Cannabis Use Policy in the USA and Netherlands and Its Implication for Essay

Cannabis Use Policy in the USA and Netherlands and Its Implication for Policy Change in the UK - Essay Example Research studies on cannabis use policies have revealed that easing up on the penalties for using cannabis does not influence the use of other drugs nor does it change people’s outlooks towards the use of drugs. The research studies go on to illustrate that removing the penalties for cannabis use do not sway overall drug use, instead, it diminishes harm on cannabis users (Institute of Medicine 1999, p. 102). As a result, more countries are liberalizing their cannabis use policies and controlling its supply by putting structures in place to monitor drug use. Several states in the USA and Netherlands have adopted such policy changes in which marijuana use has been liberalized. Individuals who use marijuana in small no longer face criminal charges for possession and use of marijuana. Those in possession of large amounts are still liable to be prosecuted. They have, however, placed caps on the maximum amount of marijuana that an individual can possess at any given time. Cannabis is a drug produced from the Cannabis sativa plant and can be used in either of three forms; flower tops; leaves; and herbs. The three forms can then be processed into forms that make them easier to use. It is the most widely used drug globally (Villatoro 2009, p. 287). Cannabis international control was discussed in the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime 1961 single convention on Narcotics Drugs in which many governments signed the convention to make cannabis an illegal drug. It is important to note that despite cannabis possession and use being liberalized in some countries, no country has ever legalized cannabis use and possession. The only respite provided for cannabis users is that formal penalties for use of small amounts of cannabis, that are used personally, have been removed (Robin et al. 2010, p. 24; Spruit 2002, pp. 119-141).

Presidential Candidate Essay Example for Free

Presidential Candidate Essay Given the challenges of American society today, citizens shall now have the opportunity to showcase the facets of democracy and vote for the candidate that can help and create a better future for the country. With various differences and stand in one particular issue, it can be ascertained that the decisions of each person must come from the roots of each concern as it balances out the possibilities of improving their lives. In the end, it is still up to the public to decide which contender shall be appropriate and fit to rule the United States of America. The Choice  In choosing between the mainstream nominees John McCain and Barack Obama, one must look at their relative platforms and how they plan to achieve it. Addressing the important issues surrounding society today remains to be my main interest as I go out and practice my right. In my own personal opinion and after reading their respective programs, I feel that I will choose Mr. Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States. This primarily is due to his efforts to guide our country into a new direction facing the 21st century challenges with a raised head and determination to succeed. Why Obama? Similarly, I feel that his policies are redirected towards the pursuit of equalizing and redistribution. Obama seeks to harmonize the relationship between the American classes by proposing initiatives that is deemed to be more fair and transparent in nature. Likewise, he proposes that the government shall accommodate the needs of every Americans ranging from education, healthcare, economy, jobs, etc. Amidst the daunting challenges in today’s economy and way of life, Obama showcases an aura that hope and transformation is still possible. Impeding Issues With his election into office, there are numerous initiatives that Barack Obama shall address. First, he must cater to the current economic recession happening in the country. He must make proposals that will help boos the market and recuperate from this setback. Second, he also should focus on helping many jobless Americans get employment. Due to the rising cost of living, there must be action plans that will aide these individuals. Lastly, another important issue that must be tackled involves the issue of healthcare. Since the end of the 20th century, there has been a constant decline in the facilitation of related care. This has been caused by the rising cost of expenses incurred by the increasing number of retirees in the country. Models of Change Obama, if elected, shall cater to jumpstart the economy by providing several proposals he sees fit to cater the needs of Americans today. The first process involves lessening the tax given for working families. In here, â€Å"they will create a new Making Work Pay tax credit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family† (BarackObama. com, 2008, p. 1). This tax relief seeks to shoulder the increasing expenses and help alleviate these people’s lives. The next process involves providing tax incentives. This particularly shall be applied to small and startup businesses by the elimination of taxes associated with new businesses to help encourage and revitalize job creation and innovation (BarackObama. com, 2008). Lastly, he seeks to promote and enhance trading practices among Americans. By adhering ethical standards within the market and companies, American can exhaust good labor opportunities and the promotion of a cleaner working environment (BarackObama. com, 2008). Another important process that Obama seeks to look into is the American tax system. He sees the need to make the processes fair and equal among citizens. He focuses on the important factors associated with the practice such as responsibility and accountability. By ensuring that these things are applied, policy differences can be seen. With this, â€Å"his tax plan will help restore bottom-up economic growth that helps create good jobs in America and empowers all families achieve the American dream† (BarackObama. com, 2008, p. 1). At the same time, the issue of healthcare shall be refocused and revitalize to suit the current needs of the American population. He plans to provide affordable, accessible health care for all Americans, builds on the existing healthcare system, and uses existing providers† (BarackObama. com, 2008, p. 1). Moreover, there is the strategy to lower the costs associated with healthcare. Obama seeks to use these payments to invest in greater opportunities wherein the services shall be enhanced and developed (BarackObama. com, 2008). Also, his desire to instill the notion that ‘prevention is better than cure’ is done by encouraging American awareness towards public health. Conclusion: What is it for workers? To conclude the election of Barack Obama shall be beneficial for workers in the United States. With his election into the White House, there can be changes in the way the government is facilitating care and protection among these group. Likewise, it shall seek to eradicate the inequalities happening within American society. His programs; aimed at redistribution and fairness, shall be a catalyst for the improvements in life by the working class. With all of these, Barack Obama shall transcend and lead the country to the New Hope he promises.

Roaring Twenties Essay -- American History 1920s

The Roaring Twenties The decade of 1920-1929 was a time of great change, reform, improvement, adjustment and alteration of everything Americans had come to rely on. In other words everything changed. Not one part of common life was unaffected. Exciting new events happened in sports, entertainment, science, politics, communication and transportation. It was the age of prohibition, it was the age of prosperity, and it was the age of downfall. The twenties were the age of everything. It has been called the decade of enjoyment, employment, and for some, disappointment. The 20's were a decade to remember and it had an impact on the people living through it. During the 1920s the United States was in an economic high point. Following World War I people had more money to spend due to the wartime boom in the economy. People were able to buy products on credit, and pay small installments later. This process allowed people more freedom to purchase items, such as refrigerators, radios, and cars, when previously they had not been able to. The 1920s got its reputation as the â€Å"Roaring Twenties† from the economy in part because the economy was booming, and people were purchasing products on credit and stocks on margin. All this exchange of currency created a boom era or a â€Å"Roaring† period of time. In sports, athletes were being identified as heroes for the first time in history. This was the time of great athletes such as Babe Ruth. American Football reached the professional leagu...

My Favourite Book Essay

My favourite book is â€Å"The Old Man and the Sea† by Ernest Hemingway. This story is one of the well-known works of the writer. The author depicts the characters of the old man and the boy and their relations very vividly and skillfully. Santiago, the old man, was one of the writer’s beloved characters. The old man was a born fisherman, but he was not a butcher and fished only for a living. He was very lonely. He had a devoted friend – the boy, Manolin. The boy loved the old man for his kind heart, his devotion to the sea. Manolin was like a son to Santiago. He took care of the old man’s food and his belongings. The old man was glad to pass his experience to the boy. He looked forward to going to the sea together with the boy. All Santiago’s life had been in preparation for the battle with big fish. He knew that he had been born for this and it was time to prove it. A strong man at last had met a strong fish. The battle was a difficult one and full of danger. Though the sharks had eaten the fish and nothing had left but the backbone, the old man had morally won the battle. Santiago’s words â€Å"man can be destroyed but not defeated† are the main idea of this story. â€Å"The Old Man and the Sea† is a masterpiece for its imaginative language and the description of nature.

A Study on Risk Management in Banking Industry Essay

Risk management is relatively new and emerging practice as far as Indian banks are concerned and has been proved that it’s a mirror of efficient corporate governance of a financial institution. Globalization and significant competition between foreign and domestic banks, survival and optimizing returns are very crucial for banks and financial institutions. However, selecting the efficient customer and providing innovative and value added financial products and services are another paramount factors. In a volatile and dynamic market place for achieving sustainable business growth and shareholder’s value, it is essential to develop a link between risks and rewards of all products and services of the bank. Hence, the banks should have efficient risk management framework to mitigate all internal and external risks. The objective of this study is to envisage ideal framework of bank-wide risk management for Indian Banks. The presence of accurate measures of bank-wide risk management practice increase shareholder’s returns and allows the risk-taking behavior of bank to be more closely aligned with strategic objectives. Bank-wide risk management practice should aim to enhance the drivers of shareholder’s value such as: – 0 Growth; 1 Risk adjusted performance measurement; 2 Consistency of earnings; and 3 Quality and transparency of management. The important steps of the efficient framework of banking concern should ensure all risks are identified, prioritized, quantified, controlled and managed in order to achieve an optimal risk-reward profile. This entails ideal and dedicated coordination of risk management across the bank’s various business units. However, the approach to monitoring and enforcing the adherence of business units within the bank may vary. The factors that influence this decision are: – 4 The feasibility decisions of the business unit. Â  5 The regulatory requirements in respect of the business unit. 6 The cost of effective monitoring and controlling steps. Risk management is a line function that needs to be addressed by each individual cost center and business unit. However, a centralized bank-wide risk management framework has certain advantages for the Bank. The advantages are: – 7 Improving capital efficiency by providing an objective basis for allocating resources reducing expenditures on immaterial risks and exploring natural hedges and portfolio effects; 8 Supporting informed decision making by uncovering areas of high potential adverse impact on drivers of share value, and identifying and exploiting areas of risk-based advantage context. 9 Building investor confidence by establishing a process to stabilize results by protecting them from disturbances, and demonstrating proactive risk stewardship 10 Define cost and profitability centers 11 Profitability and cost allocation on customer, product, services and branch wide Most of the banks do not have dedicated risk management team, policy, procedures and framework in place. Those banks have risk management department, the risk manager’s role is restricted to pre-fact and post-fact analysis of customer’s credit and there is no segregation of credit, market, operational and strategic risks. There are few banks have articulated framework and risk quantification. However, the outputs are far from the stressed or actual losses due to usage of un-compatible implications. The traditional lending practices, assessment of credits, handling of market risks *, treasury functionality and culture of risk-rewards are hauls of public sector banks. Where as private sector banks and financial institutions are some-what better in this context. The sheer size and wide coverage of banks is a big hurdle to integrate and generate a cost effective real time operational data for mapping the risks. Most of the financial institutions processes are encircled to ‘functional silos’ follows bureaucratic structure and yet to come up with a transparent and appropriate corporate governance structure to achieve the stated strategic objectives. CONCLUSION There are many banks like HSBC, Citibank, Deutsche bank have bank-wide risk management practice which contributed in their global success whereas banks and institutions like Sumitomo Corp, Barings, Bank of America, CSFB and UTI have failed due to lack of efficient bank-wide risk management practice (compliance and operational risks). So the above comments emphasis the necessity of having bank-wide risk management to achieve the stated strategic objectives in a competitive, volatile and dynamic market conditions in an emerging Indian economy. We believe the above-described bank-wide risk management framework is easy workable, cost effective and efficient process without any hassles or hurdles of high-tech tools and techniques

The Indispensable Get

The Indispensable Get The Indispensable Get The Indispensable Get By Maeve Maddox I’ve been amusing myself lately by eavesdropping on people, listening for the use of the word get. I’ve concluded that get is as necessary to English speakers as the verb to be. The most common synonyms for the verb get are receive, obtain, and buy: I get the daily paper. (receive) Next month I will get my first raise in salary. (obtain) He got a 45† television set at the auction. (bought) In his sonnet â€Å"The World is Too Much With Us† Wordsworth uses get in the sense of â€Å"to accumulate wealth†: The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; The verb get has so many additional meanings that I wonder how ESL learners sort them all out. For example, used with the preposition on, get can have at least four different meanings: How are you getting on with your studies? (managing, progressing) Sallie gets on with her mother-in-law. (has a good relationship) At 93, Mr. Biggs is really getting on. (becoming older) Stop obsessing about the past and get on with your life. (continue) Here are a few more uses of get: Don’t get so nervous when you have an interview. (become) How do you get to Carnegie Hall? (reach, arrive at) I can’t get used to your new hairdo. (become accustomed to) So he mispronounced your name; get over it. (forget it, let it go). Now that everyone is in town, let’s get together for dinner. (meet) I know that losing your best friend is difficult, but you’ll get through it. (survive, overcome) I want my neighbor to get rid of his vicious dog. (dispose of) She’s trapped in a dead-end job and wants to get out. (escape) We hope to get away this weekend. (travel, go somewhere else) I’ve tried and tried to master algebra, but I just don’t get it. (understand) Then there are the imperatives with get: Get busy! Get a move on! (Hurry up.) Get lost! (Stop bothering me and go away!) And these two, which have different meanings according to the context: Get out! Get out of here! These expressions can mean â€Å"go away, leave my presence,† as in â€Å"Get out! I never want to see you again,† or â€Å"Get out of here! The dam is about to burst.† Or they can be slang expressions of disbelief: â€Å"You pay only $600 a month for an apartment in Manhattan? Get out of here!† Listen for get in your own speech for a day. You may be surprised by how often you use it. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 Idioms with HeartWhat's a Male Mistress?Woof or Weft?

204 Week 1 Individual Paper Essays

Cja/204 Week 1 Individual Paper Essays Cja/204 Week 1 Individual Paper Essay Cja/204 Week 1 Individual Paper Essay Criminal Justice System CJA/204 July 25, 2011 Criminal Justice System Crime is a part of society’s daily routine. Crime can directly affect a person, place, or any witnesses of the said incident. Crime is defined as â€Å"conduct in violation of the criminal laws of the state, the federal government, or a local jurisdiction, for which there is no legally acceptable justification or excuse. † (Defining Crime, 2011) Crime is usually categorized as either a property or personal crime. Personal crimes include crimes of violence such as murder and robbery. With a personal crime you will have a perpetrator and a victim. Property crimes are just that, crimes against a piece of property where there is no use or threat of force against a person. The most common crime types are violent crimes, white collar and corporate crime, organized crime, and victimless crime. The first line of defense against crime lays with law enforcement personnel. Law enforcement is the first part of what makes up our criminal justice system. The criminal justice system has three main components including police, courts, and corrections. Police have an unending battle against crime, drugs, and other forms of social dysfunction. The police main duty is to protect the public; however the relationship between law enforcement and the public community is sometimes troubled. Some of the duties of law enforcement are to investigate law violations, gather evidence, make arrests, solve crimes, and then assist with the successful prosecution of suspects. Upon the law enforcement officer making an arrest the case is then presented to the court system. The district attorney office handles most cases of the criminal nature, besides some misdemeanor crimes such as minor traffic violations. Law enforcement usually develop a good working relationship with their local district attorney’s office which promotes quality officer related testimony and helps to lead to the successful prosecution of suspects. All suspects however are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Additionally, the accused have certain rights that must be adhered to. The include the right to speedy trial, the right to legal counsel, the right against self incrimination, the right not to be ried twice for the same crime, the right to know their charges, the right to have witnesses cross examined, and the right against excessive bail being placed. The court system is where an accused person is either convicted of the accused crime or found not guilty. There are many different levels of courts in the United States, but they all dispense justice and help en sure that officials in the justice system follow the law when conducting their duties. There are two types of courts that operate in our justice system including state courts and federal courts. Federal courts handle violations of federal law while state courts handle crimes against the state. The state has two different types of court proceedings, one being a trial court and the other an appellate court if an appeal is filed. The federal court system consists of United States district court, U. S. Court of Appeals, and the U. S. Supreme Court. The court system usually consists of a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney, an unbiased judge, and occasionally a jury who renders a verdict for if a jury trial was elected. Upon a conviction in either the state or federal court system, the defendant is then processed into the corrections department of the criminal justice system. For federal crimes the convicted will be placed in a federal correctional institution and in state institutions for crimes against the state. Once a person has been arrested, tried, and sentenced, the correctional process begins. America’s correctional system includes jails, prisons, parole, probation and other forms of sentencing imposed. The corrections department is also responsible for the care and safety of the inmates that they house. Correctional officers are the correctional system’s front line. They are responsible for the supervision and safety of all housed inmates. This task can be very demanding and risky. Correctional officers have to deal first hand with violent offenders, some of whom are serving life sentences and do not worry about repercussions from an incident with a correctional officer. Upon completion of a sentence, an inmate is released back into society under the supervision of a parole officer. This officer is responsible for keeping track of the individual and ensuring compliance of any probation requirements. If an individual on probation violates any form of their parole it usually results with them being sent back to prison. This can prove to be a constant cycle with some individuals who can not adapt and conform to society. The criminal justice system is ultimately responsible for the prosecution and confinement of criminals, the upholding of state and federal laws, and the equal rights to accused suspects with a right to a fair trial. The system is responsible for the rehabilitation of convicted criminals and to reinsert them back into society when appropriate while monitoring their progress. For many, this cycle is constantly repeating itself and causing America’s justice system to become over populated and back logged resulting in the lack of appropriate case handling and prosecution of some individuals. Unless there are drastic changes to today’s justice system, this trend will continue. Reference Defining Crime. (2011). Retrieved from http://media. pearsoncmg. com

The Crimes of Betty Lou Beets

The Crimes of Betty Lou Beets Betty Lou Beets was convicted of murdering her husband, Jimmy Don Beets. She was suspected of having killed her ex-husband, Doyle Wayne Barker. Beets was executed by lethal injection in Texas on February 24, 2000 at the age of 62. Betty Lou Beets Childhood Years Betty Lou Beets was born in Roxboro, North Carolina on March 12, 1937. According to Beets, her childhood was filled with traumatic events. Her parents were poor tobacco farmers and suffered from alcoholism. At age three she lost her hearing after getting the measles. The disability also affected her speech. She never received hearing aids or special training on how to deal with her disability. At age five Beets alleged that she was raped by her father and was sexually abused by others throughout her early childhood years. At the age of 12 she had to leave school to take care of her younger brother and sister after her mother was institutionalized. Husband #1 Robert Franklin Branson In 1952, at the age of 15, she married her first husband, Robert Franklin Branson, and they had a daughter the following year. The marriage was not without trouble and they separated. Beets attempted suicide in 1953. Later, after facing execution  for the murder of Jimmy Don Beets, she described her marriage to Robert as abusive. However, the two remained married until 1969 and had five more children together. Robert ultimately left Betty Lou which she said devastated her both financially and emotionally. Husband #2 #3 Billy York Lane According to Beets, she did not like being single and began to drink to chase away the loneliness. Her ex-husband did little to support the children and the money she received from welfare agencies was inadequate. By late July 1970, Beets was married again to Billy York Lane, but he, too, proved to be abusive and the two divorced. After the divorce, she and Lane continued fighting: he broke her nose and threatened to kill her. Beets shot Lane. She was tried for attempted murder, but the charges were dropped after Lane admitted that he had threatened her life. The drama of the trial must have rekindled their relationship because they remarried right after the trial in 1972. The marriage lasted one month. Husband #4 Ronnie Threlkold In 1973 at age 36, Beets began dating Ronnie Threlkold and they were married in 1978. This marriage did not seem to work out any better than her past marriage. Beets allegedly attempted to run Thekold over with a car. The marriage ended in 1979, the same year Beets, now 42, did thirty days in the county jail for public lewdness: she was arrested at a topless bar where she worked. Husband #5 Doyle Wayne Barker At the end of 1979 Beets met and married another man, Doyle Wayne Barker. When she divorced from Barker is uncertain, but nobody knew his bullet-ridden body was buried in the backyard of Betty Lous home. It was later determined that Doyle was murdered in October, 1981. Husband #6 Jimmy Don Beets Not quite a year had passed since Doyle Barker’s disappearance when Beets married again, this time in August 1982 to a retired Dallas fireman, Jimmy Don Beets. Jimmy Don survived the marriage for just under a year before she shot and killed him and buried his body in a specially built wishing well in the front yard. To hide the murder Beets solicited help from her son, Robert Bobbie Franklin Branson II, and her daughter, Shirley Stegner. Arrest Beets was arrested on June 8, 1985, almost two years after Jimmy Don Beets went missing. A   confidential source gave information to the Henderson County Sheriffs Department that indicated Jimmy Beets was possibly murdered. A search warrant was issued for Betty Lou’s home. The bodies of Jimmy Beets and Doyle Barker were found on the property. A pistol discovered in the Beets home matched the type of pistol used to shoot two bullets into Jimmy Beets and three into Barker. Kids Admit InvolvementWhen investigators interviewed Betty Lou’s children, Branson and Stegner, they admitted to some involvement in helping to conceal the murders that their mother had committed. Stegner also testified in court that Beets told her of her plan to shoot and kill Barker and that she helped dispose of Barkers body. Robbie Branson testified that on August 6, 1983, he left his parents’ home on the night that Beets told him that she was going to kill Jimmy Don. He returned a few hours later to help his mother get rid of the body in the â€Å"wishing well†. He planted evidence to make it look like Jimmy had drowned while out fishing. Stegner testified that her mother called her to her home on August 6 and when she arrived she was told everything had been taken care of in regards to killing and disposing of the Jimmy Dons body. Beets reaction to her childrens testimony was to point the finger at them as the true killers of Jimmy Don Beets. Why Did She Do It? The testimony given in court points to money as the reason Betty Lou Beets murdered both men. According to her daughter, Beets told her she needed to get rid of Barker because he owned the trailer in Gun Barrel City, Texas that they lived in and, if they were to divorce, he would get it. As for her killing Jimmy Don, she did it for insurance money and pension benefits that he might have had. Guilty Beets was never tried for the murder of Barker, but she was found guilty of capital murder of Jimmy Don Beets and sentenced to death. Execution After over 10 years of appeals Betty Lou Beets was executed by lethal injection on February 24, 2000, at 6:18 p.m. in the Huntsville, Texas prison. At the time of her death she had five children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Involvement of Parents in Early Years Setting Dissertation

Involvement of Parents in Early Years Setting - Dissertation Example †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 The Barriers†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..7 Probable Solutions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..8 Research Methodology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.10 Research Design†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..10 Research Approach†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 Data Collection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 Ethical Consideration†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦13 Findings and Discussions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.14 Findings from Parents’ Questionnaire†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..20 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..26 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.27 Fig 1 14 Fig 2 15 Fig 3 17 Fig 4 18 Fig 5 18 Fig 6 19 Fig 7 25 Introduction The involvement of parents in the education of their children, in all stages, is recognised as a crucial paradigm shift in contemporary education (Carlton & Winsler, 1999). It creates a learning environment that is not bounded by structures, but it enhances and encourages the formation of a collaborative learning environment between the home and the school (Parker et al, 1999). This approach is needed, as education is one first step towards helping children in developing themselves, defining their future career and enabling them to becoming responsible citizens (Smit et al, 2008; U.S. Department of Education, 2010). In this regard, laws and policies of almost all countries all over the world embrace the importance of parental involvement in education (Smit et al, 2008). Parental involvement is synonymous with ‘parental partnership’, ‘parent participation’, school-family relations’ and ‘educational partnership’ (Macbeth, 1993; Smit et al, 1999). Nonetheless, all th ese terminologies refer to parental involvement as the collaborative effort and support given by parents, carers, the teachers, school, and other stakeholders with the purpose of improving, motivating, developing and helping children in their education (Davies & Johnson, 1996; van der Wolf & Beukering, 2001). However, parental

The transportation Industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Adult Law in Social Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Adult Law in Social Work - Essay Example Disabilities are long-term conditions implying that persons with disabilities live with the condition for a minimum of one year. Being a long-term condition also implies that disabilities can be a lifelong condition. Mrs. Lambat has physical impairments resulting from repeated stroke attacks and hence she is a disabled person according to the Act. Mrs. Lambat is currently depending on her daughters for her day-to-day requirements. However, her daughters intend to return to their homes and workplace soon. The daughters together with their mother’s doctor have made a plan to take her to a referral center without her knowledge. This easy will therefore examine an adult case of Mrs. Lambat from the perspective of a local authority social worker. The essay will also consider laws policies and statutory guidance in the given case with relation to disabled people. Through this case, the essay will analyze the dilemma faced by social workers in similar scenarios. The essay will theref ore concentrate on policies relating to assessment, budgetary allocation, and provision of services and care for the disabled people like Mrs. Lambat. Controversies relating to the definition of disability and disabled persons complicate the process of identifying disabled people. Identification of people with disabilities is an important step in providing care to people living with disabilities. The importance attached with the identification process implies that there is need to have measures or guidelines to assist in the identification process. UK laws and policies relating to disabilities provide appropriate measures and guidelines for the identification of disabled people. Some of these laws and policies are important in determining or measuring the level of disability in a person. Mrs. Lambat’s daughters require the knowledge of these legislation and policies. The knowledge of the laws and policies related to persons living with disabilities will enable them to determi ne their mother’s degree of disability and the implication of necessary laws and policies (Austin, 2003). The knowledge of their mother’s degree of disability will enable them to make appropriate decision when choosing the appropriate mode of care. Knowledge of these laws and policies will enable them to evaluate the benefits of having their mother under referral care or homecare. The knowledge Equality Act of 2010 will enable the daughters and the doctor to make appropriate decisions concerning the best care for Mrs. Lambat. The Equality Act of 2012 defines a disabled person as a person with physical or mental impairments (National disability authority, web). According to the Act disability is the inability to perform day-to-day tasks in the long term due to the impairment. This definition will enable them to recognize their mother as a disabled person who needs care. The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 defines disability based on medical principals (Wehman, 198 8). According to the Act, a disabled person is a person with certain medical conditions or limitations that make them unable to carry out their day-to-day activities normally. Mrs. Lambat disability resulted from repeated strokes and hence according to this Act she is a disabled person. Knowledge of this Act will enable the daughters to make informed choices concerning the best care to give to their mother (Government of Ireland 2004). The two basic Acts emphasize on the fact that disabled person are unable to perform their day-to-day task and hence require constant support. This implies that the daughters have a duty to take care of their mother. According to the case study, the daughters will be soon returning to

Implementation of Patient Centered Concepts to Improve Quality Essay

Implementation of Patient Centered Concepts to Improve Quality Outcomes and Control Cost - Essay Example The model aims at soliciting the input of patients on the support and education they need to make decisions and participate in their individual care. It is therefore an innovative approach used to healthcare planning, delivery and evaluation. The concept can be implemented in any healthcare setting. However, its implementation in the current healthcare system has a lot of potential impacts and many healthcare providers struggle with how to actualize the concept into the daily business of caring for patients and their families. Potential impact of Patient-Centered Concept on the current health system’s finances According to Lorig (2002), the concept of patient-Centered care can impact positively on the business metrics of the current health system like finances, safety, satisfaction, quality and market share. Overall, the model reduces the costs of providing patient care and it is associated with increased efficiency of care. This is mainly seen in terms of reduced number of re ferrals and reduced diagnostic tests. Increased patient participation during visits by healthcare providers reduces their anxiety and perceived need for investigations/diagnostic tests and referrals. However, there could also be a need to increase the financial resources in some hospitals and increased their levels of staffing to match with the level of staffing required to provide continuity of care. Despite these costs of education, support and other interventions, there is usually a general resource utilization leading to a positive financial result. Generally, the model is associated with improved patient satisfaction and improved health status and this has the potential of increasing the demand for services offered by the heath system (Stewart et al, 2000). This can be equated with high sales because of increased market share and the end result of this is increased profits. The model is not about technological innovations or renovations and the acquisition of new equipment. Ins tead, it is mainly about kindness, compassion, empathy and attitude all of which are completely free and their provision require the hiring of new staff. It entails a maximization of the interactions with patients at the current staffing levels present in the current health system. The exact areas of the budget that may be impacted There are two main areas of the health system budget that are impacted by patient-centered care are expenses for referrals and diagnostic tests. As noted above, increased patient participation during visits by healthcare providers reduces their anxiety and perceived need for investigations/diagnostic tests and referrals. Reduced referrals and diagnostic tests mean reduced costs per unit for the health system. For example, it is cheaper both for the family and the health system to attend to a patient at home than maintaining the same patient in hospital. Cost/benefit analysis that would be helpful in assessing this trend One of the ways to achieve a cost/b enefit analysis for assessing this trend is assessing the overall costs of managing long-term illnesses verses patient outcomes. For example, if the costs of managing such long-term diseases have reduced while at the same time, the survival rates have been increased and mortality rates reduced, then is the model is good. Impact on the structure of health systems and organizational dynamics Effective patient-centered care requires a shift of the current healt

Porter's model of national competitive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Porter's model of national competitive - Essay Example Governments team up with business institutions to device strategies that will guarantee a competitive edge against rivalry countries. Porter’s diamond framework has linked firms, industries, and nations together to explain international competitiveness of countries. However, the model has failed to capture support from the economic school of thought and relies on management theories. This can be explained in terms of international competitiveness at the firm level. Changing patterns of globalization of the world economy, world trade, and dissemination of technology have changed international competitiveness at the firm level. Emphasis on competition among firms in world markets has renewed interest in international competitiveness of countries. This paper focuses on explaining whether or not countries compete internationally as depicted in Porter’s model. This paper explains theories underlying the economic and management schools of thought. The first section gives an o verview of trade theory that gives reasons for differences between economists and management specialists on international competitiveness of countries. These theories also provide the basis for Porter’s diamond theory. The second section examines porter’s framework under the context of economic trade theories. Porter utilizes logical reasoning instead of mathematical economic models to describe different trade theories. This makes it possible for policy-makers to understand the Diamond Framework that can be used to enhance international competitiveness of countries. The last section draws generalizations about the validity of the model. Adam Smith’s theory in 1876 of absolute advantage was the first attempt to explain reasons behind free international trade between countries (Smit, 108). According to Smith, a country can enhance its prosperity by specializing in goods and services in which it has absolute cost advantage over other country (Smit, 108). A country can also improve its prosperity by importing goods and services in which it has absolute cost advantage. Smith’s theory explains why countries can increase their welfare through imports and simultaneously selling goods and services in international markets. Adam smith viewed trade as a positive sum game when developing this theory. This theory contradicts the 16th century mercantilists’ viewpoint of trade as a zero sum game where countries have to export

Implementation of Patient Centered Concepts to Improve Quality Essay

Implementation of Patient Centered Concepts to Improve Quality Outcomes and Control Cost - Essay Example The model aims at soliciting the input of patients on the support and education they need to make decisions and participate in their individual care. It is therefore an innovative approach used to healthcare planning, delivery and evaluation. The concept can be implemented in any healthcare setting. However, its implementation in the current healthcare system has a lot of potential impacts and many healthcare providers struggle with how to actualize the concept into the daily business of caring for patients and their families. Potential impact of Patient-Centered Concept on the current health system’s finances According to Lorig (2002), the concept of patient-Centered care can impact positively on the business metrics of the current health system like finances, safety, satisfaction, quality and market share. Overall, the model reduces the costs of providing patient care and it is associated with increased efficiency of care. This is mainly seen in terms of reduced number of re ferrals and reduced diagnostic tests. Increased patient participation during visits by healthcare providers reduces their anxiety and perceived need for investigations/diagnostic tests and referrals. However, there could also be a need to increase the financial resources in some hospitals and increased their levels of staffing to match with the level of staffing required to provide continuity of care. Despite these costs of education, support and other interventions, there is usually a general resource utilization leading to a positive financial result. Generally, the model is associated with improved patient satisfaction and improved health status and this has the potential of increasing the demand for services offered by the heath system (Stewart et al, 2000). This can be equated with high sales because of increased market share and the end result of this is increased profits. The model is not about technological innovations or renovations and the acquisition of new equipment. Ins tead, it is mainly about kindness, compassion, empathy and attitude all of which are completely free and their provision require the hiring of new staff. It entails a maximization of the interactions with patients at the current staffing levels present in the current health system. The exact areas of the budget that may be impacted There are two main areas of the health system budget that are impacted by patient-centered care are expenses for referrals and diagnostic tests. As noted above, increased patient participation during visits by healthcare providers reduces their anxiety and perceived need for investigations/diagnostic tests and referrals. Reduced referrals and diagnostic tests mean reduced costs per unit for the health system. For example, it is cheaper both for the family and the health system to attend to a patient at home than maintaining the same patient in hospital. Cost/benefit analysis that would be helpful in assessing this trend One of the ways to achieve a cost/b enefit analysis for assessing this trend is assessing the overall costs of managing long-term illnesses verses patient outcomes. For example, if the costs of managing such long-term diseases have reduced while at the same time, the survival rates have been increased and mortality rates reduced, then is the model is good. Impact on the structure of health systems and organizational dynamics Effective patient-centered care requires a shift of the current healt

The Ability to Enjoy What One Does Personal Statement - 2

The Ability to Enjoy What One Does - Personal Statement Example The profession calls for individuals with the ability to nurture the growth and address the issues of people, their physical ailments, psychological issues, intellectual problems, and also the emotional and spiritual well being of the people. As a helping enthusiast and a lover of life, I realize that a number of people require support and assistance to help them be able to enjoy life and not abuse the greatest gift that God has given us. I believe that each one of us has the rights to be able to enjoy this gift and it is essential that we assist others who have issues and problems. One of the most essential groups of people who require help and assistance are the youth and children. My biggest strength is that I love working with people especially children and youth, who have their entire lives in front of them to live and cherish. I believe that we get to live just once hence we should use this to bring out the best in ourselves as well as others around us. Having been in the teaching profession for five full years, along with the experience of working with people with substance abuse traits, I have come across a number of students and individuals who have a very strong and bright life ahead but need the nurturing and assistance to be able to recognize and cherish it. I would love to have a career in the helping professions as I feel it is my responsibility to reach out to as many people and try and help them in any way possible to help them recover and regain out of the issues and troubles of life. This could mean not only psychological but also physical, intellectual, emotional and even spiritual. I believe that if in the current world, all of us turn only towards making money and being successful ourselves with no care and affection towards others in the world, the world will come to an end very soon.  

Data Communications Essay Example for Free

Data Communications Essay Repairs by Return is a successful company and offers a repair service for various electrical appliances including washing machines, dishwashers etc. The business is expanding, meaning taking on additional engineers who might need on-the-job training. The aim of our group is to advise the owner of Repairs by Return on the new technology and research on how well the technology can make the company more efficient and the communication between the staff and owner better. We will also recommend an appropriate solution. ` MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES Mobile tools and technologies have the capacity facilitate communication, keep employees informed in real-time and reduce hours once spent bound to a desk. However, along with the liberating aspects of an increasingly versatile workplace, mobility presents challenges for todays workers. Below are short descriptions of mobile technologies currently available. SMS Short Message Service (SMS) is a service available on most digital mobile phones that allows the sending of short messages, also known as text messages, or more commonly as SMS, texts or even txts) between mobile phones, other handheld devices and even landline telephones. Messages must be no longer than 160 alpha-numeric characters and contain no images or graphics. Picture Messaging Picture Messaging is a service, which allows users to send and receive messages that combine pictures with text and sounds from their phones. WAP Wireless Application Protocol is an open international standard for applications that use wireless communication allowing users to access information instantly via handheld wireless device e.g. internet access from a mobile phone, smart phones, two way radios etc. MMS Multimedia Message Service is the evolution of SMS. With MMS, a mobile device is no longer restricted to text-only messages. It can send and receive multimedia messages such as graphics, sound files, video clips or any combination of the above, within certain size limits. GPRS General Packet Radio Service is a protocol for passing data over a mobile phone network. With GPRS connection, the phone is always on and can transfer data immediately, and at higher speeds. 3G 3G is the generic term for third generation mobile phone technologies. It offers high speed connections enabling video conference and other applications which require broadband connectivity to the Internet. PDA Personal Digital Assistants are handheld devices that combine computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking features. Originally designed as personal organisers but have now become much more versatile over the years. FEASIBILITY STUDY The feasibility study is aimed at viewing the ideas given to us by the owner and assessing whether they will help the company communicate effectively. We will also look at the limitations of the ideas. * Apprentice engineers asking for help silently to senior engineers GPRS allows instant connectivity (as long as there is radio coverage), meaning information can be sent/received immediately. Engineers can take picture(s) of the problem they cannot fix, write a little note with it, send it as an MMS to senior engineers, and receive an immediate reply without the customers realising. The problem with this will be that the engineer on the other side might be with a client and therefore, will not be able to reply immediately. Another problem could be that the reply received from the engineer may be inaccurate and unclear. Drawback of GPRS is the limited bandwidth and is particularly suited for sending and receiving small bursts of data. So when engineers do send pictures, the size of the message and picture will be limited. * Web access to manuals and diagrams GPRS also aims to deliver remote access type applications via a mobile network for businesses including data uploads and synchronisation, document sharing and collaboration, email and web browsing. Ideally, a wide variety of information can be delivered via a mobile device, overcoming the 160 character limitations of SMS. It is usually impossible to directly port a desktop application to a wireless to a handheld device; therefore, directly access most websites using a handheld device is difficult. Another problem the engineers might face is that typing on a cell phones tiny keys can be difficult and time consuming and the size of the screen is limited too. This could be a problem when an engineer is trying to download diagrams, as there will be problems with its clarity. * FAQs facility stored on mobiles One of the drawbacks on using GPRS is that it has slow data transfer rates. Although rates of 115 kbs (or more) have been quoted, the realistic speeds are 20 to 30 kbs can be expected. Applications can be used in a shared environment, and data sharing is made easier effectively like being connected to a Local Area Network (LAN). An important functionality of PDAs is the possibility of synchronising data with a contact database, such as MS Outlook hosted on corporate servers or a personal computer. The synchronised data ensures that the PDA has an accurate list of contacts, appointments and email. Critical to shared data access, synchronisation allows multiple clients to access, edit, and remove data records that a particular group of users may regularly use. As well as that, data input is a lot quicker on a personal computer. Therefore, transferring data to a PDA via the computer is a lot quicker than having to manually input it all on the handheld device. POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF COMBINED MOBILE PHONES/PDAS, IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS BUSINESS We will now discuss the benefits of mobilisation to the business. * PDA from for capturing progress made A form can be created for the use on the PDA which will enable the engineers to capture progress while they are with clients, which could then be distributed over the network, noting the problems that they could not fix or if any additional parts are required. Each time the engineer collects heir PDA, it is pre-loaded with weeks progress form. Once the form is completed, the engineer can synchronise it when they get back to the office or using GPRS whilst out with the clients. The data can then be fed into a progress database, collecting the data from all the engineers. This will enable you to generate a project progress report automatically. The potential usefulness with mobile phones and PDA There are various other ways the business can use the technology to help their staff. As the workers are apprentices, they can use the technology by using i.e. the intranet to access the help guide. This is a good idea as the staff can learn while on duty and in their free time. It is also a good cost saver as they will not need to pay for a teacher and a class room, and it is also less time consuming. The PDA or some mobiles phones have a satellite navigation system built in to help the staff if they are travelling to any location which they have difficulty finding. It will give them clear directions and pinpoint the location to save time. RECOMMENDATIONS Having considered the ideas that have been brought forward by you, the technology would help to build a better relationship with the staff and also improved customer service. Before purchasing new technology, Repairs by Return will need to invest in training the staff to use the hand held device. We recommend using a mobile phone called the Treo 650 Smart phone; this is a combined technology of some of the features of a PDA and also most of the features of a mobile phone. Of the three ideas, we think that the best idea would be having a server or the intranet to access the manuals and diagrams from the mobile phone. This will give the staff the knowledge to solve any problems and also gives some secrecy as the customer will not realise that the engineer is asking for help. The idea of using the mobile phone to contact other experienced engineers is a good idea but may distract the other staff that may also be with a customer. The idea of having a FAQ database maybe a bad idea as the staff may not always find the most accurate answers to there questions. The database will have answers of the problems that have arose in the past but may not have new problems, this will mean that the information would have to be updated frequently so that it is up to date. The information will have to be stored so will take up the hard drive space which the staff may need to use for other information. This will mean that the business would need to purchase higher mega byte memory cards. This is an additional cost for the business. The intranet would be a good idea as the all the information is there; you do not need to store the information as it is on the intranet saving memory space. Although the information maybe hard to find as the staff would need to go through the manual to find what they are looking for. The technology of the smart phone will help the staff as the phone has the features of browser to search for any words or phrases on the web to located information much faster and have less time consumed looking through the whole manual. BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS USED 1) Panko. R., Business Data Communications and Networking, Prentice Hall, 3rd Edition (2000) WEBSITES USED 1) http://www.voiceanddata.com.au/feature_article/item_022003a.asp 2) http://www.palm.com/us/products/smartphones/treo650/web.epl 3) http://web.ukonline.co.uk/p.boughton/wap.htm 4) http://www.my-xda.com/xda2_closer.html 5) http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews90293.html GROUP LOG Group Names * 21 February 2006 ALLOCATION OF GROUPS 1) Manik Maih 2) Bijal Pandit 3) Ime Udoh All members exchanged phone numbers and e-mail addresses. We allocated tasks and said that we should research on mobile phones and PDA. Time allocated for research only Manik Miah 7 days Bijal Pandit 7 days Ime Udoh 7 days * 28 February 2006 All the group members conducted sufficient research needed to write the report, within the time given. There were plenty of books and internet print outs. All members looked and read through the research found and divided into files. We divided 3 ideas between us. Manik idea 1 Bijal idea 2 Ime idea 3 We then allocated the tasks of the report and the internet website. Bijal Part 1 and 2 Manik Part 3 and 4 Ime website, contents page, group log We met up every 3 days to check the progress of the report and to help any group members that are having difficulties. * 7 March 2006 All group members attended, and arrived on time. At this stage majority of the work was completed. Each member rotated the work around to ensure there were no more mistakes. We all contributed equally and suggested that the work was fine and additional work that needs to be done should. * 13 March 2006 The group had finished off all there tasks and got together to check over all the work. We then edited the website. Once the final touches were made, we printed out the work. GROUP AGREEMENT 4BIM504 Data Communications We, the undersigned members of this group, undertake to be bound by the following agreement: 1. to attend all group meetings on time, except when agreed by other group members in advance, or where a documented excuse is provided 2. to be well prepared for each meeting, ensuring that all relevant material is adequately researched and presented 3. to be actively involved in the work of the group, by contributing to the best of our abilities 4. to participate in the editing and preparation of the final report We agree that if a group member breaches these undertakings, then the group has the right to recommend a reduced mark for the individual concerned of up to 30% below the group grade. In this eventuality the group would submit reasons in writing to the seminar leader. We accept that the seminar tutor may require further information before making any penalty mark adjustments. We accept that the seminar tutors decision is final in these matters.

Development Of The Mbo Concept Business Essay

Development Of The Mbo Concept Business Essay Management by Objectives has been one of the most successful approaches to management to date. The fact that MBO has survived for about twenty years indicates that it is more than just a fashionable technique. What is often overlooked, however, is that MBO has changed considerably over the years. There are still some who think of MBO as an appraisal tool. But, if this narrow, limited view of MBO is taken, then MBO would indeed have serious limitations. On the other hand, if MBO becomes a way of managing, many of the undesirable consequences encountered in appraisal can be avoided. Development of the MBO Concept The term Management by Objectives was introduced and popularized by Peter Drucker, who stated that, Objectives are needed in every area where performance and results directly and vitally affect the survival and prosperity of the business. In addition, he emphasized the importance of participative goal setting, selfcontrol, and self-evaluation. But Druckers idea of MBO was not adopted in its entirety, and MBO was not practiced as a way of managing. Rather, selected aspects were taken and applied to performance appraisal. The Appraisal Approach. McGregor called attention to the shortcomings of conventional appraisal programs, which focused mainly on personality traits. The manager, mistrusting the validity of the appraisal instrument, resisted because he did not like to judge other human beings like physical objects. Consequently, McGregor suggested anew appraisal format, utilizing Druckers MBO concepts. In this approach, the subordinate sets his short-term performance goals for himself. These goals are then discussed further with his superior. Later, the individuals performance is evaluated against these goals, but it is primarily self-appraisal. The MBO approach to appraisal was certainly a step in the right direction. However, it dealt with only a small (although important) part of the managerial job. Integrating Objectives. In the middle 1960s, behavioral scientists became interested in the MBO philosophy. They saw MBO as a way of integrating individual and organizational objectives, in which the individual becomes an active participant in the managerial process. Moreover, the underlying premise is not that top management knows best, but rather, that individuals at all levels are capable of contributing to the success of the organization. Consequently, participation is a key aspect of this orientation. Another characteristic of this MBO approach is the concern not only for organizational objectives, but also personal development objectives. It recognizes that learning does not stop at the time a diploma or degree is earned. Learning is a continuing process. Therefore, developmental and growth objectives are now an important part of the MBO process. Another facet that should be mentioned here is that people in organizations are better educated than ever before. Consequently, they do not want to accept orders blindly; they demand a part of the action; they want to be involved; they want more control over their job and their life; and they also want to know where the company is going, so that they can contribute to the aims of the organization. MBO, which stresses participation, was found to be a means to satisfy these needs. It was recognized that people want to do a good job and that the needs of the organization and the individual are not necessarily incongruent, and that they can be integrated. Therefore, both the individual and the organization can benefit from this approach to management. The Long-Term View. Although the new emphasis on the needs of individuals created a more favourable environment for managing, there were still some problems. One was that the focus was still primarily on shortterm, one-year objectives. Unfortunately, this often resulted in undesirable consequences. For example, individuals, focusing on the one-year cycle, may neglect important decisions necessary for the long-term health of the organization. This points to the need to integrate long range and strategic plans with medium and short-range objectives. The implication of the new orientation had a greater impact than might appear on the surface. Previously,MBO programs were primarily implemented by the personnel departments. It was not unusual to find the top management attitude that MBO is valuable, but only for middle and lower managers. The new orientation and the shift to a more comprehensive approach to MBO (relating it to long-range and strategic plans) demands the attention and invo lvement of top management. Their commitment has to go beyond the issuance of a policy statement endorsing MBO for the company. Instead, top executives must become active participants in the MBO process. Consequently, MBO welds together not only short-term goals with long-term aims, it also integrates the efforts of managers at all levels of the organization. . Management by Objectives (MBO) Method The Management by Objectives (MBO) method is a process in which managers and employees jointly set objectives for the employees, periodically evaluate performance, and reward according to the results. Although it is a three-step process, no standard form is used with MBO, so it is a method. MBO is also referred to as work planning and review, goals management, goals and controls, and management by results. Why and when do we use the MBO method? The MBO method is one of the best methods of developing employees. Like critical incidents, employees get ongoing feedback on how they are doing, usually at scheduled interval meetings. We can use the MBO method successfully with our employees if we commit to the process and truly involve employees rather than trying to make them believe that our objectives are theirs-accurate measures. On an organization-wide basis, MBO is not too commonly used as the sole assessment method. It is more commonly used based on the evaluative assessment during the development part of the performance appraisal. One difficult part of MBO is that in many situations, most, if not all, employees will have different goals, making MBO more difficult and time-consuming than using a standard assessment form. How do we use the MBO method? MBO is a three-step process: Step 1. Set individual objectives and plans. The manager sets objectives jointly with each individual employee.26 The objectives are the heart of the MBO process and should be accurate measures of performance results. To be accurate, objectives should be SMART.27 They need to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Being specific, measurable, and time-based is fairly easy to determine in a written goal, but being attainable and relevant is more difficult. So we developed a model based on the work of Max E. Douglas with two examples in Model 8-1 that we can use when setting objectives for ourselves or with others. Step 2. Give feedback and evaluate performance. Communication is the key factor in determining MBOs success or failure, and employees should continually critique their own performance.28 Thus, the manager and employee must communicate often to review progress.29 The frequency of evaluations depends on the individual and the job performed. However, most managers do not conduct enough review sessions. Step 3. Reward according to performance. Employees performance should be measured against their objectives. Employees who meet their objectives should be rewarded through recognition, praise, pay raises, promotions, and so on.30 Employees who do not meet their goals, so long as the reason is not out of their control, usually have rewards withheld and even punishment when necessary. Advantages: The MBO approach overcomes some of the problems that arise as a result of assuming that the employee traits needed for job success can be reliably identified and measured. Instead of assuming traits, the MBO method concentrates on actual outcomes. If the employee meets or exceeds the set objectives, then he or she has demonstrated an acceptable level of job performance. Employees are judged according to real outcomes, and not on their potential for success, or on someones subjective opinion of their abilities. The guiding principle of the MBO approach is that direct results can be observed, whereas the traits and attributes of employees (which may or may not contribute to performance) must be guessed at or inferred. The MBO method recognizes the fact that it is difficult to neatly dissect all the complex and varied elements that go to make up employee performance. MBO advocates claim that the performance of employees cannot be broken up into so many constituent parts as one might take apart an engine to study it. But put all the parts together and the performance may be directly observed and measured. Disadvantages MBO methods of performance appraisal can give employees a satisfying sense of autonomy and achievement. But on the downside, they can lead to unrealistic expectations about what can and cannot be reasonably accomplished. Supervisors and subordinates must have very good reality checking skills to use MBO appraisal methods. They will need these skills during the initial stage of objective setting, and for the purposes of self-auditing and self-monitoring. Unfortunately, research studies have shown repeatedly that human beings tend to lack the skills needed to do their own reality checking. Nor are these skills easily conveyed by training. Reality itself is an intensely personal experience, prone to all forms of perceptual bias. One of the strengths of the MBO method is the clarity of purpose that flows from a set of well-articulated objectives. But this can be a source of weakness also. It has become very apparent that the modern organization must be flexible to survive. Objectives, by their very nature, tend to impose a certain rigidity. MBO PROCESS This type of managing hasnt been around forever: Its an approach called Management by Objectives; a system that seeks to align employees goals with the goals of the organization. This ensures that everyone is clear about what they should be doing, and how that is beneficial to the whole organization. Its quite easy to see why this type of managing makes sense when the parts work in unison the whole works smoothly too. And by focusing on what youre trying to achieve, you can quickly discriminate between tasks that must be completed, and those that are just a waste of valuable time. http://www.mindtools.com/media/MBO.jpg These steps are explained below: 1. Set or Review Organizational Objectives MBO starts with clearly defined strategic organizational objectives (see our article on Mission and Vision Statements for more on this.) If the organization isnt clear where its going, no one working there will be either. 2. Cascading Objectives Down to Employees To support the mission, the organization needs to set clear goals and objectives, which then need to cascade down from one organizational level to the next until they reach the everyone. To make MBO goal and objective setting more effective, Drucker used the SMART acronym to set goals that were attainable and to which people felt accountable. He said that goals and objectives must be: Specific Measurable Agreed (relating to the participative management principle) Realistic Time related Notice the A in SMART is agreed. This is sometimes referred to as achievable but, with MBO, agreement about the goals is a critical element: Its not enough for the goals and objectives to be set at the top and then handed down. They must flow, or trickle, down through various stages of agreement. The only goal that is going to be met is one that is agreed on. How much easier is to get buy in when the person responsible for achieving the goal had a hand in developing it? 3. Encourage Participation in Goal Setting Everyone needs to understand how their personal goals fit with the objectives of the organization. This is best done when goals and objectives at each level are shared and discussed, so that everyone understands why things are being done, and then sets their own goals to align with these. This increases peoples ownership of their objectives. Rather than blindly following orders, managers, supervisors, and employees in an MBO system know what needs to be done and thus dont need to be ordered around. By pushing decision-making and responsibility down through the organization, you motivate people to solve the problems they face intelligently and give them the information they need to adapt flexibly to changing circumstances.Through a participative process, every person in the organization will set his or her own goals, which support the overall objectives of the team, which support the objectives of the department, which support the objectives of the business unit, and which support the objectives of the organization. 4. Monitor Progress Because the goals and objectives are SMART, they are measurable. They dont measure themselves though, so you have to create a monitoring system that signals when things are off track. This monitoring system has to be timely enough so that issues can be dealt with before they threaten goal achievement. With the cascade effect, no goal is set in isolation, so not meeting targets in one area will affect targets everywhere. On the other hand, it is essential that you ensure that the goals are not driving adverse behaviour because they have not been designed correctly. For instance, a call centre goal of finishing all calls within seven minutes might be useful in encouraging the staff to handle each call briskly, and not spend unnecessary time chatting. However, it might be that customers calls were becoming more complex, perhaps because of a faulty new product, and call centre operators were terminating the call after 6 minutes 59 seconds in order to meet their target, leaving customers to call back, frustrated. In this situation, the monitoring process should pick up the shift in the goal environment and change the goal appropriately.Set up a specific plan for monitoring goal performance (once a year, combined with a performance review is not sufficient!) Badly-implemented MBO tends to stress the goal setting without the goal monitoring. Here is where you take control of performance and demand accountability. Think about all the goals you have set and didnt achieve. Having good intentions isnt enough, you need a clear path marked by accountability checkpoints. Each goal should have mini-goals and a method for keeping on top of each one. 5. Evaluate and Reward Performance MBO is designed to improve performance at all levels of the organization. To ensure this happens, you need to put a comprehensive evaluation system in place. As goals have been defined in a specific, measurable and time-based way, the evaluation aspect of MBO is relatively straightforward. Employees are evaluated on their performance with respect to goal achievement (allowing appropriately for changes in the environment.) All that is left to do is to tie goal achievement to reward, and perhaps compensation, and provide the appropriate feedback. Employees should be given feedback on their own goals as well as the organizations goals. Make sure you remember the participative principle: When you present organization-wide results you have another opportunity to link individual groups performances to corporate performance. Ultimately this is what MBO is all about and why, when done right, it can spur organization-wide performance and productivity. Management by objectives is not a technique of performance appraisal, but it denotes a systematic process of performance appraisal MBO as an approach which uses objectives as a focal point to improve managerial performance and managerial effectiveness, both at the individual and at the organisational level. These objectives serve to guide, direct, review and measure performance. However, MBO should not be thought of as merely a tool for performance appraisal. It is a far more comprehensive mechanism and provides a framework for organisational and managerial decisions In the MBO approach while the objectives provide the focal point, the emphasis is on improving the performance and providing better results. This is because MBO is concerned with achieving the objectives as well as the process by which they are achieved. The objectives will necessarily vary with the managerial level at which they are set. Objectives at the level of the managing director will be different from those of a branch manager or the production manager. However, all these objectives are derived from the organisations overall objectives and i n turn are linked to the corporate plan. The fact that MBO allows for distant, intangible organisational objectives to be converted into achievable, personalised objectives (for each level of management ) is the reason for its success and popularity. The key concepts in MBO are : à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ emphasis on results rather than activities, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ objectives for specific managerial positions, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ participatory or joint objective setting, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ identification of key result areas, and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ establishment of periodic review system.

Its Time for Open Adoption Essay examples -- Argumentative Persuasive

It's Time for Open Adoption Based on statistics gathered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Children's Bureau, approximately 46,000 children found homes through the foster care system last year alone (Cumpston, 8b). It is hard to imagine that there is this unbelievable number of children adopted in just one year, and the process is still different for every family who goes through it. Only after much research, can one conclude that while handling an adoption, a process known as open adoption is the most beneficial for everyone alike. There are essentially two ways to adopt a child; one technique, known as an open adoption and one known as closed. Throughout the first quarter of the century, the latter of the two methods, also known as confidential adoption, was mainly used (Melina). This was an attempt to protect the birth mothers, as well as the child, from ruthless feelings toward them by the public. During the conception years of adoption, many people were not aware of how adoptions worked or why they were taking place, so they automatically assumed the worst of the situation and the people involved in it (Roszia). However, over the years, the society's comprehension of adoptions in general has changed from oblivious to increasingly aware about how the process works, therefore resulting in the acknowledgment and acceptance of open adoption. In an open adoption, the birth parents and the adoptive parents have continued interaction throughout the extent of the child's life. Open adoptions present the opportunity to take a potentially hazardous situation and turn it into a loving environment for the child. According to Sharon Kaplan Roszia, in her article title... ...ography Baran, Annette & Pannor, Reuben. "An Open Adoption Policy is Best." Opposing Viewpoints: Adoption. Harnack, Andrew, ed., Greenhaven Press, Inc., San Diego, CA., Pp. 228-237. Byrd, Dean. "A Sealed Adoption Policy is Best." Opposing Viewpoints: Adoption. Harnack, Andrew, ed., Greenhaven Press, Inc., San Diego, CA., Pp. 238-245. Cumpston, Lori. "Room for One More." The Daily Sentinel. November 23, 2000. Pp.8b Melina, Lois. "A Look at Open Adoption for Prospective Adopters. [Online], Available: http://www.raisingadoptedchildren.com/library/articles/open.html, Dec. 7, 2000. "Open Adoption." National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. [Online], Available: http://www.calib.com/naaic/pubs/s_open.htm, Roszia, Sharon. "From: The Open Adoption Experience." [Online], Available: http://www.adopting.org/silveroze/html/open_adoption.html, 1997.

Abolishing Slavery: Abraham Lincoln

Abolishing Slavery: Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the end of slavery all go hand in hand in modern day United States classrooms. Lincoln, a Kentucky native, was the great 16th president of the United States who brought freedom to black slaves throughout the country, forever abolishing slavery in the nation. Well, that’s at least what has been instilled in the young minds of children across the US. Before we can start calling Lincoln the â€Å"Great Emancipator,† or an abolitionist we need to take a look at the facts.Lincoln’s reign as a political leader was in an extremely crucial time of need in our country as the country was tearing apart with the eventual Civil War looming. In 1858 Lincoln ran for, and lost, the senator position in Illinois. His running mate Stephen Douglass made a veteran political move by accusing Lincoln of supporting black equality, which helped put fear into many voters’ ballots when they decided to vote for t he less radical Douglass.Lincoln, being the knowledgeable politician he was, responded with a statement in an attempt to clear his name with the white population by saying â€Å"I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races. † Although these views were most likely used as a political ploy, they didn’t sit well with the black community when Lincoln started receiving credit for freeing the slaves. Fast-forward about a decade when Lincoln was in the presidential seat and Lincoln was facing similar issues in his struggle to unify the wilting United States.As president Lincoln’s main goal was to unify the two sides of the United States: the Union and the Confederacy. In order to unify the country Lincoln had to hurdle his biggest obstacle in abolishing slavery. Perhaps the only reason Lincoln supported the freeing of slaves was because he realized it was the only way to unify the coun try, which is a solid argument in itself to the idea of Lincoln receiving too much credit for freeing the slaves. Anyhow, Lincoln somewhat reluctantly proceeded to announce his plans to abolish slavery with his first plan called compensated emancipation.In this plan Lincoln would free the slaves by paying off the slave owners large sums of money in return for the slaves freedom. Once freed, the slaves must move out of the country to foreign lands such as the Caribbean, Latin America, or West Africa. Although this plan would work for Lincoln in his main goal of unifying the country, the black community was outraged, rightfully so, in that the United States was just as much the blacks land as it was the whites land. After some time, Lincoln finally came to the realization that in order to avoid a country separation he had to release the Emancipation Proclamation (EP).The EP was a two-part document, the first being known as the preliminary EP, which was released on Sep 22, 1862. This g ave the confederate states 100 days to join the union or Lincoln would abolish slavery in the states that continued to rebel. On Jan 1st, 1863 the proclamation went into affect and Lincoln abolished slavery in the nine of the ten states that had yet to join the Union (Texas was exempted). This is the day in history that is perceived to be the day that slavery was forever abolished.However, slavery was only abolished in nine rebellious states while it was legal in states that had been apart of the Union before that Jan 1st date. Although this was clearly not the end of all ends in slavery, it was a genius political move by Lincoln who achieved his goal of unifying the country. But that’s all it was. Lincoln did his job; he unified the country. But, to pronounce Lincoln as the man who ended all slavery is simply put, ridiculous. It was defiantly a start as over 50,000 slaves were freed on that historic day, but was far from over as pockets of the country were continuing on with slavery as if nothing had happened.This included the entire state of Texas who was somehow exempt from the whole ordeal. Lincoln indeed was a great president who brought the country out of deep times, but he was not the man who ended slavery on the spot as we have been inclined to learn over the years. It was the next two or so years leading up to the 13th amendment that deserve most of the credit. The time following the EP was joyous for some, insulting to others, but in truth was most important to the complete freedom of blacks in America. Slavery continued on in the states for quite some time after the EP, which started to confuse many black leaders of the time.One of the most important dates in freeing the blacks was June 19th, 1865, two and a half years after the EP, when General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas to announce that slavery had been abolished and that at that moment all slaves had equal rights to their slave masters and could do as they please. This creat ed much jubilation in the state and around the country, as these slaves had been â€Å"illegal† slaves for over two years. This date, now celebrated as Juneteenth as an official holiday in 38 states, is considered to be the beginning of the end of slavery in the United States.About 6 months later on Dec 6th, 1865 the 13th amendment was added to the constitution stating that slavery was officially prohibited in the United States of America under any circumstances. It took nearly three years since the EP to completely abolish slavery, which by some people is considered completely ridiculous and insane, but it must be noted that the EP was not put in place to abolish slavery, but was in fact an intricate and in many ways brilliant political move by Abe Lincoln to unify the country.It was not intended to free the slaves as most of us are falsely led to believe. So, when are we going to get the celebration of abolished slavery in America right? No more should Lincoln receive credi t for abolishing slavery, we need a real holiday to celebrate this historic event. How about December 6th? The day when over 4 million slaves were finally free and slavery was officially abolished in the states. So here’s to a December 6th holiday, the day the 13th amendment of the constitution was established.

Fundamentals of Marketing Essay

1.0. Course Description: The course is an introduction to the language and issues of marketing with an emphasis on learning to develop responsive marketing strategies that meet customer needs. The course focuses on basic marketing concepts, the role of marketing in the organization, and the role of marketing in society. Topics include market segmentation, product development, promotion, distribution, and pricing. Other topics, which will be incorporated into the course, are external environment (which will focus on integrative topics with marketing,  such as economics, politics, government, and nature), marketing research, international/global marketing with relevance to cultural diversity, ethics, the impact of technology on marketing, and careers in marketing. 1.1 Course Perspective: We all have many experiences with marketing from the viewpoint of the consumer. In this course, we will take the perspective of the marketing decision maker. I hope you will learn that there is much more to marketing than you might have expected. From the textbook, participation assignments/homework, and class discussions, you will learn about the decisions that marketers must make and tools/frameworks that will assist you in making those decisions effectively. By the end of the course, you should understand the complexity and challenges associated with making marketing decisions as well as ways to design effective marketing strategies. On the practical side, this new understanding of marketing should make each of you a more knowledgeable consumer. 1.2 Course Learning Goals and Objectives: Accordingly, the course emphasizes the following: To analyze the role of marketing within the firm and society. To expose you to the two parts of a marketing strategy: the target market and the marketing mix. To study the four basic variables in the marketing mix: product, promotion, price, and distribution. To exercise analytical, communication, and presentation skills (through use of technological aids, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and the Internet)—the basic tools of marketing. 2.0. Textbooks: Principles of Marketing, 13th Edition, by Kotler/Armstrong, Pearson Education 2012, ISBN 978730225574 3.0. Recommended Reading: A Selective reading packet is prepared for the course, which comprises Harvard cases, company cases derived from Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, â€Å"Principles of Marketing† , 7th edition, articles derived from HBR, SBR, and other significant business journals, as well as latest developed Chinese cases. Related handouts will be distributed in the class. 4.0 Method of Instruction: The course is highly interactive between the class and the instructor. Through case studies/presentations, problems, and specific company client activities, students will have the opportunity to use the concepts, ideas, and strategies presented in class. Problem-solving sessions occur in both individual (primarily) and team (occasionally) settings. This undergraduate course will incorporate a lecture and project-based approach to the principles of marketing. The textbook used in this course will be used as a reference point for the discussion(s) of the marketing plan project. Students are encouraged to read and inculcate the major principles found in the textbook. Note that occasionally changes in the schedule of the course or in the assignments are announced during class. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have received all of the changes and you will still be responsible for this information. The University is committed to a policy of honesty in academics. Conduct, which compromises a breach of this policy, may result in academic and/or disciplinary action. Cheating is a violation of student academic behavior standards. Please note that the sharing of information with other class members or with other sections of the course is considered cheating. 5.0. Assignments Case analysis An effective way to help students learn about the principles of marketing is  the analysis of marketing cases of real-world companies and events. Cases from the textbook will be assigned to provide an opportunity to apply the principles of marketing and to enhance one’s analytical ability to assess marketing problems. Analysis of cases provides for the application of course concepts to real-world situations, and students are expected to have read and analyzed the cases thoroughly prior to class. The objective of the use of cases is to apply the various principles/concepts of marketing to an in-depth analysis of a given company or industry. The class will be divided into groups (six student’s maximum per group), each group will be formed early on in the semester and given a date to present their analysis of a particular case. A presentation framework/format will be provided for each group. Team Project Each group need to develop a marketing project throughout the semester, following the below steps: Carefully choose the topic of the project, each group will decide on a â€Å"fictional† consumer product or service they wish to bring to market, which can be developed to illustrate and identify the marketing ideas. Draft a plan for the project, describing the topic goal, outline, procedure, approach, allotment of work, and possible difficulties. Carry out the plan, continuously discussing and reviewing every process of the project in the group. Referring to the instructor is welcome. Presentation and defence in class are going on in the last week As mentioned, all group members will receive the same grade for the work. Format for Marketing Plan Executive Summary Introduction Company Description (including background) Current marketing situation (situation analysis) Business mission statement External environmental factors affecting the business from: – Technological factors – Socio-cultural factors – Economic-Financial factors – Natural factors – Political-Legal factors– Competitive factors Opportunities and Threats in the External Environment Business Strengths and Weaknesses in relation to Opportunities and Threats Major Marketing Problem Competitive Advantage of the organisation Objectives and Goals Target Market Segments Recommendations for Product Strategy Recommendations for Price Strategy Recommendations for Promotion Strategy Recommendations for Place / Distribution Strategy Please note the following: If your plan is confidential, please inform the marker on the front cover of your plan. 6.0. Examination and Evaluation: Mid-test 20% Term exams 40% Group Project: Marketing Plan 20% Class participation and quiz 20% Total 100% The final is close-book. You will be asked conceptual questions which integrate all what they have learned through the course, so the hints of the best preparation for the exam is to attend the class regularly, participate in the discussion proactively and read the course material carefully. One of the questions in the final will be â€Å"What are the three most important lessons that you learned about marketing in this course that will help you as a manager, facing the challenge today and tomorrow in the globe stage?† All of you are encouraged to frequently think about this question since the beginning of the course. The final examination will be of two and a half hours duration. The examination is worth 40 percent of the total available marks. No materials are allowed into the examination room for this unit. You must bring your student identification card to the examination. In order to pass this unit to achieve your DEGREE you must complete and submit each item of coursework, complete the examination and achieve an overall mark of at least 75 percent of the total available marks. 7.0. Course Schedule: This Schedule is tentative and very much subject to change. Students are invited to bring in ads, articles, and anecdotes for class discussion. 1. Describe the roles of marketing and marketing strategy in business value creation. (This is taken from learning outcome) Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 1.1. Explain fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix used in the project. 1.2. Equal participation of all group members. 1.3. Ability to elicit and answer questions. 1. 2. Use appropriate terminologies in marketing activities and business environment. Poor ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing. Good ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 2.1. Explain the marketing terminologies used in the project. 3. Apply marketing concepts into marketing strategies in both local and international contexts. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 3.1. Explain marketing’s roles in companywide strategic planning. 4. Identify and explain the effects of marketing practices towards the community and the environment at large. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts  used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 4.1. Explain the marketing plan used in the project. 5.Apply marketing mix and marketing strategy concept into a marketing plan. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 5.1. Explain the marketing plan used in the project. 5.2. Fluency of presentation. 5.3. Time management. 1. Describe the roles of marketing and marketing strategy in business value creation. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 1.1. Executive Summary. 1.2. Introduction. 2. 2. Use appropriate terminologies in marketing activities and business environment. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 2.1. Introduction. 2.2. Body 2.3Conclusion 3. Apply marketing concepts into marketing strategies in both local and international contexts. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 3.1. Discussion of marketing concepts used in the project. 3.2. Application of marketing concepts in findings 4. Identify and explain the effects of marketing practices towards the community and the environment at large. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 4.1. Discussion of the effects of marketing practices in the project. 5.Apply marketing mix and marketing strategy concept into a marketing plan. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation.