Prohibition in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Prohibition in Texas - Essay Example The citizens under the influence of alcohol formed temperance leading to a nationwide cry of alcohol prohibition. Various laws were passed by the congress in favor to the prohibition of alcohol consumption, but the laws started being in effect in 1920s. The prohibition in Texas was wanting because it led to the creation on unethical jobs like smuggling of products and services leading to reduction in government taxes and revenues as potentials business men dealing in liquor were evading taxation. The rise of a drinking problem in Texas led to the formation of various groups known as temperance movements. These groups were instituted to control the high drinking that was a social and an economic menace (Roth 20). Individuals who were heavy drinkers did not contribute to the economic development since they spent most of their time unconscious. Secondly, the individuals involved in criminal activities caused pain to the citizens as they robed citizens of their sweat and hard work. The g roups taught the citizens on the importance of staying sober and disadvantages of getting intoxicated. They first approach group came with the idea to create moderation in the use of intoxicants, but as time passed, they changed their campaigns and focused on complete prohibition of alcohol consumption. ... The Act also constituted fines and sentences for those found deviating from the laws (May 19). Prohibition in Texas was, however, not a success as it did not curb the citizens from drinking alcohol in the region. Individuals who promoted the sell of alcohol in Texas were gangsters who hired individuals to ferry alcohol from other parts like Germany into Texas. The Drys who were appointed in Texas were not efficient enough as they did not lead to a complete prohibition of liquor consumption in Texas (Baker 161). This was because the law was not enforced leading to the continuance of alcohol consumption in various parts of Texas and in large North America. The prohibition led to conflicts in the national and Texas politics. This was because the government was divided with regard to the law of prohibition as a majority of them feared that prohibiting liquor consumption would lead to closure of employment opportunities to the citizens within the country. This was because a section of the citizens had resorted to the sale and manufacture of liquor as their main source of livelihood and snatching this from them meant taking their main source of livelihood. Prohibition in Texas was more of a moral than a political issue. Although politics contributed heavily in the Texas prohibition, this was majorly inspired by a few politicians who took the task of crusaders and campaigned on the impacts of intoxication and benefits of prohibition. Governor Colquit was an example of a political crusader who proposed the Texas prohibition law on the Democratic Party in the United States. Individuals were influenced by the instincts to propose the Texas prohibition as it was a source of misery to many families. In addition, abuse of liquor did not improve their economic status rather

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Marketing - Essay Example The financial services sector would include banking, life assurance and pensions, investment management and asset servicing apart from general insurance, corporate finance, and broking services sectors. The factors that affect the financial services industry are the government regulation and deregulation from time to time, global competition, changing customer preference behavior. Availability of skilled staff is essential. Marketing financial services, irrespective whether it is face-to-face or through direct marketing channels, comes with a high cost. If human element is eliminated, the electronic set up costs is high. Marketing of services is a bigger challenge than marketing of products. Various reasons account for this and hence strategic marketing plans have to be devised for this. The most important differentiation is that products have well defined parameters and the customer can base his decision to some extent on that. Services on the other hand are intangible. In services marketing, it depends to a large extent on the customer. Two different people would react differently to a given situation. Marketing a product is on the premise that there is a market of millions. Hence, all related services like delivery, demonstration and after sales service can be built accordingly. As far as marketing financial services is concerned, each individual is a market in himself. Customer relationship management is essential here. Transactional analysis is important because it helps to derive customer knowledge to offer and improve the services. The service staff can also be trained based on this informati on. In marketing financial services, various factors have to be taken into account. Financial services come with a high element of risk attached to it. Marketing of products and general services require the four P’s (product, price, place and promotion) but in marketing of financial services two

Impact of Strategic Planning Processes

Impact of Strategic Planning Processes 1. Briefly explain strategic management in your own words. Strategic management is the process of describe the organizations mission, vision and objectives, developing policies and plans, projects and programs in order to achieve the objectives of the firm, and then distribute resources to conduct the policies and plans, projects and programs. In other words, strategic management is the ways of drafting, implementing and evaluating cross-functional decisions that will enable an organization to achieve its long-term objectives. (David, 1989). Strategic management involves adapting the organization to its business environment. Strategic management is a level of managerial activity under setting goals and over Tactics. Strategic management provides overall direction to the enterprise. The features of the strategic managements are as following: Strategic management is non-repetitive so each conditions is unique and requires to be assessed in its own circumstances. Strategic management provides direction to entire organization. Strategic management requires strategy formation and implementation. Strategic management is partially planned and partially unplanned. Strategic management is done at several levels: overall corporate strategy, and individual business strategies. Strategic management involves both conceptual and analytical thought processes. In conclusion, strategic management is an ongoing process that evaluates and controls the business and the industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors; and then reassesses each strategy annually or quarterly to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needs replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic environment., or a new social, financial, or political environment (Lamb, 1984). 2. How do you explain the success of firms that do not use a formal strategic planning process? Success in todays business environment requires that a companys leaders have the ability to create a vision of the organizations future direction as well as the course it needs to get there. Strategic management is concerned with the future success of the business and may entail major changes in the benefits to be offered customers, in organizational capacity, and in competitive posture. When we look at the internal and external factors in the business we are doing, we see that the factors such as market segments, competition, economy, regulations, etc. are changing regularly. Without challenging all of those working assumptions, particularly market segments, competition, opportunities, threats, industry scenario and winners profile, the company cannot craft their revised course and direction, goals, objectives and action plans. So, strategic planning helps organization set a much clearer direction for the future. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. By acting on this, strategic management actually gives the organization direction, a sense of identity and unity towards what the business goal. Strategic management has an importance of towards business success. In conclusion, strategic management takes into consideration the companys vision and mission. Strategic management helps in achieving the organizational goals in an effective and efficient manner and monitoring the implementation of strategy using a system interlinked with the long term vision of the corporations. Improved strategic management processes may also facilitate the development of the more complex management structural that are needed as firms grow. 3. Few people reach the top-management level. Why, then, is it important for all business majors to study the field of strategic management? Management is known as the highest level of business planning. Strategic Managements focus is to build a strong business foundation which will subsequently reflect on collaborated efforts involving each and every single individual of an organization so strategic management process is the concern of every single person in the organization because of this issue, it is important for all business majors to study the field of strategic management. In more detailed terms, strategic management determines what the objectives of a business are. How to develop the ways of achieving the determined objectives and what are the resources needed in order to achieve the objectives. It also covers the core objectives of an organization; it involves developing a mission statement wherein it covers the landscape assessment of the organization, such as how the operations would run and who will be the people assigned to play the key roles within the organizations landscape. Another area is the vision statement, wherein through Strategic Management, the organization will establish key objectives to respond to the gray areas and unmet needs of their business, deciding for which will entail consideration of both short-term and long-term offerings of the organization. Every person included major should study the strategic management in order to know and implement their responsibilities towards the companys missions. The next step of strategic management is to develop a strategic plan which will efficiently and effectively run in order to meet their goals and objectives. In formulating a strategic plan, Strategic Management comes in to delegate individuals who are equipped with the adequate knowledge, experience and skills with the needs and objectives of the business. After delegation, distribution of responsibilities for tasks and processes will follow which calls for the combined efforts of all employees, in this phase they would need to effectively communicate their responsibilities and determine their deliverables. As a final point, strategic management calls for the allocation of the precise quantity of resources to the diverse aspects of the business in order for those assigned to the specific goals will be able to attain their objectives. This varies from providing the employees with the exact resources to ratifying systems wherein employees will receive the essential and needed training, all processes of work are tested, and at the same time all generated data and information is well documented. In order to effectively and strategically manage the business, every facet of the organization should meet their needs so that in the long run, all aspects of the work involved will run seamlessly and will function as an integrated whole. 4. In what ways do you believe the strategic planning approach of not-for-profit organizations would differ from that of profit-oriented organizations? Simply put, strategic planning determines where an organization is going over the next year or more, how its going to get there and how itll know if it got there or not. The focus of a strategic plan is usually on the entire organization. The focus of the planning activities is often different between for-profits and nonprofits. The typical profit seeking firm relies almost solely on the sale of its good and services to the public for its sales and revenue. For-profits tend to focus more on activities to maximize profit. On the other hand, nonprofits tend to focus more on matters of board development, fundraising and volunteer management. Not-for-profit organizations also serve the public as profit seeking companies but those firms mostly depend on membership fees, endowments, donations, contributions in addition to revenue. Their priority is not maximizing their profit because they have other incomes. So the target usage of strategic planning is different for profit seeking and not for profit organizations. However, not for profit organizations may use strategic planning for their fund raising operations. A strategic plan doesnt guarantee theyll reach or exceed their fund-raising goals. But at the very least, it provides them with a clear, well-lighted path to reach them. Fund raising in the absence of a good strategic plan is like going on a hike in the middle of the night without a flashlight or map. In conclusion, because of the structure and target difference between profit seeking and not for profit organizations, their priorities about revenue are different. So they use strategic planning for different purposes. Case Study Exercises: 1. What do Michael Moores documentary, wealthy Saudi investors such as the bin Laden family, George H.W. Bush, and former Prime Minister John Major have to do with the transformation of the Carlyl Group? When the founders of the company close to the retirement age, they decided to refashion their firm radically. They want their firm more ambitious, more diverse and more lasting. Before the decision, some of the wealthy Saudi investors had some money into the company. After 9/11, those Saudi investors might create a bad image on to public eye because none of the US citizen, want any of the company, person or country that support the terrorism. So, giving back of the Saudi investors money would be a big strike for the company. For instance, The Saudi Arabian relatives of Osama bin Laden were also investors in Carlyle until October 2001 when the family sold its $2.02 million investment back to the firm in light of the public controversy surrounding bin Ladens family after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The bin Laden family has publicly disowned the al-Qaeda leader. Osama bin Laden has not publicly known or acknowledged economic interest in Saudi Binladin Group (SBG), whose investments were in part managed by the Carlyle Group until the arrangement was terminated by mutual consent (bibliotecapleyades.net). The other point is George H. W. Bush and John Mayor were their senior advisers. According to new radical change of Carlyle, it was told that those two were no longer a member of the Carlyle Family because they hurt the companys image. 2. Discuss two of the red flags that accompany Carlyls radical makeover. One of the red flag is regulations. U.S department of justice sent a letter to Carlyle asking information on club deals because the company was making good deals and their earnings are so big. Also the other issue is their huge portfolio caught the interest of the Federal Trade Commission. They made some constraints about their buyouts. The other red flag is easy access to capitals because easy access to capital now can set up big trouble for later on. If interest rates rise, opportunities to refinance dept will disappear, cash flows will shrivel and bankruptcies will occur. So, Carlyle made faster its buyouts and selling issues. For example, they bought the Hertz for $15 billion, just after 6 months, they earned $1billion dividend. Then they promptly took it to public again. 3. What steps has Carlyl taken to implement a participative approach to strategic decision making? After they decided to make radical change in company, they first started to change their image on public eye. They asked binladen family to take back their money. Also they wanted George H. W Bush and J. Mayer to leave the company. They hired new and publicly regarded people to underscore Carlyles commitment to portfolio diversification and upright corporate citizenship. Carlyle also pared back its defense holdings. In next stage they redefine the very nature of private equity. Carlyle has spread its money among no fewer than 48 funds around the world and launched a mind boggling 11 in 2005 and 11 in 2006. Also they diversed their expertise about buyouts and deals in a broad swath of alternative assets such as venture capital, real estate, collateralized debt organizations. Also they expect to increase the percentage of those other alternative assets. The other thing is, they avoid risks. According to them the more diverse the assets mean the better risk-adjusted returns. Strategic Management Plan 1 Describe your chosen business for this project in a one-page summary. I want to mention about Tesco PLC. Tesco PLC is a United Kingdom-based international supermarket chain. It is the largest British retailer, both by global sales and by domestic market share, and the fourth largest retailer in the world behind Wal-Mart of the United States, Carrefour of France, and The Home Depot of the United States. Tesco has a market value of about  £29.090 billion. Tesco has become quite a successful hypermarket today; expanding to countries like Hungary, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, South Korea and Malaysia and many more other countries. Its success is shown not only in its physical expansion, but in its internal control as well. Tesco is one of largest food retailers in the world, operating around 2,318 stores and employing over 326,000 people (tescoplc.com) Originally specializing in food, it has diversified into areas such as clothes, consumer electronics, consumer financial services, selling and renting DVDs, compact discs and music downloads, internet service consumer telecoms and most recently budget software. Also in recent years they expanded their product range to organic foods, healthy living/light choices, world foods, wholefoods, bakeryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ etc. Tesco practices the systematic delegation of the power within the organization; there are different roles and responsibilities assign among the executive committee, nomination committee, remuneration committee and audit committee to run the business efficiently and in an orderly manner. Their mission statement is creating value for customers to earn their lifetime loyalty. I can willingly say that this mission statement definitely shows Tescos approach to their customer. As I worked at one of Tescos branch for 6 months as the supplier to Tesco, they choose all the products for the stores meticulously. Their aim is to bring healthy, safe but cheap products into the stores. So their customers know that in spite of their cheap prices, their products are safe and healthy and they can buy and use them without hesitating. They create such an atmosphere and this pursuit carries them among top retail stores. 2 What form of communication about the strategic management process would be helpful to the employees in your organization prior to beginning the process? In my opinion, the determination of mission statements, and acceptance and implementation of them would be helpful to the employees in my organization at the beginning of the strategic management process because the mission statement defines the purpose of a company or organization. In clear terms it is guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a sense of direction, and guide decision-making. Mission statements contains of the purpose and aim of the organization, the organizations primary stakeholders: clients, stockholders, congregation, etc., responsibilities of the organization toward these stakeholders, and products and services offered. Mission of the company communicates the firm ´s core ideology and visionary goals. It should contain the company ´s core values, core purpose and visionary goals. While the visionary goals are selected the core values and purpose of the firms should be discovered. Values and purpose are in the company already, the mission just describes them. So, every strategic management process starts with the understanding of the actions and goals by the employees. Actually, the mission statement does not only deal with employees. Every single person in the organization should know the missi on of the organization and behave accordingly. In my organization the mission statement of Tesco is Creating value for customers, to earn their lifetime loyalty. In spite of their cheap retail price pursuit, they never give up from the design quality and safety of the products. When the Tesco buyers trying to put trendy styles to the stores, they also seek the safe and healthy products for costumers. So it means that the customer can buy the high quality and trendy products by paying very little money. This policy overlaps with the mission statement. The customers are happy with their purchase, they would come again and thus Tesco would earn their lifetime loyalty. So, that mission statement creates a force on employees that they should create such products to earn their lifetime loyalty. Every person in the organization pursue towards that goal. Whatever their duty is in the organization, their goal is the same so they are locked to achieve it.

And Then There Were None Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  And Then There Were None, written by Agatha Christie is a thrilling tale of ten people invited to a remote island by an unseen figure who never appears throughout the story. All those who were invited have pasts that they are hiding and many things to fear. The guests are cast upon Indian Island, an island off the coast of England around the 1930s. Strangers to each other, slowly they reveal their shameful pasts. Coincidently, the name which they were invited by, Mr. U. N. Owen sounds similar to that of the word â€Å"unknown.† Among the characters is a Mr. Wargrave, a recently retired judge, who is intelligent, cold, and commanding. He takes leadership on the island after the killings begin. Wargrave is the first to insist publicly that they are dealing with a homicidal maniac, and the first to acknowledge that the killer must be part of their group. Vera Claythorne is witty and believes she was hired as a secretary to Mrs. Owen. Philip Lombard, a mysteri ous man, served as a soldier in Africa and often carries a gun with him. Among the other characters are William Blore, an ex-detective, and Dr. Armstrong who thinks he has been hired to look after the wife of the island’s owner. Emily Brent, General Macarthur, Tony Marston think they have been invited for a visit with old friends. And Then There Were None examines justice, but it bends the manifestation by making the victims of murder, people who committed murder themselves. It expresses the theme of what the burden of one’s own guilty conscience can lead that person to perform.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Upon arriving on the island, they are greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers who were hired as the butler and housekeeper. That evening after dinner they hear a recorded voice accusing each of them of a specific murder committed in the past and never uncovered. Talking about the accusations, they realize none of them actually have ever met or know â€Å"Mr. U.N. Owen.† As they ponder this mysterious matter, Tony Marston chokes on poisoned whiskey and dies. Vera Claythorne observes similarities between the death of Marston and the first verse of a nursery rhyme, â€Å"Ten Little Indians,† that hangs in each bedroom. The next morning the guests find that Mrs. Rogers apparently died in her sleep. The guests hope to leave that morning, but the boat that regularly delivers supplies to the island do... ...gives the book a wonderful plot and ending. The book addresses the idea that only the dead are above suspicion. A baffling mystery, And Then There Were None can be enjoyed by even the most immature [of people]. â€Å"Ten Little Indians† Ten little Indian boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine. Nine little Indian boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight. Eight little Indian boys traveling in Devon; One said he'd stay there and then there were seven. Seven little Indian boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in halves and then there were six Six little Indian boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five. Five little Indian boys going in for law; One got in Chancery and then there were four. Four little Indian boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three. Three little Indian boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one of them and then there were two. Two little Indian boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one. One little Indian boy left all alone; He went and hanged himself... And then there were none

Conservation of natural resources and physical environment Essay

It is a fact that population growth or its decline is a resultant effect of both births and deaths or in some countries; immigration and emigration are indeed significant factors of this phenomenon. The carrying capacity as defined by specialists is that maximum number of persons that can be comfortably supported in a particular environment without posing any possible threats of depletion of the available resources in the near future. It thus not only considers space availability but also emphasizes on the importance of relating the numbers to the available resources as well as the potential of the earth system as a whole to support them (S. P. Hays, 1986). It is therefore important to realize that human beings are part and parcel of the world’s ecosystem and its only valuable for them to preserve its best. The ecosystems has constantly undergone modifications by humans not only as a consequence of population expansion but also due to enhanced technological know how and human consumption. It is the human race that has in the past destroyed habitats, polluted his own environment that has adversely changed the atmosphere hence threatening global stability. Experts have further warned that these observable negative impacts could see the ecosystem undergo irreversible damages if not quickly addressed. Conservation of natural resources involves good management, wise and proper utility of the abundant earth resources by man (D. W. Ehrenfeld, 1972). Read more: Essay About  Conservation of Natural Resources This is not only for economic reasons but also for the survival of the new generation to come. Wood and wood products for instance, form the fundamental economic gain from forests but it is also worth noting that most forest zones are the major water catchment points and since water is life, then, it is only fair to preserve forests so as to support life. The human race has therefore developed interest in the study of his environment with the intention of understanding it better. These studies have not been fruitless sine certain scientific fields like ecology which deeply analyses living organisms in relation to each other and their physical environment have significantly improved man’s understanding of the ecosystem by bringing out clearly the vital roles of specific organisms in the universe. Through this information, man has comprehended that his survival depends on the other part of the system as well. The principle â€Å"Energy is neither created nor destroyed† suggests the capacity of the earth’s self renewal but also raises a particular concern over nonrenewable energy resources that are fast getting depleted! It is for this noble purpose that various nations have set up their own policies on environmental conservation with the major aim of achieving better and healthy lives for their citizens now and in the future. However some countries like Iraq and others in record have no restrictions to various areas considered ‘special’ environmentally especially considering the fact that some wildlife in those parts are at a risk of getting extinct. This therefore brings the big debate on whether its really necessary to conserve our environment? Since the mid-nineteenth century, the globe has recorded increasing mean atmospheric temperatures, a phenomenon attributed to the emission at extremely high levels, of greenhouse gases. This warming trend has been traced to originate from human activities. As much as we are fast to point blame on industries and other businesses, research has it that everyone creates pollution through various activities that we undertake daily and therefore contribute to the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is because every manufactured product finds its way to us and by all means leaves behind some carbon footprint however small (John Darabaris, 2007). Thus man being aware of the deadly impacts of this phenomenon on his environment is constantly struggling to reduce carbon footprint to he smallest possible amounts. Modern science has sophisticated instrumentation that can precisely predict harsh weather events that may result from global warming. Industrialization that has seen man adopt modern farming techniques, improved infrastructure amongst many other human practices is here to stay and even advance further, yet it must be controlled and channeled appropriately into activities that will not deplete the scarce resources. History has it that man, through industrialization, has enhanced erosion activities at the coast and affected the duration of planting seasons in many agriculturally dependant zones, thanks to the constantly warming globe. Human race is very much aware that if these trends persist, more destructive and violent storms are yet to be observed, dreadful and deadly diseases are also likely to attack depending on the new temperatures of the earth which may favor the existence of new pathogens. This not only poses human race at great risk but also predicts real danger to the vast resources that we have on earth. Permafrost for instance, is a major factor that controls several environmental processes and thus changes in nutrients, water content and even temperature will for sure have some effect on the soil composition (Bolter, M. 1999). It is also expected that a warmer globe will initiate more energy to be pumped into tropical storms hence developing stronger and more destructive and vicious storms. The warm condition also, according to scientific predictions, could make earth observe long periods of drought and this will definitely cause global food shortages. Such persistent drought conditions also put the globe at the risk of experiencing more wild fires that will destroy property and other natural resources. Wildlife is one of the most treasured natural resource not only because of its economic importance but also because of its aesthetic value and ecological significance. However, the current trajectory path traced by global warming effects could result into the extinction of rare planet species that would otherwise fail to adapt to the new environment due to the shift in ecosystem. The physical topography is not spared either since man now understands that the warming trend has significantly speeded the melting of polar ice bringing along with it severe and unbearable weather conditions. Science and engineering technology has significantly contributed to the advancement of humanity thereby increasing the understanding of our world, ambitions and inspirations, and our ability to satisfy our diverse needs in our lifetime (Clift, 1998). Our survival on the planet earth will indeed to a great extent depend on how we effectively relate to all the other living organisms and even to the physical environment. As much as man has been innovative, new technologies do come with diverse environmental challenges. The increasing world population for instance, has seen a significant rise in energy demand. A clean and reliable yet sustainable energy source is thus essential to meet this demand, the selection of which must be carefully made. Innovative solutions are therefore called upon from the concern industrial sectors, governments and even communities. Europe, America, China, India and other industrialized nations depend almost entirely on fossil fuels; the developing nations are reportedly increasing their consumption of the same! Arguably, the methods used to produce and consume these fuels are not the best and have significantly contributed to the destruction of the ecosystem. It is for this reason that man has used the available technology to develop alternative means of producing energy with minimal or no impact at all on the environment. Using this knowledge man has resorted to energy sources that are found naturally in the environment (Carroll, 1993). For instance, using solar panels has made it possible to harness solar energy safely into viable use. This is a significant step made in protecting and saving the environment since it does not cause pollution and is also considered an infinite source of energy. However, this invention came with its own challenges such as unpredictable climatic patterns especially in the twentieth century , a phenomenon associated to global warming thereby forcing man to diversify into other energy sources such as the nuclear energy, wind power, sea power amongst many others. Nuclear power alone has attracted many developed countries with most of them claiming it is the answer to the global energy crisis. The only controversy that arises on nuclear energy production is the after effects it has on the environment. Storing and effectively damping radioactive material for as long as a thousand years is still a threat to the environment and the planet at large. Most people are now aware of various threats resulting from environmental problems. Many people are reported to panic in some cases, though it makes them have a clear understanding of the necessity to conserve and protect the little we have or else face permanent destruction from the cruel nature we have created. Since we can’t afford to despair, this extraordinary times calls for extraordinary solutions that promises a better tomorrow. Experts have issued warnings about the changing climate for example, and our understanding is that we have the solution with us. Therefore, by taking individual responsibility, there is hope, these damages can either be slowed down or completely reversed (Engel, 1990). The current generation understands so well that the generation tomorrow will enjoy the natural resources we have today only if we live in a sustainable way and this is irrespective of whatever modernity dictates. Indeed, with this kind of rapid loss of biodiversity, the global community full of researchers and practioneers must move with speed before the situation gats out of hand (Jacobson 1995). By conserving the resources and managing them sustainably, the future is secure of having clean water, clean energy, clean air and even fertile soils for productive agriculture. Modern man has also realized that diversity in culture and biological diversity are greatly linked (Mc Neely, 1995). Different societies within this very globe possess very unique cultural practices, beliefs and knowledge about the environment that is very valuable especially in solving certain environmental problems. Redesigning industrial systems to obtain safe technology reduces waste and encourages recycling of refuse in biological lines. This is a concept full of hope that will see the world maximize the use of raw materials, reduce the consumption of energy and with minimal or no negative impacts on the environment (D. Worsher, 1977). Different cultures for example, find different uses of different plans which essentially constitute the ecosystem. By preserving the diverse or sometimes complex cultural practices and lifeways, biological systems will then be protected in the process. It is imperative to note that human beings have constantly adjusted and adapted to their environment almost simultaneously as it changes. This justifies the argument by scholars that ‘nature and culture are indivisible’ and thus the necessity to narrow down human ecology to the analyses of socio-natural systems (Bennett, 1996). Due to fundamental shifts in the interrelationship between industrialization and the other part of the ecosystem, experts have identified possible radical changes that may accompany these historical moments and therefore suggested thorough rebuilding of all industrial systems. Mediterranean region for example, has been greatly eroded due to poor farming methods like overgrazing and deforestation. Siltation and salanization are also some observable effects from irrigation activity at the region (Hillel, 1991). Different regions thus have dispatched relevant authorities to help sensitize and educate the communities living around such valuable resources on the importance of conservation measures and proper management. Conservation of the environment is therefore not debatable if the treasured human race needs to protect its self against possible harm in the future. The rapid race at which global climate has changed, the ever expanding global population amongst many other critical environmental declines are some of the critical issues that need addressing as a mater of urgency. Intensive research work carried out by various scientific groups indicates for instance, that the world losses 22 million acres forest area yearly (Elizabeth, 2006). Similarly, very toxic chemicals find their way into the atmosphere yearly some of which last over decades in the environment. It is therefore very serious to realize that we are obviously threatened when our natural resources are threatened since we greatly depend as major sources of medicine, food, shelter, fuel, just to mention a few. Nature is known to be unforgiving and respects no boundaries; environmental problems threaten global economy, health and even security. The tropical forests which are rapidly disappearing hold the source of close to twenty-five percent of prescription drugs (George P, 1973). A world without energy, food, safe clean water or inhabitable environment exposes its people to political unrest as well as economic instability. This could see the world spend an enormous sum of money inform of peacekeeping, humanitarian aid or even in attempt to revive global markets. With this kind of understanding, man has realized the significance of working together with a lot of commitment by all countries to provide lasting solutions to fundamental problems and also offer sustainable management of the scarce natural resources. This indeed is an assurance of hope that promises better future to all the human society. References D. W. Ehrenfeld, (1972), Conserving Life on Earth; D. Worsher, (1977), Nature’s Economy; Roderick Nash, (2001). Wilderness and the American Mind, NY: Yale University Press,). R. Nash, (1982), Wilderness and the American Mind; NY. S. P. Hays, (1986), Conservation and the Gospel of Efficiency. Bolter, M. (1999). Consequences of Global Warming on Soil Processes in Arctic Regions, Polarforschung, 66, 1/2, 1-10. Jacobson SK (ed). (1995). Conserving wildlife: international education and communication approaches. New York NY: Columbia University Press. Noss RF. (1997). The failure of universities to produce conservation biologists. Cons Biol 11(6) Hillel, Daniel. 1991. Out of the Earth: Civilization and the Life of the Soil. Free Press. NY. Bennett and Flatley, G. W. , J. W. (1996) ‘Using Contingent Valuation to Determine Australian Tourists’ Values for Forest Conservation in Vanuatu’. Economic Analysis and Policy 26 (2) Donald Worster, (1994) Nature’s Economy, NY: Cambridge University Press. William Cronon. (1991) Nature’s Metropolis. NY: Norton. Elizabeth Kolbert (2006). Field Notes on a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change. NY, Bloomsbury. Carroll, W. J. (1993). ‘World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development. ’ Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 119 Clift, R. (1998). Engineering for the environment: The new model engineer and her role. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. 76(B2)

Education Essay

The current, test based, American Educational system fails to instill in student a desire for life- long learning and does not prepare them to be well rounded and successful adults. A change in educational philosophy needs to be made in this country before it is to late. Educations is what defines a person life and without a proper education, people wont be able to go anywhere in life. Students usually study for their test and forget what they studied the next day. After school all students want to do is get away from their work and not have to do it anymore. There is not necessarily a perfect educational system, but it could be better than what we have now. People are not going where they are supposed to after schooling. There is a book, That Used To Be Us by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum, which can prove this. I recently read That Used To Be Us. This book explains how America used to lead the world in technology, education, economy, research and creativity. Now we are falling way behind many other countries. The authors explain that we are failing to meet major challenges that we face and if we don’t find a way to rise past this it will effect future generations. One major flaw in America right now is the educational system. If our future generations lack the education, especially in math and science, they will not have the skills to navigate through the new economic turn. If we can’t access new talent and develop new markets then other countries will beat us to it. This is definitely something to think about. The current test based system is a joke to the students who only care about what they receive on the exam. Especially in High school, everyone’s trying to get into the best college they could. Grades are all that matters to colleges and kids will do what they need to do to get them. Once they have them, they no longer care about the material they needed to achieve those grades. Now with all this studying and homework the student are given, they are from then on turned off from learning anything new. Once a student graduates college and can try and get a job, he no longer wants to further his education. Without the further education it gets harder to find jobs and support ones family. The last part of the educational system, that most tend to skip, is the most important part. This is the part where one becomes exceptionally knowledgeable in a certain field. With these degrees it makes it much easier to find work and make enough income for what you have. The current system has to be changed for all these reasons. A student should leave each grade with all the information he learnt, stuck in his head. He should leave each grade excitedly knowing he has another year coming, to further his education. Right now that is no possible.

Physician-Assisted Suicide Essays - Euthanasia, Medical Ethics

Physician-Assisted Suicide Essays - Euthanasia, Medical Ethics Physician-Assisted Suicide Kathleen M. Foley, author of Competent Care for the Dying Instead of Physician-Assisted Suicide, believes doctors should develop treatments for the physical and psychological problems of dying patients rather than helping them commit suicide. Available data suggests most physicians do not receive training in the care of dying patients. Dying patients experience physical symptoms such as pain, psychological problems such as anxiety and depression and existential distress (described as the experience of life without meaning.)(1) many of the physical and psychological problems can be treated. Furthermore, legalization of physician-assisted suicide may deter physicians from developing treatments that could enhance the dying patient's quality of life. Euthanasia by definition means "a gentle and easy death", "the good death of another" or "mercy killing."(2) There are two types of euthanasia currently recognized, active and passive euthanasia. Active euthanasia is the taking of one's own life, or being killed, for example, by lethal injection. Passive euthanasia is taking one's life with the assistance of another or just being allowed to die. In passive euthanasia we simply refrain from doing anything to keep the patient alive, for example, refusing to perform surgery, administer medication, give heart massage or use a respirator and let the patient die from whatever illness is already present. It is important to understand the difference, because many people believe that active euthanasia is immoral and passive euthanasia is morally all right. They believe that we should actually never kill patients, but sometimes it is all right to let them die. The main issue then is it morally permissible to kill or let someone die who is going to die soon anyway, at the person's own request, as an act of kindness? Throughout history, many people have thought that the distinction between active and passive euthanasia is morally important: and many of those who condemned active euthanasia raised no objection against passive euthanasia. Even by people who believed killing to be wrong, allowing people to die by not treating them was thought in some circumstances to be all right. Even before Christ, Socrates was quoted as saying, " ...bodies which disease had penetrated through and through he would not have attempted to cure...he did not want to lengthen out good-for-nothing lives."(3) In the centuries that followed, both the Christians and the Jews viewed allowing to die in circumstances of hopeless suffering, morally permissible. It was killing that they adamantly opposed. The Pope, stating the position of the Catholic Church, said "it is acceptable to allow the patient who is virtually already dead to pass away in peace."(4) In a statement published in 1982, the American Medical Association echoes the feeling of the Catholic Church saying, " we remain firm on our stand against mercy killing, but allowing patients to die (in some circumstances) is all right."(5) So it seems, there is widespread agreement that passive euthanasia is morally all right (in at least some cases), but active euthanasia is much more controversial. In essence what we seek is whether euthanasia active or passive is moral, or whether it is immoral. To discover the truth we must examine the arguments or reasons that are given for or against it. If the arguments in favor of euthanasia are persuasive and the arguments against it can be rejected, then it is morally acceptable. And likewise, if after careful analysis we find a strong case against euthanasia, we would have to conclude it to be immoral. I think this is true not only of euthanasia, but of any moral issue. The single most powerful argument in support of euthanasia is the argument of mercy. The main idea of this argument is simple. Terminal patients sometimes suffer pain far beyond our comprehension. This suffering can be so terrible that we cringe at the descriptions of such agony. The argument for mercy says: Euthanasia is justified because it puts an end to that. It is not important to give gory details of the suffering of the terminally ill, but it is important to keep these visions vividly imprinted in our minds so we can appreciate the full force of the argument for mercy. If a person prefers and even begs for death as the only alternative to

The Shakespeare Authorship Controversy

The Shakespeare Authorship Controversy Could William Shakespeare, the country bumpkin from Stratford-upon-Avon, really be the man behind the World’s greatest ever literary texts? 400 years after his death, the Shakespeare authorship controversy continues. Many scholars simply can’t believe that William Shakespeare could have had the necessary education or life experiences to have written such complex texts–he was, after all, just the son of a glove maker in a rural town! Perhaps at the heart of the Shakespeare authorship controversy is a more philosophical debate: can you be born a genius? If you subscribe to the idea that genius is acquired, then believing that this little man from Stratford could acquire the necessary understanding of the classics, law, philosophy, and dramaturgy from a brief stint at grammar school is a stretch. Shakespeare Was Not Clever Enough! Before we begin this attack on Shakespeare, we should clearly state at the outset that there is no evidence to support these claims–in fact, the Shakespeare authorship conspiracy theories are largely based on â€Å"lack of evidence†. Shakespeare was not intelligent enough: The plays contain a deep knowledge of the classics, yet Shakespeare did not have a university education. Although he would have been introduced to the classics at grammar school, there is no official record of him attending.Where are his books?: If Shakespeare did amass knowledge independently, he would have had a large collection of books. Where are they? Where did they go? They certainly were not itemized in his will. Whilst the above may be a convincing argument, it is based on lack of evidence: records of pupils at Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School have not survived or were not kept and the inventory part of Shakespeare’s will has been lost. Enter Edward de Vere It was not until 1920 that it was suggested that Edward de Vere was the real genius behind Shakespeare’s plays and poems. This art-loving Earl carried favor in the Royal Court, and so may have needed to use a pseudonym when writing these politically charged plays. It was also deemed socially unacceptable for a noble man to be involved with the lowly world of theater. The case for de Vere is largely circumstantial, but there are many parallels to be drawn: 14 of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Italy – the country De Vere traveled in 1575.The early poems are dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, who was considering marrying De Vere’s daughter.When De Vere stopped writing under his own name, Shakespeare’s texts soon appeared in print.Shakespeare was heavily influenced by Arthur Golding’s translation of Ovids Metamorphoses – and Golding lived with De Vere for a while. In The De Vere Code, Jonathan Bond reveals ciphers at work in the mysterious dedication that prefaces Shakespeare’s sonnets. In an interview with this website, Bond said, â€Å"I suggest that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, wrote the sonnets – and the dedication at the beginning of the sonnets was a puzzle created for the recipient of the collection of poems. The ciphers fit the pattern of wordplay that was widely in evidence amongst writers during the Elizabethan era: they are simple in construction and all of immediate significance to the recipient †¦ My contention is that Edward de Vere was simply entertaining the recipient while avoiding explicitly naming himself in order to prevent a possible embarrassment over the intensely personal nature of the poems.† Marlowe and Bacon Edward de Vere is perhaps the most well-known, but not the only candidate in the Shakespeare authorship controversy. Two of the other leading candidates are Christopher Marlowe and Francis Bacon – both have strong, dedicated followers. Christopher Marlowe: When Shakespeare started writing his plays, Marlowe was killed in a brawl in a tavern. Up until that point, Marlowe was regarded as England’s best playwright. The theory is that Marlowe was a spy for the government, and his death was choreographed for political reasons. Marlowe would then have required a pseudonym to continue writing and developing his craft.Sir Francis Bacon: Cryptic ciphers were hugely popular at this time and supporters of Bacon have found many ciphers in Shakespeare’s texts concealing the identity of Bacon as the true author of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

Beverly Cleary Childrens Book Author of Ramona Quimby

Beverly Cleary Children's Book Author of Ramona Quimby Beverly Cleary, who turned 100 years old on April 12, 2016, is the beloved author of 30 childrens books, some published more than 60 years ago, all still in print, along with two autobiographies. She was honored by the Library of Congress in 2000 as a Living Legend and has won numerous awards for her childrens books, including the John Newbery Medal and the National Book Award. Childrens books by Beverly Cleary have delighted children, particularly 8 to 12-year-olds, for several generations. Her humorous, yet realistic, childrens books about the ordinary lives of children, along with such appealing characters as Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins, have captured the interest of children around the world. Beverly Cleary has written 30-plus books, including three about a feisty mouse. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. In addition, Ramona and Beezus, a movie based on Clearys Ramona Quimby and her older sister, Beatrice Beezus Quimby, was released in 2010. Beverly Cleary and Her Award-Winning Childrens Books Beverly Bunn was born April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon and spent her early years in Yamhill where her mother started a small library. Thus began the authors lifelong love of books. Her family moved to Portland when Beverly was six years old; she was delighted to find a large public library. Beverly went on to study library science at the University of Washington in Seattle and became a childrens librarian. In 1940, she married Clarence Cleary. Beverly Clearys first book, Henry Huggins was published in 1950 and was inspired by a boy who complained to the librarian that there werent any books about kids like him. It, and the other books about Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy remain popular today. Her most recent book, Ramonas World, was published in 1999 and features one of her most beloved characters, Ramona Quimby. The first movie based on Clearys Ramona Quimby, Ramona and Beezus, centers on grade schooler Ramonas relationship with her older sister, Beatrice. This relationship is a part of all of the Ramona books, but most particularly in the book Beezus and Ramona. Beverly Cleary has won numerous awards, including the John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw.   Two of her books about Ramona Quimby, Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 were designated Newbery Honor Books. Cleary also received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in honor of her contributions to childrens literature. If thats not enough, her books have also won about three dozen statewide childrens choice awards and she won the National Book Award for  Ramona and Her Mother. The Klickitat Street Books of Beverly Cleary When she was a child, Cleary noticed that there didnt seem to be any books about children like the ones who lived in her neighborhood. When Beverly Cleary began writing childrens books, she created her own version of Klickitat Street, a real street near her childhood neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. The children who live on Klickitat Street are based on the children she grew up with. Fourteen of Clearys books are set on Klickitat Street, beginning with her first book, Henry Huggins. While Henry was the focus of the first books, a number of Beverly Clearys books also highlighted Beatrice Beezus Quimby and Beezus little sister, Ramona. In fact, Ramona has been the title character in the last seven of the Klickitat Street books. The most recent Ramona book, Ramonas World, came out in 1999. HarperCollins published a paperback version in 2001. With a fifteen-year break between Ramonas World and the last previous Ramona book, you might be a little apprehensive about a lack of continuity.  But in ​Ramonas World, as in her other books featuring Ramona Quimby, Cleary is right on target as she addresses, in typically humorous fashion, the vicissitudes of the life of Ramona Quimby, now a fourth grader. Beverly Clearys books have remained popular because of characters like Ramona. If your children havent read any of her books, nows the time to introduce them to Clearys books.   They might also enjoy the movie version, Ramona and Beezus.

Disaster Recovery Plan for Home Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Disaster Recovery Plan for Home - Assignment Example The laptop is used for school assignments, emails, contains e-books and an electronic address book (Rittinghouse & James 12). Each of these assets will need a recovery window. This simply means how long one can do without the access to the resource. For example, the parents can do without email for about 6 hours. For the laptop, if one is in school, then the recovery window for the assignments and school assignments may be less than when on vacation. The next step is to define the recovery solution. Here, the major question is, how will each use of the asset be recovered? As we are dealing with data, there will be need for a disk back up for all the information on the desktop and the laptop. Dat replication can also be used where this is done at an offsite. Each asset based on its value, should have a recovery window and the appropriate recovery solution. For example, the emails on the desktop are through Miscrosoft Outlook. Microsoft offers its exchange hosted continuity as backup. The draft plan needs to be put down on paper, defining the assets and how they will be protected. The plan needs to be commun icated to all those who use the assets. The users will be aware of how to asses and use the various applications in case of disaster. The plan needs to be tested and refined, and retested to ensure that it can be implemented in case of a disaster (Rittinghouse & James

Answers for quiz questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Answers for quiz questions - Essay Example It engages the consumers into falsified meta-communication and disturbs the commodified social relations (Strasser 145). McRobbie explains the commodity feminism by using different T.V shows’ female characters as examples. She talks about the series ‘Sex in the City’ in which the female characters are independent and career oriented. McRobbie also talks about the popular pre-school TV program â€Å"Dora the Explorer†. The purpose of talking about the female characters is to determine the gender appropriation. The examples given by her are commonly known by all and they better describe the film’s discussion by bringing to light the gender roles in this subject. She believes Dora to be an empowered active female subject(Coleman 19). Question 3: The Duffy piece focuses on the rhetoric of authenticity in women’s magazines. Using the reading, explain what she means by this and identify an example from the film in which we’re sold a different type of authenticity. As the term authenticity is being focused in the context of the Magazine, it refers to the inner â€Å"Real† beauty. The authentic beauty is a real body’s imperfect physical beauty. There is an opinion that a woman should choose a physical look to demonstrate her inner, real beauty (Bose 170). The commercial culture has been deploying the appeals to the self-expression. Women’s magazine and advertisements have been infusing increasingly with the rhetoric of authenticity (Sedivy and Carlson 43) â€Å"Thin! Bronzed! Botoxed! Blonde! Too many women—even famous ones—are caving into a cookie-cutter standard of beauty. True glamour means not conforming to some standard.†Ã¢â‚¬â€Glamour Magazine, 2008 Question 4: Identify and describe an example from the film where you see advertisers use misdirection in language. What is this language concealing? Using the same ad/campaign, identify 2 ways in which it fits into one of the phases of advertising. The advertisers studies

Discussion Board 2-2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Discussion Board 2-2 - Essay Example The speed of data collection becomes easier when offering some forms of incentives to the respondents. It is also cheaper to select participants in online surveys. The researcher only needs to send emails to the prospective participants or post the questionnaires on the website. According to Bordens and Abbott (2014), online surveys have good validity and reliability. The difference between the results collected through online surveys, paper-and-pencil surveys, and mail surveys is usually negligible. It is due to the negligible difference that online survey enjoys good reliability and validity. The disadvantage of online survey as far as selecting of respondents is concerned attributes to the possibility of finding fraudsters. Some people may only respond with the aim of getting the incentive but not with genuine desire to support advancement of research. Online surveys also limit the ability of the researchers to reach population without knowledge and connection of the internet (Bordens & Abbott, 2014). Another disadvantage of online survey relates to the difficulty of ensuring informed consent of the participants. Since online survey is usually virtual and lacking direct contact between the researcher and the participants, it becomes hard to ensure informed consent from the participants. Online surveys on sensitive issues such as sexual assaults require great care, which may be practically difficult (Bordens & Abbott, 2014). This difficulty makes the online surveys inappropriate for ensuring good validity and reliability of data on sensitive

Communication in Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Communication in Organizations - Essay Example It is an established company with a wide scope that involves extensive communication within the organization and with other stakeholders. Its administration is as a result characterised by a number of management meetings for ‘decision-making’. The company’s organizational structure consists of a board of directors at the top with seven directors, a chairperson, a general manager, and line managers. Decisions are made through deliberations in meetings and resolutions passed to line managers for implementation. Communication refers to a process in which a party sends a message to another who receives the message, comprehends it, and submit a feedback to the sender. In any organizational set up, effective communication leads to successful pursuit of objectives while poor approaches to communication undermines objectives and may lead to negative impacts. Kelly however argues that people can achieve effective communication through â€Å"vigilance, perseverance, and by using their power to change course† and laid down structures (2011, p. 199). This means that success in a communication process depend on the parties capacity as well as skills towards effective communication (Kelly, pp. 199, 200). ... Effective communication also means clarity in message content as well as accuracy in targeting the recipient. The subject of communication should not be vague and should directly target the intended recipient. Similarly, effective listening skills facilitate a successful communication process through enhancing the recipient understanding of the communicated piece of information. Attitudes, as developed by either the sender or the recipient, also affect effectiveness of a communication process (Auer and Blumberg, p. 113). Theories into communication have also been used to explain the communication process. Trait theory for instance explains that people have different characteristics that define their personality and behaviour. Such traits determine a person’s ability to demonstrate the essential elements of effective communication. A person’s characteristics will for example defines the applied level of attentiveness to the communication process as well as attitude towar ds the communication process. Negative traits therefore undermine effectiveness of a communication process (Littlejohn and Foss, 2007, p. 66- 68). Consistency theories, another communication theory, explain the essence of consistency among parties to a communication process. Such consistencies are necessary with respect to the parties’ attitudes, the parties’ behaviour as well as between behaviour and attitude. The fundamental principle is that while consistency creates a favourable environment for effective communication, its absence initiates change in attitudes that may adversely affect a communication (Littlejohn and Foss, 2007, p. 78). Similarly, the theory of identity suggests that a person’s identity affects his or her

Off-balance sheet banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Off-balance sheet banking - Essay Example On the other hand, if the customer sells the investment and again deposits the amount in the Bank account, it becomes a liability for the bank. For instance, Citibank maintain an off-balance sheet asset of 960 billion $ which accounts for 6% of the GDP of United States. The formal distinction between On & Off-Balance sheets is quite critical and depends largely on the decisions of management. In true sense, a company would include assets and liabilities in their balance sheet if it either actually owns or for which it is legally responsible. For including an asset or liability in the Balance sheet, the asset or liability has to be probable, measurable as well as meaningful. Otherwise, the financial company or the Bank would treat the assets or liabilities as Off-balance sheet items. For example, a Bank which is facing a legal issue due to non-fulfilment of its liabilities would not include the amounts in its balance sheet until a complete judgment is received, until the amount of com pensation or recovery is delivered through judgment, or may include the risk in its balance sheet if it is negligible until the entire legal process is over. Importance of controlling Off-Balance Sheet Banking and Role of Financial Regulators Over the last thirty years, there has been a scenario of increasing crisis while the banks have increased their portfolio of Off-Balance sheet activity through securitization, mainly short term asset backed by commercial paper. This has produced linkage between the banking system and the shadow-banking system. Thus, the importance of regulation off-balance sheet banking by financial regulators is a very...Fall of Lehmann Brothers is an ideal example. Depositors not only withdrew money from their Bank accounts leading to sharp decline in deposit base of the banks but market investor also refused to invest in the share and stocks of the banks for which the share price of the banks fell steeply. This turmoil in the financial industry leads to incr easing accountability for the financial regulators for controlling Off-Balance sheet banking. Regulators control Off-balance sheet activity of Banks in order to safeguard their solvency and maintain the health of the national economy. Banks are expected to keep their Off-balance sheet assets and liabilities within a safe limit and also diversify the risk of Off-balance sheet activity. Banks are required to do a portfolio analysis of their borrowers through securitization and the offer financing to the selected parties in order to hedge the risk (Greuning and Bratanovic, 2009, p.48). Financing to a single large customer would affect the solvency of the bank based on the projected performance and repayment of a single party. On the other hand, diversifying the asset would reduce the risk the Off-Balance sheet risk. Banks are expected to look at the viability of settlement of funds before lending in Off-Balance sheet items. This would reduce the settlement risk of the Banks. Banks should look into comprehensive country risk in terms of irrevocable commitments, contingent liabili ties and foreign-exchange positions to reduce off Balance sheet risk

CJ3Book Review The body of the Condemned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CJ3Book Review The body of the Condemned - Essay Example But they each define a certain penal style.† (Foucault, 1995, p. 7) Foucault points out that modern forms of punishment are, thankfully, not carried out in the same spirit or with the same purpose. Many legal reforms were instituted between the old world of executions and torture and the new world of prisons and labour camps, the main difference being that what used to be a public spectacle became, over time, a regimented process, more bureaucratic than anything else, that is carried out behind high walls and locked doors. For Foucault what is significant about this change is that the punishment is no longer something visibly displayed, and it no longer focuses so sharply on the human body of the convicted person. Foucault concedes that penalties such as imprisonment, forced labour, deportation and the like do also affect the human body but they do so indirectly: â€Å"The body now serves as an instrument or intermediary†¦physical pain, the pain of the body itself, is no longer the constituent element of the penalty.† (Foucault: 1995, p. 11) He observes that a whole army of â€Å"technicians† are now involved in the penal side of the criminal justice system, and one need only think of the modern prison to realise that he is right. Warders, chaplains, social workers, educators, even doctors and psychologists all participate in the process. In states and in periods where in states where the death penalty is or was permitted, there is also an increasing presence of technicians in the process. The methods chosen for death have veered away from elements of spectacle and torture and have become swifter, for example the guillotine in France, the hangman’s noose in England and the lethal injection in America. Technical experts accompany the convicted person right up to the moment of execution. Drugs are used to dull the sensations of inmates, and also to make sure that executions are free of physical pain. Foucault calls this a kind of d isconnection which makes the penalties non-corporeal and therefore distanced from the physical being of the person. Punishment in this way becomes, for Foucault something abstract, with only the most fleeting actual contact with the body of the victim. If modern punishment systems do not target the prisoner’s body any more, then the question of what exactly it does target then arises. Foucault suggests: â€Å"The expiation that once rained down upon the body must be replaced by a punishment that acts in depth on the heart, the thoughts, the will, the inclinations† (Foucault: 1995, p. 16) Some people might refer to this as the soul of the person, and cite moral or religious beliefs to underpin this view, but Foucault looks instead at the way attention has shifted away from the past crime that has been committed, and towards the person who has committed the crime and now deserves some kind of punishment. There is in modern criminal justice systems a belief that punishmen t can be used to change a person’s behaviour for the better, and perhaps even influence his nature and personality in a positive way. This can be done in a way that suppresses part of the person’s personality. Foucault also observes a modern fascination in the causes of crime, by which he means all the circumstances which surround it, including the background of the criminal and all the various factors which contributed to his committing the crime. This is a very important point, because it brings Foucault to make a serious judgement about modern

Off-balance sheet banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Off-balance sheet banking - Essay Example On the other hand, if the customer sells the investment and again deposits the amount in the Bank account, it becomes a liability for the bank. For instance, Citibank maintain an off-balance sheet asset of 960 billion $ which accounts for 6% of the GDP of United States. The formal distinction between On & Off-Balance sheets is quite critical and depends largely on the decisions of management. In true sense, a company would include assets and liabilities in their balance sheet if it either actually owns or for which it is legally responsible. For including an asset or liability in the Balance sheet, the asset or liability has to be probable, measurable as well as meaningful. Otherwise, the financial company or the Bank would treat the assets or liabilities as Off-balance sheet items. For example, a Bank which is facing a legal issue due to non-fulfilment of its liabilities would not include the amounts in its balance sheet until a complete judgment is received, until the amount of com pensation or recovery is delivered through judgment, or may include the risk in its balance sheet if it is negligible until the entire legal process is over. Importance of controlling Off-Balance Sheet Banking and Role of Financial Regulators Over the last thirty years, there has been a scenario of increasing crisis while the banks have increased their portfolio of Off-Balance sheet activity through securitization, mainly short term asset backed by commercial paper. This has produced linkage between the banking system and the shadow-banking system. Thus, the importance of regulation off-balance sheet banking by financial regulators is a very...Fall of Lehmann Brothers is an ideal example. Depositors not only withdrew money from their Bank accounts leading to sharp decline in deposit base of the banks but market investor also refused to invest in the share and stocks of the banks for which the share price of the banks fell steeply. This turmoil in the financial industry leads to incr easing accountability for the financial regulators for controlling Off-Balance sheet banking. Regulators control Off-balance sheet activity of Banks in order to safeguard their solvency and maintain the health of the national economy. Banks are expected to keep their Off-balance sheet assets and liabilities within a safe limit and also diversify the risk of Off-balance sheet activity. Banks are required to do a portfolio analysis of their borrowers through securitization and the offer financing to the selected parties in order to hedge the risk (Greuning and Bratanovic, 2009, p.48). Financing to a single large customer would affect the solvency of the bank based on the projected performance and repayment of a single party. On the other hand, diversifying the asset would reduce the risk the Off-Balance sheet risk. Banks are expected to look at the viability of settlement of funds before lending in Off-Balance sheet items. This would reduce the settlement risk of the Banks. Banks should look into comprehensive country risk in terms of irrevocable commitments, contingent liabili ties and foreign-exchange positions to reduce off Balance sheet risk

Madness in Love in William Shakespeare Essay Example for Free

Madness in Love in William Shakespeare Essay Madness in Love in William Shakespeare’s â€Å"Twelfth Night† There are many definitions for love, but there are also many definitions for madness. Both words, when joined together, create an endless possibility of emotions and actions one can bare to hold for the sake of another. Madness can be described as â€Å"senseless folly†. When a person is in love with another, they tend to define their feelings of passionate affection for this other person. Shakespeare’s concept was to involve some of his characters with this feeling. In Twelfth Night, madness is created by the misconception and misunderstanding due to love. Mainly, it is said that Love is one of the most significant types of madness. It leads to causes like confusion and chaos in mind, mentality, and behavior. In the Twelfth Night, the Duke Orsino falls madly in love with Olivia. Orsino describes his love towards Olivia deeper than he could imagine, â€Å"So full of shapes is fancy, that it alone is high fantastical†. Orsino loses his focus on reality as he says â€Å"For such as I am all true lovers are. Unstaid and skittish in all motions else, save in the constant image of the creature, that is beloved. †(P. 34) The only thing that is real for him at the moment is anything that has to do with his â€Å"beloved creature†, the beautiful Olivia. We also see Olivia’s senseless acts come to play as she finds herself smitten after her first encounter with Cesario: †I do I know not what, and fear to find. Mine eye too great a flatterer of my mind. [†¦]What is decreed must be – and be this so! †(P. 24) Olivia finds herself unable to think properly because she is so distracted and flustered by the attractive looks of Cesario. Another interpretation could be that Olivia’s affection has been taken and used up by Cesario due to the loss of her brother and she refuses to share her love with anyone else. Later on in the play Malvolio’s madness changes from the state of being madly in love and committing crazy acts of devotion to the state of being in madness or chaos because of the misunderstanding of the situation. He thinks it was Olivia who wrote the trick note when it was really Maria, Toby, and Andrew who tried to trick him. They created a letter, pretending to be Olivia, telling Malvolio what will make her happy. The letter did not even state that it was Olivia, but because Malvolio was excited to gain her favor he jumped to the conclusion that it was her. Malvolio’s infatuation for Olivia was so great it clouded his ability to think properly. â€Å"Daylight and champion discovers not more! †, is Malvolio’s first comment as he finished reading. He was so desperate to please Olivia and gain her love, he jumps straight to the conclusion that she wrote the letter for him. The little acts of devotion Maria mentioned in the letter were so absurd Malvolio was willingly ready to fulfill all of them: â€Å"I do not now fool myself, to let imagination jade me, for every reason excites to this, that my lady love me. I will be strange, stout, in yellow stockings, and cross-gartered, even with the swiftness of putting on. †(P. 44) Malvolio enters into a state of madness and confusion because he feels no one else knows what he is talking about. Whether madness was created due to acting foolishly because of an infatuated feeling or acting with intense emotion over someone you really care about, all these situations were because of love. In the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, â€Å"there is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness†. Shakespeare’s characters Orsino, Olivia, and Malvolio, all had a cause for their madness, and it was because of their love for somebody else. Sometimes it is a feeling that comes over you that you think is love but it doesn’t have to mean that it is simultaneously true.

Change Management Plan to Reduce Medication Errors

Change Management Plan to Reduce Medication Errors Assignment 2 Change Management Plan: reducing medication errors by building a dual medication error reporting system with a ‘no fault, no blame’ culture Introduction Medication errors in hospitals are found to be the most common health-threatening mistakes made in Australia (Victoria Quality Council, n.d.). Adverse events caused by medication errors can affect patient care, leading to increased mortality rates, lengthy hospital stays and higher health costs (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2012). Although it is absolutely impossible to eliminate all medication errors as human errors can occur, reporting errors is fundamental to error prevention. â€Å"Ramifications of errors can provide critical information to inform the modification or creation of policies and procedures for averting similar errors from harming future patients† (Hughes, 2008, p. 334). Thus, it highlights the importance of change management to provide a reporting system for effective error reporting. In this paper, the author is going to explore current incident-reporting systems and discuss the potential benefit of a dual medication-error reporting system, wit h a ‘no fault, no blame’ culture through a literature review, followed by a clear rationale for the necessity of a change management plan to be in place. Lippitt’s Seven Steps of Change theory will be demonstrated in detail with clear strategies suggested for assessing the plan outcomes. Finally, the main issues will be summarised with an insightful conclusion. Discussion Medicines are the most common treatment used in the Australian healthcare system, which can make great contributions in relieving symptoms and preventing or treating illness (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2010). However, because medicines are so prevalently used, incidences of errors associated with the use of medicine are also high (Aronson, 2009). Over 770,000 people are harmed or die each year in hospital due to adverse drug events, which can cost up to 5.6 million dollars per year per hospital. Medication errors account for one out of 854 inpatient deaths and it is notable that the number of medication error-related death is higher than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancers and AIDS mortality (Hughes, 2008). Reporting enables a platform for errors to be documented and analysed to evaluate causes and create strategies to improve safety. A qualitative study (Victoria Quality Council, n.d) was conducted to survey the current medication error reporting systems in both metropolitan and rural hospitals in Victoria. Most hospitals prefer the report to be named as it allows follow-up of the incidents, whereas only a small proportion of hospitals use anonymous reporting to alleviate the barrier of reporting yet the correlation with actual errors has been low. In addition, a majority of hospitals acknowledged that near misses are supposed to be recorded but are rarely documented (). It is clear that errors and near misses are key to improve safety, so they should be reported regardless of whether an error resulted in patient harm. A near-miss error that has the potential to cause a serious event does not negate the fact that it was and still is an error. Reporting near misses is invaluable to reveal hidden danger. Hughes (2008) pointed out that the majority believes a mandatory, non-confidential incident report system could lead to and encourage lawsuits thus a reduced frequency of error reports resulted. A voluntary and confidential reporting system is preferred, which encourages the reporting of near misses and generates accurate error reports. However there is concern that with voluntary reporting, the true frequency of both errors and near misses could be much higher than what is actually reported (White, 2011). Thus, it can be concluded that a dual system combining both, mandatory and voluntary mechanisms might improve reporting. Although nurses should not be blamed or punished for medication errors, they are accountable for own actions. Therefore, reporting errors should not attribute blamed individuals but to ‘hold providers accountable for performance† and â€Å"provide information that leads to improved safety† (Hughes, 2008). Individuals and organisations attention needs to be drawn toward improving the error reporting system, which means to ‘ focus on a bad system more than bad people’ (Wachter, 2009). Reporting of errors should be encouraged by creating a ‘no fault no blame’ culture. Rationale: Medication errors can occur as a result of human mistakes or system errors. Every medication error can be associated with more than one error-producing condition, such as staff being busy, tired and engaging in mutule tasks (Cheragi, Manoocheri, Mohammadnejad Ehsani, 2013). Nurses are mostinvolvedat themedication administrationphase and are the last people involved in the drug delivery system. It becomes the nurses’ responsibility to double check prior to the administration of medication and to capture any potential drug error that might be made by the prescribing doctor or pharmacy. Whether the nurse is the source or an observer of a medication error, organisations rely on nurses as front-line staff to report medication errors (Hartnell, MacKinnon, Sketris, Fleming, 2012). When things go wrong, the most common initial reaction is to conceal the mistake. Not surprisingly, most errors are only reported when a patient is seriously harmed or when the error could not be easily covered up (Hughes, 2008). Reporting potentially harmful errors before harm is done, is as important as reporting the ones that harm patients. The barriers to error reporting can be attributed to the workplace culture of blame and punishment. Blaming someone does not change those contributing factors and a similar error is likely to reoccur. Adverse drug events caused by medication errors are costly, preventable and potentially avoidable (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2009). Thus, it is essential that interventions to be implemented must ensure a competent and safe medication delivery system. To do so, change is needed; to adopt a dual medication error reporting system with a ‘no fault, no blame’ culture in Holmesglen Hospital. Change Management Plan: The Nursing role has evolved to match the ongoing growth of the Australian health-care delivery system. There is a trend for nurses to take responsibility for facilitating positive change in areas related to health (Steanncyk, Hancock Meadows, 2013). Nurses play the role of change agents which is vital for the effective provision of quality healthcare. There are many ways to implement changes in the work environment. Lippitt’s Seven Steps of Change theory is one of the approaches believed to be more useful as it incorporates a detailed, step by step plan of how to generate change (Mitchell, 2013). There are seven phases in the theory: Phase 1: The Change management plan begins at this phase to provide a detailed diagnosis of what the problem is. No matter what reporting procedures are in place, they may capture only a fraction of actual errors (Montesi Lechi, 2009). Reporting medication errors remain dependent on the nurses’ decision making, and the nurses may be hesitant or avoidant to report errors due to fear of consequences. A combination of mandatory and voluntaryreport system is suggested with a ‘no fault no blame’ approach to reduce cultural and psychological barrier (Hughes, 2008). Both statistical review and one to one informal interviews can help to identify areas that need attention and improvement. An open door policy and disclosure preferences for nurses who want to express their concerns, either to a nurse unit manager, a nurse in charge, a supervisor, a senior or a nurse representative or a colleague are all suitable. This approach can be effective in exploring and uncovering deep-seated emotions, motivations and attitudes when dealing with sensitive matters (). Statistical review, such as RiskMan reviews, is a useful tool to capture and classify medication errors (Riskman, 2011). Holmesglen hospital are conducting bi-monthly statistic reviews to gather information on the contributing factors of medication errors, by aiming to target system issues that could contribute to the error made by individuals, and make a change at organisational levels. For example, if medication errors are constantly caused by staff who are distracted or exhausted, staffing lev els and break times will be reviewed. Phase 2: At this stage, motivation and capacity to change are assessed. It involves small group activities such as staff meetings or medication in-services and all nursing staff are invited. Feedback can be given either directly (face to face) or in-directly (survey) and nursing staff knowledge, desire and skills necessary for the change as well as their attitude for change are assessed. Staff motivation can be reflected through rates of meeting attendance, number of submitted surveys, or number of staff who actively participated in the meeting discussion. Nurses who have good insight and are actively involved in the meeting are the ‘driving forces’ which will facilitate the process of change management; nurses who are hesitant or adverse to change are the resisting forces, in which force-field analysis can be used to counter this resistance (Mitchell, 2013). Force-field analysis is a framework for problem solving. For example, with the health budget crisis we face today in Australia, many hospitals and units may have financial restrains and are incapable of maintaining the flow of the change process. In the meetings, financial issues can be brought up at organisational levels that making change is necessary for both better patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs. Phase 3: With the motivation and capacity levels addressed, determining who the change agent is and whether the change agent has the ability to make a change. Change agents can be any enthusiastic person who has great interest, has a genuine desire and commitment to see positive change. Daisy is a full time associated nurse unit manager (ANUM) employed by Holmesglen hospital for some years. As she has a background of being a pharmacist, part of her role includes providing drug advice to nurses. During her weekly medication review, Daisy noticed that medication errors have been frequently occurring but there is little correlation with the actual reports submitted. Daisy decided to run in-service sessions and all nurses are invited to attend. Daisy discussed her change management plan with the nurse unit manager who also expressed interest and agreed to provide human resources and reasonable financial support. Another four ANUM also expressed interest and commitment. It has been arrang ed that two ANUM to attend the in-service at each time. Phase 4: The in-service is designed to be running for 6 months from September 15th 2014 to March 15th 2015 on monthly basis. Daisy will be holding the in-service and other ANUM will provide assistance in implementing the change plan. The in-service will consist of two parts and run for two hours. The first hour will be a review of the performance of the last month along with relevant statistics. The second hour will be self-reflection and discussion. All participants will be paid for attendance and encouraged to complete an anonymous survey monthly. Phase 5: Daisy is the leader of the change agents responsible for conducting in-services, collating information regarding medication safety, and summarising data with the assistance of ANUM. Meanwhile, Daisy and all the ANUM are the senior staff responsible for providing supervision and support to junior staff and other nurses. A monthly summary report of performance is submitted to the leader for review and monthly meetings are held among senior groups to review the effectiveness of the change management plan and adjust and modify the current plan if needed. Phase 6: A communication folder will be used to update nurses about past meetings. A drop box is available in the staff room for anonymous suggestion and complaints, which can only be accessed by Daisy and the other 4 ANUM. All suggestions and complaints will be responded with two weeks of submission in written form and available in the staff room for all staff to read in the feedback section in the communication folder. Phase 7: The change management plan will be evaluated at the end of the 6 month period the 30th of March 2015, to determine whether the change management plan has been effective. The evaluating process can be done through audit or feedback. The change agent will withdraw from the leader position after the final meeting but still work on the ward to provide ongoing consultation. The four ANUM will take over the role to ensure a good standard is maintained. The drop box will remain available for any further issues identified in the work place. Clear strategies for assessing the plan outcomes As previously mentioned, a final evaluation will be conducted after the final in-service utilising two main approaches to assess the plan outcome auditing and feedback. Auditing includes internal review and an external audit; feedback consists of nursing staff feedback and patients report. An internal review will be conducted four times through the following year. The ANUM are assigned to conduct the review. The Review includes comparing the medication charts with the incident reports to assess any correlation. For example, an omitted dose is considered a reportable mediation error and an incident report should exist correlatively. An external medication audit will be conducted by an external professional to provide a true and fair reflection of the situation (). It can occur annually, not only to assess the plan outcome, but to also monitor practices and identify areas for improvement. Frequency of auditing will depend on the rate of staff changing. However, every newly employed nurse will be given a printout to familiarise themselves with the change that has been made with an open-door policy encouraging queries. If significant non-compliance is identified in the auditing, it is suggested that the first phase of change management plan should be repeated to assess the necessity for modification of the current plan (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2014a). The drop box will still be available for anyone who experiences or witnesses medication errors, or have a better suggestion to improve practice. Submission is anonymous and confidential. Only the ANUM have access. Public feedback will be given to complaints and suggestions in a timely manner and in the form of a printout for all staff to read. Patients can be a source of reporting medication errors as some of them know what their regular medications are. Also, new side effects experienced by patients can reflect the inappropriate use of medication. Conclusion-highlight main issues 250 Need to be completed Barriers to report errors must be breached to accomplish a safer medication administration system. Reporting medication errors and near misses through an established reporting system can provide opportunities to reduce similar errors in the further nursing practice and alleviate costs involved in such adverse events. Several factors are necessary in the change management plan: a leader that is motivated and committed to make a change; a reporting system that makes nursing staff feel safe;

Shakespeares Star Crossed Lovers :: essays research papers

In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona, Italy, Juliet’s own happiness is put on hold due to her parents authority and the lack of control children had in the sixteenth century. John W. Draper’s excerpt â€Å"Shakespeare’s Star-Crossed Lovers† also supports my outlook on how Juliet’s life is being controlled by her parents. Juliet is a thirteen year old Capulet who’s family is in a lifelong feud with her love interest’s family, Romeo, a Montague.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Act three, Scene five, Juliet is forced with a dilemma. Her parents have arranged for her to partake in the marriage of Country Paris. They told Juliet that she shall be wed on Thursday. â€Å"I will not marry yet; and when I do, I swear it shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate, rather than Paris† said Juliet to Lady Capulet (her mother). What her parents didn’t know was that she was secretly married to Romeo already. In her bedroom they argue about marriage. The Capulet’s don’t let her live her own life the way she wants. It’s like they are living through her or for her. Her opinion and happiness doesn’t seem to mean anything to her family. They are forcing her into a marriage with a man she has no affection towards whatsoever. She claims to love Romeo. Weather it’s real or not, we will never know, but if it’s what she wants and it will make her happy, I think they should back off of their daughter and let her live her life. If she makes a mistake it would be considered her mistake and misfortune. NOT her parents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Draper explains how Juliet feels about her and Romeo’s fate of being together. â€Å"Nevertheless, over the play hangs a tragic fate....her ‘all-diving soul’ sees Romeo ‘As one dead in the bottom of a tomb.’ She described her case as ‘past hope, past cure, past help’ says Draper. He further explains in greater detail how Juliet feels about being put into this situation. He thoroughly explains how Juliet feels she has no control over her own life In this sixteenth century way of life. Although in Juliet’s decision since it is in fact her life, but considering the circumstances she was stuck with the awful fate her parents were controlling. Just think if Juliet’s parents only listened and didn’t push her, maybe Romeo and Juliet’s lives could have been spared.

Telling It Like It Is Essay -- Essays Papers

Telling It Like It Is â€Å"My country, right or wrong,† is a thing that no patriot would think of saying except in a desperate case. It is like saying, â€Å"My mother, drunk or sober.†Ã¢â‚¬â€G. K. Chesterton, The Defendant These are indeed desperate times. On September 11, 2001, America witnessed the worst act of terrorism in U.S. history. Grief-stricken, angry, and shocked, people from all over America came together in the face of tragedy and solidly affirmed their pride in the U.S.A. The outpouring of patriotism that resulted from this tragedy was astonishing. Our country came together: specific agendas were swept aside in favor of partisanship and overwhelming support for our leaders, for our institutions, for our democracy. Picking up on this trend, the media, typically a primary conveyer of culture in America, soon adopted a positive attitude towards the government. Patriotic bias, in part because of the public demand, began dictating broadcasts. In fact, the pendulum swung far over to the radical side: the media by and large accepted governmental censorship requests, ceased to question our leaders, and even began censoring their interviews, handling our nation’s institutions with velvet gloves. We championed our country, with its ideals of freedom and democracy, and in the process lost a part of our freedom and democracy. Governmental Controls Taking advantage of the patriotic fever sweeping the nation, the federal government began making â€Å"requests† of the media, asking them to censor their coverage of particular events, or to withhold information regarding the government from the public. These requests were not particularly surprising. What was startling was the by and large acceptance of these reque... ...San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Jan. 2002: D4. 7. â€Å"Day,† D4. 8. Quoted in Fred Barnes, â€Å"The Press in Time of War,† Weekly Standard 3 Dec. 2001: 31. 9. Hurst A8. 10. Michael Hoyt, â€Å"Journalists as Patriots,† Columbia Journalism Review 40.4 (2001): 4. 11. â€Å"Veteran CBS News Anchor Dan Rather Speaks Out on BBC Newsnight Tonight,† BBC News Press Release, 16 May 2002 http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/05_may/16/dan_rather. shtml. 12. Barnes 31. 13. Barnes 31. 14. Alterman, Eric, â€Å"Patriot Games,† Nation 29 Oct. 2001: 10. 15. Campbell 540. 16. Campbell 258. 17. Alterman 10. 18. Alterman 10. 19. Hurst A8. 20. Campbell 544. 21. Campbell 544. 22. Campbell 560. 23. Alterman 10. 24. Qtd. in Silverglate, A21. 25. Hurst A8. 26. Hurst A8; Barnes 31. 27. Hurst A8. 28. Barnes 3.