even though the terminology differs from one country to another; but there are significant cultural differences in how the movement has evolved in each country, but the similarities are more apparent than the differences as they transcend national laws, policies, and practices (Kelleher.J, levesque. K, Coro. L, 2007). As stated by Steinfeld (2005) there is a confluence of factors generating the need for more universally desig ned products, environments and amenities, which includes the competitive, global nature of business today, the flourishing communications technology industry, the international disability movement, and the rapidly growing aging and disabled populations all over the world. Everyone is likely at some time to experience the misfit between themselves and their environment (Steinfeld, 2005 ).Ambient conditions or stress may create problems with using products or buildings. Togetherness on increases of aging people which become a potential for vulnerability in the environment (Demirkan, Halime, 2007). People worldwide are living longer, the aging population will double in the next 20 years (Mc neil, 1997), and a child born today has a 50% chance of living to be 100 years old. This segment of the population assumes greater societal importance due to their increasing numbers as well as the resources they consume (Baltes & Smith, 2001).Until recently, gerontological science, social policy an d health policy have focused on extending life and supporting older age in terms of a society's available resources (Baltes ; Smith, 2001). Maintaining such a focus on the older segment of the population obviously leaves a smaller percentage of resources for the remaining population (Baltes ; Smith, 2001 ). Moreover, the earlier phases of life may ultimately be the most important in terms of supporting health throughout the lifespan thereby conserving resources in later years (Baltes ; Smith, 2001).From the above literature it shows that UD is very relevant in understanding the needs of today’s users. The good point about UD is to increases usability, safety and health through the design and operation of environments, products and systems in response to the diversity of people and abilities. It is a way of thinking that can be applied in any design activity, business practice, program or service involving interaction of people with the physical, social or virtual worlds.To ac hieve UD goals, as stated by many researcher (Connell 1999, Jones 2003, Mace 1987, Mueller 2005, Mullick 2002, Ostroff 2001, Sanford, Steinfeld 2001, Story 2001, and Vanderheiden 2004) these are some attention that need to be include in design process to increase the quality of users life in prime time and the future too: Attention on users:- i. body fit – accommodating a wide a range of body sizes and abilities ii. comfort – keeping demands within desirable limits of strength and stamina iii. wareness – insuring that critical information for use is easily perceived iv. understanding – making methods of operation and use intuitive, clear and unambiguous v. social integration – treating all groups with dignity and respect vi. personalization – incorporating opportunities for choice and the expression of individual preferences vii. cultural appropriateness – respecting and reinforcing positive cultural values need some in put. The pract ice of UD is contextual.There are no absolute levels of performance since each project context determines what can be achieved. It is a continuous improvement process. The practice of UD can take place regardless of constraints or the level of technology available. Thus, the success of each application has to be evaluated by comparison to prevailing norms rather than against an absolute standard. iii) Literature gaps that lead to enhance the UD application for the future of the interior design practice.In the last decades, there was a growth in the number of the elderly population and disabled people. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the world total will be more than one billion aged 60 or over by the year 2025 (Marshall et al 2004). Furthermore, the needs and demand of the diverse population, who are children, pregnant, adult and disable vary considerably. Yet, as per today the growing awareness among the designers to satisfy the needs of the diversified users are sti ll lack in demand (Marshall et al 2004).This is because as stated by Guimaraes, (2008) many active adults around the world are still reluctant to acknowledge the impact of physical built environment issues related to their daily lives. As stated by medical doctor Marill,(2010) natural changes in cells of human being may slow down or alter people capacity which most people will experience it when they reach their peak functioning at around age 30. As a result users at this prime age and above are at the top of their stamina of their physical body where they are generally can used all the design features in the interior space with less barrier.Although some operational of existing design features required high physical effort and crucial concentration with more energy requested, no one dare to report it as a problem because they force themselves to performance as their abilities at the peak function. Those users rather take their chance to used the existing design features with fair o bstacles rather express their personal attention because they do not want to be label as â€Å"older people† or â€Å"disable† in their surrounding where they live, work and spend their time with their families and friends Guimaraes, (2008).With that, therefore researcher believed a new technique to comprehend users needs is to understand the human diversity by include diverse users during design process in order to support them in built environment. For that reason it is a need to find an alternative approach in design in supporting a new trend of the population in line to sustain them in their chosen environment as their lifespan. From there on, this study will try to fill in the gap by integrate Universal Design (UD) at the early stage of designing, articularly during design process, which may turn design to be inclusive rather than exclusive for all. UD have ultimate input in this study because the idea behind UD is to create products and services that can be usabl e for people of all ages and various physical abilities (story, 2001). The attractiveness of UD as stated by Guimaraes (2008) is beyond the normal product it has been recognized as consumer products, where everything that is designed to be used by people are part of the UD.The unique of UD comes with seven principles that easily to be translated into the design practice (Story, 2001). These Seven Principles guide the designers and users by emphasizing the characteristic of more usable product and environment while providing a framework for the systematic evaluation of new or existing designs (Story, 2001). Furthermore, as stated by Iwarsson (2003) application of UD principles is more emphasizes on integration of accessibility and usability features from the onset, removing any stigma and resulting in social inclusion of the broadest diversity of users (Story, 2001).Therefore researcher strongly comprehend that UD is significant to be part of design process because it is truly a cohe rent theory that focuses on the ease of use of design features in the living environment for all. Even though there is an argument that UD cannot fulfill all people needs one hundred percent, but as stated by Congvinton (2000) UD can help to reduce physical barrier of built environment by given option and flexible on use and access for those who have physical abilities.In today life the society can no longer relegate the wheelchair user crippled, legless, mute or deaf people, because they are part of the society and we are also part of them. Therefore as stated by Iwarsson (2003) by designing for diverse users as possible, a design is no longer special and no longer identifies the users as different and all of us apart from each other and can share all the facilities provided in built environment without segregation.To achieve the goal, according to Guimaraes (2008) the content of legislation need to progress worldwide towards a broader definition of the population who could benefit from the development of ‘user-friendly’ environments, i. e. , environments that are responsive to users’ varied abilities. As per today the notions of accessibility and usability of built environments have expanded the definition of disability beyond the medical view regarding lack of personal capacity for the undertaking of certain activities in built environment (Guimaraes, 2008).However, in design practices today, the main focuses of usable living environment are still remained on the needs of people with permanent disabilities only. Contrary on the increased of the proportion of able body people who experience temporary disabilities due to age and life accident that have been not counted to be part of users that need usable living environment. Therefore Guimaraes (2008) has stated that there is a strong correlation between age and disability, where the older people are the more likely to become disabled as they aged.With the literature discussed, it showed t hat as the average age of number of people increases, most widely the number of people will benefit from UD will boost up (Guimaraes, 2008). Guimaraes (2008) also stated that as people get older they still want to remain active and well adjusted in their own house, local communities, while accessing public buildings and outdoor spaces. This has driven demand for better usable features in built environments. Moreover, recognizing disability as part of everyone’s issues with the design of built environments requires a fundamental transformation in the way societies have dealt with (Guimaraes, 2008).For that reason creating opportunities for each individual, despite disabilities, to live and participate to their full potential is one of the pertinent in this study. As a result, creating UD from the early stage of design is more cost effective than adaptation at a later stage, meaning that there are also strong economic arguments for building more inclusive environments (Steinfel d, 2005), Therefore, this study is heading to, since many literatures showed that UD had proven it successful applied in developed country to minimize physical barrier of built environment.However in Malaysia, the awareness of the benefit of UD from professionals just started to nurture. Therefore the implementations are still slow due to no enforcement from government and lack of the knowledge to incorporate in design. For that reason, this study attempt to look into the design practice on how UD can be integrates during design process at the fundamental level to increase the usable of the space and to assist ID for better understanding on diverse users iv) Research questions and Research objectives. Research questionsRQ: How can Universal Design Principles be integrate in interior design process in accommodating diverse users in Malaysia? Research objectives R. O: To integrate Universal Design principles in interior design process to accommodate diverse users in Malaysia. Referenc es: Asiah, 2006. Keperluan pengguna dan rekabentuk bangunan untuk warga tua di Malyasia. Pusat Penyelidikan, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa, edisi pertama 2006. Burgstahler, S. 2012. Equal access: Universal design of instruction. Seattle: DO-IT University of Washington. www. uw. edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/equal_access_udi. tml Baltes, P. B. , ; Smith, J. (2001). Multilevel and systemic analyses of old age: Theoretical and empirical evidence for a fourth age. In V. L. Bengtson ; K. W. Schaie (Eds. ), Handbook of theories of aging (pp. 153-173). New York: Springer. Center for Excellent Universal design, 2008. Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach. http://www. universaldesign. ie/ Department of Statistic, Malaysia. (2006) External Trade Statistics. Demirkan, Halime. (2007) Housing For The Ageing Population. European Review of Ageing Physical Activity Journal. Volume4. (4:33-38) Etchell .L and Yelding. D, 2004. Inclusive design: products for all consumers Consumer Policy R eview. volume 14 †¢ number 6 Guimaraes M. P. 2008, a holistic approach in Universal Design practice. In Avancos e Desafios na Construcao de uma Sociedade Inclusiva. R. Correa (edt). Belo Horizonte: PUC-MG,. Pp 88-104 Horton S, 2005. The Universal Usability site houses an unabridged, online version of Access by Design: A Guide to Universal Usability for Web Designers, by published in 2005 Harrison, J. D. ; Parker, K. J. 1998. Getting it right: Housing design for an ageing society in a changing world.Housing Science, 32(4), 273-283. Imrie, R. , 2006. Independent Lives and the Relevance of Lifetime Homes. Disability and Society,. 21, No. 4(June 2006): p. 15. Iwarsson, S. (2003). Accessibility, usability, and universal design – Positioning and definition of concepts describing person-environment relationships. Disability and Rehabilitation, 25, 57-66. Kreinbrook . A T (2007). A Barrier-free Paradigm for Interdependent Living. M. Arch. , University of Maryland, College Park, 2007, 148 pages; AAT 1450195 Kose, Satoshi. (2009). How can the exploding senior population be accommodated?Japanese struggle towards inclusive design. Journal of Engineering Design, Nov. 2009 Kelleher. Jennifer, Kassie levesque, Linda Coro. (2007). Universal Accessibility: study of the marketplace. Center for Community Inclusive and Disability Studies. The University of Maine. Kemp, J 2002. , â€Å"Foreword,† in Building a World Fit for People: Designers with Disabilities at Work, E. Ostroff, M. Limont, and D. Hunter (eds. ), Boston: Adaptive Environments, 2002. Mace R. 1985, Universal Design, Barrier-free Environments for Everyone. Los Angeles , CA: Designers West. McNeil, J. M. 1997.Americans with disabilities: 1994-95. US Bureau of the Census Current Population Reports, P70-61. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office Marshall, A. L. , Chetwynd, A. , Morris, J. , et al. 2004. Type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood: a matched case control study in Lancashire and Cumbri a, UK. Diabet Med,. 21: 1035-1040. Marill. M. C, 2010. Is This Normal Aging or Not? Pain or sudden changes need a closer look. WebMD Feature. Ostroff, E. (2001). Universal design: The new paradigm. In Universal design handbook, edited by W. F. E. Preiser and E. Ostroff, 1. 3-2. 1.New York: Mc Graw-Hill. Parette. P, Scherer. M, Technology Use and Stigma. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 2004, 39(3), 217–226 Division on Developmenta Disabilities. Story, M. F. and Mueller, J. , (2002) Universal Design Performance Measures for Products: A Tool for Assessing Universal Usability, in Emerging and Accessible Telecommunications, Information and Healthcare Technologies (pp. 19-28, RESNA Press, Arlington). Story, MF, Mueller, JL, Montoya-Weiss, M, ; Ringholz D (2000). Progress in the development of universal design performance measures.Technology for the new millennium: Proceedings of the RESNA '00 annual conference, pp. 132 134. Steinfeld, E. , et. al. (2005). The Anthropometrics of Disability. Buffalo: Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access State University of New York at Buffalo. Story, M. F. (2001). Principles Of Universal Design. In W. F. E. Preiser & E. Welch, P. and Palames, C. 1995. A brief history of disability rights legislation in the United States. In Welch, P. (Ed. ),  Strategies for teaching universal design. Boston, MA: Adaptive Environments Center. Question 2 i. The theory/theories that guide the study.Derived from literature review, theoretical basis of this research come from a broad view of Human-centered design theory. The principles underlying human-centered design range across discipline, from community design, to architectural design, to interior design, industrial design, and design of communication venues. In this research, Human-Centered Design is focuses on the physical abilities and needs of the human user to enable them to be function at the highest level possible in their living space. It includes pr oducts and aspects of the physical environment that meet the needs and abilities of the users in interior design.For this study, utilizing research findings and data on physical abilities and limitations of users related to social needs will provide a new concept of living-environment solutions that enable all users to function at their highest capacity regardless of age and ability. According to the Institute for Human Centered Design (HCD), Universal Design (UD) has a parallel design movement with HCD that offers a similar framework for design problem-solving based on the core value of environmental responsibility. Therefore this study, attempt to adopt UD as main design theory in finding a new solution in interior design to accommodates diverse ser in Malaysia. UD is a term that was first used in the United States by Ron Mace (1985). UD is not a trend but an enduring design approach that assumes the range of human ability is ordinary, not special (Ostroff, 2001). According to Mac e`s definition of UD is â€Å"means simply designing all products, buildings and exterior spaces to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible† (Mace, 1988). For that reason, Convington (1997) stated that UD is intended to be inclusive not exclusive. Therefore, researcher agreed with many researchers that everyone should have an equal access and use the built environment at any level of their life.Even though some users may or are facing limitation or difficult during life course, but it is not impossible task for them to live in the same living environment if UD had been included from the beginning of designing (Ostroff, 2001). For the purpose of this study, UD can be describe as a design theory that increases usability, through the design and operation of environments, products and systems in response to the diversity of people and abilities. The adopted of UD in this research is because of the holistic of definition that focusing on human interaction with buil t environment at the fundamental level.This can be portrayed in seven principles of UD that have been developed by professional and scholar with logic and realistic guideline in design (Sandhu, 2001). The UD principles are the theory base that leads to the practice. Below are the seven principles of UD that have been established definition criteria by Center for UD North Carolina (1997) and will be a baseline for research framework in this study. Principle| Definition | 1| Equitable use| A feature is designed to be useful to and accessible by people with diverse abilities. Provide the same means of use for all people; identical whenever possible, equivalent when not. 2| Flexibility in use| A feature is designed to accommodate a wide range of individual abilities. Provide choice in methods of use. | 3| Simple and intuitive| A feature is designed in a straightforward and predictable manner, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level . Eliminate unnecessary complexity. | 4| Perceptible information| A feature is designed so that necessary information is communicated effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's abilities. 5| Tolerance for error| A feature minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. | 6| Low physical effort| A feature is designed to minimize nonessential physical effort in order to allow maximum attention and can be used efficiently with minimum of fatigue. | 7| Size and space for approach and use| A feature is designed with consideration for appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulations, and use regardless of a user's body size, posture, mobility, and communication needs. |From the Table above, researcher plan to synthesize and adopt all the seven principles of UD to be integrate in interior design process. This is because through researcher critical reading and analysis of all the established criteria of seven prin ciples they are significant recitation of theory of usability which mean, in order to develop usable living space those seven criteria is vital to be consider in design process. Apart from that, researcher plan to expand these seven principles as operational variables that focusing on selecting and placement of the design features in living environment related to user’s daily activities.The extension of the UD principles can be overview as a parameter to set up the minimum usable and accessible design features that tolerate an option and choice to use the design features and product in living environment. As a result, researcher forecast to utilize UD principles at the fundamental level in design process. To do so, this research will only focusing on the basic design features and product in interior design that directly use by users to start their daily activities without needs any high technology involve.From there on, researcher anticipate that a synthesis on established cr itical area and product in interior design from others scholar that most reported by users who facing difficulties or barrier through their life course will be a baseline of the study. Therefore, researcher assumed with understanding the integration of UD principles in interior design process, the living environment will result no or less advance technology or device added and the most vital is without compromises the aesthetical value f the living environment. To achieve the goal of the study, researcher foresee that a sensitivity and awareness on knowledge of selecting and placement of design features and product guided by theory of UD related to usable space for diverse users among interior designers are significant for future development of usable living environment for all. ii. The theoretical development of UD framework that your study will use for application in the interior design field.The roots of universal design (UD) can be traced to pioneering by architect name Ron Mace (1941-1998), who first envisioned a design concept guaranteeing the greatest access and usability to all, regardless of age or ability, while maintaining aesthetic appeal (Center for UD, 1997). This theory is based on the premise that design of products and environments must be usable by all people, in the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design (Center for UD, 1997).In 1980s Mace was particularly responding to the lacks of adequate barrier-free architecture to meet the needs of the physically handicapped. Yet, even then, Mace (1988) had a much broader application in mind, that all spaces, features and aspects of all things should be designed to be usable by all people of all ages and abilities. As a result, the intent of the UD is more toward simplify life for everyone by making more usable and accessible design features that give an option or choice to users to use and access their environment at their own preferable way (Center for UD (199 7).UD also has been developed because of significant on the achievement in the past century of enhanced health and subsequent longevity. A new dimension of the cycle of provision has presented a heightened challenge for people of all ages. According to Sandhu (2001), there are many trends in society and global markets that clearly justify the need for actions regarding disable and older people. Below are the previous concepts that accommodate people in relation to their special needs referring to UD handbook (2001): * Ergonomics: originated at the end of World War II.Upon analyzing military objectives, their successes and failures, scientists finally realized human beings needed to be taken into account in the design process of machinery and equipment, to increase their effectiveness. Ergonomics has since developed into a science concerning itself with human beings and how people function in conjunction with a variety of equipment, products, methods and circumstances. Professional e rgonomists consider a wide range of factors when offering guidance to ensure products or services is safe, easy to use, and efficient.Physical attributes such as size, weight, height, strength, skill, speed, and sensory abilities, along with thermal comfort, motion, vibration, posture and workload are analyzed, in an effort to increase performance, prolong endurance and to reduce accidents. As a summarize, ergonomics encompasses all human activity and relies on research and data of a wide variety of disciplines including Anthropometry, Engineering, Biomechanics, Environmental Physics, Body Systems, Physiology, Applied Psychology and Social Psychology.Ergonomists work to improve the quality of users’ lives, increase users safety and enhance performance by providing solutions for workstations, tools, equipment, protective wear, cleanliness and worker well-being. As a result, ergonomic concept only focuses on how to help management to identify hazardous conditions, provide train ing, analyze data, establish prevention control measures and evaluate progress as a whole rather than utilize it in daily life activities for diverse users. Barrier-free design: Was developed during the Civil Rights and Disability Rights Movements by those trying to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. Physical barriers were recognized as a hindrance to a person’s freedom. Barrier-free designs today are influence in policies, design practices and law through the standardization of codes for access to the built environment. Although barrier-free design is part of the practice and law but the record of workplace injuries is still continue to increase.This result showed that the effectiveness of the barrier free design is still doubtful. All this happen because of it predominantly a disability-focused movement only that removing architectural barriers through the building codes and regulations. As a result barrier free design is about removing physical barrie r follow the Code and Regulation stated in federal legislation nevertheless UD is extended version of barrier free design that looking more detail on providing usable environment to largest population. Assistive Technology: Is technology that focused on designing or creating personal use devices or tools, utilized by individuals and help or compensates one with disability to function. Assistive technology essentially follows the medical model of disability where products or spaces are designed primarily to provide for people with special needs or with disabilities. Assistive technology is a personal preferable device and more on implies the development of high cost and design mainly for use within institutionalized setting, such as hospital or public housing or care center (Newell, 2003).Therefore it is less favorable to be included in personal space because of the institutional look and sometime become barrier to unintended users. As reported by Mace, Hardie and Place (1991) the di sable community are sometimes frustrated with assistive technology device because of the lack of commercially available products, misconceptions of disability, and attitudinal barriers often fostered by specialized and stigmatizing design solution.This is because of there is no prime practice that focus to create usable environment for all that included everybody rather than segregated design. Therefore the revolution and UD movement take part and started to be developed. For that reason, UD concept is referred to â€Å"lifespan† design that understands on spectrum of human abilities (Center for UD 1997) which contrary to the accessible and barrier free design that has a tendency to separate facilities in relation to different users needs (Steinfeld 1994).Even though UD is a new movement in design theory, but UD is actually an extension of accessible design, barrier free design and inclusive design which the goal of UD is to extend usable and accessible environment to the lar gest population possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design (Steinfeld 1994). According to Johnson (2008), UD is making its way into the collective consciousness, spurred on by the needs of ageing population. The concept of UD in built environment is originated from United Stated of America and other countries such as United Kingdom, Australia and Japan (Roennfeldt, 2003).UD is also known by different phrase covers a range of interpretation in different country, which is often used interchangeably, and overlapping but the objective or the goal of UD originally meant the same, to encompass all users, including elderly and disable people in the overall general population (Hasono, 2004). The accepted phrases that have been used internationally are design-for-all, trangenerational design, design for the broader average or design for the â€Å"non-average†.Others similar concept and share same objective of UD that have been used worldwide, for instance ‘L ife Span Dwelling’ in Norway, ‘Adaptable Housing and Flexible Housing’ in the United Kingdom, ‘Life Time Home and Easy Adaptable House’ in Sweden, and ‘Elderly Dwelling’ in Denmark (Kose 2009). Even though most residential designed with the UD concept are called differently in various countries but the objective or the goal of UD originally meant the same. According to Hasono (2004), UD phrase is still an alternative and preferable way of expressions to describe design for all included older people and the disable.Therefore the phrase of UD is ultimately use in this research, which described one solution that fit all people in built environment as they grow older. One of the most obvious UD succeed was reported by Steinfield (2005) is because of expression on usable features is invisible on the product or environment; its aesthetic qualities remains, yet its usefulness is maintained. In addition, UD goes beyond minimum access codes and s tandards, to design environments that are comfortably usable and accessible by people from childhood into their oldest years (Nasar, J.L. ; Evans-Cowley, J, 2007). It is contrary to the negative assumption that attention to the needs of diverse user limits good design (Ostroff, 2001). Although UD may well be true to support diverse users with good design, it is important to see the successful of UD in western countries beyond the life style and culture too. This would appear to be supported by Kato (2007), in Japan, where UD has been effectively utilized by Japanese in their daily life activities without compromising their culture, way of living and climate.Kato (2007) added that successful implementation of UD in Japan was due to the characteristics and features of UD that are visible in the product. The way designers from Japan incorporating the idea of UD through carefully selected and placed differently of the UD features at the house components and products was the main rationa le of success in applying UD in Japan (Kato, 2007). Moreover, Imrie (2006) had stated UD concept in housing grew out of the recognition to simplify daily activity by considering basic needs of users; on how user access or use or operate the product or space.Imrie (2006) described daily activities such as people walk in and out the house, transfer around the house, use and reach some fixtures and products in house are main activities for people before they start other daily activities such as bathing, cooking, eating and sleeping. As a result, the daily activities described are very important and common activities for all people in all over the world regardless their culture, language and knowledge.Therefore researcher had concluded the most common activities that every single people will performance in pursuing their daily activities are summarized as below: * Able to get in and out the house easily * Able to get through the doorway * Able to move around the space * And able to reac h and use all the equipment Furthermore, those common activities described above will be a main parameter in this research. Many research findings reveal that the highest environmental problems such as falls among older people occur in the toilet, bathroom and kitchens.Even though the research finding says so, through researcher observation and confirm with previous study done by Mansor (2008), indicated that barrier and obstacles in the area mention above are in fact started with the used of unplanned and unusable design features of building components and products. The verification of above statement possibly can be interpreted as an evidence that by looking critically on how users transfer themselves into the toilet (using door features: door handle, door frame, floor finishes at door frame and etc) are seldom recorded.If the door features are usable and accessible such as no threshold or no changing level at the floor of the toilet, it will give less or no barrier to user to pas s through and to continue their daily activities such as bathing and others (Mansor, 2008). The indication of this part of the analysis led to the conclusion that design features in interior design components and products through detail selection and proper placement may minimize the barrier and obstacles in living environment.In the scenario described above, it can be attributed to shows that if the door does not permit users to access it easily, it also hinders users to continue others daily activities. Therefore with this reviewed, researcher has set the limitation of the study in the direction to micro understanding of design features rather than focus to macro view of area or spaces in order to create accessible and usable space to all. With that statement, researcher has full confidence that UD can be successfully applied in Malaysia too, without the need to compromise the look of the physical living environment or even the culture.This is because, as stated by Johnson (2008) UD concept is not a new science, style, or unique in anyway but it requires only an awareness of needs and it is a realistic approach to making everything that is designed and produced are usable and accessible by everyone to the greatest extent. Johnson (2008) added, the application of UD involves minor changes on the placement and selection of the design features in living environment for example on size, choice of operation, or the way in which the user must interact with the design.With that, It is significant to shows that UD is not an added features or device in interior design but it is more toward on improvement or upgrading the existing features to be more easy to use and access by all regardless of culture, language and knowledge. From the conceptual of UD described above, researcher anticipated that integrating UD principles in interior design process will be a significant result in accommodating diverse users in Malaysia. iii. Theoretical framework to explain the potenti al of integrating UD during the interior design process.To illustrate the development of theoretical framework in this study, researcher will segregate the key operational variables into three divisions as follow: a) Universal Design i) Universal design Principles ii) Usable design features b) Interior Design i) Design process ii) Regulation and Standard c) Integrated UD process i) Selection and placement of Design features ii) Interior Design Intervention iii) Usable and Visitable interior space Flow chart for theoretical framework The development theoretical framework to show the potential of integrating UD can be clarified as follow:The main body knowledge of the study become as showed above is Interior design and Universal Design. From the construct of each body knowledge, researcher attempt to focus only on design process and UD principles. From the center focus determine above researcher will explore the components or features that most pertinent in each part such the most com ponents requirement during design process is regulation and standard apply in the process together with human database that guided designer to provide an appropriate measurement in design. For the UD principles, expert and cholar from center for UD North Carolina has established seven principles related to usable and accessible design features theory that have been accepted worldwide. From the above components and features researcher will scrutinize both to comprehend the integration. From the integration process researcher will identify the appropriate method how to put it into the practice. As a result, through literature review and researcher experience the best modus operandi to integrate both body-knowledge is through considerate on selection and placement of usable design features in interior design process.To perform the modus operandi described above, researcher has identified four interior interventions that most reported generate some obstacles to the users in their daily activities. Those interventions related to daily activities can be illustrated as follow: Entrance features An entrance is made up of several components: * Actual door * Interior and exterior floor/ ground area in the immediate proximity of the door * Threshold * Door hardware (door handle) The entrance features in this research is about the main access or passageway for the purpose of get in and out the building.An entrance features includes door and size of the opening, floor features, threshold, and the hardware of the entry door such as the door handle. Those features are important to determine whether users can use and access easily or with fairly obstacles or with major barrier that permit them from getting in and out the house at their preferred abilities, to start perform others daily activities. Internal Door features * Door width * Floor features between the door * Threshold * Door hardware (door handle)Internal door can be described as a main opening component on the wall that provides access to interior spaces. The features to be analyzed are the characteristics of the door component such as door handle, door width, opening operation of the door (in or out swing) and floor features between the door and the threshold. Those listed features are directly contact in user’s daily activities such as to relocating themselves from one space to another space to perform daily activities. Vertical circulation: StaircaseIncluded all components at the staircase: * Design of the staircase * Railing size and design * Handrail size and design Vertical circulation is more on studying the staircase features that consist of handrails, railing features and staircase design. This is because staircase is the main building component that connects two different levels of the spaces in the building (please disregard on technology such as lift and escalator because this study only focused on fundamental design features in interior design).Therefore by understanding s taircase components features described above related to nature of use by human will be significant to support them in reposition from different level of the interior spaces. Electrical power point Contents with several electrical devices: * Electrical switches (location and proportion) * Electrical socket (location and proportion) The components of electrical power point in this research are limited to electrical switches and socket terminals specifically focused on location or position and proportion of height in interior design.These design features of electrical power points are important because in today life, human activities depends a lots on electrical devices to support their needs and activities. Those electrical power points are components that are used daily in a interior design space to pursue daily activities such as switching on and off the lights, computers and television for entertainment and also for cooking purposes and etc. 1. Main body-knowledge: Universal Design Principles Universal Design in this research goes far beyond removal barrier issues.UD in this study is more toward physical access and use of the interior space where interior design is not simply an obstacle to be negotiated. UD is more related to user’s interaction with many different features in the living environment and product use that often user rely on it when in the interior space. Therefore researcher concludes that UD principles is pertinent in interior design to give an idea and as guidance for creating usable and accessible living environment in supporting diverse users in Malaysia 2. Main body-knowledge: Interior designInterior design field known as one of architecture division that addresses large and complex issues related to interior space planning and the end users. Research has stated that 90 percent of human activities take place in the interior space (ASID 2007). With that finding it showed that interior design become a very important part in human live to move forward in daily activities. As refer to America Society of Interior Design (ASID) interior designer is a profession that required a holistically understands about the end users in creating a living environments that support their daily activities.For that reason, researcher foresees the end users should be a central focus of the creation in interior design. This is because; users have direct connected with the built environment where they should feel trouble-free to use and access the interior space. A fundamental goal of interior design is generally to make a space that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, often catered specifically to the needs of users. Interior Design is the imaginative blend of art and science in the design of environments or people that involve the adaptation of natural and human-made environments. In general Interior design engages both in public and private buildings or spaces. Historically, interior design was reserved primarily for roy alty and the aristocracy. Now, in the modern world, Interior Design is known as a line of work that give a total creative solution for interior spaces through conceptual planning, aesthetic value and technical solutions related to human needs.But through researcher experience and observation many interior practices in Malaysia, are enthusiastic in showing their design creativity through style, fashion, furnishing and advance technology which the practicality of the living space related to end users was attend after the whole conceptual phase completed and normally was assign to the technical person such as assistant designer or draughtsman to complete the job. As a result, the interior space that supposes to be as a conducive living space to support users in daily activities becomes a space of appreciation only, because it is good to be used.Therefore a new shift of thinking to bring interior design beyond of the definition as an added value in architecture need to put away. Althoug h the ultimate design goal of interior design is to enhancement the space, renovation

Sunday, September 29, 2019

EU-Belarus Relations

This paper will utilize 5 articles from around the world on the question of the relations between Belarus and the European Union. The purpose here is to unmask the propaganda, the unsubstantiated rumors and western-sponsored attacks on Belarus and specifically, its president, Alexander Lukashenko, wildly popular in Belarus itself. The Moscow Times (May 4, 2009), speaks of the possibility of Lukashenko boycotting the EU’s summit in Prague that same week. There are two reasons given for this.First, that the visit might â€Å"irritate† some EU members, and secondly, that part of the agenda of the meeting is to promote the â€Å"economic integration† of eastern Europe within a EU run framework. Both of these reasons are telling. First, the economic success of Belarus outside of the system financed by the International Monetary Fund has threatened the European Union and the United States. The endless accusations of vote rigging and oppression are belied by the fact th at Lukashenko is overseeing a huge expansion of the post-Soviet economy of Belarus, and that he holds to a solid popularity rating of 80%, this after over 10 years in office.The Los Angeles Times (September 25, 2005) has said: â€Å"even [Lukashenko’s] fiercest opponents don’t question the accuracy of independent polls that rate him the most popular politician in this country. † Yet, the major papers and agencies here do not make reference to it at all. From the Financial Times (May 2, 2009), the Belarussian foreign Minister, Sergei Martinov, fears that the Prague Summit would have turned into a competition for Belarussian support. In other words, that the EU was using this summit to lure Belarus away from Russia.Martinov said that â€Å"We are not going to make a choice between the EU and Russia. We are not going to develop relations with one at the expense of relations with the other. † It seems that the fears of Lukashenko and his government are justif ied here. The only rational reason why the EU, whose public contempt for Lukashenko is daily made clear, would want Belarus to attend the Prague summit is so that they can take Belarus away from the protection of Russia with the aim of altering her highly successful political system.What other government would tolerate this? It seems more that the EU seeks the cooperation of Belarus, at least partially because Russian oil pipelines and much refining capacity goes straight thought Belarussian territory. While the EU publically condemns Belarus for vague crimes, the Belarussian foreign trading regime has been heaving tilted towards the EU and away from a dependence on Russia. Belarus is skillfully playing both sides, making herself indispensable for both the Russian and the European sphere of influence.The fact is that, vague denunciations aside, Belarus still sports a large trade and budget surplus, high economic growth rates and an unemployment rate of around 1%. These numbers are d ifficult to argue with, and hence, the EU’s approach has now been directed more towards dialogue rather then confrontation. In April 29, 2009, the Euro-Business newspaper from Brussels came out with a scathing article attacking Belarus from a Polish point of view.It relates the president of the European parliament’s condemnation of Belarussian policies while speaking in Poland, and reminds readers that Lukashenko was under a EU imposed travel ban lifted only in October. But what are the facts here. Again, the president of the rather toothless EU parliament attacks Belarus for a lack of democracy. But Belarus has 14 independent and rather large political parties, some pro-Lukashenko, some opposed. Belarus has dozens of privately owned newspapers of diverse backgrounds, including the large anti-government Charter 97 news agency.Apparently, the issue is not over â€Å"democracy† but Belarus’ strong sense of national independence, including in terms of econom ic integration with the EU. Pro-Belarussian professor Matthew Johnson had this to say about the situation in Belarus: In Belarus, a country the size of Kansas, there are about 800 newspapers. Of this, about 600 are privately owned. There are about 450 magazines are various kinds. Of these, about 300 are owned by private investors or entrepreneurs. In television, there are 9 state owned stations, and about 40 stations owned by private investors (Johnson, 2006).On April 30, 2009, the Soros owned Radio Free Liberty newspaper wrote that â€Å"Czech President Vaclav Klaus has said he would neither shake Lukashenko's hand nor invite him to the Prague castle if he comes to the Czech capital. † No reasons for this immature overreaction are given. It does strongly suggest that the EU and the US are putting quite a bit of pressure on European leaders to freeze out the independent Lukashenko. His economic success and thriving democracy are a threat to the west where democracy is synonym ous for â€Å"integration with the west.† Lukashenko’s independent course and economic success far and above either Poland and Czech Republic in terms of incomes and unemployment (cf. World Bank Report, 2009). The Russian News and Information Agency wrote on February 18, 2009, that â€Å"The EU plans to include Belarus in its new program, Eastern Partnership, on the condition that Minsk complies with EU demands on the country's democratization. † In other words, Belarus can be a part of Europe so long as she ceases to be an independent country and permits Brussels to restructure her domestic policy.And would Great Britain like it if Belarus refused to ship any oil to Europe unless she pull out of Northern Ireland? This is about power, and the foreign policy independence of Belarus. Refusing to follow any western line, Belarus has strong economic and military ties with Iran, China and Vietnam, hence standing in the way of western foreign policy. This seems to hav e more to do with the EU’s contempt for Minsk than anything else. But often, the newspapers dealt with here refuse to deal with the major issues.First, none of the above papers ever dealt with the economic success of Belarus, even when such success is seconded by the World Bank statistics themselves. Second, they refuse to deal with Lukashenko’s popularity and, lastly, refuse to deal with the long history of the CIA in attempting to destabilize that country, hence prompting Lukashenko’s paranoia about foreign manipulation. Paul Labarique writes in the Non-Aligned Press Network: The Bush administration’s many attempts to overthrow Alexander Lukashenko and destabilize Belarus to bring it to the North Atlantic orbit (NATO) have failed.Not precisely because the extremely authoritarian president has had the support of Russia, but because it has relied on his voters. Appreciating the country’s good economic performance and the maintenance of their indepe ndence, the Belarusian distrusted an opposition too openly submitted to Washington’s interests (February 18, 2005) While this is a dated reference, it does show that many are suspicious about the so-called anti-Lukashenko opposition and the CIA’s long running interference in Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Georgian and Belarussian elections.But none of this is spoken of in the major media outlets in America or the EU. The more recent articles dealt with in this paper refuse to deal with any of the major issues involved with the west’s irrational attacks on Lukashenko. But what are the newspapers leaving out? Apparently they are under a great amount of stress to paint Lukashenko in the most dire colors possible. But this is a problem: if the major newspapers worldwide are refusing the report the truth, than what does this say?It says that, especially in more obscure parts of the world, CIA involvement can lead to distorted reporting for reasons of â€Å"national se curity. † Or it may be merely that the reporters involved do not want to be thrown out of the country club, or that, even more, the Radio Free Europe report is motivated by the fact that the Soros NGO’s were thrown out of Belarus some years ago as agents of the CIA. Either way, the fact remains that newspaper reporting is highly suspect, and yet, the issues here are tremendous: Russia is a nuclear armed country, and pushing Belarus too hard is, to some extent, pushing Russia.To re-create the Cold War is likely not the best idea in the world, and the fact that Belarus is reaching out to China and Venezuela suggests that an alternative trading and military bloc is being formed. The picture the newspapers paint of Lukashenko is an unrestrained tyrant. Yet that is not backed up by facts in any forum. Hence, in reading papers about the relations between Lukashenko and the EU, one must be wary of the bias of the authors. The issues that the authors are not bringing up either because they are too ignorant of the subtleties, or they are under pressure, are that first, Belarus is an economic and political success.Lukashenko enjoys wide popularity and has controlled the effects of both the breakup of the USSR and the current economic crisis. But Lukashenko’s policies have been driven by state independence and the desire for a multi-polar world. This has led to threats from the west that has led further to the realignment of Belarussian politics towards anti-western centers throughout the world, including the crucial area of nuclear power (Kommersant, 2006). The west’s policies in this respect have been failures.But it is also clear that the media is also a major power behind the attacks on Lukashenko, often without the facts and research necessary to make sense out of the complex political situation of small states in a hostile environment. Obviously the media is misreporting the situation in Belarus. It seems to this writer that the real reas on Belarus is a threat is that they are an economic successful nation outside of the integrative structures of the west and its banks.Luskahenko has refused to permit his country to come under the control of the west, and has pursued a strategy of international equality, seeing all states as equal and as contributing to global justice. As a result he is vilified in the press, as some of the newspaper reports mentioned here show. History is in the making indeed, and it is being made by a handful of reporters and journalists in elite newspapers. References: Barber, Tony. â€Å"Belarus Fears Battle for Regional Influence. † The Financial Times. May 2, 2009. Moscow Times. â€Å"Lukashenko Expected to Skip EU’s Prague Summit.May 4, 2009 EU Business. â€Å"European Parliament Chief Calls for Democracy in Belarus. April 29, 2009. Radio Free Liberty. â€Å"Belarussian President Will not Attend Prague Summit. † April 30, 2009. Labareque, Paul. â€Å"Belarussians Defen d their Interests. † Non Aligned Press Network. February, 15, 2005 Johnson, Matthew Raphael. Belarus: A New Look. The American Journal for Russian and Slavic Studies, 2006. Kommersant. â€Å"Lukashenko Speaks Chinese. † May 24, 2006 World Bank. Belarus. 2009. (Cf www. worldbank. org/by) for all the statistical information on the Belarussian economy.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The President vs. a Bum

The president is a very important person. Homeless people are not. Society has many â€Å"rungs† on the so called â€Å"social ladder. † A homeless person would probably be at the bottom. Where as, the president would be near the top. A rich and powerful man like the president means a lot more to the world than a homeless man. If the president were shot the whole country would cry, but if a homeless man was shot few would shed a tear. The president of the United States known by everyone. He works and lives in the white house, which is in Washington D. C. The white house has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms.President George Washington decided where the house was to be built in 1791. He is the leader of our country. He has a lot of responsibilities he must take care of every day. Some of which include, signing off on new bills and laws, and making sure they are enforced. When Congress sends him a new law, he may or may not agree to sign it. He lets Congress know about new laws he thinks should be passed. Leaders of other countries meet with the president to solve problems in the world by signing treaties. He decides how America will act toward other countries and he represents our country here and around the world.He is considered the commander in chief, which means he is the leader of our armed forces. They help to keep the country safe. He also flies his own plane. It's called Air Force One. It has accommodation for the president to eat, sleep, and work. Presidents through out time have played a major role in the history of the world. Homeless people are regular nobodies that have nothing to their name. They have no permanent place to live, so they stay where they can, often a shelter or free housing complex. They have been known to sleep in abandoned cars. Most homeless people have little to no responsibilities.Most of the time the only thing they look for is their next drink. You can see them outside of your locale gas station begging for change. They will say it's for something to eat or some other necessity, but it's a trick to feed their alcohol or drug addiction. Some homeless people have no friends or family. Others, all they have are the other homeless people whom they consider their friends. It can be very harsh living on the street. They are always in danger of being beat up, robbed, or even killed. Their interaction with the outside world turn out bad in most cases.They will work for food because most are at risk of starving to death because they have no money. Things that homeless people say and do don't mean very much to most people. They do not play any positive role in our everyday lives. The president and mere homeless man are very different. The president has an enormous amount of impact on everyone. Homeless people only make a negative impact on the people around them. That's a great example of how the social ladder in society today works. I would much rather be the president than a homeless person.

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Influence of the Advertisement spokespersons on Consumers Purchase Essay

The Influence of the Advertisement spokespersons on Consumers Purchase Intention--A Case Study of Cosmetic - Essay Example vel of either the need of the product itself or the ability of the product or brand to fulfill a need of the customer, thus making the customer aware of the brand/product. Consumer behavior marks the study of the way different people in any general or specific target market as they try to select the different items for purchase and what patterns are associated with buying behavior. Today, celebrities such as TV/Movie stars, musicians and athletes are used frequently in advertisements as companies believe that they have a powerful image and can market their products well. The increase has been even more exaggerated in cosmetic companies and FMCGs. The availability of numerous advertisement channels however raises many questions for companies. They brands have to find an optimal fit between target audience, product and advertisement. To satisfy this need is the aim of this research. The research would analyze the effect the importance of Spokes Person in advertisement effectiveness. Therefore research would study the effect of Spokes person in cosmetics buying decision in various consumers, to understand and identify the different elements which can effect consumer buying decisions. The effects of celebrity endorsement have been very positive for companies. During the ‘cola wars’ celebrity endorsement was a very important factor that defined the marketing strategy of both companies. Both were pop stars and created a very positive and hip brand perception for both their brands. This factor is even more relevant if the product being introduced is an alien product to the consumer. Consumers usually do not remember the names and brands of these items. However if the brand is associated to a celebrity then the customer can better remember the name of the product or brand. The research shows strong evidence that the purchase intent of the consumer can be greatly affected by the spokes person. This has been shown both by the positive response from the customers and

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Marketing your self Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing your self - Essay Example exam accorded me with what entails a â€Å"30-second commercial† hence raising my focus and attention to such commercial since they may hold the key to a great job opportunity. The â€Å"riffle approach† to marketing online as defined in the exam is important in ensuring a precise and effective online presentation where potential employers could trace me. The exam also acquainted me with the facts that there are less jobs advertisements. This helps me to adapt other avenues of seeking for a job and the knowledge that jobs are there even though they do not feature in adverts. The knowledge of having multiple, effective and visible resumes online is quite crucial because it helps me create a platform to market myself for a job online. However, the fact that not all resumes get attention encourages me to remain consistent and persistent on my job submissions. Nevertheless, the exam cautioned me against taking a resume to a network meeting as it lowers ones credibility. The information on networking will help me to share information and contacts on job opportunities with others where 65%-85% of jobs come through networking. The exam informed me on the importance of academic projects and internships in job interviews. The examination informed on how to treat job requirements before attending an interview. This is significant as it sets th e minimum qualifications for any job. In conclusion, the exam prepares me to market myself, job searching, attending an interview, and negotiating a job offer (Alobaidali

John Ronald Reuel Tolkein Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

John Ronald Reuel Tolkein - Essay Example Tolkien asserted his creation of Middle-earth occurred a long time prior to the October Revolution of 1917. Tolkien's mother taught him Latin, French, and German, and in school he picked up Old and Middle English as well as Finnish, Greek, Italian, and Spanish. Furthermore, J. R. R. learned some Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Russian, Swedish, among a list of other dialects. In his honor, certain things have been named after J. R. R. Tolkien. One is the Tolkien Road in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and another is an asteroid named in 1982. A doctoral position at Oxford also bares his name. John Ronald Reuel (J. R. R.) Tolkien has become one of the most celebrated English authors of our time. Investigating details about him helps us better appreciate the accomplishments of this writer. In so doing, it is helpful to review his life and work. Many are familiar with his literary work, but who was J. R. R. Tolkien as a person J. R. R. Tolkien was born January 3, 1892 in Bloemfontein, South Africa (Carpenter 14). His father, Arthur Reuel Tolkien was an English bank manager who moved to South Africa with his wife Mabel for a promotion (Carpenter 14). When J. R. R. was small, a baboon spider bit him in the garden. That moment is represented in The Hobbit as the giant spider (Carpenter 13). When J. R. R. ... When J. R. R. was three years old, he and his mother went on an extended visit to England. While they were there, his father died of fever in Africa. Summary, p. 24 Card 11: Family Carpenter When he was only 12, Tolkien's mother died of diabetes. She was only 34 but insulin had not been discovered yet and at she could not be treated. Paraphrase, p. 31 Card 12 Racism "Racism" Some of Tolkien's critics accused him of racist undertones n his early writings. As a result, he deliberately mitigated these interpretations in later works. Paraphrase, p. 557 Card 13 Friendship Carpenter Tolkien was known to have been good friends with C. S. Lewis. Tolkien even convinced Lewis to turn from Atheism to Christianity. Summary, p. 119 Card 14 Views New Line Cinema Tolkien disliked the dangers and licentious nature of the modern world. He saw them as a scourge upon the environment and rode a bike instead of driving a car most of his life as an adult. Paraphrase Card 15 Views New Line Cinema This attitude was much apparent in the forced mechanization of the Shire from Lord of the Rings. It was one of the more serious undertones of the epic. Summary Card 16 Religion Bofetti Tolkien admitted to being deeply influenced by the Catholic Church. It is evident in much of his imagery and style. Summary, p. 32 Card 17 Spiders Carpenter When J. R. R. was small, a baboon spider bit him in the garden. That moment is represented in The Hobbit as the giant spider. Summary, p. 13 Card 18 Books Carpenter Tolkien did not like Treasure Island . To him, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was amusingly distressing. Paraphrase, p. 22 Card 19 Wife Carpenter Tolkien met Edith Mary Bratt when he moved into the rooming house where she

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

2.Critically consider the use of eyewitness testimony in criminal Essay

2.Critically consider the use of eyewitness testimony in criminal investigation. In what way have forensic psychologists. contribute to the solution of some of the issues raised about its use - Essay Example There are many reasons why errors in eyewitness evidence can occur. Given a situation where a witness has seen a crime take place from a considerable distance and late at night is less likely to make an accurate identification of the accused than a witness who has had more favourable viewing conditions. A good illustration of the impact of situational variables on eyewitness memory is illustrated by an Australian appeal case, Dominican v Queen4. The accused was charged with attempted murder. The appeal case was based on appellant claims that the trial judge misdirected the jury on the issue of the identification of the gunman by failing to give specific warning concerning various features of the evidence of an eyewitness in the shooting. Nearly nine months elapsed before she formally identified him from photographs that had been altered to show the appellant wearing a wig and a false moustache. By that time, the appellant was a definite suspect. The witness had seen him on television on a number of occasions and allegedly in the vicinity of her home. According to the conditions of witnessing in Dominican case, she saw the gunman some distance away. She was hiding behind another vehicle. He was leaning across the passenger’s seat and he was disguised. Her opportunity to observe him was fleeting. Moreover, her first observation of the gunman took place after about 30 shots had been fired in her direction, after she had seen her husband shot through the hand, and after her husband physically pushed her head down. The direction the judge gave to the jury stated:† His Honour told the jury that ‘(s)udden and unexpected acts of violence such as Mrs F described in this case, can affect people caught up in the events in different ways. The terror of the occasion can serve to impress indelibly on the minds of some people the features of any one they see involved in it. With other people the effect may be

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

When Good People Do Bad Things At Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

When Good People Do Bad Things At Work - Essay Example or will tell him to do him a favour, and that is to obviously show a level of harshness to the other participants of the training program, the scripts will allow the subject to think it as part of the training in the first place, for the sake of obeying the superior and fulfilling the mission. Scripts therefore hinder an individual to realize what is morally upright or not. They could blind a person, because of the usual occurrence of event, making the subject to be widely immersed in it and to the point that it would become more blurry to think the obvious about of what is desirable or not, in terms of ethical criteria. Good people certainly do bad things, and it is clear that they might be oblivious of it due to the presence of scripts. Scripts are designed to concentrate a person’s mindset on his specific goal or assigned job. It is therefore important that once a role is given, the issue of compliance is in great issue. Compliance can be remarkably unethical at some point, because the bottom line intention of it is not actually to obey at the deeper sense, but just to secure one’s position or target personal goal. In the case of the training army, his constant exposure to training brings him a sense of thinking that he just has to comply with the requirements in order to pass, but that is at the bottom line selfish, considering that he might harm others in the process. 2. Distractions are there to everyone in order to prevent certain level of focus. Distractions are everywhere to take place in a person’s mind that at some point will have to eliminate the level of concentration allowing good people to do bad things, especially at work. Bad things may be in a form of discomfort to other individuals. For instance, an account officer of a certain company was in-charge of the computation of employees’ salary. A certain employee protested because his salary’s computation was wrong. It ignited him such fury and when the account officer heard of it they were

Monday, September 23, 2019

Controversy in the movie The Birth of a Nation and how it effected Essay

Controversy in the movie The Birth of a Nation and how it effected Jazz and blues for that time period - Essay Example The movie was in controversy even during its making and Griffith could release it after he took permission from the court. The NAACP even managed to have some of the movie's harshest scenes deleted particularly a scene proposing that blacks be sent back to Africa to keep the nation free from these violent and brutish forces (africanamericans.com par 5). The Birth of a Nation: Scenes that provoked protests: The controversial scenes from movie have incited racial crimes, protests and till date the screening of movie faces difficulties. The scene where a former black slave crudely proposes Fiona, A white girl and daughter of Cameron family. She turns down the proposal and runs into the forest. Gus pursues her and when the girl is trapped, seeing no way out she jumps to death to avoid being raped. The Klansmen search Gus, lynch him and leave the corpse at the doorstep of Silas Lynch. The Blacks are shown as violent, sexual miscreants in the movie, which enraged people. In yet another scene The Mulatto leader, Silas Lynch, who was governor to South, forces Elsie, the daughter of his mentor Austin Stoneman, to marry him. He traps her on her refusal and when Klansmen come to know his designs they ride to rescue her. Incidentally the rescue of Elsie is the highlight of movie as well. Here two sequences run parallel viz. Klansmen riding to rescue the girl and Lynch's military searching for Cameron boys and other Klansmen. There are other scenes where the whites of north are sheltered for 'Aryan Birthright' by Whites of south though they had been enemies earlier in the civil war (in Birth of a Nation by Griffith). The portrayal of the Klan in the movie also created a firestorm of controversy. In the movie, they are the heroes, saving their community from the violent, bloodthirsty Negroes. The movie is accused of reactivating the dormant Klan. The movie ends with the suppression of the black threat to white society by the glorified Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Which helped to subside some of America's fears about the rise of defiant, strong and sexual black men and the repeal of laws forbidding interracial marriage. The 'birth' (Shortened from full name of the movie) made many critics to Griffith's work so he made a sequel, almost equally magnificent four story epic about human intolerance titled Intolerance (1916). A group of i ndependent black filmmakers replied with director Emmett J. Scott's The Birth of a Race in 1919, A film to counterbalance the impact of Griffith's masterpiece, to show a more positive image of African-Americans, but it could not attract much public attention. Instead, black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux's first film, the feature-length The Homesteader (1919), and Within Our Gates (1919) proved more effective in rectifying the black image projected in Griffith's film (Dirk par 8). The controversies about 'The Birth of a Nation': In its absolutely idolized presentation of the KKK as heroes and Southern blacks as antisocial elements threatening to destroy the society by their violent behavior. Blacks were shown as villains and rapists. The

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Essay Example for Free

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Essay The central idea is the author’s implied comment on the subject of the story. In The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson, the central idea being told in the story is the danger of blindly following tradition because of traditions mark on society. Tradition plays a huge role in our society; it provides reason for certain actions amongst a community without really ever having a reason to do something outrageous to begin with. Jackson points out our human flaws by creating a story which seems wrong and unlawful by many people so that people could see that they take part in pointless festivities backed up by their tradition. The story has its way of getting to your head, constantly leaving one with unanswered questions and looming thoughts behind the motif of this story. In The Lottery, Jackson provides us with numerous amounts of details about the day of the lottery. The details are specific and play a huge part of the setting. In the first paragraph, Jackson describes the setting by giving us the date (June 27), time (about 10 a.m.), and temperature (warm). In this scene Jackson lists a couple of more important information such as the flowers and green grass, the town square, and the post office and bank. She even explains the specifics of the town, like how many people are living there, or which town neighbors this one, just so that we can see the difference between an older community who takes part in tradition, and a younger community who has forgotten the principles of tradition. All of these details account for the setting which acts as a huge role in understanding the central idea. Because Jackson sets the story firmly in a specific time and place, the reader may suggest that she does this so that one could recount the tradition of the lottery. The story continues with specifics in detail and sharp images that tend to build suspense towards every oncoming sentence. Jackson paints a world so familiar to us, and then twists reality around when unusual punishment takes its place through pure violence and disturbing images. More often than not, the setting supports the central idea of the story, so any changes in the story significantly alter the story. For instance, it’s hard to believe that something terrible could happen on a sunny day, but when tension rises, and someone has to go, a change in weather occurs as Mr. Summers lets the rest of the papers go with the breeze (a sudden wind pattern that wasn’t mentioned at all prior to this moment). Questions rise as to why many of the villagers left out many of the rituals of the tradition like the singing and the formal addressing of the people but did not forget about the most important part, the stoning. Jackson makes it clear that all that was remembered about the tradition were the violent parts. All the other bits and pieces of the tradition were forgotten so that the villagers could embrace that secure moment of killing. It may seem harsh, but it truly portrays the fin bit of blindly following tradition. The villagers’ acceptance of the lottery has allowed for an annual event to take place, that for some reason, no one can change. The villagers’ are powerless in accepting change, although no one is forcing them from keeping with their tradition around. The villagers’ are aware of how bad this is, but the fact that it’s a tradition merely suggests that it will keep going on, and for no reason to. In The Lottery, Old Man Warner suggests that it would be a foolish thing to do if they had stopped the lottery when he says,† Pack of crazy fools†¦listening to the young folks, nothings good enough for them. Next thing you know, theyll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more, live hat way for a while. Used to be a saying about Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon. First thing you know, wed all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns. Theres always been a lottery† (Jackson). And when he says, â€Å"There’s always been a lottery,† it is easy to conduct reasoning behind Jackson’s main point on loosely accepting tradition for what it is. For the villagers’, tradition is all the justification they need to continue on with their malicious actions.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Transferring Capital Or Funds From Savers To Borrowers

Transferring Capital Or Funds From Savers To Borrowers The financial institution is the process to provide the financial service to the people. It can also say is the institution collecting the funds from the public into the financial assets. It also verifies by the government, so it is safe for the people to using. The main function of the financial institution transfers the capital between savers and those who need capital. The financial activities and function provide by the financial institution are bonds, debentures, stocks, loans, risk diversification, insurance, hedging, retirement planning, investment, portfolio management, and many other types of related functions. The way use by financial institution to transfer the fund can be defined by 3 ways; there are direct transfers, indirect transfer and financial intermediaries. The first way of a financial institution is Direct transfer can also call ask direct transfers of money and securities. Direct transfer means the organization sells its stocks or bond directly to savers and without any type of financial institution. For example, the party A and B is the relatives and the parties A want to transfer the money to invest the party B organization by using direct transfer; it is without any financial institution or financial market so this is call direct transfer. The advantage of direct transfer is saving the money, it because using direct transfer is without any taxable. Direct transfer is without any taxable because direct transfer is a process straight transfers the money to other account and is wont going through any financial institution so the government will not charge the tax because government is not know about it. The disadvantage of using direct transfer is complex. It is possible become complex because direct transfer is making by the two part y without any financial institution and it not have the professional person to help properly transfer the money and making the agreement, so in future maybe will happen conflict between the parties. The second way for transferring capital or fund from savers to borrowers in the financial market is indirect transfer by using banking house. Indirect transfer is a process to transfer the capital or funds through the financial institution such as investment banking house. Investment banking house is like the agency to help the organization to transfers the bond or stock into the money. It normally use by an organization that underwrites and distributes new investment securities to help the organization obtain their financial. An underwriter serves as a middleman and facilitates the issuance of securities to the investor. For example, an organization sells the stocks or bonds to the investment bank and investment bank sells these same securities to the savers. The advantage of this financial institution is more efficient and fast to transfer the bond or stock into the financial assets. It is because investment bank has required the professionals to given the organization accurate information and help organization to make the transfer process more efficient and wont getting problem. The disadvantage of investment banking house is need to spend more time to wait the process done by the investment banking house. It is because company need to waiting the investment banker sell the bond or stock into the money. The banker could not be estimate when can sell the bond and stock to the saver. Next, investment banking house give more confidence to the saver. Investment banker will provide fully information about company to saver review and give professional guideline about the investment to avoid wrong investment. Therefore, the investment risk will decrease and the percentages of faced loss also will be reduce by using the investment banking, but it will increase the cost because need to pay the intermediaries fees. The third way for transferring capital or fund from savers to borrowers in the financial market is indirect transfer buy using financial intermediaries. The indirect financial institution can be separated into three types such as Investment Intermediaries, Contractual Saving Institutions, and Depository Institutions. Financial intermediary is an institution that acts as the middleman between investors and firms raising funds. Financial intermediary will using the funds from the saver to purchase other securities from other organization and hold it for gain the profitability. The three major functions of the financial intermediaries are maturity transformation, risk transformation and convenience denomination. Maturity transformation is converting short term liabilities to long term assets. Risk transformation is converting risky investments into relatively risk-free ones. Convenience denomination is matching small deposits with large loans and large deposits with small loans. Financial intermediaries accept the saver to use the loan or securities to invest their funds. The financial intermediaries will provide the loan plan to the saver to properly using the loan to invest. Financial intermediaries can help to reduce the time. It is because financial intermediaries can transfer the financial assets into the money by the faster way. This is mean financial intermediaries will buy the assets from the customer and sells it in future, so it can reduce the time because some of the assets need longer of period to sell it or transfer into the money. Therefore, some of the people will use financial intermediaries to solve their emergence financial problem. Financial intermediaries can also help the saver to reduce the transaction cost such as consulting fee for getting information. In this situation, financial intermediaries will provide the completely information or professional advice to help the investors making the decision. Financial institution can be separa ted into three types such as Investment Intermediaries, Contractual Saving Institutions, and Depository Institutions. Depository institution is a channel to receive the funds from the public or manage their funds to invest other organization to gain the profit. When gain the profit Depository institution will return some interest to the people who are invest the funds in the depository institution. Depository institution can be defined in few types, there are commercial banks, savings and loan associated credit union and mutual saving bank. Commercial bank is the financial institutions provide the loan, saving, transactional, money market account, insurance, and stock brokerage service to the public. The examples of the commercial bank in the Malaysia are Affin Bank, Arab-Malaysian Banking Group, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Citibank Malaysia, Exim Bank Malaysia, Hong Leong Bank and other. The advantage of using the commercial bank is the risk is lower. It is because commercial bank has stronger financial background, so it will not easy bankrupt or facing the financial problem such as facing loss in investment. The disadvantage of the commercial bank is the percentage of interest maybe lower than other financial institution. For example, interest rate provide by the insurance institution always higher than the commercial bank. Moreover, a savings and loan association (or SL), also known as a thrift, is a financial institution that specializes in accepting savings deposits and making mortgage and other loans. Mortgage means using the something such as house, land or assets to make the loan with the savings and loan association. If the people cannot pay back the loan, the house will be taken over by the savings and loan association. The advantage of the savings and loan association is interest of saving deposit is higher than the commercial bank. Therefore, people will choose it to saving their money to gain more interest. In the additional, mutual savings bank is also a type of thrift institution. The function just seems like saving and loan associations which obtain the funds from other and make loan such as mortgage loan. Credit union is a non-profit financial institution that is owned and operated entirely by a group of members such as employee. Credit unions provide financial services for their members, including savings and lending. The condition to join a credit union is a person must ordinarily belong to a participating organization. When a person deposits money in a credit union, the person will become the member of the credit union. Last, contractual saving institution is an institution that obtains funds at periodic intervals on a basis contractual. It is normally use for the longer period of time. It is mean if the contract dead line is not yet reach, the saver cannot taking back the money from the contractual saving institution. Contractual saving institution can be defines into two types, there are insurance institution and pension institution. Insurance institution normally provide some of insurance services such as investment insurance, life insurance, endowment insurance, accident insurance and other. Examples of the insurance institution in Malaysia are Potential, AIA, Am insurance, Greaten Eastern and some more. Pension Institution is an associated that collects the funds from the retired person to help them invest the funds and getting back the interest or profit. In conclusion, using indirect transfer way is more efficient and safe then using the direct transfer way. Indirect transfers way have more benefit to the user. It also provides more service to the user. So, based on my opinion, I encourage the people to using indirect transfer way to manage money or making the loan.