Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Power of the American President Essay - 596 Words

Power of the American President The Founding fathers of America believed in a separation of powers, a system of checks and balances and a federal system of government. That way power would be diffused and decentralised and tyranny would be avoided. Implicit in the constitution is the principle of checks and balances. This refers to the belief that the founding fathers had that no one branch of the constitutional and government system would dominate the rest. Thus President and congress often have to approve the appointments and actions of each other, with the supreme court in the background protecting the integrity of the constitution. There the president is not all powerful. After Watergate,†¦show more content†¦The president has the constitutional power to recommend bills to congress and manage the governments budget, to make treaties with foreign states and direct federal administration. As well as being head of the executive branch - with jurisdiction over the government bureaucracy - he was also to be the commander and chief of the armed forces. The growth of presidential power during the course of the 20th century has certainly been great, but has not been absolute, and the presidents powers are limited in many respects. The presidents powers under the constitution may have expanded but as have the congress and the courts and therefore the president still has to work within a separation of powers. Even with a friendly majority in congress, presidents proposals may be rejected or amended. The president may be the head of an economic super power, but it is not the only super power in the world, and domestically that power is not solely the white houses. Within the US a degree of economic power has been asserted by congress, and always the multinational organisations constitute a formidable power beyond that of the president. In terms of military and diplomatic initiatives, America has not always been successfulShow MoreRelatedAll Presidents Bankers : The Hidden Alliances That Drive American Power By Nomi Prins1623 Words   |  7 PagesAfter completing a book, have you ever said to yourself â€Å"Wow, I would never be able to look at the world the same anymore?† All the Presidents’ Bankers: The Hidden Alliances That Drive American Power by Nomi Prins does just that. All the Presidents’ Bankers: The Hidden Alliances That Drive American Power by Nomi Prins changed my view on banks and the United States dollar, I would have never thought that banks had such a big influence on politics to the point where they can determine the outcome ofRead MoreAmerican President Is First Citizen852 Words   |  4 Pagesunique structure of the American Government and the many interesting facets of its President, the American Presidency can assume such roles. Since the military is headed by civilia n control, the Presidents status as Commander-in-Chief declares him as one of and head of the civilian population. The American President is the leader of his political party as chief of party, the ceremonial head of the American Government as chief of state, and a representation of the American People as the Chief CitizenRead More American President is first citizen Essay825 Words   |  4 Pagesunique structure of the American Government and the many interesting facets of its President, the American Presidency can assume such roles. Since the military is headed by civilian control, the President’s status as Commander-in-Chief declares him as one of and head of the civilian population. The American President is the leader of his political party as chief of party, the ceremonial head of the American Government as chief of state, and a representation of the American People as the Chief CitizenRead MoreEssay about War Powers1582 Words   |  7 Pagesthat I will obey the orde rs of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962). During the oath ceremony, members of the Armed forces as well as Department of Defense civilians pledge to uphold the Constitution, the President, and those officers who serve aboveRead MoreThe American Empire: A Reality 1100 Words   |  5 Pageslimit the power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Since 1787, however, the executive branch has accumulated a massive amount of power and authority over the other two branches. More acutely, the President has gained the authority to control the financial sector as well as the military industrial complex, and thus dictate how many Americans live their lives. This accumulation of power and authority has been systematic and cannot be considered an accident. The President of the UnitedRead MoreParliamentary and Presidential Systems Essay1621 Words   |  7 Pagesan Australian Prime Minister may vary from that of an American President. Thus, differentiation of the system may incur a verity of responsibility and privilege th at one and another desire to hold. First of all, the power distribution varies in these two systems. The position of president grants him/herself both the head of government, also known as chief executive and the head of state. The president is considered to be vested balanced power against that of the legislature. Head of state, oftenRead Moreâ€Å"Enlightened Statesmen Will Not Always Be At The Helm.†1463 Words   |  6 Pagespolitical climate, these words seem more pertinent than ever. There is no question that the powers of the presidency have increased since the founding of the United States, but what are the implications of this for American democracy? Increased presidential powers are taking power away from Congress, undermining the system of checks and balances, and ultimately hurting American democracy. Concentration of power in the executive branch circumvents democratic deliberation and limits the people s abilityRead MoreThe People Have Been Proud For Over 200 Years1599 Words   |  7 PagesWe the American people have been proud for over 200 years in our constitution and we continue to tell ourselves that we are privileged to live in the â€Å"home of the free†. Tyrants cannot rise to power here because our constitution and the structure of our government doesn’t allow it. Tyrants live and prosper in places like North Korea, Nazi Germany, and Afghanistan, torturing their inhabitants under their rule. However, critics of our system imply that the implementing action can be difficult andRead MoreThe President of the United States938 Words   |  4 PagesThe president of the United States of America is often referred to as the â€Å"leader of the free world.† It is a position that garners tremendous respect, and is burdened with extraordinary responsibilities. In American politics, it is the preeminent office for an elected official, and once president, â€Å"hunger for a higher office cannot drive them† (Bissette Pitney, 2012, p. 422). The presid ent is also the one person in America who does not answer to just a single district or state, but is the representativeRead MoreConflict Between the Executive and Legislative Branches of Government1740 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican politics is often defined by a continuing power conflict between the executive and the legislative branches of the government. This struggle for political power between the two stronger branches of the three is inherent in the Constitution, itself. The concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances ensure that the branches of government will remain in conflict and provide a balance that keeps the entire government under control. As it was first established, the executive branch

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Essay Mentally Ill in Prison - 698 Words

Given the number of incarcerated inmates who suffer from some form of mental illness, there are growing concerns and questions in the medical field about treatment of the mentally ill in the prison system. When a person with a mental illness commits a crime or break the law, they are immediately taken to jail or sent off to prison instead of being evaluated and placed in a hospital or other mental health facility. â€Å"I have always wondered if the number of mentally ill inmates increased since deinstitutionalization† Since prison main focus is on the crimes inmates are incarcerated; the actual treatment needed for the mentally ill is secondary. Mentally ill prisoners on the surface may appear to be just difficult inmates depending on the†¦show more content†¦With states closing many of its mental facilities in the communities, there were a lot of people in need of outpatient care who fell through the cracks of the system and ended up in prison. Prison is where many of them died from inadequate treatment. Prisons were suddenly receiving inmates with the following types of mental illnesses: Schizophrenia, bipolar, and deep depressions. These prisons just did not provide these inmates with any medication during their incarceration. Because the community based health services is lacking, and patients aren’t receiving sufficient outpatient care, it makes the effectiveness of deinstitutionalization a serious problem. Without the availability of 24/7 psychiatric services that are well structured, I believe that deinstitutionalization is what is accounting for the increase of the mentally ill inmates in the correctional facility. Incarcerating the Mentally Ill While most people are concerned and want violent offenders punished and thrown in prison (which is a valid concern), it is rare that violent acts are committed by the mentally ill. For those crimes the mentally ill commits, prison may not always be the right answer; instead, proper treatment and rehabilitation would be much better. In general, the statement has always been made that theShow MoreRelatedTreatment Of The Mentally Ill And The Prison System926 Words   |  4 PagesNew Asylums†, the program explored the lives in prison of several Ohio inmates. The presentation presented numerous distinct issues of the treatment of the mentally ill in the prison system. The most significant issues presented within the program were the medical treatment received both in and out of the prison system, factors that influence punishment, isolation and medication, the length of the sentencing the mentally ill receive, and why prisons seem to have become the n ew asylums. One of theRead MoreServing Mentally Ill Prison Populations Essay1030 Words   |  5 PagesServing Mentally Ill Prison Populations Kylee L. Radcliffe Argosy University Abstract [The abstract should be one paragraph of between 150 and 250 words. It is not indented. Section titles, such as the word Abstract above, are not considered headings so they don’t use bold heading format. Instead, use the Section Title style. This style automatically starts your section on a new page, so you don’t have to add page breaks. To apply any text style in this document with just a tap, on the HomeRead MoreMentally Ill Prisons And The Death Sentence2084 Words   |  9 PagesMentally Ill Prisons and the Death Sentence Criminals with mental disorders should be held accountable for their actions and receive adequate punishment up to and including the death penalty. If they’re well enough to commit the crime that someone without a mental disorder can commit they should get the same punishment. Inmates with mental disorders are more likely to disrupt day to day prison activity, leading to needing more and more prison guards to keep the order. An estimated 283,000 prisonersRead MoreThe Shutdown Of Public Mental Health1614 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Bureau of Justice Statistics calculated that there were approximately 705,600 mentally ill adults incarcerated in state prisons, 78,800 mentally ill adults incarcerated in federal prisons, and 479,900 mentally ill adults incarcerated in local jails (â€Å"Mentally Ill†). In response to the increase in the number of incarcerations and news stories, people around the nation developed harmful stigmas towards mentally ill people. According to Sarah Glazer’s article entitled Prisoners and Mental IllnessRead MoreThe Death Of Christopher Lopez918 Words   |  4 PagesA lawsuit has been filed over the death of Christopher Lopez who was a diagnosed mentally ill inmate. On March 17, 2013 Lopez died while incarcerated in the San Carlos Correctional Facility. Lopez died on a concrete floor struggling to breathe while guards watched through the food slot to his cell. The reality of it which is why this is beyond frustrating and unacceptable in America is because Lopez s was a schizophrenic. Lopez was given a psychotropic drug to deal with his schizophrenia. LopezRead MoreMental Health Treatment Of Mentally Ill Essay1542 Words   |  7 Pagesservices to be insufficient for the mentally ill population. Mentally ill individuals were send back to society despite of their prevailing circumstances. The lack of assistance made mentally ill individuals to commit a high percentage of crimes due to their state of mind. Mentally ill ind ividuals who had committed crimes were being incarcerated instead of forcing them to receive mental health treatment. According to Schneider (2008) the percentage of mentally ill entering the Criminal Justice SystemRead MoreCrazy: a Fathers Search Through Americas Mental Healthy Madness - Annotated Bibliography864 Words   |  4 PagesPeriod Annotated Bibliography Doyle, Jim, and Peter Fimrite. Caring for Mentally Ill Criminals Outside of Prison Is Dangerous. Americas Prisons. Ed. Clare Hanrahan. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from Criminally Insane Taking over State Hospitals. San Francisco Chronicle 22 July 2001. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. In this article, the incarceration of the mentally ill is encouraged because it is safer than keeping them in mental institutionsRead MoreEssay on Prisoners and The Development of Severe Mental Illness1375 Words   |  6 Pagesreturn to the free world following their time in prison. Due to the punitive tendencies of the prison system, prison will likely only exacerbate peoples preexisting mental illnesses, making them susceptible to recidivism, or further engaging in criminal behavior. This paper will examine the links between the prison system’s mentality to punish rather than rehabilitate its prisoners and therefore the lack of mental health care or rehabilitation the prisons provide for inmates with severe mental illnessRead MoreMentally Ill Criminals : Punishment Vs. Treatment1524 Words   |  7 Pages2016 Mentally Ill Criminals : Punishment vs. Treatment When a mentally ill offender is brought before the court, the appointed judge has to make a difficult decision, determining whether treatment or punishment would be more effective in the case. Cases may differ, some may be more deliberate and perplexing while others are straightforward, but more research is needed for cases involving the mentally ill no matter how simple they may seem. Many factors are measured when a mentally ill criminalRead MoreKiana Griffin. 2 May 2017. Rhet 105 – M2. Rehabilitation1618 Words   |  7 Pagessignificant cause of morbidity in prisons across the United States (U.S). Deinstitutionalization of the state’s mental health system has turned prisons into America’s â€Å"new asylums†; it has become a warehouse for the mentally ill. Our U.S prison rehabilitative services are not equipped to provide care and psychological treatment for the mentally ill which allows for these mental illnesses to persist, worsen or even trigger new ones. It can even cause inmates to wind up back in prison upon release for minor offenses

Saturday, December 14, 2019

A Foolish Mistake Free Essays

A Doll’s House written by Henrik Ibsen, proposal was for the person who read the play to decide why is Nora lying concerning Krogstad. Nora has a childlike way enjoying shopping this Christmas especially since her husband will have a full-time permanent job at the bank she does have a care in the world about spending . Her husband Torvald want to know what Nora want for Christmas to his surprise money which bring the plot of the play regarding the money. We will write a custom essay sample on A Foolish Mistake or any similar topic only for you Order Now The fact being that this play is extreme anxiety to money owing. From the start to the end Nora, and Krogstad plan slowly unwinds about Torvald. A familiar phrase â€Å"You are who you answer to† fits Nora in this play. At the start of the play, Torvald calls Nora many names likes â€Å"skylark†, and â€Å"little featherhead. † The funny thing is Nora acknowledge them, and continues devotion, and love for her husband. Nora is the doll in the play basically trying to please everyone except herself. Because Torvald views his public persona as more important than his private, he is unable to understand or appreciate the suffering of his wife(Metzger. Action from Nora shows her innocence. A bona fide wife deserves respect whether she is a liar or not. Respect and faith fluctuate in many ways. Like, a familiar phrase my mother always says, â€Å"you don’t have to like a person, but you have to respect them†. A person can have trust in the person or not respect is always in order. Nora former classmate Mrs. Linde is lo oking for a job come to chat about her hard time and Nora begin to share her blessing. Nora slip and told her dark secret to Mrs. Linde. The trip to Italy to save Torvald’s life was well said, â€Å"better dead than alive†! Had Nora not urgently forge her father name for a large amount of money from Krogstad. Nora would not have to lie, and gradually rob Torvald to pay off his life through her. A course a wife, never want to lose her husband. Many times she would do all she can. Nevertheless, a wise wife would embark upon the situation so that it will not attack her family life for the bad only better with a plan in the beginning. In Nora case, she made an awful choice that is now ruining her marriage, and children. As for Krogstad, he could lose his career, possibly his only job. Nora could just vision everything was coming to a end like the walls were closing up on her the pressure was getting the best of her. As time, get closer to Torvald taking over the bank. Time begins to run out for Nora because of the disarray of lying to Torvald, and the rate Krogstad could lose his job as well as his reputation. It was nice of Krogstad to loan Nora the money, but unethical on his end also. Now result in the end Krogstad was label for fraud. Business mind make sure that the start was of business was in good standard so that they want be set-up. For Nora sharp thinking work out fine in the beginning but in the end, it caught up with her. In this case, Krogstad black mailed her to get what is essential to him through her husband. In conclusion, a foolish mistake can sometime hurt others as well as yourself. If we can only turn back the hand of time thing would be so much different. Nora is a phony and accepts it until she understands herself through Krogstad and vice versa. Torvald still find out the truth, and Nora leaves. Krogstad is himself again. Torvald in existence confuse his mind, while Nora is free. How to cite A Foolish Mistake, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Macquarie Telecom Group Limited

Question: Discuss about the Macquarie Telecom Group Limited. Answer: Introduction: The overall report mainly evaluates the remuneration report of Telstra Corporation Limited, TPG Telecom Limited, Macquarie Telecom Group Limited, and INABOX Group Limited. In addition, key performance indicators of all four company is mainly evaluated, which in turn could help in analysing its performance. Moreover, detection and comparison are mainly conducted to understand the overall financial value of the company in comparison with its peers. Furthermore, the study portrays a brief background and objective of the company, which in turn could help in understanding their targeted approach. Relevant depiction about viability of the companys performance is effectively conducted. The report mainly evaluates telecommunication industry of Australia. Background material: Key performance could be measures with the help of three distinct methods, which are graphic rating scale, management by objectives and forced ranking. The management to detect their performance in comparison to previous fiscal year has used the above-depicted methods. Riaz et al. (2013) mentioned that use of effective performance indicators could mainly help the company in detecting the variation in their activities from previous fiscal year. Companies to evaluate their overall performance in the current fiscal year mainly use the following measures. Graphic rating scale: With the help of graphic rating scale, production oriented companies are able to measure their performance. In addition, this performance measure mainly evaluate fast pace production companies and allows the management to detect the mishap in the production system. Moreover, graphic rating scale mainly comprises of job duties, which is been conducted in the production function. These job duties are mainly evaluated on scales from 1 to 5, which could help in detecting performance of the employees. On the other hand, Windsor et al. (2015) criticises that performance indicator only detects the overall production measures, which is been conducted by the company, while ignores its sales. In addition, the graphic rating scale often fails to provide a detailed explanation of rating anyone with 1 or 3, which leads to ambiguity. The organisations often extend support to the staffs in accurate ratings by providing training or defining the concepts excellent or poor. The most common form of training for performance appraisals is referred to as the frame of reference training. Therefore, in graphic rating scales, the staffs are provided with concise and particular instances of performances and behaviours, which fit into each category. Therefore, with the help of graphic rating scale, the organisations could enjoy several benefits, since the system is user-friendly in nature and a rapid process. It has been observed that some organisations would often outsource the outcome to a third party to evaluate, while majority of the organisations compile the results internally. Therefore, graphic rating scale could be used to the performance appraisals of the individuals working in the global organisations. Management by objectives: This type of performance measurement tool is mainly conducted on employees, which hold supervisory or managerial position in the company. Moreover, this performance measurement tools mainly identifies employees goals and compares with the managers activities. In addition, the measurement mainly helps in detecting the timeline, which is needed to achieve the overall goals. Moreover, the performance indicators is mainly for the workforce, which is been depicted by the company on daily basis. This measurement mainly helps in evaluating the management and top officials of the company. In addition, by evaluating the performance of employee the overall success rate of top-level management could be detected (Riaz and Riaz 2016). Moreover, with the help of management by objectives, the organisations could be able to gauge actual performance and accomplishments against the set goals. The major benefits of management by objectives include enhancing the motivation and commitment of the employees. As a result, it helps in assuring better communication between the staffs and management. However, management by objectives lays stress on the goal setting procedures instead of objectives. In addition, the management by objectives does not ensure working on systematic plan. The management by objectives provides an overview to the employees in understanding their workplace responsibilities at the workplace. This is because the staffs are aware of their duties and the expectations of the organisation. As a result, it helps in improving the motivation of the employees, which would help in improving the organisational productivity. Therefore, the organisations would be able to maximise their final output, which would lead to effective internal management functions. Forced ranking: Forced ranking performance measurement is mainly used in a competitive organisational environment. In addition, this method mainly compares performance the employees with its peers, which in turn increases the overall competiveness among workforce. Riaz et al. (2015) stated that performance ranking mainly comprises of three levels, 20% of the top performers, 70% of the medium performers and 10% comprises with low performers. However, Piper (2016) criticises that forced ranking mainly increase the intense competiveness among employees, which could develop rivalry and hamper productivity of the workforce. This measure has been criticised, as the company favours some employee and ignores others based on performance. The forced ranking method would help in increasing the productivity of the workforce, as each employee is scared that he might obtain C ranking. Therefore, the employees would work harder to obtain a higher ranking for securing promotions, awards and incentives. Along with this, the forced ranking method helps in identifying the major players, which deserve professional development and attention. As a result, it would help the management of an organisation to find out the right person for the leadership position. Individual report: The company mainly aims in providing fixed cash remuneration to its executive, as depicted in its 2016 annual report. In addition, the management in form of cash or equity also pays short-term remuneration to its executives. Moreover, the company mainly focuses on the fixed remuneration, as it only accommodates base salary and superannuation. Furthermore, the increment in monetary benefits is mainly valuated based on performance of the company. Riaz, Ray and Ray (2015) mentioned that performance measurement mainly allows management to decide the overall remuneration, which is been entitled to the executives. With the help of figure 2, the overall performance measures, which is been conducted by Telstra to decide remuneration of its senior executive is effectively depicted. Moreover, the performance measures are mainly calculated by using FCF for STI, EBITDA, Total Income, Strategic Ney Promoter Score, and Individuals Performance. In addition, 75% of the remuneration is mainly paid in cash, while other 25% is paid in restricted shares, which are not freely traded in the market. Faghani, Monem and Ng (2015) stated that restricted shares are mainly used to control share price movement of the company, which could take a dive when directors are selling their share. The combination of short and long-term incentives is mainly conducted by the organisation to increase the overall performance of their executives. However, the company has strict regulations regarding restricted shares, which could be forfeited if the executive leaves the organisation within 2 two years. This disclosure is mainly p rovided in the glossary, which can be detected in the annual report. In addition, the remuneration is mainly calculated on the financial performance achieved by the company in comparison to previous fiscal year. TPG Telecom Limited: With the help of figure 3, the overall remuneration report of TPG telecom limited for the fiscal year 2016 can be effectively evaluated. In addition, the company mainly pays three type of remunerations, which are fixed and performance linked. These remunerations are furthered segregated to ensure adequate compensation is provided to the executive for their overall input in the company. In addition, TPG telecom limited has short term and long term incentives, which are provided on the basis of performance of the executives. In addition, the fixed remunerations mainly consist of basic salary, superannuation, non-monetary benefits to the executive. Furthermore, performance remuneration is mainly delivered on the basis of increment in the financial performance of the company. MacMillan (2012) mentioned that with adequate compensation method directors are able to motivate their executive to perform handsomely in the organisation. In this context, Layton, Smith and Stewart (2013) further s tated that performance remuneration could be reduced if increment in the overall profits is not detected. Moreover, the performance remuneration is mainly paid on the basis of vesting date, which detects duration of the executive in the organisation. The executive with high experience is the company is entitled to get 70% of the remuneration, while only 30% is allocated to the less experienced executives. However, short-term incentives are also provided by the organisation, which mainly comprises of cash incentives. In this context, Adams and Borsellino (2015) stated that cash incentives mainly help in motivating executives to increase the overall performance of the workforce, which might in turn improve their overall profitability for the fiscal year. Nevertheless, Duong and Evans (2015) criticises that during financial economic turmoil companies overall profitability declines, due to the low sales. Moreover, long and short-term remuneration is mainly calculated on the financial performance achieved by the company. Macquarie Telecom Group Limited: Figure 4 depicts the overall remuneration system, which is been used by Macquarie Telecom Group Limited in improving performance of its executives. In addition, as all the other companies Macquarie Telecom Group Limited, accommodates fixed, short term and long-term remuneration system. This remuneration has mainly helped in improving the overall performance of the company. Carnegie and OConnell (2014) mentioned that remunerations are also provided in the form of physical gifts and amenities as demanded by the senior managers of the company. Jackson (2013) argued that declining performance and reduction in growth of the company mainly increase chances of the senior executives to lose their amenities. The fixed remuneration of Macquarie Telecom Group Limited has been provided with salary, non-monetary benefits like amenities and cash bonuses. These measure of fixed remuneration mainly motivates the executive to provide 100% of their effort, which in turn increases performance of the wo rkforce. Macquarie Telecom Group Limited mainly aims in providing both short term and long-term incentives to the senior management, which are able to influence generation of investors to increase their exposure in the company. The overall increment in the performance of the company is mainly measured by the rising profitability, total assets, EBIDTA and share price. Company mainly calculates short-term incentives on the basis of KPIs covering both financial and non-financial measures of performance. Furthermore, as depicted in the annual report short-term incentive could be higher than 100% of the base incentive amount. In addition, long-term incentives are mainly provided in form of shares, which mainly motivates the senior manager to increase performance of the company. Cybinski and Windsor (2013) mentioned that with motivating techniques directors are able to increase efficiency of their workforce and raise implementation of innovate strategies. Furthermore, long and short-term remunerati on is mainly calculated by evaluating KPI both financial and non-financial. INABOX Group Limited: Figure 5 mainly states the remuneration report of INABOX group limited for 2016 fiscal year. In addition, the figure also states overall remuneration, which is being currently paid by the company to its relative executives. Furthermore, the company mainly follow the corporation act 2001 in depicting its overall remuneration to the executives. Moreover, with fixed remuneration, the company also pays short-term and long-term incentives based on the performance of the company. Thomas (2012) mentioned that Corporation Act 2001 mainly holds the base line, which is to be maintained by the company in providing benefits to its executives and directors. On the other hand, Westcott and Murray (2014) criticises that remuneration package mainly increases unethical measures in the company, as executives inflate financial report to attain more incentives. The fixed remuneration of INABOX group limited is revised every year by adjusting it with the consumer price index. In addition, the accommodation of the inflation rate and time value of money is essential in providing adequate remuneration to the employees. Moreover, the short-term incentives provided by the company are mainly derived from the performance of financial results, people management, and merger acquisition strategies. The long term incentivise are mainly provided based on deferred share payment, which is currently being discounted in 2016. Faghani, Monem and Ng (2015) mentioned that using adequate indicators to measure performance of the employee is essential to increase competiveness in the workforce. Nevertheless, Riaz and Riaz (2016) criticises that segregation, targeting of low performance employee could hamper the overall productivity, and the company could face high employee turnover. Moreover, INABOX group limited by providing incentivise and fixed remuneration i s able to sustain executives, who are responsible for the overall growth of the company. In addition, these remuneration packages mainly increase innovation of new strategies, which in turn raises profitability of the company. Comparison of the findings: After the evaluation of the remuneration of report all, the companies have effectively fixed a base salary and amenities for their executives. However, these amenities mainly comprises of gifts and things, which are been provided by the company directly to the employee. Moreover, fringe benefit tax is been paid by the company for delivering the non-financials remunerations, which is been paid annually. Riaz, Ray and Ray (2015) mentioned that with non-financial remunerations companies are able to provide benefits, which are accounted under fringe benefit tax. On the contrary, Piper (2016) argued that due to high taxation involved in fringe benefit tax, companies mainly restrict non-financial remuneration only to high-level executives. All the companies have been providing fringe benefit tax as non-financial remuneration is been provided to the executives. INABOX Group Limited mainly alters the fixed remuneration on yearly basis, to maintain competitive salary package to its executives . Short and long-term incentives: All the four companies have adopted incentive scheme as it motivates executives to innovative ideas, which might help in increasing productivity and profitability of the company. In addition, Telstra Corporation Limited and TPG Telecom Limited mainly use financial indicators like EBIDTA, profits and total asset to evaluate growth in performance. With the help of this method, both the company are able to measure the incentives, which are to be paid to its executives. Furthermore, INABOX Group Limited mainly uses financial, company management, people management and merger and acquisition strategies of the group to detect the performance conducted by the executives. The company is not only focused on financial performance, however, focus on the overall measures used by the executives to achieve targeted growth and expansion. Lastly, Macquarie Telecom Group Limited focus on both financial and non-financial KPIs to detect the overall remuneration, which could paid to the executives. MacMi llan (2012) cited that evaluating performance on the basis of KPIs is essential, as it depicts impact of the new plans, which are provided by the executives. Accommodation of Corporation Act: Corporation Act 2001 mainly states the relative information, which is needed to be depicted in a financial statement. In addition, the remuneration report also included in the act, which has been followed extensively by all the four companies. Moreover, the accommodation of the act is essential as it might nullify the overall financial report depicted by the company. In addition, the remuneration report depicted in the corporation act mainly depicts the evaluation of key financial indicators, which are used to detect incentives of the executives. Carnegie and OConnell (2014) mentioned that identification of relative key performance indicator is essential to detect effectiveness of the plans decided by executives. Accommodation of consumer price index: In addition, INABOX Group Limited mainly uses consumer price index, as it helps in increasing competiveness of the company. Furthermore, other companies do not use consumer price index in detecting the fixed remuneration it executives. In addition, INABOX Group Limited mainly uses consumer price index to change its remuneration to executives each year. The adoption of this method mainly allowed the company to increase pay to their executives, which is essential in improving their performance. Layton, Smith and Stewart (2013) mentioned that using consumer price index for determining costs is viable, as it depict adequate expenses, which might be incurred by the company. Conclusion: The overall assignment mainly evaluate the financial report of Telstra Corporation Limited, TPG Telecom Limited, Macquarie Telecom Group Limited, and INABOX Group Limited. This evaluation is mainly conducted on remuneration report used by the company to compensate its executives. From the evaluation, INABOX Group Limited could be identified as the most viable company, which has fixed remunerations and incentive schemes for its executives. In addition, the fixed remuneration system is effectively changed as per the consumer price index, which indicates the competitive remuneration package maintained by the company. Furthermore, incentive scheme is also adequate, as it not only evaluates financial performance but company management, people management and merger acquisition strategies used by the executives. INABOX Group Limited overall remuneration report depicts good foundation for long-term growth, which might improve performance of the company. However, the other three companys rem uneration report mainly depicts short-term schemes, which motivates the executives to perform for cash incentives. Thus, adoption of INABOX Group Limited remuneration scheme could help the other three companies in increasing long-term view of their executives. Reference: Adams, M.A. and Borsellino, G., 2015. The unspoken reality of diversity on boards.Governance Directions,67(2), p.78. Carnegie, G.D. and OConnell, B.T., 2014. A longitudinal study of the interplay of corporate collapse, accounting failure and governance change in Australia: Early 1890s to early 2000s.Critical Perspectives on Accounting,25(6), pp.446-468. Cybinski, P. and Windsor, C., 2013. Remuneration committee independence and CEO remuneration for firm financial performance.Accounting Research Journal,26(3), pp.197-221. Duong, L. and Evans, J., 2015. CFO compensation: Evidence from Australia.Pacific-Basin Finance Journal,35, pp.425-443. Faghani, M., Monem, R. and Ng, C., 2015. SAY ON PAYREGULATION AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PAY: EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIA.CORPORATE OWNERSHIP CONTROL, p.28. Inabox Group. (2016).Inabox Group Limited. [online] Available at: https://inaboxgroup.com.au/ [Accessed 31 Dec. 2016]. Jackson, N., 2013. Remunerating your next CEO within an appropriate governance framework.Keeping Good Companies,65(9), p.532. Layton, R., Smith, M. and Stewart, A., 2013. Equal Remuneration Under the Fair Work Act 2009. MacMillan, C., 2012. Corporate law: Impact of regulatory reforms on executive remuneration in Australia-AGMs in 2011.Keeping good companies,64(2), p.100. Macquarie Telecom. (2016).Macquarie Telecom Australia: Voice, mobile, data or cloud hosting experts. [online] Available at: https://macquarietelecom.com/ [Accessed 31 Dec. 2016]. Piper, D., 2016. Executive pay to be results based.Australia's Paydirt,1(235), p.52. Riaz, Z. and Riaz, Z., 2016. A hybrid of state regulation and self-regulation for remuneration governance in Australia.Corporate Governance,16(3), pp.539-563. Riaz, Z., Ray, S. and Ray, P.K., 2015. Collibration as an alternative regulatory mechanism to govern the disclosure of director and executive remuneration in Australia.International Journal of Corporate Governance,6(2-4), pp.241-274. Riaz, Z., Ray, S., Ray, P.K. and Kirkbride, J., 2013. Collibration as an alternative regulatory approach for remuneration governance: A contextual analysis of Australia.International Journal of Disclosure and Governance,10(3), pp.246-260. Riaz, Z., Ray, S., Ray, P.K. and Kumar, V., 2015. Disclosure practices of foreign and domestic firms in Australia.Journal of World Business,50(4), pp.781-792. Telstrahealth.com. (2016).Home. [online] Available at: https://www.telstrahealth.com/ [Accessed 31 Dec. 2016]. Thomas, R.S., 2012. Lessons from the rapid evolution of executive remuneration practices in Australia: hard law, soft law, boards and consultants.Research Handbook on Executive Pay, pp.341-68. Tpg.com.au. (2016).ADSL Internet Broadband ISP - ADSL2 ADSL2+ DSL Home Phone Mobile. [online] Available at: https://www.tpg.com.au/ [Accessed 31 Dec. 2016]. Westcott, M. and Murray, J., 2014. ambivalent Finance and protected Labour: alternative Investments and Labour Management in australia.Financialization, New Investment Funds, and Labour: An International Comparison, p.115. Windsor, J., Searle, J., Hanney, R., Chapman, A., Grigg, M., Choong, P., Mackay, A., Smithers, B.M., Churchill, J.A., Carney, S. and Smith, J.A., 2015. Building a sustainable clinical academic workforce to meet the future healthcare needs of Australia and New Zealand: report from the first summit meeting.Internal medicine journal,45(9), pp.965-971.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Inside Job position paper free essay sample

It will doubtless make many people especially those who lost their jobs and savings angry at not only what the banks did, but that many of the people responsible are still in their jobs, and that no ones gone to prison. The ordinary taxpayers are facing higher taxes and spending cuts, while bankers walked away Scot-free. People who had bought a house they couldnt afford are now living in a tent, whereas bankers have still got their jobs.Consumers enjoyed buying houses that ultimately they couldnt afford, but mortgages were shoved down their throats without any care on the part of the bankers. The money was easily .NET after some adjustment made by the rating agencies, yet the Government give their consent on it. The scene seized of regulators, politicians and academics who all became cheerleaders for the continued deregulation of finance show how weak is the action taken by the Government and that culminated in the great crisis. We will write a custom essay sample on Inside Job position paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Therefore, massive re-regulation is required to ensure that finance is safely locked up. Although ones might puzzled what was the Prime Minister of Singapore (with his soft-spoken voluntary-like others statement) got to do with this. Of particular interest is the dubious role played by academic economists. Many were paid vast, undeclared sums to produce biased reports saying Cods and other dodgy derivatives were safe and that Iceland was fine to be gambling with 10 times its annual GAP. The corruption of top US economists (including prostitutes offered by traders at the Wall Street) and their complete lack of awareness of what they had done were truly shameful.As a conclusion, many were to lame for the banking crash of 2008 and there are many answers on why so little has been done to reform the financial world or bring criminal prosecutions against the principal person towards this cause. From my opinion, the Government should be able to smell this global effecting disaster. They have all the information needed from many angle I. E. Economists, academician, bankers, opposition parties, current trend and history, yet only several almost insignificant moves were made.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Reference Kobe Bryants and Michael Jacksons upcoming trial essays

Reference Kobe Bryants and Michael Jacksons upcoming trial essays America has faced an overwhelming number of celebrity trials recently and these seem to become a common thing in national courts. Take the latest loud cases of Kobe Bryant or Michael Jackson for example, which both have found their own audience, critics, commentators andfollowers, who knows? In this work I will try to discuss the need for anonymity in the like cases, while my personal belief is that the less information leaks out from the courtroom, the less the scandal has the chances to reincarnate very soon in a similar case. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language interprets ones being anonymous?as an either state of having an unknown or unacknowledged name? of having an unknown or withheld authorship or agency?and, eventually, having no distinctive character or recognition factor? For the sake of supporting my personal position, I will concentrate on the first and last definitions. According to Amanda Paulson, the news media stick to the former meaning mentioned above and completely ignore the latter. In her article When the only unknown is victims name'the author insists that while withholding names of rape victims, the media still offer a complete set of their personal details, including addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail, photos, etc. It is a common fact that the media are actively involved in investigating the accusers, while the logical consequence of such an easily reached informational database is that people dont really need the name of the accuser anymore 'the person automa tically becomes exposed to the public opinion boosted by the newspapers, television reports and then simple rumors . It is yellow press?priority to supply everything a humans bread-and-shows?nature might ask for, and they do so. According to a journalism ethics specialist, the celebrity angle, the intense competition, and the Internet have all kind of lined up to creat...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 28

Marketing - Essay Example The growing interest in health and fitness may be viewed as an offshoot of the increasing modernization and affluence in lifestyle, particularly in the urban areas. Evidence of the importance accorded personal fitness and well-being is the growth of this industry for the tenth consecutive year; according to the 2010 FIA State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, 122 new facilities opened across the country during the 12 month period ending in 31 March 2010. Although national GDP contracted by a record 4.9% for the same year, the fitness industry remained strong at â‚ ¤3.8 billion, with 7.4 million members and growing (The Leisure Database Company, 2007). Because of the strong competition and the potential buyers into this particular service, there is a need for well-managed marketing management to bring the company to customers’ attention. Marketing is â€Å"the commercial process involved in promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service† (Princeton University, 2011). The aim of marketing is to provide information and encouragement for those who would benefit particularly from the services provided by Bodyproud Fitness, that is, those who would find the company’s geographical location, price range, and product offerings appropriate for their particular needs. In the case of Bodyproud, marketing research would include a more precise estimation of the company’s potential demand for the various products it offers – gym, aerobics and yoga, and nutritional advice. This estimation includes a more thorough description of its target consumer profile, in terms of demographics, statistics, and future trends. It requires a determination of the affordable price range, the preferred product features, and the possible future likes and dislikes of the said market. (For price, Bodyproud may have to adjust its $100 initial and $500 monthly fee, depending on its research update.)

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Marketing Plan on E-Recycling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Marketing Plan on E-Recycling - Essay Example of getting rid of the waste, as well as getting a reusable product in return. Hence recycling is a very powerful tool to use resources that would have probably gone to waste and would have caused a lot of damage. Recycling also plays a major role in reducing the greenhouse effect because when recycling takes place the gas emission is very small as compared to when the goods are produced for the first time, this too is because it takes lesser resources to recycle a good. For example, paper can easily be recycled and reused. ... It refers to recycling the electronic products that are no longer in use for many a reasons like outdated technology or any technical or machinery problem etc. E-recycling is becoming one of the most important area in the field of recycling nowadays as more and more electronic items like computers, cell phones etc are being used by more and more people. These devices are becoming more accessible, more affordable and more popular among people as the buying power of people increases and so does their awareness and interest in such products. Moreover, since the technology is changing much more rapidly than it has ever had, people switch to newer products after very short span of using older ones and dispose the used products off. This factor is also adding to the e-waste. Thus, the need of e-recycling is increasing day-by-day and it is time to take as many steps as possible to help solve this issue in order to help reduce pollution. Some examples of goods that are commonly e-recycled th e world over are electronic circuits and gadgets, computers, cell-phones, batteries and other such items. MARKETING PLAN A Marketing Plan is one of the most important parts of a business plan. A good Marketing Plan is a complete set of decisions, strategies and marketing techniques and tactics that would be necessary in order to market a product, brand, service or a product line in the most effective and efficient manner. It is a list of all the necessary actions needed to achieve one or more marketing objectives. The time period of a marketing plan may stretch from one year up to five years. Although listing down the necessary actions, tactics and techniques is very important while formulating a sound marketing plan, but if a marketing plan lacks relevant and

Monday, November 18, 2019

World Civilizations To 1500 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

World Civilizations To 1500 - Essay Example 2. Geographical location of Ancient Mesopotamia determined early populating of these fertile territories. Mesopotamia is translated as "The land between rivers": it was situated between the Tigris and the Euphrates. The rivers and the climate of Mesopotamia attracted people: geographical location allowed them to grow different crops and contributed much to the state origin. But the geographical and environmental factor is not the only one which influenced the development of Mesopotamia. Political division of Mesopotamia as a combination of city-states - Uruk, Ur, Eridu and some others - determined its development as a constant struggle between them for political domination in the region. Economics was linked with geographical factor: irrigation allowed people to grow more food, and they were able to trade services and goods. The rivers also were good transport routes. Geographical factor partially influenced the social structure of Mesopotamia - great amount of slaves and peasants co uld irrigate the territory and provide its fertility. Social structure provided economic development of Mesopotamia: class structure became a fundament of further development of city-states. Women position was not the same as men's, but there were many women gods in city-states pantheons. Religion and intellectual achievements also influenced the development of Mesopotamia. Cuneiform writing system, science and religious structure provided high development of Mesopotamian civilization. 3. Geographical position of Ancient Egypt had a similar feature with that of Mesopotamia: the Egyptian civilization was originated in the valley of the Nile which provided the population with fertile soil which was the source of the economic growth of Ancient Egypt. The Nile was also a principal way of travel and trade. Agricultural development resulted in economical and social structure changes: plentiful harvest gave much food which could be exchanged for other goods. Economics of Egypt was very important factor of its development, and it influenced social structure of the population: food and wealth abundance led to class structure origination, and Ancient Egyptian society became highly developed. The main classes of Ancient Egypt were slaves, warriors, peasants, craftsmen and priests. Such strict class structure provided possibility of cultural development. There were priests who developed science and religious knowledge in Egypt. The life of ancient Egyptians was very tightly co nnected with their religious views. The religion of Ancient Egypt was rather rich: the pantheon of gods was presented very widely and their images were so different, but there were some main gods which symbolized the basic mythological, religious and political views of ancient Egyptians. Ra (Sun god and the symbol of pharaoh's power) and Osiris (symbolized nature resurrection connected with the Nile flood, later the god of the underworld) were the main gods in Egypt. So, such factor as geography is one of the main factors of Ancient Egyptian civilization, but economic and social structure, as well as cultural achievements (including hieroglyphic writing system) contributed very much in general development of Ancient Egypt. 4. Ancient India civilization development also was influenced by the

Saturday, November 16, 2019

How has Reapportionment Affected Nevada?

How has Reapportionment Affected Nevada? After the Census of 2011, how have reapportionment affected the State of Nevada. Does it benefit or hurt the least populated areas/cities/counties versus the larger cities/counties. Please provide facts and details to support your findings. ABSTRACT Nevada is one of the states of the mountain west. A lot of demographic amendments were witnessed by the state in the first decade of 21st century. It was seen in the census that it was one of the highest population gaining states in the country. Due to this reason, it is believed that this region has become a home for a lot of people who are diverse in terms of the demography and geography. With the help of these factors, it has been seen that Nevada has become one of the new swing regions in the country. With the help of this paper, we will try to examine the impact of reapportionment in the Nevada state. Apart from this, we will also try to draw a comparison between the impacts of redistricting on areas with varied number of population. It is believed that the area of Nevada before redistricting was considered as rural area. So the process of reapportionment is considered to have been a boon for the area as the policies were amended in a manner the rural interests were taken care o f on the costs of the urban requirements. INTRODUCTION Apportionment is the process with the help of which the seats in the House of Representatives in the united nations of America are divided. As per the apportionment of 2010, the total population in the Nevada state was reported to be 2709432 out of which 2700551 were the resident population and 8881 were reported to be overseas. The numbers of representatives in this state as in 2010 were reported to be 4. Nevada was of the 6 six states which gained one seat each as an apportionment that was done on the basis of the census of 2010. The population of the region constantly rose and this was one main reason due to which a gain in the seat was observed in this area. It was also seen that the seats from a lot of states of the U.S. were cut down. New York and Pennsylvania lost two seats each and there were 8 other states as well which lost one seat each as a result of apportionment. (Damore D. F., 2013) It has been keenly observed that the population of the country is constantly shifting towards the southern and the western parts of the country from the northeast and the Midwest parts. Since Nevada belonged to one of these parts, the population in this state of the country trolled to a higher level and thus an additional seat was given to the state. The nation growth rate of the population in the time period of 2000 to 2010 was seen to be 9.7%. But in the Nevada state this rate was outpaced to 35.1% being the highest in the country. Due to this, the Las Vegas metro area is believed to have the highest population in the area and hence is highly concentrated in the entire region. One important factor that is worth noting here is that a lot of ethical diversity has been seen in the state. The minority population in the Nevada state increased by almost 11 percent in the last decade. Due to this, around 45% of the residents in the Nevada region are believed to be non-whites. These change s proved to be highly important in terms of politics. Due to the electoral factors, the maximum seats in the region belonged to the Democratic Party. DISCUSSIONS On the basis of the brief overview that has been presented above, it can be seen that the increasing population was one of the main reasons behind the reapportionment and redistricting in the Nevada state. It is believed that the interests of the minorities and urbanization will increase in the region in such a way that the politicians take an advantage of it. It has been seen that population is not one of the most important factors that results in apportionment or redistricting of any states in the U.S. the population in a country migrates from one part to another and therefore leads in changing the political preferences. In many cases, it is believed that the apportionment should be done on the basis of the number of population in that particular area. The most basic formula that is used to carry out the process of the apportionment also works on this factor only. In cases when the number of seats or representatives is less or high in comparison to the population of that area, it i s termed as misapportionment or malapportionment. However, in case of the United States, it is a rule that there have to be two seats in each senate irrespective of the population, geography or demography in that region. Also, after each census’s result, the process of apportionment has to take place in the United States of America. Since, the population in the Nevada region increased, with the process of apportionment, one additional seat was given to this region. However, this criterion holds true only for the lower house. The process of apportionment of the upper house is carried out through several other processes. (Crocker, 2011) The impact of the process of apportionment holds a lot of importance when it is done on the basis of the population distribution in the states. Since the number of people belonging to a particular region or state is more in comparison to any other state, it becomes important that they are paid more attention in the House of Representatives as well as the senate. Obviously the least populated areas of the cities are often at a loss in comparison to the benefits that are enjoyed by the highly populated areas of the city or county. The concept of misapportionment is highly prominent in the country but it does not in any way confer to the benefits attributed by its defenders. It is seen that misapportionment has often lead to different views of people. The minorities often have proved to be the biggest sufferers in the course of this process. The number of minority groups in the country is quite high. However, the representation to these minorities is only given in the smaller states whi ch are considered to be unnecessary. One more argument that is prevalent in this regard is that the senate was formed only to protect the rights of the residents living in smaller state which is not accurate in any case. In comparison to the senate, the house of the representatives is considered to be way more balanced in this regard. (Brown, 2014) After discussing the benefits that are associated with the apportionment, it is also important that we pay some attention to the costs associated with it. As per the census of 2010, it was seen that around a quarter of the country’s population resides in the states of New York, California and Texas itself. The biggest political disadvantage associated here is that the political candidates face a lot of arduous issues in winning a seat in the constituencies which is larger in size as well as in terms of population. However, this expense stays to a minimum level in smaller states. Apart from campaigning, the process of fund raising too isn’t an easy task for the contenders in bigger states. Due to this, the contenders in the smaller states often win by a larger percentage in comparison to their counter colleagues in larger states. The advantages given to the senators of smaller states often help in augmentation of their influence in comparison to the other senators. (Damo re, 2012) CONCLUSIONS Seeing all the above made arguments, it is seen that there is a strong need of a new convention of the constitution. The abandoning or reducing the powers of the senate can be a good process in this direction. Also, apportionment should be done on the basis of the needs of the people living in a particular area as well. Although population holds an important place in this entire process, it is important that work is done on other areas as well. Judicial intervention is considered to play a very important role in this process thus leading to a fair process of equal state apportionment. It is important to pay attention on the demographic as well as the geographic factors of every state. With the visible trend, we can see that Nevada would surely see a rise in the population in the next census and therefore, it will become important to take a note of the needs of various groups and communities of people living in that area. Another factor that needs to be mentioned here is that the popu lation of the U.S. is increasing at a drastic rate. However, the number of members in the House of Representatives and the senate has not increased with the same pace. This clearly shows that the number of leaders to represent the people of various areas is insufficient. In the states like Nevada, the rate of growth of population in the last decade was almost 35% but the number of seat added to the state was only one which sounds inappropriate. There are a lot of rules mentioned in the constitution regarding the process of apportionment. But the number of amendments made in this regard is quite low. The leaders of the leading parties need to become more lenient in this direction. On the basis of the discussions made above, it can be clearly concluded that there are benefits as well as costs that are associated with the process of apportionment in the United State of America. It is also believed that with the course of time, work will be done in the areas in order to cure the disadva ntages that are associated with the process of apportionment in respect to the population of various cities and counties in the states. (Burnett, 2011)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Lord of the Rings Essay -- essays research papers

The One Ring to rule them all   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thought-paper on J. R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings By Francis Byron P. Abao 97-06526 English 146 Inst. Emil Flores Department of English and Comparative Literature University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Submitted on October 14, 2002. The One Ring to rule them all   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Lord of the Rings is a three part epic fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien about the struggle to destroy the One Ring of Power. Published in 1954, the work remains as relevant today as ever, when the question of power and its consequences is concerned. In fact, the work reached the height of its influence in the antiwar protests of the 1960s, where it was a main source of inspiration for activists. Part of the reason for its enduring appeal may be that it resists any one to one correspondence of symbolism and meaning. And so, people are drawn into endless debate and speculation as to what Tolkien ‘really’ meant by his story. If Tolkien had cast his work into a form that was more easily interpreted, if he had been more dogmatic and called it ‘The Use and Misuse of Power,’ for example, he would perhaps have been less effective and influential. This is because dogmas easily attract fanatics and people who want ready made answers, but disenchant th ose who are inclined to a more liberal, questioning approach toward life. Tolkien’s work, fortunately, was not designed to be anything as overtly political as Marx’s ‘Communist Manifesto.’ It is a work of fantasy-literature, a combination which makes it hard for conservatives of the literary or political sphere to consider it seriously as purely a work of literature or political dogma. Nonetheless, it undoubtedly has something to say about the connection between politics, morality, and it says this in an imaginative medium: fantasy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite the fact that we may never know what Tolkien meant, we can always ask(and answer, to an extent) what Tolkien means for me---as a reader, as an individual. If the work endures to this day, it must be because it concerns questions that many people have found to be relevant and enduring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One such question for me is the question of the use of power and it... ...or as long and as well as we can, to preserve and care for our place in the world and our relationships to others in it. And even if we fail, we do not if our attempt has been in vain, or, if it is part of some greater plan of some Higher Power who has our best interests at heart. The attempt itself is heroic.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But I think that Tolkien defined the best of what it means to be human in his work: that is, when faced with a crisis which seems beyond our means of coping, we choose hope over despair; trust over doubt; and faith over cynicism. â€Å"I don’t suppose we shall see them again, do you Sam? Frodo asks at the breaking of the Fellowship. â€Å"Yet we may, Mr. Frodo. We may.†Sam replies. (Tolkien 526). References: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tolkien, J(ohn) R(onald) R(euel). The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. U.S.: Ballantine Books, 1965. 87,93,526. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Asimov, Isaac. â€Å"The Ring of Evil† The QPB Companion to the Lord of the Rings New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001. 94. 3. Day, David. Tolkien’s Ring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1994. 51.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Melani McAlister

Culture and history are interdependent concepts that have always influenced and determined the path of human societies as time progressed.   The power of culture in determining the prevalence of an ideology or a specific society has never been most evident than when the human societies were progressing towards accelerated development in the 19th and 20th centuries. Melani McAlister’s â€Å"Epic Encounters† and Edward Said’s â€Å"Orientalism† demonstrate human societies’ preoccupation in uncovering the ‘truth’ and reality behind the seemingly accelerated progress of ‘developed’ nations over other ‘developing or underdeveloped’ nations.   The two authors expressed particular interest in understanding what set apart Western nations from Middle Eastern or Oriental nations, as conceptualized by McAlister and Said, respectively. In their discussion of the Western society and the ‘otherness’ of Middle Eastern and Oriental nations, the authors conducted researches utilizing different methodologies.   In understanding McAlister’s analyses of the otherness of Middle Eastern nations from the United States, she conducted research based on cultural artifacts, primarily mass media artifacts that chronicle the history of the US-Middle East relationship.   Said, meanwhile, looked into the history of the creation and development of Orientalism based on a meta-analysis of historical and cultural documents that can provide greater understanding and additional perspective in determining the specific point from which Orientalism sprang from. The central focus of this proposal is to provide a comparison of McAlister’s and Said’s respective concepts of â€Å"otherness,† as ascertained by their (1) conceptualization of the societies under study, and (2) methodologies adopted by the researchers (McAlister and Said) in coming up with their generalizations.   In effect, the researcher proposes a meta-analysis by looking closely into the two authors’ conceptualization and operationalization of the concept of â€Å"otherness,† in the context of Middle Eastern, Oriental, and Western societies. The first phase of the proposed study is to uncover how McAlister and Said developed their respective concepts of otherness, applied in the context of Middle Eastern and Oriental cultures, respectively.   The rationale for determining this first step of the meta-analysis study is to first determine whether the authors developed similar criteria in developing the concept, â€Å"otherness.† It is interesting to note that upon closer study of their works, McAlister’s concept of otherness is more culture-based, while Said’s was centered on history.   These differences in perspectives made their analysis radically different, while still maintaining one focus: the theme of Other versus Western society.   However, in the conduct of the meta-analysis of the otherness concept, it is vital to note that both authors subsisted to analyzing cultural products—mass media artifacts for McAlister, and historical documents for Said. A major influence that helped determine â€Å"otherness† in the authors’ works was the methodology they used in analyzing the different societies under study.   Analyses of their methodologies would provide more depth in the research’s interpretation of â€Å"otherness.† In fact, combining a meta-analysis on the concept of â€Å"otherness† and methodologies used to understand â€Å"otherness† provides triangulation in the study, giving the researcher more direction in determining which between McAlister and Said provided a more accurate and objective conceptualization of â€Å"otherness.†Ã‚   The last phase of the proposed study will integrate the findings from the first two phases of the study, giving an overall picture of the authors’ basis for focusing on the concept of otherness as determined by history and culture. References: McAlister, M.   (2001).   Epic Encounters: culture, media, and US interests in the Middle East.   University of California Press. Said, E.   (1979).   Orientalism.   NY: Vintage.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Organizational Justice and the Psychological Contract

Organizational Justice and the Psychological Contract Introduction An organization is made up of different groups of people who have come together so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. In the top management of any organization, there is always a Human Resource Manager/ Officer who is concerned about the welfare of the work force of the organization.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Organizational Justice and the Psychological Contract specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Human Resource Manager should treat the employees in the right way so that they can feel part of the organization’s family. Despite the fact that the employees might be competent in their work, good working environment and conditions are necessary for the success of the entire organization (Baldwin, 2006, p.2). Among the essential management tools when it comes to employees is justice. Justice in the organization therefore entails the way the employees comprehend the way t hey are treated by the organizational management in terms of task assignments, awarding of gifts and rewards, promotions and any other matters that affect the employees’ welfare. On the other hand, psychological contract entails the anticipation achieved from the relationship between the employees and the employer. This occurs because both the employee and employer have different expectations and duties to perform as written down in their employment contract. Each of these principles is applicable and used in almost all organizations despite their size, location or any differing factors (Smithson, 2003, p.1). This essay is a case study on the application of both principles in an organization. Analysis of the Scenario It has come to the notice of the company that it is struggling to maintain itself as it is incurring extra costs yet not making adequate profits. In making a fast decision, the company decides to lay off some of the employees immediately. Such decisions are not w orth making especially when you look at the impact they bring to the people who have been laid off from work (Wellin, 2000, p.10). The first mistake this company made was to lay off the workers without a notice of sufficient time as required by the labor laws. It is important that any organization gives a minimum of thirty days notice before terminating the employment contract of any employee. The notice is of benefit to both the employer and employee as it gives the employer sufficient time to organize any payments to be made or find allocations for the position the dismissed employee was holding. At the same time the employee is also given adequate time to adjust psychologically the situation at hand and be able t face it without stress (Baldwin, 2006, p.2). If in any case an employee decides to resign from the job, then a notice of sufficient time is also required to be given to the employer.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help yo u! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another important issue during termination of an employment contract is the method/ medium of communication. In this case, the General Manager decided to send emails to all the employees and later handed over the dismissal letters to his secretary who delivered them to the redundant employees. This was not a good way of communicating as in the first incidence the sent emails obviously caused a lot of panic among the employees. Employees in such a state could not work efficiently hence a disadvantage to the company. The delivery of the envelopes to the employees to be redundant was also not a good way of communicating because this could bring shock on the individuals (Coetzee, 2005, p.12). Therefore, the best medium for communicating such matters is one that does not oppress the employees and prepares them psychologically in advance. Lastly, even after laying off the workers in such unacceptable manner, the company did n ot pay them any remuneration caused by the redundancy. It is a requirement that on top of the dues of an employee, there should be redundancy pay which serves as a reward for the damages caused as a result of the redundancy. The employees however, could not sue the company since the terms of payment in case of redundancy were not included in their employment contract. The senior managers did not present themselves during the laying off process for fear of being confronted by the angry employees due to their unfair treatment. This was not a good way of dealing with the process as it indicated how the company is not concerned about the welfare of their employees (Wellin, 2000, p.8). As a matter of fact, the senior managers should have been present and talked to the employees and maybe even invite a counselor to counsel those who were to be laid off. This would have been a good way of showing concern and treating the employees during this hard time of termination of their employment. C onclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that there should be organizational justice in the organization and that both the employees and employers should expect the best from this relationship (Coetzee, 2005, p.14). This company failed in its obligations and responsibility of good treatment to their employees hence oppressing them. Reference List Baldwin, S. (2006). Organizational Justice. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Organizational Justice and the Psychological Contract specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Coetzee. (2005). Organizational Justice. Web. Smithson, J. (2003). Psychological Contract. Web. Wellin, M. (2000). Managing the psychological contract. Web.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK

Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses different blood and heart diseases, for instance, coronary heart diseases, hypertension, rheumatic heart diseases and stroke. These diseases lead to deaths and hospitalization of patients.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Biological Causes CVD occurs as a result of clogged arteries due to blood clotting, atherosclerotic plague and wandering clot or rupture of a brain artery. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), on the other hand, is a disease that results from disorders that lead to a reduction of blood supply to heart muscles (Fawcett, et al 2004). Cardiovascular disease occurs when inner layers of the artery walls grow thick and irregular due to the deposition of fat cholesterol among other substances. The thickening in the artery walls could cause chest pains or breathlessness (Michimi 2008). In most cases, the middle-aged individuals and the old are the ones prone to CVD. CVD could be accelerated by diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and physical dormancy. Some of these causes are, however, preventable (Wang 2006). Atherosclerosis is the pathological process during which atheroma, also known as lipid-filled plague, develops within the intima of large and medium sized arteries, including the coronary vessels. Macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells that accumulate these plagues making them rupture hence triggering platelet activation and thrombus formation. This further causes luminal obstruction and reduction in the blood flow leading to Coronary Artery disease, a composite of cardiovascular disease. Public Health Surveillance and Monitoring A research carried out by P.G Surtees and co-authors sought to determine the relationship between limited mastery (stressful experiences and negative emotions) to cardiovascular diseases. The research focused on 19,0 67 men and women aged 41-80 years, who had no previous heart disease or stroke cases during assessment according to scientists in Cambridge and the UK report (Acton 2011). The research revealed that a total of 791 CVD deaths were recorded up to June during media 11.3 person-years of follow up. In this case, limited mastery of life was linked with the increase in the risk of CVD independent of biological, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors (Acton 2011). Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is said to be the most common cause of deaths in the UK causing around 94,000 deaths every year (Preedy 2011). One in five men and one in seven women will die from CHD in the UK each year according to British Heart Foundation report of 2008. Around 19 per cent of male and 10 per cent of female die prematurely due to the disease totaling the number of premature deaths in the UK to 31,000 as of 2006 according to the report (Preedy 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's s ee if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The report further showed a high rate of CHD in men than women. 4 per cent of men and 0.5 per cent of women have had a heart attack with over 60 per cent of all cardiovascular deaths in men and 80 per cent in women occurring after the age of 75 according to Stanner (Preedy 2011). Data from the UK shows that CVD is the leading cause of mortality. For instance, in 2003, more than one in three people (38%) died of CVD accounting for about 233,000 deaths (Waring 2006). Heart diseases accounted for the most number 147,500 deaths with 114,000 deaths related to CAD. According to World Health Organization report of 2004, CVD accounts for 1.95 million deaths in the UK every year. Approximately 30% of these deaths occur in patients under 65 years. Coronary Artery Diseases account for half of these deaths while stroke covers just a quarter. With regard to gender, 23% of these deaths in the UK occur in women whi le men stand at 21 % of the deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. Independently, stroke accounts for 1.28 million deaths yearly. This makes it the second highest cause of death. The report further states that everyone in ten men (11%) dies of stroke complications while over one in six women, translating to 18%, die of the same cause. Most women get anxious and depressed easily hence making them at risk of CDV (Weidner et al 2002). The total number of deaths is, however, in the decrease for both men and women (Michimi 2008). The burdens that CVD causes in the UK Societal effects: The first resultant effect of CVD is death. This brings about premature changes in the family roles with the remaining family members being under pressure to take charge, for instance, when a sole bread winner dies. The sadness that comes with these deaths is also traumatizing especially to the young members of the family (Alexander et al 2000). Population effect: CVD also has an effect on the personal l ife of the patient and procreation. This is because; most patients with CVD do not indulge in sexual intercourse and hence affecting the population growth (Waring 2006). Economic effect: The death of people in the middle-age or advanced age bracket has dangerous implications on the economy. Usually, these people, especially the middle-aged are the driving force of the economy since they have the experience and skills needed for efficiency in work. Those in the advanced age also possess rich skills in the market and some of them are founders of various companies or highly ranked personnel in several business entities (Waring 2006).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Financial burden: CDV also causes a burden to the National Health Service, commonly known as NHS. It is expensive to treat CVD ( £ 6.2 billion by 2003). This, therefore, weighs heavi ly on NHS. The cost of informal care, for instance outpatient treatment, was over  £ 4800 in the same year (2003) according to World Health Organization. In total, CVD costs the UK economy over  £ 26 billion a year as the cost of treating the CVD patients (Waring 2006). The economic troubles are also caused by the fact that most of these patients cannot work hence crippling the economy. These patients also require a prolonged medical attention hence leading to increased medical expenses (Waring 2006). Control measures and effectiveness It has been difficult to control the causes of cardiovascular diseases in the UK due to the vested interest in both the political and economical circles. The government, has, however, tried to influence the pattern of consumption mainly through persuading smokers to change their behavior (Calnan 1991). Cigarette is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The UK government has taken some measures, due to pressure from the anti-smoking lobby, to help reduce the rate of smoking. Activities of individuals and government-funded lobby groups such as ASH can also be stated as a force that helped the government bow to pressure to enforce some of these policies (Calnan 1991). These efforts have led to tobacco industries accepting government policies and adopting self-regulation and control measures to prevent excessive smoking. Wilkinson states that, in 1984, the British Medical Association initiated an anti-smoking campaign directed at stopping cigarette advertising. The government intended to reduce the rate of cigarette consumption in the UK by enforcing anti-smoking policies. In 1972, for instance, 52 per cent of men and 41 per cent of women in Great Britain were smokers. This percentage fell by 1986, where 35% of men and 31% of women were smokers. According to Townsend, the British government also increased the tax on cigarette in a bid to reduce cigarette consumption. This measure was effective in some sense, in that it led to the increase in the price of cigarette hence making many smokers reduce smoking. According to Townsend, this move led to about half of the total 20 per cent reduction in cigarette smoking.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Health education and publicity of a series of reports on smoking and health prepared by the Royal College of Physicians also helped in the reduction of cigarette consumption. This is said to contribute to the other half of the 20 per cent reduction in smoking. The government’s safer cigarette policy is also quoted as a resultant factor in the reduction of CVD. According to Calnan, many cigarette companies have reduced the amount of tar content in cigarette as a result of the UK government’s restrictions on the level of tar that was to be moved from high to low (Calnan 1991). Reduction in smoking, therefore, helped to reduce cases of CVD (Courtenay et al 2010) hence reducing ill health and prolonging the life of an individual. The Food Standard Agency in the UK set target levels that food industries should adhere to for each food category. This policy was aimed at reducing the amount of salt intake in people (Mancini et al 2011). Campaigns have also been rolled out on T Vs, billboards, buses and magazines to advise people on the need to limit salt consumption in order to avoid ill health. This strategy, that began in 2003 has proven effective, such that much food bought in supermarkets contain 20 to 30 per cent less salt by 2008. Companies such as Unilever, Kellogg’s and Heinz have also reduced salt concentration in their food. The minimal consumption of salt helps in prevention of hypertension which is a cardiovascular disease. People in the UK have also been advised to avoid fatty and sugary foods in order to minimize the rate of diabetes. The organization Diabetes UK recommends that a meal should have vegetables, salad, fruits, one sixth of the plate should contain meat, fish and beans while two sixth of it should have potatoes, pasta and rice. Sucrose can provide 10 per cent of daily energy requirement hence it is not necessary to do away with sugar intake. This control measure has helped people to be wary of their diet hence minimizing the rate of diabetes and heart diseases (Mittal 2005). Conclusion It is, therefore, evidence that increase in cigarette prices, health education and legislative controls over tobacco advertising can lead to reduced in cigarette consumption. The UK should put more emphasis on banning advertisements that are meant to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption. This measure has led to a reduction in cigarette smoking hence reducing cases of CVD (Calnan 1991). The government has focused on fiscal policy rather than control because it of easier to pursue bureaucratic procedures for tobacco regulation than complex control programs. The UK government has adopted for persuasion and self-regulation as a move to control smoking rather than direct intervention. The effectiveness of the policies that the UK government has adopted is difficult to access. However, there has been a significant reduction over the last ten years in the number of smokers among the population (Calnan 1991). References Lis t Acton, A 2011, Cardiovascular Diseases: Advances in Research and Treatment: Scholarly Edition. Alexander, et al 2000, Nursing Practice: Hospital and Home: The Adult. Elsevier Health Sciences. UK Calnan, M 1991, Prevention Coronary Heart Disease: Prospects, Policies, and Politics. Routledge. UK Courtenay, M et al. 2010, Independent and Supplementary Prescribing: An Essential Guide, Cambridge University Press. Fawcett, et at 2004, Evaluating Community Efforts To Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases. Diane Publishing. USA. Mancini, M et al 2011 Nutritional and Metabolic Bases of Cardiovascular Disease. Wiley Publishers. Mittal, S 2005, Coronary Heart Diseaase in Clinical Practice. Springer. Michimi, A 2008, Spatial and temporal patterns of cardiovascular disease in the United States and England. A comparison of data from the national health surveillance databases, ProQuest LLC. USA. Preedy, V 2011, Handbook of Behavior, Food and Nutrition. (Vol1). Springer. Wang, Q 2006, Cardiovascular Di seases: Methods and Protocols, Volume 2; Molecular Medicine. Human Press Inc. Waring, W 2006, Cardiovascular Risk Management, Elsevier Health Sciences. UK Weidner, G et al 2002, Heart Disease: Environment, Stress and Gender, IOS Press.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Disussion thread for Week 2, 3, and 4 Assignment

Disussion thread for Week 2, 3, and 4 - Assignment Example Ken is a competent nurse. Patients, hospital administration and physicians are passionate about his job. Therefore, it is recommendable to find a solution for him to prevent endangering patient’s life. Ken’s situation is of interest because his primary role is to provide patient safety. However, alcohol abuse hinders his efficiency and effectiveness in role. Therefore, there is a need for a remedy. Ken is a victim of alcohol abuse because of various reasons. He is stressed by domestic problems which makes him report to work drunk. He does not relate well to his co-workers that makes him lonely at the workplace. Therefore, it is the obligation of the hospital management to help Ken adjust to the problem. Last week a patient reported that he is not getting any relief from the pain medication that Ann had administered earlier. After contacting Ann, she was impaired in the Emergency Department and became upset by the interrogation on why the patient was complaining. She had injected herself with the drug. It is unethical for Ann to abuse a patient’s prescription. The use of prescription drugs results in either slow patient recovery or death, which is a medical negligence and malpractice hence unethical (Thomas & Siela, 2011). Primary care for patient safety is a significant purpose for nurse functions. Nurses should perform their duties with the moral code of conduct in utmost proficiency. Therefore, medical malpractice is a nuisance and unethical hence Ann’s behavior is a matter of concern that requires a remedy. Ann’s unethical behavior is caused by personal and workplace factors. Using patient’s prescription enables her relieve herself from stress and workplace conflicts. The act, however, is risky and unjustified to uphold patient safety, which is the primary function of a hospital. A scope of practice refers to the expert activities defined under state law. The scope of practice for a nurse is determined by each state’s nurse practice act.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Islamic history Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Islamic history - Research Paper Example For this reason, it made him the legitimate successor to the Prophet. This implied that all other rulers were not legitimate. The Ottomans and Safavis rulers also used religion to legitimize their rule through the use of propaganda. From the safavid reading, the semi-secret Shi’ite had a propaganda that taught that all rulers of Islam were illegitimate and that the head of the Muslim community who is the Imam would one day appear and over through the mighty in order to set things right. This meant that the person who will over through the mighty rulers would be the one chosen by God.1 The rulers legitimized their rule by indicating that whoever God has given power or authority, no person can be able to resist. This prevented any person to go against or challenge a ruler who has been put into power by God.2 According to the report of the Carmelite mission, religion was put in display by building large mosques where people went to pray.3 Religion was also seen through the rituals that people performed. A good example was the use of prayers where people went to mosques for prayers thrice a day. This was in the morning, noon, and in the evening. Before prayers, people wash and call the name of God and â€Å"Ali in their prayers.4 Religion is also put on display through their daily activities.5 The Persians were allowed to have one wife who was placed in special places called the saraglios. These women were closely protected and hidden. The rulers’ use of religion changed it for their own benefit. They used religion to present themselves as gods especially to their soldiers. This was to the extent that soldiers went to fight without armor because they believed that their leaders are protecting them. Others went into battles without armor because they were willing to die for their monarch.6 When going into battles, most of these men fought in the name of the rulers because they considered them to be prophets and gods.7 The rulers also personalized

Thursday, October 31, 2019

International Environment law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International Environment law - Essay Example In order to fully understand the WTO’s legal framework and its policies and practices with respect to environmental protection it is first necessary to briefly examine a history and development of the WTO. By understanding the history and development of the WTO it will be easier to predict the possible outcomes for Agricola in the dispute filed by Machina. The WTO grew out of The International Trade Organization (ًITO) which was an attempt to create and cultivate a structured multilateral trade agreements regime in the aftermath of the Second World War.1 Under the auspices of the ITO the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was implemented in 1947. Its primary purpose was to serve as an interim multilateral trade agreement until such time as the WTO could be implemented and ratified.2 GATT was entirely reliant upon the relative strengths of the participating member states and their respective ability to negotiate multilateral trade agreements.3 The result was a co mmercial and political culture characterized by inequality of bargaining position since developing and least developed nations were unable to participate on the same level as developed countries under the GATT regime.4 Following a series of negotiations between world leaders referred to as the Uruguay Rounds, GATT was replaced by the WTO and signed in 1995.5 The new WTO made a concrete effort to commit member states to a series of new obligations designed to facilitate free and unrestricted trade between member states emphasising the need and desire to accommodate less developed countries.6 By virtue of the WTO’s treaties and agreements member states are required to extend indiscriminate treatment of all member states with respect to cross border trade agreements.7 In other words the WTO has as its primary aim the free movement of goods and services from one member state to another.8 Focused primarily on

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Smiths Clothing Essay Example for Free

Smiths Clothing Essay Smith’s Clothing Store has remained profitable but not to the companies expectations. Over the past â€Å"10 years a set of five or six aggressive, high-fashion into or within Bayview† (Bayview is Smith’s primary store territory) (Marketing Research, 9th Edition, Aaker/Kimar/Day, pg. 343). Due to this new accessibility to trendy fashions, Smith Clothing Store is looking to assess if it’s current business model of traditional upper class clothing fashion needed an upgrade to keep it’s edge in the Bayview market. Through research they hope to gain a better understanding of who their customer is, and what they want. What is the customer’s image of Smith’s Clothing store, whom is there customer, and how do they differ from Smith’s competitors? In performing this research they will gain a better understanding of their current clientele as well as the potential customer. The current customer of Smith Clothing Store is perceived as an upper class classic design female. Due to the recent growth of the current trend market in the Bayview area, the store has not seen the growth expected from their current client base. Through an at home survey they hope to gain a better knowledge of their current and potential customers needs and if they are currently being met. If this research shows that they still hold a majority of the upper class female market in Bayview for classical dress, then they can continue the road they are on. However, if the research shows that their current and potential customer is craving the new and trendy designs, they need to adjust to meet their client and potential clients need to show growth to compete in their market. An in-home, self-administered questioner appears to be the research tool that Simpson Research feels would best gain insight to what the high-fashion customer in that area. Specifically, on Smith’s current customers age, where they shopped, their fashion preferences, and their purchase profile. The uncertainty of the accuracy of such a questionnaire was that it was to address a finical bracket that was above median income. Once the data is collected it is then to be analyzed using data-processing steps leading up to an analysis. Simpson Research will then inspect the questionnaires for completeness and reasonableness of responses. These responses to each question are to be coded to ensure standardized entry into a computer. The data from the questionnaires is to be stored in computers and analyzed using various statistical techniques. Simpson Research will then interpret the results and conclusions based on those results will be made. A documented and written report of the findings of the questionnaire and the conclusion Simpson Research has drawn will be presented to Jim Andres, the president of Smith’s Clothing. This report will contain the specific research question that were asked, the method of approach, research design, data collection, data analysis and present the results and major findings.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Critical And Reflective Thinking In Schools Education Essay

Critical And Reflective Thinking In Schools Education Essay The literatures review the literature of current main approaches to teaching philosophy in schools, particularly in the United Kingdom. Dictionaries correctly, inspiringly, but unhelpfully define philosophy as love of wisdom, but a better definition would be reflective and critical inquiryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.A training in critical and reflective thought, a training in handling ideas, is of the essence in this new and demanding environment. Philosophy thus provides both the individual development and enrichment, and a bright set of apt intellectual tools for meeting the worlds challenges Grayling 2008: viii Over the past ten years there has been a growing interest in developing approaches to help pupils develop their reflective and critical skills in order to help them cope with the challenges of modern life. In the UK primary schools keen on developing these skill have employed three distinct approaches i) Thinking Skills ii) Inquiry based Philosophy and less commonly iii) Academic Philosophy. This chapter begins with an outline of the context to the interest in creative and critical thinking and then continues with a review and evaluation of the literature of the three approaches. 2.1.2 Context There has been an increasing interest in developing thinking skills which stem from the changing opinions of the skills needed in modern society (Rose 1997; Abbot and Ryan, 2000). One of the stated values and purposes of the National Curriculum in England and Wales is that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ education must enable us to respond positively to the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly changing world in which we live and work. In particular, we need to be prepared to engage as individuals, parents, workers and citizens with economic, social and cultural change, including the continued globalisation of the economy and society, with new work and leisure patterns and with the rapid expansion of communication technologies. Increasingly, countries in Europe, have reduced the requirements to teach a body of knowledge and have promoted the use of transferrable skills such as critical and creative thinking and problem solving to develop deep learning and life skills relevant for the 21st Century (MacBeath 1999; Scottish Executive Department 2000). Abbot Ryan (2000) and Powney Lowden (date) contend the need for this change of emphasis in education is also recognised by employers who wish to have flexible and adaptable workers who have an open mind to change and a commitment to lifelong learning However, the aim to improve critical and creative thinking without specialised programmes may be limited according to recent study findings. The Study of Interactive Learning (SPRINT) project (Hargreaves Moyles 2002) showed that teachers increased the ratio of their questions to statements. However, pupil responses were rarely extended and dialogue remained dominated and controlled by the teacher. Hargreaves and Moyles expressed reservations about the limited demand for extended thinking in the National Literacy Strategy in England and other areas of the curriculum. Black and Wiliam (1998) concluded that challenging pupils to think independently and explore understanding through thoughtful reflective dialogue were central requirements for raising standards, but he adds a note of caution: there is no quick fix with promises of rapid rewards. Watkins (2001) analysed 66 studies and concluded that an emphasis on learning and thinking processes improved learning performances, while an e mphasis on performance targets could depress learning performance. 2.1.3 Thinking Skills. The QCA (2004) places great emphasis on thinking skills (e.g. synthesising, analysing, evaluating and justifying) and attitudes (e.g. open-mindedness and respect for all) and concepts (e.g. God goodness) in Religious Education. Lake and Needham (1995) publish a popular text-book, Top Ten Thinking Tactics and is designed to develop the capabilities of 8-10 year olds with ten cognitive strategies. Feurerstein et als (1980) Instrumental Enrichment Programme (IEP) provides decontextualised paper and pencil exercises that develop in complexity through 14 instruments. The Somerset Thinking Skills course (Blagg and others., 1988) consists of eight cognitive processes drawn from Feuersteins IEP and has the ambition of developing positive beliefs about learning to learn, strengthening problem solving ideas, communication and self-esteem De Bonos (1987) Cognitive Research Trust (CoRT) Thinking programme aims to improve thinking skills in a series of carefully structured lessons. Research into Thinking Skills show that nearly all the thinking skills programmes and practices studied were found to make a positive difference in the achievement levels of participating students. Such studies have included Adey Shayer, 1994; Sternberg Bhana, 1996; McGuinness, 1999; Triceky 2000; Wilson, 2000. Cotton (2002) reviewed fifty-six studies and found all to varying degrees reported benefits to the pupils. Studies which looked at achievement over time found that thinking skills instruction hastened the learning gains of participants, and those with true or quasi-experimental designs generally found that experimental students outperformed control groups significantly While the research for Thinking Skills programmes produce improved results, Tickey and Topping (2004) note that few studies have entailed short or long-term follow-up. McGuinness (1999) warns that such benefits produced by these programmes may only be short-term, while Adey Shayer, 1994 optimistically suggest that perhaps there may be sleeper gains that could come into effect, long after the project has ended. However, Bonnet (date) is suspicious of the thinking skills approach which he characterises as an instrumentalist approach to empowering pupils, by the transmission of core skills. He questions whether the identified skills outlined in the programmes actually exist as discrete competencies and abilities. He is not convinced that they can be taught; separate from the world as specific skills which can then be applied to real problems. For him this creates a false separation between thinker and the world, and may even encourage us to see the environment as a resource at the service of humankind. Haynes (2002) is also critical of the thinking skills movement, regarding it as too mechanistic and favours the communities of philosophy inquiry approach If we are concerned to develop our thinking, we need to move beyond an overly structured, narrow and rigid tradition of logical thinking and argument. This is particularly the case when that type of thinking takes us always in the direction of closure, polarisation and the irreconcilable, and away from solution, decision or ambiguity and suspended judgement. Our habitual ways of thinking must allow us to live, in the full sense of the word, with rapid change and uncertainty, with unprecedented adjustments in time and motion as well as with the ordinariness of everyday life, with highly intelligent technology and with the enormous power of information management. (Haynes 2002: 40) The community of philosophic inquiry may offer a way out of instrumentalism as it still offers critical thinking as it claims to offer the virtues of offer a more philosophic approach to problem solving (Delghausen: 2004). 2.1.4 Community of philosophical inquiry The idea of community is a central theme in current educational practice and appears in a wide range of approaches. Community of learners (Rogoff, Matusovn White, 1996), classroom community (Bridges 1995), Community of practice (Wenger 1998) are examples of this. The idea of a community of philosophical inquiry began with the work of Pierce (date). Pierce, a scientist and philosopher had the goal of bringing scientific rigour and logic to philosophy. Pierce (date), a pragmatist rejected the dominance of Cartesianism in modern philosophy, whereby the lone mind can reflect on the world and uncover truth by the process of reasoning. The philosopher/scientist assertedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.to make single individuals absolute judges of truth is most pernicious (Pierce: 229) In sciences in which men come to agreement when a theory has been broached, it is considered to be on probation until this agreement is reached. After it is reached, the question of certainty becomes an idles one, because there is no one left who doubts it. We individually cannot reasonably hope to attain the ultimate philosophy which we pursue; we can only seek it, therefore, for the community of philosophers. Hence, if disciplined and candid minds carefully examine a theory and refuse to accept it, and ought to create doubts in the mind of the author of the theory himself (Pierce: 229 date page no) The community of philosophic inquiry involves a group of people joining to form a jury to judge ideas and hypothesis. Murphy (1990) explains that when the group involved in the inquiry reaches a consensus, one can speak of knowledge, truth and reality, but these concepts will be grounded in the community of inquirers, not in the individual consciousness. Pierce believed the model of production of knowledge will be refined over time by the community of inquiry and would eventually lead us to the real, that is rock-bottom reality. A popular form of community of philosophical inquiry in Germany and the Netherlands, and to a much lesser extent, England is the Socratic Method which is based on the work of Leonard Nelson (date) and Gustav Heckmann. (1981) Nelson believed the Socratic Method promoted the forcing of minds to freedom. Only persistent pressure to speak ones mind, to meet every counter-question, and to state the reasons for every assertion transforms the power of that allure into an irresible compulsion (date: page). The aim of the inquiry is to press the pupils to clearly express their thoughts, to use logic and to offer their views for critique by others. The teachers role is to use probing questions to draw out the ideas of the pupils and then to finish with a group vote to reach a majority view. A community of inquiry approach, Philosophy for Children (P4C) was pioneered in America by Mathew Lipman in the 1960s at Montclaire State University in New Jersey and was further refined by Gareth Matthews at the University of Massachusetts. Lipman (2003) used Pierces idea of a community of inquiry as the central methodology for philosophy lessons with children, and he also shared Pierces pragmatism in his approach. In addition, he drew on theories of John Dewey (1916), a pragmatist philosopher, who believed in the need of educating pupils to play an active role in democracy. For Dewey (employing the theories of Vygotskys socio-constructivist perspective), the importance of drawing on pupils interests and using real-life contexts were key in devising a pedagogy for citizenship. Lipman was disappointed with his students during the political unrest of 1968 that spread too many universities in America. He believed his students were unable to engage critically to the events that had begu n in Paris in that year. Lipman (2003) believed the younger generation needed to acquire deeper thinking skills for them to democratically resolve the many problems emerging in society. Lipman felt that schools should begin a structured approach to develop the necessary skills for democracy and proposed teaching philosophy to pupils as young as six or seven years old. He devised a teaching programme, Philosophy for Children which contained lessons and stories to start philosophical inquiry. The programme aims to develop pupils creative, caring and collaborative skills (Lipman 2003). Typically philosophy sessions (usually called inquiries) begin with a stimulus which could be a short story, poem, object or music and pupils are encouraged to think of philosophical questions. An early pioneer in the UK, Karin Murris developed picture books as she found Lipmans stories dated (Murris and Haynes 2000). A vote is taken on the most favoured question and the inquiry is chaired by a facilitat or whose purpose is to encourage a skilful and democratic debate. Jones (2008), a P4C trainer notes the aim of the inquiry is not to reach a consensus but rather to allow pupils the experience of collaborative dialogue and to deepen their thinking skills. Disagreements are treated as valuable opportunities to learn to respect different points of view. The P4C approach to philosophy does not require a formal qualification in the subject and can be taught to teachers in a few days. It has attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic following worldwide. It has spread across the world to such locations as Australia, China, South Korea, Mexico, Norway and South Africa. P4C continues to grow in popularity over the past two decades and particularly since the governments Excellence and Enjoyment (2006) paper whereby schools are encouraged to develop more creativity and innovation in teaching and learning approaches. Sutcliff (2006)states that in England and Wales that approximately 2000 primary schools offer P4C, together with 200 secondary schools (ICPIC: 2006) . Catherine McCall maintains that 10,000 children are involved in P4C lessons in Scotland, (http://sophia.eu.org). Teaching philosophy to children is promoted in the UK by the Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education (SAPHRE), which advocates intellectually rigorous communal dialogic inquiry into central, common and contestable concepts. A flagship school for the UK is Galleons Primary School, London which promotes a video that enthusiastically contends the use of P4C has been the most significant factor in helping the school achieve an outstanding OFSTED report. The video repeatedly reminds us that the outstanding OFSTED grade has been achieved despite the fact the intake draws on those who live in social housing. The inspectors note:quote Sternberg and Bhana (1996) studied twenty evaluation studies of P4C and expressed reservations over the many positive benefits cited. They argued that most of the evaluations lacked a firm control group. They write: issues of subject drop-out, class selection durability, transfer, subject population, and experimenter bias were generally not addressed. Statistical analysis was often reported in only the most minimal detail: in some cases, significance levels were presented with no descriptive or inferential statistics (Sternberg and Bhana: 1996 64) However, despite their reservations they were favourably disposed toward the data reported. They acknowledged the improved gains on verbal tests of critical thinking skills and believed that P4C and similar programmes were more stimulating and motivating than most thinking skills programmes. Fisher (1999) argues that it is problematic to evaluate P4C because it has a wide variety of objectives and therefore is unsuitable to be fairly judged by most evaluative instruments. Barron and Sternberg, (1987) support this view, noting that Lipman constantly changed the criteria he used to evaluate P4C which included, the ability of students to provide examples to support their views, to be able articulate a challenge to a peer, to ask probing questions, to use their own experience to justify a view and the ability to look for connections. Lacewing (2007) distinguishes P4C from academic philosophy by highlighting the role of product. He claims that each P4C inquiry begins anew and the product is very provisional and has the tendency to result in a reinvention of the wheel, Whilst academic philosophy incorporates the philosophical skills of P4C, it has the advantage of drawing upon a wide range of philosophers to deepen or broaden the inquiry. I agree with Lacewing and with Rorty (date) who notes, access to knowledge of key philosophers and philosophical movement, allows the philosopher to be aware of all the moves and arguments. The influence of Deweys self-discovery methods is strong in the inquiry approach, and whilst the practice of exploring thinking by first-hand experience is vital, the movement, I believe underplays the roll of enriching thinking by tapping into the ideas of present and past philosophers. Wilson (cited in Murris 2007a) differentiates P4C by stressing the abstraction and the higher-order thinking and reasoning of the latter. Academic philosophy is underpinned by abstract philosophising about general principles. P4C is marked, he upholds, by philosophizing about concrete examples. Wilson (date) argues that P4C suffers from educational ideology. That is, it assumes that philosophy is merely questioning, reasoning and inquiry. Yet not all reasoning, questioning and inquiry are philosophic. 2 .1.5 Academic Philosophy I shall use the term academic philosophy as the study of critical and reflective thinking taught with reference to philosophers, philosophical vocabulary and key ideas. According to mmmmm(date) pupils learn the skills of creative and critical thinking but are also able be able to link their ideas to the broader tradition the subject. The UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Eurydice at the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) hold records of the curriculum syllabuses offered in 20 economically developed countries. The countries are: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungry, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA and Wales (www.inca.org.uk). None of these countries offers philosophy as a national subject for the primary and lower-secondary age-range. In Brazil, however philosophy is a compulsory subject in most secondary and in some primary schools. In 2004 in Norway White Paper has suggested introducing philosophy as a statutory subject. The subject is being tested in primary and secondary schools. In countries where the subject is taught, it usually offered as an optional subject for the post-compulsory age group. Enrolment rates for this course are usually a few the total student population (Hand Winstanley 2008). For instance in the U.K. there is only one public examination board offering Advance Level General Certificate of Education in philosophy. In 2007, only 3,001 students finished the course, with a further 2,009 in the same year completing a critical thinking course (which has a large philosophy module). .With so few pupils studying academic philosophy in secondary schools, it is unsurprising there is a limited amount of literature of teaching academic philosophy in primaries. However there are some materials for those wishing to develop academic philosophy for the 7-11 age group: The few teachers who train in philosophy have specialised at the upper-end of secondary schools and therefore they have not had an opportunity to influence or share good practice in the primary sector. The popularity of P4C and Thinking Skills is due to the fact that teachers can receive some initial brief training (typically 1-3 days) and can begin lessons immediately. Few teachers in primary schools would have a degree in the subject and in England there is no national organisation dedicated to teaching academic philosophy to this age group. However, in England a small group of pioneers (based around the Philosophy Shop company) who are enthusiastic about academic (or as they call it practical) philosophy and regard P4C as a dilution of the discipline. Worley (2008) is an enthusiastic promoter of practical philosophy, which he regards as real philosophy and for him; the second-best choice is P4C. He is the director of a commercial website The Philosophy Shop and offers training courses in teaching philosophy for those with a background in the subject. Unlike P4C training which is intended for trained teachers, Worleys courses are aimed at philosophers who wish to be employed as peripatetic teachers in schools. He makes the distinction between inquiry (which he regards as the concern of P4C) and practical philosophy which should only be taught by educators qualified in the discipline. He acknowledges the work of Lipmans and uses many of his ideas to promote inquiries but he feels it is important to introduce pupils to canonical philosophers and some of the key questions posed by the subject, . His claims that his work with children (currently he teaches in 13 primary schools) shows that they can develop a range of philosophical skills and competencies. These include: conceptual analysis; abstract thinking, generality, complex reasoning, non-empirical reasoning, an understanding of the history of philosophy and the ability to revaluate (2008). I believe the work of Worley and his colleagues offer a fruitful avenue of inquiry to develop philosophy. I agree with Worley that it important to have good subject knowledge of philosophy to teach it effectively. Indeed, a teacher should be knowledgeable about any subject he or she teachers, and I do not feel an exception should be made with philosophy. I also agree with him that philosophy should developed in the spirit of Socrates be concerned with helping us to live the good life by exploring ones values. Philosophy lessons should focus on issues to help pupils that children can apply to their daily lives and to get them thinking about their role as future citizens. However, the drawback of teaching academic philosophy, the history of the famous dead may end up being a dry subject. However, I believe Worleys (2008) instincts are correct in his acknowledgment of the strengths of Lipmans philosophical inquiry approach. Despite the limitations of inquiry methods, the strength is the varied and stimulating teaching methods that have been developed over the past forty years. Since they have been designed for the non-specialist, care has been placed into developing a pedagogical approach that works with pupils. Thus the use of their materials and courses with gives advice on useful information such as introductory games, suitable literature and other starting points, developing pupils responses, assessment and leading an inquiry. SAPHERE run a website that provides teachers with ideas and an opportunity for teachers to network, and to share good practice with one another. I agree with Worley that the next key ingredient is a teacher who loves the subj ect of philosophy and who can relate the responses of children to the wider thoughts of the tradition. This avoids the reinvention of the wheel and allows those pupils drawn to the subject to consult philosophical texts to deepen their understanding. Worelys practical philosophy, the inquiry approach and aspects of thinking skills have much to offer. I support their goal of producing more responsible and caring citizens who are able to take an active part in (as AC Grayling puts it) meeting the worlds challenges (2008). However, I believe this cannot be achieved by better thinking alone, but instead we need to develop a critical awareness of the largely hidden role that power has to play in the generation of knowledge or truth claims. The philosophies of Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault have done much to bring to our attention the way power, disguised as truth or common sense restricts our capacity to think or express innovative thoughts. Chapter 3 contains an account of the theories of Foucault and Derrida This variant of philosophy would keep the core skills of the above programmes, namely reflective, reflexive critical thinking but would include a consideration of the politics of knowledge. ,. Bonnet, M 1995 Teaching Thinking Skills and the Sanctity of Content, Journal of Philosophy of Education, 29 (3): 295-309 DFEE 2006 Excellence and Enjoyment De Bono, E (1987) CoRT Thinking Programme: Blagg, N., Ballinger, M. Gardner R. (1988) Somerset thinking skills course (Oxford, Basil Blackwell) Delgehausen, I., 2004 Experiences with Socratic Dialogue in primary schools in Enquiring Minds Socratic Dialogue in Education ed. Rene Saran and Barbara Neisser UK: Trenham Books Dewey J (1916) Democracy and Education. 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Paper presented at the Philosophy in Schools: Developing a Community of Inquiry, Conference, Singapore, April 2006 (refs in Phil in schools: 162) Murris, K. and Haynes J., (2000), Storywise: Thinking Through Stories, Dialogue Work Nelson, L.,