Sexual Violence

We all know that our prisons are the final point for the socially rejected criminals and violent transgressors. We know that our prisons are so overcrowded that the Supreme Court of California issued a court order to reduce the number of inmates. We know that since there are more inmates in prison the chance of getting rehabilitated are very slim to none. And we also know that the ratio of supervision of guard to inmate is extremely high. But do we know what goes on in our prisons and jails? We know we have prison gangs, drugs, assaults, robberies, and even murders in prison. But what happens when you mix an overcrowded prison or jail with violent, drug using, angry, abusive, gang related men with the average person who is in prison or jail for the first time. The result is an aggressive sexual act known as inmate rape. The fight against rape in our communities is doomed to failure and will continue to be so as long as it ignores the training grounds for rapists: our prisons, jails and reform schools. For too long, we have turned away from the rape crisis in these institutions, which now hold 1. 3 million men and boys. In most of them, rape is an entrenched tradition considered by prisoners a legitimate way to `prove their manhood' and to satisfy sexual needs and the brutal desire for power. The exact number of sexually assaulted prisoners is unknown, but a conservative estimate, based on two decades of surveys, is that â€Å"more than 290,000 males are sexually assaulted behind bars every year. By comparison, the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that there are 135,000 rapes of women a year nationwide, though many groups believe the number is higher. â€Å"(Mezey and King, 1995).

Management Information Systems At Access Fulfillment Ltd

Introduction In an organizational setting, the main application of information is in making sound decisions and finding the best remedies to a problem. These practices are closely related, and form foundations of all successful companies (Oz, 2008: p.8). In order to achieve this, most organizations have embraced different information systems. By definition, an information system is a collection of related company resources, which aid in retrieval, processing and distribution of information that supports the decision making process. (Heijden, H., Heijden, M. and Govardus, 2009: p.3). It obtains data as input and uses it to process and output useful information for decision making. In this paper, we explore on the application of Management Information Systems by Access Fulfilment Limited, a distribution company for a wide range of products, based in Kent, U.K. Management Information Systems at Access Fulfilment Limited According to Sadagopan (2004: p.1), management information systems (MIS) are computer based systems which provide access to data, which is speedy and flexible. There are several management areas where the management information systems have been used to make strategic decisions at Access Fulfilment Ltd. Management Information Systems for Decisions on New Warehouse Locations In an effort to expand the company, new offices and branches are often opened in different locations. To identify the most ideal locations, management information systems often aid in this analysis. Before a final decision is made, internal company information, as well as environmental information is generated by a management information system. This information includes both the shot and long term aspects that should be considered before setting up the new branch. These include the market and changeability, which is a prediction of the possible market response at the tine the branch is set up and the government policy, among others. For the warehouse branches that have been opened in the recent past, which are at Suffolk and Bristol, this system has provided the management team with the necessary information they need to execute the correct strategic decisions. As stated by Sadagopan (2004: p.14), strategic management information systems require mechanisms necessary for the assimilation of environmental information. This is necessary for influencing strategic decisions systematically. Management Information Systems for Decisions on Alternate Financing In every business, the decision for alternate financing is one of several strategic decisions that need sufficient information before being arrived at (Depamphlis, 2010: p.209). At Access Fulfilment Limited, a summary of status information about the internal financial status of the company is made. This summary is then referred to when such decisions are being made. This summary includes details on payrolls, the company budget, overruns, and variance analyses. In addition to this, external information, which is critical to the long-term status of the company, is also considered. The knowledge of these components of the business environment has enabled the managers of the company to make strategic decisions on this issue. This strategic decision, which applies the management information system, has turned out to benefit the company. For more than ten years that Access Fulfilment Limited has been in business, it has experienced substantial growth. One of the contributions towards this is alternate financing decisions. Management Information Systems for Decisions on Maintaining Competitiveness Competition is one of the major challenges faced by every business organizations (Waters, 2010: p.6). For Access Fulfilment Limited, the main sources of competition are other distribution companies that were in business even before it was founded. Having an advantage of a broader customer base as compared to Access Fulfilment Limited, these companies were difficult to compete with. Thus, decisions that had to be made by management to overcome this were very significant for the company. Management information systems aided in making decisions. Through the application of this information system, vital information about these competitors was obtained. This information comprised of the competitors’ present and future strategies for their distribution businesses. This information was quite helpful to the company. Since the managers were aware of what their competitors had planned, strategic decisions about advertisement and all other marketing functions of the company were arrived at. This enhanced Access Fulfilment Limited’s competitiveness in the market. It has also helped the company survive and grow for the period that it has been in the market, as is hopeful for further growth. For this reason, the application of the management information system has been beneficial to Access Fulfilment Limited. Management Information Systems for Decisions on Employee welfare Policies Any decision that concerns an organization’s welfare policy is among the strategic decisions that are taken by personnel management. In order to execute this decision successfully, internal information about the staff members is vital (Sadagopan, 2004: p.15). At Access Fulfilment, the information that influences such decisions includes staff size, quality of staff, their salary enumerations, motivations, and many more. However, what really governs this decision in the organization is the future vision and plans that the managers have. It is also governed by the probable labour market conditions in the business environment. By the application of management information systems, both the internal and external information needed by Access Fulfilment is obtained. This system has been quite resourceful in terms of setting the salaries for employees and motivating them. This strategy has enabled the company to retain most of their pioneer employees. Had the company failed to apply this system, probably the external job market could have been promising for the employees without the knowledge of the management team. Thus, failure or delay in adjusting the welfare of the employees to match or surpass the external market could prompt some of them to leave. The Relationship between Management Information Systems and Other Information Systems At Access Fulfilment Limited, several information systems are applied. Apart from the management information system (MIS), there is the executive support system (ESS), decision support system (DSS) and the knowledge management system (KMS), among others. One common thing about these information systems is that they all contribute towards the making of sound decisions that will see the company grow. What differentiates these systems is the level of management in which they are used and when they are used. The executive support system, for instance, is used by top level executives in decision making (Stair & Reynolds, 2011: p.446). Thus, for this company in as much as management information systems are used on various management levels, executive support systems are exclusive to the top management. Decision support systems, on the other hand is a support system for the management, with more capabilities than the management information systems (Janakiraman & Sarukesi, 2004: p.26) Conclusion Access fulfilment has been experiencing reasonable growth ever since 2000, when it started business. Although this cannot be entirely attributed to management information systems, it has been shown that these systems have had their contribution to its success. As aforementioned, this support system has been of great aid to the company in terms of strategic decision making. The aim of management information systems is to offer the right information from company reports (Sarukesi, 2004: p.26). Among the several strategic decisions that this system has helped make, this paper has addressed decisions for new locations, employee welfare policies, alternate financing and maintaining competitiveness in the business. On evaluating of this system at Access Fulfilment Limited, it can be concluded that it has been of a positive impact to the company. REFERENCE Depamphlis, D. 2010. Mergers and Acquisitions Basics: All You Need to Know. Oxford: Academic Press. Heijden, H., Heijden, M. and Govardus, J. 2009. Designing Management Information Systems. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Janakiraman, V. S. and Sarukesi, K. 2004. Decision Support Systems. Delhi: PHI Publishers. Oz, E. 2008. Management Information Systems. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning. Sadagopan, S. 2004. Management Information Systems. Delhi: PHI Learning. Stair, R. and Reynolds, G. 2011. Principles of Information Systems. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning. Waters, T.J. 2010. Hyperformance: Using Competitive Intelligence for Better Strategy and Execution. California: John Wiley & Sons.

The Importance of Voting in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Importance of Voting in America - Essay Example If a person votes he is making sure that he wants the government to know which candidate is best according to him or her. In a huge country like United States with a large population a single person's voice can only be heard with the help of voting. Voting enables a people to raise his or her voice or opinion on pending laws, ordinances, and it also enables them to decide who takes charge of the state offices. The second reason is a general reason but is a very big fact. It's the right of every citizen to vote as all the laws, rules and regulation that would be implemented later by the elected party would directly influence the person. It also makes sure that citizens select the people who will be the leaders of their country.Voting makes it impossible for someone or one party to become a monopoly and stay in the office for more than the legal time. Being a citizen of any country and utilizing the resources of that country it's a persons divine right to vote. The third reason for voting is related to the shaping of a persons life according to his vote. It's a universal fact that every person should live the way he or she wants; the only best way to achieve this is by voting.

Assignments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Assignments - Essay Example ary sources are as well important because a reader is able to develop a clear understanding about the past events as far as German’s past events are concerned. Primary sources act as evidence of what happened in the past of Germany and they can be used as evidence for arguments concerning the history of Germany. Because of the originality of primary sources, they provide correct chronology of events, exact periods, and names of all people who participated in different historical events. At the end of 19th and beginning of 20th century, Germany had concerns about its environment in order to protect their surroundings. Its concerns were mostly based on industry, transport as well as other human activities that can have a negative impact on their environment. Their concerns became more serious at the beginning of 20th century due to rise in industrialization and technology. Some heavy weapons that were used during the World Wars led to massive destruction of German’s environment. They wanted to protect their environment from air, soil, and water pollutions. Released wastes from industries caused environmental pollution especially water and air pollution. Forest cover was also a major environmental issue in Germany during the mentioned period because they discouraged destruction of forests. Some environmental laws that were implemented during this period are still applicable to current days. The rise of Hitler to power was contributed by the weakness of the Weimar constitution. The constitution crippled the government and many people were willing to have a dictator as their leader. When a crisis erupted in 1919-1933, there was no one who could fight and stop Hitler. Article 48 of the Weimar constitution gave the president authority under certain situations, to take emergency measures in addition to proliferation of legislative verdicts without a prior approval from the parliament of Germany. This constitution also led to Hitler’s rise to power because the

Arizona Real Estate Market Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Arizona Real Estate Market - Research Paper Example The crash was caused by several factors which had not been foreseen. This paper discusses Arizona’s real estate market crash. The economy of Arizona largely depended on the real estate market. The real estate market was at its peak when gradually the market collapsed. This did not happen abruptly, a number of factors can be identified as the cause of Arizona’s real estate market crash. One of the factors is that many people had taken mortgage to purchase homes. People were tempted to own homes either for personal use or to sell later. Some of them could not afford and decided that a mortgage would help them become home owners. In addition, obtaining loans was easy going. The loans were characterized by low interest at the initial years. Later, the loan interest would be adjusted according to fluctuation. Some of the people with loans whose income could not match with the loan repayment premiums discovered that the mortgage was a challenge when it came to paying. There w ere many houses available for selling. The economy was strained and people were not willing to purchase when the economy was not thriving. There was little selling activity when compared with the prevailing trends and previous years. The financial sector had been giving mortgage with security. The large institutions could be given larger mortgages backed with security so that they could enable employees purchase the homes. The real estate markets in Arizona represented their value using the property worth in mortgage. Consequently, the lenders had successfully invested in many buying homes. As a result, a lot of property ended up as fore closures. With the increase in fore closure, the securities were not worthy. The arrangement to offer many people homes instead become unsuccessful and led to more challenges. Crook (23) mentions that, mortgages enable people to own home.

Description of a data data warehouse Assignment

Description of a data data warehouse - Assignment Example Data from different sources are converted into a common format in the data warehouse, therefore, each department will produce results that are in line with all the others. Furthermore, a data warehouse will be of great importance during data recovery. If a disaster occurs in the transactional database, it will be easy to restore all data, all if not all, that which is of importance, to the transactional database from the warehouse. This table is used to store information about different tables from the dimensions table, which include: CustomerKey, SupplierKey, DateKey, ProductKey, OrderID, Required_DateKey, UnitsOnOrder, ProductPrice, Shipped_DateKey, Quantity, TotalPrice, ShipperCompany, ShipperPhone, InsertAuditKey and UpdateAuditKey. The table contains key values of different dimensions tables. ProductKey, SupplierKey, DateKey, UnitPrice, UnitsInStock, UnitsOnOrder, ReorderLevel, UnitsSold, InsertAuditKey, UpdateAuditKey. The Product, Supplier, and Date keys are surrogate keys in the FactInvetory table. The InsertAuditKey and the UpdateAuditKey are foreign keys from the FactOrder table. The table contains information about keys, the SK_EmployeeKey, SK_TerritoryKey, and the SK_DateKey. All these are surrogate keys referencing EmployeeKey TerritoryKey and DateKey from different dimensions table. The table has CustomerKey as the surrogate key for the table, CustomerID as the business key. Other customer information stored in this table include: FirstName, LastName, TitleOfCourtesy, CompanyName, Address, City, Region, PostalCode, PostalCountry, Phone, Fax, Description, IsCurrent, EffectiveStartDate, AffectiveEndDate, InsertAuditKey, UpdateAuditKey. The other employee information stored in the dimension employee table include: LastName, FirstName, Title, TitleOfCourtesy, BirthDate, HireDate, Address, City, Region PostalCode, Country, HomePhone, Extenision, Notes. Other information stored in this table include: Day,

NYC has been affected by storms. Some of environmental Research Paper

NYC has been affected by storms. Some of environmental conservationists have proposed that New York follow Amsterdam in protecti - Research Paper Example As some of environmental conservationists have proposed that New York follow Amsterdam in protecting its coastline from flooding. In this paper we would analyze research and discuss the topic. INTRODUCTION â€Å"Floods are among the most powerful forces on earth. Human societies worldwide have lived and died with floods from the very beginning, spawning a prominent role for floods within legends, religions, and history.† (O’Connor, J.E., and Costa, J.E., 7) There are several geologists, historians, and hydrologists have critically reviewed the impact of floods and its consequences on humanity and how it supports the ecosystems as well. Therefore, this results in detailed elaboration of the role of floods shaping up the lives of different individuals and families. The extreme flooding in the United States over the past few years or decades have determined the restrictions and limitations of the nonstructural flood control in the country. NEW YORK CITY HAZARDS Many studie s and researches have shown that the floods in the United States have cost the property losses of more than $1 billion. In the recent years, New York City has been the victim of devastating and horrendous floods. The records that were held for centuries were fallen and broken and major areas of New York City have been evacuated as well. Furthermore, the territories and towns now lack to communicate from the outside world as well as their neighboring societies. All the disasters New York has faced over the recent years have attacked with such cruelty and fierceness that many historic structures were damaged, families were destroyed, many lives were taken away, and many people are homeless now. New York City has lost so much and has been through a lot which also has decreased the enhanced beauty of the city. Not only houses, business, families, historical places and structures were damaged or destroyed but the city also lost some of their important documents and some of their history which were saved in proper vaults and safe houses. â€Å"Opportunities to protect and enhance natural systems through policy are valuable and often fleeting. To assure that environmental concerns are properly and judiciously represented in flood management decisions, individual cases must be assessed from a basin-wide perspective.† (Hickey T and Salas D, 2) THE FLOODZONE NEW YORK CITY Everyone living in the New York City is affected by these drastic floods and flood damages which are caused from the storms or water main breaks. The most common example of these floods is severe rain storms and thunderstorms. One of the reasons of these severe flooding is because of the geographical location of New York City in the map. The city is closest to Atlantic Ocean; therefore, it is easily exposed to the flash, coastal, and tidal flooding as well. â€Å"New York City, New York (NYC) is extremely vulnerable to coastal flooding; thus, verification and improvements in storm surge models are needed in order to protect both life and property.† (Colle and Buonaiuto et al. 829) The New England Hurricane of 1938, Hurricane Sandy, and Hurricane Edna were the floods which caused most deaths in the New York City. The New England Hurricane of 1938 The Great Hurricane in the 1938 was considered as the major disaster

The Red Tent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Red Tent - Essay Example Leah, Dinah, and Rachel find the tent as a safe haven, which caters for their emotional needs. It is in this tent that the women had an opportunity to share feelings, thoughts, and ideas. This way, they were able to continue with life and feel unified and strong at the same time despite the challenges they were facing (Finding 49). The tent can also be regarded as significant since it serves as a birthplace where the women bring new lives into a society where the male gender is dominant. Thus, the Red Tent acts as a support system that brings the women together for their own well-being. Each woman in the tent is supported by the rest in times of giving birth. In the tent, some women gain experience of helping others with childbirth. For example, Dinah and Leah become midwives and assist their fellow women during childbirth. The tent also reveals the tribulations that women went through in the past, as well as the role of the ancient women (Finding 49). The setting of the book explores the traditions and customs that subjected women to suffering. Traditionally, women did not take part in meaningful activities in the society, as they were only expected to give birth, take care of their children, and provide household services to men. It was men who ruled over women and the female members of society had an obliga tion to be submissive. The Red Tent is also a symbol of the common problems that women used to face during the ancient times. This is because women are sent in this tent when they experience their menstrual cycle, as well as during the times when they are nearly giving birth. Although men consider this as a form of isolation, women take this as an opportunity to share amongst themselves and address the issues affecting them. Since they sit privately in the absence of men, such an experience enable them to talk freely and help one another (Finding 50). There are certain rituals taking place in the Red Tent, the most significant of them being

Eassy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Eassy - Essay Example nt disadvantages of the said groups, I am of the opinion that schools sustain sororities and fraternities because the costs of their abolishment outweigh the shortcomings. In recent years, Greek sects have been plagued with negative publicity. For one, they encourage sexism and gender based stereotypes. Such stereotypes further escalate to the lethal levels of women discrimination (New par. 1). An institution of higher learning brings together intellects who have surpassed barbaric tendencies such as sex differences. They are supposed to coexist and blend with one another while appreciating each other’s societal roles. Ironically, fraternities and sororities only serve to counter that objective. Considering that they are same sex groups, they override the objectives of inclusiveness, creating a rift between equals. New (par. 1) recognizes the need to do away with the groups because of their salient trait of sexism. Additionally, clamping together of individuals of the same sex has the unwanted effect of encouraging abnormal sexual behavior. A fraternity group was suspended for erecting a poster that read, â€Å"No means yes, yes means analâ₠¬  (New par. 1). What that statement means is that unnatural acts are subsistent in the social setups of same sex persons. More than that, the openness with which the students profess their weird tendencies such as homosexuality vindicates the negative influence they receive from these groups. Sororities and fraternities have led to the outright creation of social misfits. Some students allied to these groups exhibit unnatural tendencies such as rape cases and or unnatural behavior (New par. 7). Universities that have a deeply rooted culture of Greek culture have been dragged into ceaseless court battles as students fall prey to the criminal elements subsistent in the alumni. A case in point is the rape case of a Wesleyan student in one of the fraternity houses, raising questions about the integrity of the fraternities.

The importance of Early Childhood professions Essay

The importance of Early Childhood professions - Essay Example Century-old studies of psychologists and researchers and theorists like Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget, served as catalysts to the evolution of professions that specifically cater to the needs of infants, toddlers and young children. In addition to the rise in the demand of professionals in childhood settings, there have been trainings and programs that were designed to meet the needs of such professionals in order to perform their jobs well. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is one of the organizations that cater to the needs of individuals seeking to be in an early childhood profession. It has seen the necessity of training children as early as infancy and has gathered people with a passion to reach out to parents and children. Its main objectives are to facilitate professional development of individuals working for and with young children of zero to eight years and to improve public understanding and support for high quality early ch ildhood programs (naeyc.org, 1993). For this reason, there arose a number of programs that were improved as the years passed, to adjust to the changing needs of families and children. Whether the programs offered were established by private or government entities, the main goal had been to provide quality assured services to both parents and children in the crucial learning stages of the children. Child care, a job understandably from the name itself, involves a professional in the care of children. This job often requires a full day schedule that is synchronized with the parents’ working schedules to enable them to do their own jobs. Facility licensures are given to child care centers, provided by state departments of human services as the regulating body. Following the requirements, centers should prepare their staff and qualify them through trainings on how to handle clients. However, since child care takes just common sense to perform one’s job, the trainings are n ot strictly implemented. Rather, applicants with no previous experience are hired and learn important lessons as they work from day to day. Nevertheless, institutions should have the initiative to hire trained staff or train their own employees to further the quality of their services. This will not only satisfy clients but will also make a lasting impression that could make the institution last. Ellen Frede emphasized the result of studies that have found that staff members with more formal schooling or specialized training are more attentive and nurturing in their behavior toward children (1995), which is sought by most parents. In the case of family child care homes, registration as required by law should be followed (naeyc.org). Child caregivers basically attend to he basic needs of the children. For instance, they should feed and let them rest at the right time. Bathing and clothing the children can also be a part of their duties and responsibilities when the circumstances dema nd so. During waking hours, it is the responsibility of the child care provider to ensure the child’s security especially during play. Another profession to look at in this particular setting is the early childhood education (ECE). It is assumed to promote children’s social and educational development. This program is not like the child care program which requires a full d

Terrorism Essay Essay Example for Free

Terrorism Essay Essay 2. Explain the differences between terrorism, state terrorism, and state-sponsored terrorism. From Merriam Webster: Terror- a state of intense fear; a cause of anxiety. Violent or destructive acts committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or Government into granting their demands. Terrorism- the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. From Terrorism Today (The Past, the Players, the Future) The Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines terrorism as â€Å" any activity that involves an act that is dangerous to human life or potentially destructive of critical infrastructure or key resources; and is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any State or other subdivision of the United States and appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. † From Merriam Webster: State- a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory; especially: one that is sovereign. A government or politically organized society having a particular character. Sponsor- one who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing. A person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity. The difference between terrorism, state terrorism, and state-sponsored terrorism comes down to the persons involved in the act being committed. Much of the terrorism we see today on the news or in the papers are acts committed by terrorist groups linked by ideology and financed through the drug trade as well as ransom obtained from kidnappings. One example of this type of terrorism are the Somali pirates, these terrorists will hijack large container ships to small pleasure craft and hold those on board and any cargo for ransom. Money made from these deals is then used by the terrorists in their fight against  the Somali government or is funneled to other like-minded groups. Another form of terrorism we have seen here in the United States is what many call the â€Å"home grown† terrorist. These terrorists are usually born in the United States or came to the United States at a young age when their families left their home country. Course#: BCJ303 Unit 1 Many of the recent acts committed by this type of terrorist have been based on ideology and were carried out against civilian personnel. One of the most recent examples is the Boston Marathon attack, the two who carried out the attack had grown up in the United States and led seemingly â€Å"American† lives but had latched onto an ideology that views the United States as an enemy of Islam and that the targeting of innocent civilians is a legitimate tactic. Terrorism in the examples given is carried out by small disconnected groups that are mostly aligned by ideology. Although these groups are not supported by a larger organization or national government many governments with a similar ideology or nation with a large population of person who share a similar mind set to the terror group will many times fail to denounce the acts. This is where terrorism differs from state terrorism and state-sponsored terrorism as both of those types of terrorism are directly supported by the sta te. State terrorism is used by a nation state as way to control its citizenry and suppress any dissenting views or beliefs that are contrary to those of the government. Many of the governments that exercise this form of terror will sometimes start the process of suppression by creating new laws designed to protect the governing class and criminalize the opposition groups and others have completely thrown out their nations laws and implemented new laws based on strict adherence to a religious ideology or total government control in all aspects of the citizens lives. This was the case recently in Egypt, the elected government (Muslim Brotherhood) removed all secular and Christian officials from the government and in their place were seated members of the Muslim Brotherhood. Many of the top military leaders were also replaced with Brotherhood members. These changes and the removal of any opposition party led to many pro government groups to further oppress the ‘non-believers† through the shutting down of  businesses to the burning down of churches and the killings of Christian and secular citizens. Another tactic that has been used in Afr ica and Latin America by state terror regimes is the use of the police and or military as death squads. These squads are dispatched to eliminate anyone seen as opposition or supportive of the opposition. This type of terrorism is directed from the top of the government down to the group leaders. This is where state terrorism differs from state-sponsored terrorism, the state terror regime is open in its support of the terrorist tactics. The state-sponsored terror regimes do not direct the acts but do support them. State-sponsored terrorism is the support of a terror group by a nation state that provides supplies, training, equipment, and weapons. As well as safe haven for the group through the use of diplomatic protection. An example of state-sponsored terrorism is the Syrian government’s support of the terror group Hamas and their co-sponsoring of the terror organization Hezbollah with Iran. For their part Iran provides Hezbollah with military training, weapons and money, while Syria provides political support. Course#: BCJ303 Unit 1 Many of the state-sponsored terror organizations have a set area of operation not far from their sponsor state but this has changed recently as Hezbollah has been taking up shop in Latin America working alongside cartel and narco-terror groups. While all three types of terrorism are used to instill fear and bring about a change that is desired by the organization or state, the main difference between the three is the support (financing, training, political backing) that the group receives.

Comparison of Impressionist Artists | Essay

Comparison of Impressionist Artists | Essay Impressionism began in France in the mid 1800s. The Impressionists were not very popular because they had a different approach to painting. At this time, many artists painted in a very traditional way that involved spending hours in a studio, painstakingly creating detailed paintings. These paintings were sometimes of people, landscapes, or historical events. The Impressionists however often painted out of doors and wanted to show the immediate effect of light and colour at particular times of the day. Their works are sometimes described as captured moments and are characterized by short quick brushstrokes of colour which, when viewed up close looks quite messy and unreal. If you step back from an Impressionist painting, however, the colours are blended together by our eyes, and we you able to see the painters subject which often showed colourful landscapes, sunlight on water as well as people engaged in outdoor activities and enjoyment. Paintings by Impressionist artists have become some of the most popular artworks of all time. This is probably because their subjects were usually pleasing and uncomplicated. For the purpose of this essay, I shall compare and contrast three artists who have been inspired by and whose works are based on the natural environment. The first artist I looked at was George Leslie Hunter (7 August 1877 6 December 1931) he was born in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. His family emigrated to California when he was 13. His early work was destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and he returned to Scotland shortly afterwards, living in Glasgow. He held his first one-man exhibition at the Reid Gallery in Glasgow in 1916. During the 1920s, he became part of a group of artists who came to be known as the Scottish Colourists. All were influenced, by the purity, bright colour and brushwork technique of the French Impressionists, Hunter is best known for scenes painted in Fife and in the South of France. He died in Glasgow in 1931. He belonged to the Impressionism movement. In 1930 Hunter painted Reflections, Balloch, it was painted in oils. The work is quite bright and representative of the subject, it looks rather like a photo or postcard. The painting is light and colourful, with a lot of detail; the boats are well painted and there is definitely a lot more detail gone into painting the water and that does show in the painting with the reflection seeming far more important. It has a light feel to it. The trees frame the houses and add depth to the painting. He painted the water in a very rich way so it looks shiny and reflective but deep and cold at the same time. The composition of the painting is very orderly with the background mostly taken up by the houses and trees, the middle ground a strong presence of the boats and the foreground is filled by the water, with the reflections of the boats and trees shimmering on the top of the glistening water. The colours are mostly primary with white being prominent as it is used to describe the light reflecting on the surface of the water. There is a distinct line between the land and water, the riverbank and boats being a strong divide. There is a patchwork feel to the colours, which shows in the texture of the brushstrokes. There is an older style feel to the subjects, as the houses and boats are period, but the painting could have been painted today as it has freshness. The water appears to be thinning towards the edge of the painting as Hunter is trying to show the light reflecting, but the strong presence of the boats and houses make me feel that these were his main aim, yet I feel not as much at tention was given to the painting of them, the buildings and boats do not include such fine detail. The trees are very detailed and have a strong presence. The second artist to look at was Claude Monet (1840 1926) he was born in Paris, but raised on the Normandy coast. He began his art career as a caricaturist. In 1858, painter, Eugene Boudin, introduced Monet to landscape. In 1873, Monet set up a floating studio on the Seine and began to paint landscapes in the Impressionist style. Monets family lived in LeHavre near the sea in Northern France where he spent a lot of time painting out-of-doors scenes. About 1890, he began to paint pictures in series, showing the same subject under various conditions of light and atmosphere. He bought a house at Giverney and for approx 40 yrs; he worked on pictures of his water garden. Claude Monets work Sunset on the Seine, winter 1880 which was painted in oils, is a delicate painting that is full of colour, the light seems to be the artists main focus as the main part of the painting seems to be the reflections, It seems to be painted with just a couple of colours that vary in depth. The sky also has a vibrant orange and red glow to it making it look like it is a scene from an Australian bush fire more than a sunset on the river Seine. There is not much of a difference between the sky and the water it can only be distinguished by the ripples and small waves painted on the water top.There are some bushes seen either side of the picture, they lead your eyes into the painting and you can see fishermen on boats in minute detail. The colours are one of the strengths of this painting, heightened by the texture of the paint, which is rough like sandpaper. The two bushes either side of the painting are in the foreground, with the boats in the middle, and a vague outline of the shore in the background. There are hidden in the sunset some more mottled tones that appear to be trees and bushes in the distance. The main subject of the painting is the sunset and its reflection on the water. My final artist to research was Winslow Homer an American artist, 1836-1910 he was a realist painter, and painted confrontations between humans and nature. Homer was an illustrator for magazines such as Harpers Weekly. During the Civil War, he visited the front as an illustrator and documented military camp life. After the war he studied painting in New York and Paris. In the 1870s and 1880s, Homer started painting rural scenes and worked in both oil and watercolour. He travelled a lot and painted in Canada, Bermuda, Florida, and the Caribbean. Winslow Homer painted Deer Drinking in 1892, It was in watercolours. It is a painting of a Deer drinking from a stream, the deer is looking at its reflection and is laying across a tree, the reflection is so good that it is hard to see which is real, the deer or the reflection It sort of looks like in this painting the deer is kissing itself through the water or it is like two deer stuck together, one on land one under the water. It has a much darker background with the forest behind, but the light and water is where you want to look mostly. The colours used are very earthy, giving you a great sense of the forest. The body of the deer is captured with the lighter colours giving you a sense of sunshine landing on it. The texture of the water is captured by his heavy brushwork, with a lot of movement seen in the use of white implying light, as it makes you feel the water is moving with the deers drinking. The deer in the foreground of the painting takes up most of the canvas, the log h e rests on leads your eye towards the forest in the background. Conclusion I think the three paintings are very different, each one looking at a different part of the natural environment, Hunters painting Reflections, Balloch is showing a modern picture of houses and boats, man living and doing things in the environment. Claude Monets work Sunset on the Seine, winter 1880 seems more as if he is trying to capture something from the past, memories of life that was, it has an atmosphere that is moody, warm, reflective, of an environment that had gone. Winslow Homers painting Deer Drinking seemed far more real, a lot more natural for an interpretation of the natural environment it also seemed a lot more creative and far more easier and nicer to look at. My personal opinion of the first painting by George Leslie Hunter is that it is a really pretty rural scene of a river boat going along a very reflective well painted river. The reflections in the river are very good especially of the trees overall, I like this painting a lot. The painting Sunset on the Seine by Claude Monet this is also a water scene but the sky stands out far more then the water for me. In this painting, I really like the warm glow. Its marvellous rich fiery colours are a feast for the eye and great to look at overall. I also really liked this painting. The third painting Deer Drinking by Homer Winslow has amazing detail and beautiful range and tone of colours making it look more like a photograph instead of a painting and for this I also really like this painting. Although I think, the three paintings are very different, all these artists were interested in capturing nature in the moment, and did by bringing painting traditionally an indoor activity outdoors where they could observe their subject directly. By using various methods used in impressionists style, loose brushwork and suggestive lines, opposing colours and tonal values, sometimes a suggestion of form as opposed to an illustrated approach, they have all captured a moment, that might have gone unnoticed, for the viewer to enjoy for many years to come. Sources http://www.suite101.com/content/art-lesson-plan-on-how-to-paint-like-the-impressionists-a307383 http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/hunter_george_leslie.html http://www.richard-green.com/Hunter-George-Leslie-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=45HYPERLINK http://www.richard-green.com/Hunter-George-Leslie-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=45tabindex=44artistid=918HYPERLINK http://www.richard-green.com/Hunter-George-Leslie-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=45tabindex=44artistid=918tabindex=44HYPERLINK http://www.richard-green.com/Hunter-George-Leslie-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=45tabindex=44artistid=918HYPERLINK http://www.richard-green.com/Hunter-George-Leslie-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=45tabindex=44artistid=918artistid=918 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionism http://giverny.org/monet/welcome.htm http://www.artic.edu/artexplorer/search.php?tab=2HYPERLINK http://www.artic.edu/artexplorer/search.php?tab=2resource=480HYPERLINK http://www.artic.edu/artexplorer/search.php?tab=2resource=480resource=480

Introduction Of Cultural Diversity Cultural Studies Essay

Introduction Of Cultural Diversity Cultural Studies Essay How important is it for managers today to have a good understanding of cultural diversity in the workplace? Introduction of Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity is the joint of human societies or cultures in a specific region, or in the world as a whole. (The term is also sometimes used to refer to multiculturalism within an organization. There is a general agreement among normal anthropologists that humans first emerged in Africa about two million years ago. (Smithsonian, 2008) Since then they have spread throughout the world, successfully adapting to widely differing conditions and to periodic tragic changes in local and global climate. The many separate societies that emerged around the globe differed clearly from each other, and many of these differences carry on to this day. As well as the more obvious cultural differences that exist between people, such as language, dress and traditions, there are also significant variations in the way societies organize themselves, in their shared idea of morality, and in the ways they interact with their environment. (David Crystal, 2008) Cultural Uniformity Cultural diversity is presented as the contrast of cultural uniformity. Some (including UNESCO) fear this hypothesis of a trend towards cultural uniformity. To support this argument they emphasize different aspects: The disappearance of many languages and dialects, regarding for example the languages of France, without legal status or protection (Basque, Breton, Corsican, Occitan, Catalan, Alsatian, Flemish, Poitou, Saintonge, etc.). Nervousness of people on the preservation of their traditions as in New Zealand, coastal regions in Australia, North America, Central America; Increasing cultural superiority of the United States through the distribution of its products in film, television, music, clothing and nutritional products promoted in audio-visual media, consumer products almost standardized on the planet (pizza, restaurants, fast food, etc.). (UNESCO, 2001) There are several international organizations that work towards protecting helpless societies and cultures, including Survival International and UNESCO. The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, adopted by 185 Member States in 2001, represents the first international standard-setting instrument aimed at preserving and promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. (UNESCO, 2001) The European Commission-funded Network of Excellence on Sustainable Development in a Diverse World (known as SUS.DIV) builds upon the UNESCO Declaration to investigate the relationship between cultural variety and sustainable development. (SusDiv, December 2005) Cultural Diversity at workplace When our world is shrunk to the size of a village, its easy to appreciate how diverse our fellow coworkers, friends, and neighbors are. And indeed, the world is getting smaller. New technologies are bringing faraway lands straight to our desktop, companies are importing and exporting to foreign countries, and employers more than ever are hiring international staff to better serve the diverse population. Because of it is so important to understand how to interact appropriately with internationally diverse groups no matter the situation. (Kathryn, 28 May 2009) For several months, Tracy Smith from the human services division of the City of Bloomington has trained hundreds of city employees, including many engineers and transportation experts, on how to work with customers who come from different backgrounds. Besides translating important phrases like Please stay off the hot asphalt in Spanish, Russian, Somali, and Hmong, Smith also helps educate city professionals on culturally specific practices such as exacting body language cues, familial roles, and religious differences. It is about having awareness that people in different cultures do things differently, she explained. Smith also coordinates local speaking series featuring Bloomington citizens who have unique cultural experiences, such as former refugees, to share their thoughts about moving to and living in Minnesota. Obviously, its impossible to clutch complex cultural nuances in just one sitting, but to help you interact with people from other cultures; Minnesota LTAP has compiled t he following short list of helpful tips. (Kathryn, 28 May 2009) Stereotyping Its important to remember when interacting with people from different cultures not to stereotype them based on your previous experiences with their culture. People develop different sets of values, preferences, and styles of communication based on a various number of factors in their lives. Just because one person was raised in the same country as another doesnt mean theyll hold the same values. (Kathryn, 28 May 2009) Language Language and communication differences are undoubtedly the most difficult obstacles to overcome. To easiness communication strains with non- English speakers, try to avoid jargony words, speak slowly, and be patient. Remember, the English language is infamous for its grammatical and pronunciation complexities, and even native English speakers sometimes slip over correct spelling and word context. (Kathryn, 28 May 2009) Time Difference Most Americans judge their daily schedule on the hands of a clock, understanding productivity through the maximization of time. But other countries, especially Latin American and African nations, often see time as plentiful rather than passing. The concept of strict deadlines, therefore, can be confusing to non-Westerners. (Kathryn, 28 May 2009) Individual versus collective One of the most significant differences to consider when working with people from different cultures is the individual against collective mindset. For example, many Americans operate as individuals, gauging their successes or failures on their independent contributions to their company; this is often valued as a characteristic of independence and self-made success. Socialist cultures, on the other hand, value employees who work well in groups and have loyalty toward other employees as well as their company. This can sometimes change workplace dynamics and make it more difficult to measure accomplishment based on Western standards. Cultural diversity doesnt just require differences in dress and language. It also encompasses different ways of thinking, managing, and communicating. Diversity is a concept that counters discrimination and embraces the inclusion of people with various experiences and backgrounds such education, parental status, geographic location, language, and culture. Diversity is about learning from others, providing support and respect to those with similar and different experiences, and creating an encouraging workplace that welcomes new opinions. Whether theyre your coworkers, friends, or customers, its always important to be polite, respectful, and inviting to others. And if you find yourself hesitant around unfamiliar cultural behavior, remember Smiths number one rule. Just ask the person. (Kathryn, 28 May 2009) Importance of cultural Diversity at workplace A more reasonable and suitable ideal is one of multi-culturalism (cultural diversity). Multi-culturalism is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but instead, should be maintained and valued. The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace has been, for the most part, accepted in American business. This is illustrated by the increased presence of women and minorities in the business world. Diversity has gone from being a moral and /or legal issue into a business necessity. As we move further along in the 21st century, it will be necessary for business owners to struggle in a more global ground. A study by the Hudson Institute for the U.S. Department of Labor found that 85% of the new entrants into the workforce in the next decade will be women, minorities, and immigrants. If you want your business to be successful and competitive in the future, you will have to utilize these human resources and participate in these diversity trends. (Dwa yne Lynch, 2009) A more realistic and suitable ideal is one of multi-culturalism (cultural diversity). Multi-culturalism is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but instead, should be maintained and valued. The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace has been, for the most part, accepted in American business. This is illustrated by the increased presence of women and minorities in the business world. Diversity has gone from being a moral and /or legal issue into a business requirement. As we move further along in the 21st century, it will be necessary for business owners to compete in a more global arena. A study by the Hudson Institute for the U.S. Department of Labor found that 85% of the new entrants into the workforce in the next decade will be women, minorities, and immigrants. If you want your business to be successful and aggressive in the future, you will have to utilize these human resources and participate in these diversity trends. Dwayne Lynch (2009) Cultural Diversity matters to every single one of us, both professionally and personally. When a group or segment of our population is excluded or exploited, all of us are denied. For our businesses and communities to not only survive, but to thrive, each of us needs to be aware and sensitive to ALL the members of the community. Our communities are rich with human resources. When all segments are respected and utilized, it benefits everyone involved. A great many of us live on the margins of society. In this nation, our popular culture, or ideal for business success, is white, young, heterosexual, Christian, and male. In regards to cultural diversity in the workplace, you are on the margins if you are:Â   a woman have ANY ethnic background that is non-white are not a heterosexual are not a Christian are not between the ages of 21-50 If you can answer yes to any one of these criteria, you live in the margins. This means that there are obstacles, prejudices, and stereotypes about YOU as an individual. You can not automatically assume that societys view of you is clear or based only on your individual character, qualifications, or accomplishments. Unfortunately, you may be put in the situation to second guess or question ones motives in their interactions and responses to you. (Dwayne Lynch, 2009) Another fact this criteria illustrates is that more of us live IN the margins than do not. More of us DO NOT fit the societal prescription of what is normal and acceptable. While this all may be true, we all must do our best to function as productive, happy individuals. So what are we to do? We can all struggle for change. We can all be proactive in our decisions and lifestyles rather than reactive to ignorance and intolerance. When a white woman snubs an ethnic woman, for instance, she is harming herself as well. The white woman lives in the same margin as the ethnic woman, and she is only perpetuating and cementing her place there. (Dwayne Lynch, 2009) America is the most diverse nation in the world. Cultural diversity in the workplace is becoming more and more desired. Our ethnicity, religion, life experience, etc., makes each of us unique. Ideas our nation once embraced about assimilation are now inappropriate and outdated. For someone who lives on the margins to assimilate into a single idea of acceptance to fit into society is a gross violation of their individual identity and rights. This means that we all need to learn to accept what is different from us and respect it. (Dwayne Lynch, 2009) Managing Cultural Diversity at workplace The management of cultural diversity in the workplace can be considered a response to the need to recognize, respect and capitalize on the different backgrounds in our society in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender. Different cultural groups have different values, styles, and personalities, each of which may have a important effect on the way they do business. Rather than punishing or roasting these different management styles because they do not conform to the traditional white (male) management methods, employers should recognize these differences as benefits. Not only can diverse management styles achieve the same results as traditional methods, but cultural diversity in the workplace can also help improve the companys competitive position in the marketplace. Diversity, or sensitivity, training is now common place in the corporate world. However, small businesses need to be aware of these issues as well. As a small business owner, your awareness and respect of cultural diversity in the workplace truly matters to your employees and your client base. You must create a balance of respect and understanding in the workplace to have happy and optimally productive workers. In addition, it is important that you AND your employees are aware of the importance of respecting diversity when dealing with your clients, when you work effectively with your community, both you and the community benefit. (David Crystal, 2008) Conclusion Cultural diversity is very important at workplace these days. As a manger, you have to understand the cultural diversity in every phase within organization. You have to monitor and control the diversity for the company because everyone has equal rights to work at workplace. So being a good manager, understand and manager the cultural diversity at workplace.

The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Severe Depression

The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Severe Depression or Schizophrenia â€Å"In surveys, individuals with both a history of severe depression and a history of physical trauma due to an accident ranked the pain of mental illness as much worse than that of physical trauma† (Isaac 5). Mental illnesses cause immense suffering and potentially even death; in the year 2000, the suicide rate of patients suffering from depression was estimated at fifteen percent. This is a testament to the fact that mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia are serious issues, and those suffering from them deserve the most effective treatment available. Many psychiatrists turn to anti-depressants and â€Å"talk-therapy† in attempts to heal their patients; however, there are other options. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as electroshock, or simply electrotherapy, is a controversial treatment of numerous mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. The procedure consists of sending an elect ric current through the brain, essentially shocking it and inducing a seizure. There are many known side-effects, including memory loss; however, their prevalence and magnitude are much debated and far over-dramatized, creating a negative reputation. The origin of this reputation lies in electroconvulsive therapy’s questionable history. Many people look at the use of electroshock in the past, rather than the current advancements that have been made, providing an unfair prejudice regarding the procedure’s use today and causing the population to associate electroconvulsive therapy with images of torture. Despite the preconceived notions that the procedure is cruel and often unsuccess... ...lectroconvulsive Therapy is an Effective Treatment for Schizophrenia and Depression.† Mental Illness. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff and Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. George Mason University. 28 Sep. 2012.. Kneeland, Timothy W., and Carol A.B. Warren. Pushbutton Psychiatry: A History of Electroshock in America. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2002. Sherer, Richard A.  "Kitty Dukakis Book: In Praise of ECT- Despite the Memory Issue.(electroconvulsive therapy)(Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy)."  Psychiatric Times  23.13  (Nov 1, 2006):  1.  Expanded Academic ASAP.  Thomson Gale.  George Mason University.  7 Dec. 2012.   . Thackery, Ellen, and Madeline Harris. The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Group, 2003. The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Severe Depression The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Severe Depression or Schizophrenia â€Å"In surveys, individuals with both a history of severe depression and a history of physical trauma due to an accident ranked the pain of mental illness as much worse than that of physical trauma† (Isaac 5). Mental illnesses cause immense suffering and potentially even death; in the year 2000, the suicide rate of patients suffering from depression was estimated at fifteen percent. This is a testament to the fact that mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia are serious issues, and those suffering from them deserve the most effective treatment available. Many psychiatrists turn to anti-depressants and â€Å"talk-therapy† in attempts to heal their patients; however, there are other options. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as electroshock, or simply electrotherapy, is a controversial treatment of numerous mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. The procedure consists of sending an elect ric current through the brain, essentially shocking it and inducing a seizure. There are many known side-effects, including memory loss; however, their prevalence and magnitude are much debated and far over-dramatized, creating a negative reputation. The origin of this reputation lies in electroconvulsive therapy’s questionable history. Many people look at the use of electroshock in the past, rather than the current advancements that have been made, providing an unfair prejudice regarding the procedure’s use today and causing the population to associate electroconvulsive therapy with images of torture. Despite the preconceived notions that the procedure is cruel and often unsuccess... ...lectroconvulsive Therapy is an Effective Treatment for Schizophrenia and Depression.† Mental Illness. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff and Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. George Mason University. 28 Sep. 2012.. Kneeland, Timothy W., and Carol A.B. Warren. Pushbutton Psychiatry: A History of Electroshock in America. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2002. Sherer, Richard A.  "Kitty Dukakis Book: In Praise of ECT- Despite the Memory Issue.(electroconvulsive therapy)(Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy)."  Psychiatric Times  23.13  (Nov 1, 2006):  1.  Expanded Academic ASAP.  Thomson Gale.  George Mason University.  7 Dec. 2012.   . Thackery, Ellen, and Madeline Harris. The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Group, 2003.

Analysis of Archibald Lampmans The City of the End of Things Essay

Analysis of Archibald Lampman's The City of the End of Things       Iron Towers. Terrible flames.   Inhuman music, rising and falling.   Grim depths and abysses, where only night holds sway and gruesome creatures crawl before their awesome Master.   Through these disturbing images, and a masterful adaptation of the sonnet structure, Archibald Lampman summons forth The City of the End of Things.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The nameless City he creates is a place of mechanical slavery and despair, where Nature cannot exist, and human life is forfeit.   The place is a veritable Hell; no, worse than a hell - it is Tartarus.   By evoking the name of this, the most feared of realms in classical Mythology, Lampman roots his poem, and thus his City and message, in Greek and Roman legend.   This is very important since, by wrapping the poem within a mythological narrative, it automatically begins to undermine any attempt to enforce Christian (and other) readings upon it.   It becomes important to understand exactly what is intended by the usage of 'Tartarus', and precisely how deeply it permeates the structure of the poem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tartarus was not just another realm within the classical world - it was a land beyond Hades, beyond the Underworld, lying as far below hell as the Earth lay below Heaven; is was said that an anvil would fall for nine days before reaching it.   It was a land of exile, a prison for those who displeased the current ruling hierarchy of Gods and divine beings.   Uranus imprisoned his first children there; the Titans, having overthrown their father, threw the Cyclops into Tartarus - only to take their place once Zeus' rebellion disposed of the despotic giants.   It soon became a place of such fear that the mere threa... ...in fact, seem insanely chaotic.   Our mindless support of self-centred political systems, of abuse of fellow human beings of different nationalities - it may well have appeared quite insane to him.   The poem, therefore, delivers a strong message of warning: we must develop a stronger awareness, a care of what is happening, lest we, the collective we - humanity, the 'Idiot', are left in the ruins of our effort, alone, forever.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works Cited Grimal, Pierre.   "Tartarus"   The Dictionary of Classical Mythology.     Ã‚   New York: Blackwell, 1986.   p.443. Lampman, A.   "The City of the End of Things."   Canadian Poetry:    From the Beginnings Through the First World War.   Ed. Gerson, C and Davies, G.   Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1994.   259-262. Tripp, Edward.   "Tartarus"   Crowll's Handbook of Classical Mythology.   New York: Crowell, 1970.   p.545.

The following piece of work is an analysis of the short story called Es

The following piece of work is an analysis of the short story called the signalman by Charles dickens. â€Å"The signal man† is set in the mid 19th century. The main setting is that of right beside a train tunnel where the main character the signal man stays to let trains through etc.The storyline is set mostly in the night time. The story has an eerie effect on me as a reader. While I was reading the signal man I picked up on the tense atmosphere. At one point early on in the story, there’s a moment which brought the tension to the story in a strong way. â€Å"He looked up at me without replying, and I looked down at him without repeating too soon.† I think this moment brings some tension as, it made me eager to see what was going to happen next. I also think that the silence of the signal man brings some darkness to the story. His silence made him seem like a sinister character. Charles Dickens describes him to use hand actions as well. In a strange way I enjoy how the signal man is so creepy. I think I find this, as it gives more depth to him as a character. â€Å"He pointed to the red light he had looked at†. â€Å"His manner seemed to make the place strike colder to me†. Throughout the story Dickens presents the narrator and the signal man differently. I feel the signal man is portrayed as lonely, quiet sinister character. â€Å"He had taught himself a language down here,--if only to know it by sight, and to have formed his own crude ideas of its pronunciation†. This shows that he has hardly any contact with external influences. I could imagine seeing the signal man on a frosty winter’s morning, feeling his stare, burning through my skin like a concentrated sun on paper. He works alone in the middle o... ...f the signal man, it helped me realise what Dickens meant by the certain hand gestures made by the signalman himself. Also it gave another level to the tension and the ending was more forceful as well. The ending of the story does its job well. It brings the little pieces that the story has accumulated together, explaining the truth about explaining things that I questions earlier on. Like why the signal man puzzled about why the narrator yelled "Halloa! Below there!† As well as the strange stories that the lonely signal man had spoke of. Even though the story was short and realistic, I would not recommend it to other readers. I think it has a good impact, but is not my type of book overall. It takes a while to engulf the reader, and when it does, the story is almost over. The ending is not powerful enough to change my thoughts on the story though†¦

Impact of Mental Health Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

Among the stated objectives of the Healthy People 2010, a national, multi-stakeholder program that aims to improve the over-all health of the American people through health promotion and disease prevention is to expand treatment services for mental health disorders. In particular, the program is aimed at â€Å"increasing the proportion of children with mental health problems who receive treatment† by enhancing the support network of affected children and their families and improving their access to mental health and other social services.The inclusion of mental health disorders as a priority public health issue that needs to be addressed stems from the acknowledgement of the gravity of the social and economic costs of mental health problems to families and communities. More importantly, the inclusion of mental health as a national health priority reflects a significant shift in attitude in public health policy.Indeed, mental health disorders have affected a significant portion of the American population for a long time. Estimates from the United States Department of Health and Human Services reveal that mental health problems affect 20 percent of the population annually. Likewise, the risk of developing mental health disorders cuts across age, ethnicity, gender, education, and socio-economic status, making children almost as vulnerable as older people to mental health problems.It is estimated, for instance, that 20 percent of children and adolescents within the 9 to 17 age group are likely to exhibit symptoms of mental health disturbances such as major depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders; with 5 percent of the cases being severe and debilitating to children’s normal growth and development. (USDHHS (a), 2000)Clearly, the impact of mental health disorders on children and adolescents’ well-being is grave. Children and adolescents with mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders usually perform poorly in school and are more vulnera ble to alcohol and drug addiction. As in adults, mental health disorders also increase the risk of children and adolescents towards violent and aggressive behavior and suicide. In the 1999 alone, the suicide rate among children and adolescents was as high as 2.6 percent. (USDHHS (b), 2000)Unfortunately, mental health disorders have been poorly understood which usually deprives those affected of access to necessary treatment and services. It is worth noting, for instance, that only 27 percent of children and adolescents afflicted with mental health disorders avail of treatments, most of them receiving help mainly from in-school facilities and services. (USDHHS (b), 2000) Prevailing health policies have largely ignored the fact that mental health problems usually begin during childhood and adolescence and may have a lifelong impact on affected children. In the same manner, the public and social costs of mental health disorders have been largely ignored or underrecognized.On the other hand, mental health disorders have been shown to have a tremendous impact on public and private health spending, amounting to $69 Billion in diagnosis and treatment expenses. (USDHHS (b), 2000) Majority of these costs were shouldered by public funds while the remainder were paid for through private spending. The figures could be higher when the indirect costs of mental health illness on productivity, damages to property, criminal justice and litigation, and insurance claims are accounted for.Likewise, mental health disorders also place a tremendous strain on the economic lives of families and communities. A study done by Busch and Barry (2007) aimed at determining the impact of childhood mental disorders on the financial well-being of families with afflicted children reveals that the impaired functioning of children with mental disturbances affects parents’ work productivity and caring for or arranging for the care of the child often leads to lost family income in terms of lo st work hours. (p. 1090) The researchers contend that caring for children with mental health disorders are as costly as caring with children with other chronic illnesses. (p. 1088)Busch and Barry’s study was conducted by analyzing the responses of respondents to the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) to compare the effects of children’s mental health disorders on the family’s economy to the economic impact on the family of children requiring special health care needs. (p. 1089)To this end, the researchers utilized propensity-score matching and logistic regression in controlling for differences between children with mental health disorders and the general population sample. Results of study supported their contention that caring for children with mental health disorders was a cause of financial burden especially for those who were privately insured. (p. 1089) Results of the study also showed that caring for a child with mental h ealth disorder severely limited the labor-market participation of parents, increased the time they spent caring for or arranging for childcare, and consequently reduced the time parents spent on other activities. (p. 1091)Thus, the authors encourage the implementation of programs and policies aimed at supporting the families of children with mental health disorders to alleviate the adverse economic outcomes brought about by heavy costs incurred from intensive and extensive child care and treatment requirements. (p. 1095) Such programs could include the elimination of mental health restrictions in private insurance policies that prevent or reduce children’s access to mental health services and treatment that increases the risk of prolonged and degenerative disability. Another suggestion made by the authors is extending financial assistance to families caring for children with mental disorders that would help defray some of the costs involved in the medical care of such childre n. (p. 1094)It is clear that the social and economic impact of mental health disorders should be a great concern for the nursing community. Nurses, who are at the frontline of health service delivery, play an important role in health promotion and disease prevention. As a critical health workforce, nurses’ support in the implementation of mental health programs is crucial in meeting health objectives and achieving positive health outcomes. Nurses have the ability to contribute to the promotion of mental health through a renewed focus on patient-centered care that takes into account the holistic dimensions of health and places emphasis on early detection and diagnosis of mental health problems.Nurses are an important part of the support network of families and communities with respect to the provision of information and other forms of resources. Given that mental health disorders are preventable and treatable diseases, the ability of nurses to provide a timely referral for tre atment services and intervention for children and adolescents who exhibit the symptoms of mental, behavioral, and emotional disturbance would be a significant factor in improving the health and lives of children and adolescents. A significant improvement in the detection of mental health disorders, for instance, can be achieved with adequate attention on the part of nurses on the cognitive, emotional, and psychological aspects of their patients.Therefore, the nursing community, as an important part of the health workforce, must be conscious of the prevalence of mental health disorders and be sufficiently informed about their role in the prevention and treatment of these problems. This way, nurses will be able to provide the needed support to reduce the economic and social costs of mental health-related diseases. Nurses will also be fully prepared to meet the exacting challenge of improving the health and quality of life of the individuals they serve.Works Cited:Busch, Susan H. & Col leen L. Barry (2007). Mental health disorders in childhood: Assessing the burden on families. Health Affairs, 26(4): 1088-1095.United States Department of Health and Human Services (a) (2000). Healthy People 2010: Leading Health Indicators. Retrieved 21 April 2008 from the Healthy People 2010 website: https://www.healthypeople.gov/Document/html/uih/uih_bw/uih_4.htm#mentalhealth

St and Lt Professional Goals

Short term professional goals – To further my education and become better qualified, with a view to changing my role or to taking on more responsibility in my current position. – To gain experience and develop my appreciation of working in multinational environments. I hope to continue to work in a multinational firm and to be able to make a more valuable and meaningful contribution as a result of my enhanced skills and learning. – To secure a management position and take on more responsibility, whereby consolidating the managerial skills I have acquired and developed over the last three years, since my promotion to Manager. To participate in the growth and success of the company I work for and to find a position where I can apply my knowledge and strengths. – To find a source of money to pay for MBA. – To help people from underprivileged backgrounds and in developing countries, by offering them professional advice and private funding on a personal level. Long term professional goals – To secure a senior management role in a leading company or to become a partner in a professional services firm.I recognise that a lot of hard work, determination and patience will be required to achieve this goal, but I am fully committed to working towards it throughout my career. – Another one of my ambitions is to start up and run my own business. I would ideally like to combine this with another goal, which is to be socially responsible in my work. For example, I would hire people that traditionally find it more difficult secure employment, such as those with disabilities, those without financial resources or pregnant women. To be a trusted advisor who has a solid business skillset, wisdom and knowledge and is able to accept and deliver challenging projects. – To become a leader and make a positive impact on society through my expertise, ethics and leading by example. – To coach entrepreneurs and help them to deve lop the key skills required to make their businesses successful. – When I retire, I intend to write a book about my experiences and ideas so that I can share them with the world.

Grocery, Inc. Essay

Grocery, Inc. is a retail grocery store chain based in Any State; U.S.A. Grocery has stores throughout the United States. Grocery has written contracts with many different vendors to purchase the products they sell in their stores. Vendors range from individuals to international corporations. Tom works as the produce manager for the store in My Town, U.S.A. Jeff, 17 years old, is spending his summer vacation working for Tom in the produce department. A.) Does Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) apply to the contracts between Grocery and its vendors? Do common law contracts apply? Explain, in detail, why or why not. Your answer should compare and contrast common law contracts and UCC Article 2 contracts. Yes Article 2 of the UCC does apply to the contracts between Grocery and their vendors. Article 2 applies to all contracts for the sale of goods (2-102). The code contains a somewhat complicated definition of goods (2-105); the most important thing to understand is that the term goods means tangible personal property. Article 2 does not apply to contracts for the sale of real estate or stocks and bonds and other intangibles. The drafters of the code also tried to promote fair dealing and higher standards of behavior in the marketplace. They attempted to do this in several ways in Article 2. The Code imposes a duty on everyone making agreements under the Code to act in good faith (1-203). The Code also imposes certain standards of quality on sellers of goods as a matter of law. Common law contracts would also apply to the Grocery and their vendors, due to the mixture of goods and services. Common law would apply to the service element that is predominant in the contract with regards to the delivery of the goods. (Barnes, J). The difference between Article 2 and common law is that if the contract is for the sale of goods then Article 2 would apply, if it is not then the principles of common law under contracts would apply. Article 2 reflects an attitude about contracts that is fundamentally  different from that of the common law. The Code is more concerned with rewarding people’s legitimate expectations than with technical rules, so it is generally more flexible than traditional contract law. A court that applies the Code is more likely to find the parties had a contract than a court that applies contract law (2-204). In some cases, the Code gives less weight to technical requirements such as consideration than is the case in contract law. (Barnes, J). B.) Grocery contracted with Masterpiece Construction to renovate the store on Main Street in My Town. Masterpiece, unable to complete the renovation within the six month time limit due to a sudden increase in jobs, sub-contracted the entire job to build them to fall. Grocery was unaware of the sub-contract. When Grocery realized (due to poor quality of work) that Build, not Masterpiece, was handling the renovation, Grocery petitioned the court for an injunction and then sued Masterpiece for breech of contract and specific performance. Masterpiece argued that it had a right to delegate the duties of the contract, or in the alternative, to discharge the contract due to commercial impracticability. Who wins? Explain your answer. Based on the information provided by Grocery would win the case based on breech of contract and specific performance. Under breech of contract, promissory must perform their contractual duties in the manner they have promised to perform them. Since Masterpiece did not perform the duties in the manner in which they promised they are liable for breech of contract. The courts recognize that there are three basic degrees of performance: complete or satisfactory performance, substantial performance, and material breech of contract. (Barnes, J). A contract consists of both rights and duties. A contracting party has the duty to perform his or her own promise and the right to receive the other party’s promised performance. These rights and duties can usually be transferred to third persons. When rights under a contract are transferred, this is called assignment. The transfer of duties is called a delegation. Not all contracts are assignable  over the objection of the promissory. The promissory who delegates duties is still liable to the promise if the party to whom the duties were delegated fails to satisfactorily perform them. This would make Masterpiece liable for the quality of work that Build them to fall produced for Grocery. The only exception to this rule would have been if the parties had entered into a novation which is a new, separate agreement by the promisee to release the original promissory from liability in exchange for a third party’s agreement to assume the promisor’s duties. As for Masterpieces claim that they had a right to delegate the duties to Build them to Fall under commercial impracticability they would have to show that unforeseen conditions would have caused a delay or inability to make delivery of the goods (make performance impracticable), then they would have been able to claim commercial impracticability. In the absence of compelling circumstances, the courts do not readily excuse parties from their contractual obligations, particularly where it is clear that the parties anticipated a problem and sought to provide for it in the contract. Since Masterpiece had contracted to perform the work for Grocery and then had a sudden increase in jobs this would not be considered compelling circumstances for sub-contracting the job to a company that would perform a poor quality of work. C.) At the end of the summer, Jeff had earned enough money to put a down payment on a car. He decided to continue working part time during school to earn money for the car payments. Jeff purchased a car from Steve at the local used car lot. Steve did not ask Jeff how old he was; but assumed he had reached the age of majority. Jeff paid the down payment and signed the contract stating that he would make payments of $200 each month. Six months later Jeff lost his job and could no longer make the payments. Jeff took the car back to Steve and said he wanted to cancel the contract and that he wanted his money back. What are the possible outcomes? Explain your answers. Jeff was a minor at the time of the contract. Therefore, Jeff is considered not to have the capacity to enter into contracts. Steve made the deal in â€Å"good faith† that Jeff was old enough to enter into the contract.  Unfortunately, the contract is voidable. Jeff was correct that he could disaffirm the contract. And upon the disaffirmance, Jeff had to return the vehicle to Steve. Even though the right to disaffirm a contract was meant to protect minors, some states have rejected that idea because that view creates a hardship on the adult involved. Under the case of Dodson v. Shrader, 824 W.2d 545 Tenn. Sup. Ct. 1992), Steve would be allowed to recover the depreciation of the vehicle from the monies that Jeff has paid. Especially considering the fact that Jeff has had the vehicle for six months or more. The states defer on the idea that the minor needs to be reimburse the â€Å"innocent adult† for dealing with the minor. However, many times minors can pass as adults at approximately 14 years of age and up. Minors also get fake IDs to get things like buying beer. Therefore, by allowing the minor to get away with not paying the debt he or she willing entered or lied to the adult to sign a contract, is not in the best interest of society to allow the minor not to suffer the consequences. Therefore, holding the minor responsible for his or her actions is one way for the minor to learn responsibility. D.) Grocery has a written contract with Cereal, Inc. to purchase 20 cases of cereal per month at $22 per case. The contract does not state the types of cereal or how the 20 cases will be divided up between Grocery’s 20 stores in Any State. After a flood, Cereal suffers severe water damage in its warehouse. With the exception of Soggy Flakes, Cereal does not have enough undamaged cereal to comply with its Grocery contract. On the day delivery was due, Grocery receives 10 cases of Soggy Flakes at the three stores located in My Town and two stores in Your Town. Twelve days before delivery was due, Grocery had requested, by facsimile, that 15 cases containing a variety of cereals be delivered to the five stores listed above with the remaining five cases going to Grocery’s warehouse in Corp Town. Grocery wants to reject the shipments of Soggy Flakes and cancel its contract with Cereal. Discuss Grocery’s rights under contract law. Cereal argues that based on the gap-filling rule, it had the right to modify the terms of the  contract. Analyze the gap filling provisions of UCC Article 2 as they pertain to the terms of this contract. What rights and/or defenses, if any, does Cereal have under contract law? Analyze the remedies available to Grocery and/or Cereal. Explain all answers in detail. Grocery has the right to reject the shipment. Grocery has to notify Cereal that the shipment was not adequate and is being rejected pursuant to Article 2-602. The notice must be accomplished â€Å"within a reasonable time† and preferably in writing [Article 2-602]. Grocery has the right to reject the shipment and cancel the contract.. However, Cereal must notify Grocery that due to unforeseeable circumstances, the shipment will consist of Soggy Flakes and only ten cases of cereal will be delivered. Cereal must notify Grocery that Cereal intends to replace the shipment within a reasonable time (gap-filling rule). However, under the circumstances, Cereal may not know how long Cereal may be without the correct product. Furthermore, Cereal needs to decide what it wants Grocery to do with the product (whether to sell the product, destroy the product, or store the product for later pick-up). Grocery does not have to pay for return shipment. If Grocery feels that Cereal cannot meet the obligations incurred, Grocery can demand an assurance that the contract will be performed. If the assurance is not forthcoming within 30 days, then Grocery can repudiate the contract [Section 2-609]. If Grocery later decides the Cereal can meet the terms of the contract, Grocery can decide to continue wit the contract if Cereal can show that Cereal intends to meet the obligations of the contract. E.) Tom spent his time away from work on his hobby, model trains. His train set was very large and consisted of rare and one-of-a-kind trains. One day, while visiting with a fellow train hobbyist Harry, Tom said, â€Å"When I retire in two years from Grocery, I’m going to sell my trains and spend the rest of my years traveling on real trains.† Tom then told Harry that he was the only person he planned to offer his trains to because he knew Harry would take good care of them. Harry said he looked forward to the day when he could buy the trains. Harry then spent the next two years and most of his savings  building a new 2,000 sq. ft. room onto his house to make room for the trains. When Harry told Tom that he was building the new room, Tom just smiled. Tom also heard that Harry had borrowed money from his aunt to buy the trains. When Tom retired, he sold his trains to David. Harry sued Tom claiming breach of contract, or in the alternative, for promissory estoppels. Who wins? Explain your answer. Although Tom and Harry did not have a written contract about the purchase of the trains, they did have a verbal contract. Breach of contract is described as any failure to perform that is not excused (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers, Langvardt, 2004). When Tom told Harry that Tom would sell his trains to Harry, Harry had the reasonable expectation that Harry would receive the trains. Harry then spent a large amount of money building an addition to his house in order to have room for the trains. Harry also had borrowed the money to purchase the trains from his aunt. â€Å"Promissory estoppel is an equitable doctrine that protects those who foreseeably and reasonably rely on the promises of others by enforcing such promises when enforcement is necessary to avoid injustice, even though one or more of the elements normally required for an enforceable agreement is absent† (Mallor, et al, 2004, glossary). In this case an injustice to Harry did exist because of the money he spent in building onto his house and expectation he had of receiving the trains. Harry wins the case based on the recognition of promissory estoppels in section 90 in the first Restatement of Contracts in 1932 (Mallor, et al, 2004, 338). The court would see the injustice to Harry by Tom failing to fulfill his promise to sell his trains to Harry. F.) Jason shipped a truckload of peaches from his orchard to Grocery using an independent trucker. In route, the truck broke down and the shipment was delayed three days. The peaches were spoiled when they arrived. The terms of the contract were F.O.B. Who bears the risk? Explain your answer. F.O.B. (Free on Board) means the seller is responsible to deliver the goods  free of expense and at his own risk to the designated place of delivery. In this case Jacob was responsible for the shipment until it reached Grocery. Grocery would be able to file a suit against Jason for damages. Jason would, however, be able to file a suit against the independent trucker for the damages to the peaches. This case is similar to the case in the textbook Windows, Inc. v. Jordan Panel Systems Corp. In this case, however, the term FOB is not used. The windows were to be properly packed and shipped, but were damaged due to load shift during transport. The buyer, Jordan, expected to receive the windows in good condition, ready to install. When the windows were delivered in bad condition, Jordon filed against the trucking company and did not pay Windows for the order. Jordan then ordered a duplicate order to be shipped that Jordan received with no problem. The error in this case was that Jordan did not pay Windows for either order and Windows had to file suit against Jordan in order to be paid for the shipments. Judgment was affirmed in favor of Windows. G.) Discuss the different warranties that apply to Grocery’s business. Explain your answer in detail. Grocery’s business operates under the implied warranty of merchantability. This warranty is one that the legal community has created, not one that is operating under a written or accepted contract. The warranty operates under UCC section 2-314(l) . Section UCC 20314(l) reads: â€Å"[A] warranty that the goods shall be merchantable is implied in a contract for their sale if the seller is a merchant with respect to goods of that kind. (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers and Langvardt, 2007). Under this warranty, Grocery’s implied warranty is that the products sold will be useable for the purpose intended. Grocery would be held responsible for products like canned goods, meats, bakery items, and the like because Grocery is in the business of selling these goods. Section 2-314 states the products must meet the following criteria. (1)In the trade, the product must pass inspection without objection. (2)The product must be fit for the purpose for which the product wasintended;(3)The product must be of even kind, quantity (same size unit), and kind (like boxed cereal). (4)The product must be adequately packaged and labeled (must list things like the calories per serving). (5)The product must conform to the packaging and labeling regarding any promises or statements that may be stated (the cereal must be Rice Krispies and not Cheerios if the box is marked Rice Krispies). (6)If a product is perishable, the product must be of fair quality. If goods do not conform to the above standards, a consumer may pursue legal remedies. Goods that do not function as intended are not merchandisable and would not meet the above standards. Furthermore, Grocery would be responsible for the goods sold at the store, not for computer products since the normal business of Grocery would be for canned goods, bakery items, meats, and the like. H.) Supplier Inc., a large wholesaler, had a contract with Grocery. Supplier sued Grocery for breach of contract when Grocery failed to place an order for goods by a specific date as specified in the contract. Each order was worth at least $550. Grocery contended that the contract Bill Green signed was a standard preprinted supply contract without specifics regarding time of order and quantity. Green had authority to sign a standard supply contract, but could not authorize specific terms. This was unknown to Supplier. Supplier argued that terms were â€Å"boilerplate† and therefore could be modified by acceptance. Supplier offered oral testimony at trial to prove that Green agreed to the modifications. Is there a contract? If so, what are the terms? Explain your answer. 1. Yes, there is a contract. The contract that Green claims to be a standard  preprinted supply contract and Suppliers claim can be modified by acceptance. 2. The terms are that Grocery was supposed to purchase goods by a specific date. 3. Each order is worth at least $550. a.) Also, discuss the use of Suppliers oral testimony at trial. 1. The use of Suppliers oral testimony can go either way. Oral testimony can be very effective if Supplier can prove that what Supplier is saying is true. Oral testimony can also be detrimental to Supplier’s case if it is proven that Supplier is lying. 2. Presenting to the courts and the jury that the copy of the actual contract is always a good idea. It will be up to the courts to decide if the original contract stands or if it is void. References Edition e-text] Prentice-Hall Publishing. Retrieved August 25, 2005, from University of Phoenix, Resource BUS/415-Business Law Web Site:https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary/content/eReader. Mallor, J.P., Barnes, A.J., Bowers, T., & Langvardt, A.W. (2007). Business law: The ethical, global and e-commerce environment, 13e. The McGraw-Hill CompaniesUniversity of Phoenix. (Ed) (2005). Business Law [University of Phoenix Custom]

Eco 365 week syllabus Essay

Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Differentiate between macroeconomics and microeconomics. 1.2 Analyze the effect of changes in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity. 1.3 Determine how elasticities affect pricing and purchasing decisions. Reading Read Ch. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 of Economics. Reading Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 13 2 Nongraded Activities and Preparation Article Analysis Research the University Library and Internet, and select a recent news article concerning trends in consumption patterns of a specific product, such as gasoline, oil, grain, or coffee. The following article which is located in the Electronic Reserve Readings on the student website is an example of trends in consumption patterns: Note. Do not use this article for your assignment. Hauser, C. (2011, August 24). Sales of new homes fell again in July. The New York Times. p. 6. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Write a 700 – 1,050-word paper in which you do the following: Analyze the basis for the trends in consumption patterns, as discussed in the article you selected. Consider the utility derived from a product or service mentioned in the article. Describe what has occurred to change the demand for the product or service and its market and equilibrium prices. Assume that supply remains the same. Describe what has occurred to change the supply of the product or service and its market and equilibrium prices. Assume that demand remains the same. In your opinion, is demand for this product or service price elastic or inelastic? What does this imply about how consumers respond to changes in the price of this product or service? Support your determination of the price elasticity of demand with a reference. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. This is not mandatory and is not turned in or graded. Week Two: Production and Cost Analysis Details Due Points Objectives 1 2 2.1 Describe the relationship between the number of inputs and the law of diminishing marginal productivity. 2.2 Analyze the relationship between productivity and the cost of production. 2.3 Analyze the effect of changes in the supply of and demand for factors of production on the price of inputs. 2.4 Analyze the effect of changes in marginal revenues and costs on a firm’s profit-making potential. Reading Read Ch. 12, 13, 19, 19w and 20 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 20 2 Individual Supply and Demand Simulation Complete the Supply and Demand Simulation located on the student website. Write 750 – 1,050-word paper of no more than summarizing the content. Address the following: Identify two microeconomics and two macroeconomics principles or concepts from the simulation. Explain why you have categorized these principles or concepts as macroeconomic or microeconomic. Identify at least one shift of the supply curve and one shift of the demand curve in the simulation. What causes the shifts? For each shift, analyze how it would affect the equilibrium price, quantity, and decision making. How may you apply what you learned about supply and demand from the simulation to your workplace or your understanding of a real-world product with which you are familiar? How do the concepts of microeconomics help you understand the factors that affect shifts in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity? How do the concepts of macroeconomics help you understand the factors that affect shifts in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity? Relating to the simulation, explain how the price elasticity of demand affects a consumer’s purchasing and the firm’s pricing strategy. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Sept 23 15 Learning Team Reflection Production and Cost Analysis Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Sept 23 2 Week Three: Market Structure Details Due Points Objectives 2 3 3 3.1 Compare various market structures and their characteristics. 3.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of competitive strategies within market structures. 3.3 Determine profit-maximizing strategies based on market structure analysis. Reading Read Ch. 3, 14, 15 and 16 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 27 2 Learning Team Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Imagine you are part of a strategic planning group at a large corporation that is considering developing a new proposed product. The marketing director has asked your team to do a competitive market analysis to determine the product’s potential success. The analysis will focus on your primary competitor in the product’s market. Select a potential competitive organization and a product in that organization. Write a 1,400 – 1,750-word paper of no more than analyzing the current market conditions. Address the following topics: A short history of the organization and a description of their product Factors that affect demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market in which the competitor organization operates: Define the market for your chosen product, including an analysis of its competitors, potential customers, or potential buyers. Any issues or opportunities your organization or industry faces that affect its competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to your product: This may include, but is not limited, to the following elements. Price elasticity of demand Technological innovation The relationship between the amount of labor & capital employed and the law of diminishing marginal productivity Cost structure Factors affecting variable costs, including productivity and others that change the supply of and demand for labor Factors affecting fixed costs Make recommendations on how your organization can maximize their profit-making potential, and successfully compete in the new market. Consider the effect your recommendations may have on marginal revenues and costs. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Sept 30 12 Learning Team Reflection Market Structure Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Sept 30 2 Week Four: Public Policy in Economics Details Due Points Objectives 4 4 4.1 Analyze the effect of externalities on market outcomes. 4.2 Differentiate among horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate mergers. 4.3 Analyze the effect of government interventions, taxation, and regulations on economic behavior. Reading Read Ch. 8, 18, 21 and 21w of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday October 4 2 Individual Differentiating Between Market Structures For this assignment, you will choose from the following options: Differentiating Between Market Structures in an Organization of Your Choice Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Differentiating Between Market Structures located on the student website. You also need to complete the Market structures table for each of the different markets. Monday October 7 15 Learning Team Reflection Public Policy in Economics Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday October 7 2 Week Five: Global Competition Details Due Points Objectives 5 5 5.1 Determine the effect of global competition on an organization’s strategies for maximizing profits. 5.2 Analyze the effect of global competition on the relationship between management and labor. Reading Read Ch. 2 of Economics. Reading Read Ch. 9, 17, 22 and 23 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. Individual Final Examination Resource: Economics Click the link to the Final Examination on the student website available from the end of Week Four through the end of Week Five. Complete the Final Examination. You have one attempt to complete the exam, which is timed and must be completed in 3 hours. Results are auto-graded and sent to your instructor. Monday Oct 14 15 Learning Team Competitive Strategies and Government Policies Management has recognized the effect of changes in the real-world competitive environment and government policies on other industries and anticipates similar events occurring in their industry, so they ask you for a report considering the following points. Write 1,400 – 1,750-word paper in which you describe how each of the following are or potentially will affect your industry or one with which you are familiar: New companies entering the market, mergers, and globalization, on pricing and the sustainability of profits: Identify the type of merger activity in your industry or one with which you are familiar–horizontal, vertical, or conglomerate–and explain why you made that choice. Current and expected government policies and regulations, including taxes and regulations in place to address issues related to externalities Global competition on the decisions made by management with regards to change in labor demand, supply, relations, unions, and rules and regulations in your chosen industry Recommend how the industry you chose may respond to each of the previous points. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Oct 14 15 Learning Team Reflection Global Competition Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Oct 14 2 Copyright University of Phoenix ® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft ®, Windows ®, and Windows NT ® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix ® editorial standards and practices.