Motive To Study At Bangor University Motivation Factors Education Essay

In general, the term â€Å" motive † is defined as the determination doing procedure that initiates, argues and thrusts to accomplish the ends of an person or administration. Writers believe that assorted factors contribute to motive. For illustration, in their article â€Å" Self Focused attending, public presentation anticipations and the strength of attempt: Do Peoples seek harder for harder ends? † Daniel et Al ( 2010, pg 2 ) , province â€Å" Brehm ‘s motivational strength theory nevertheless proposes that attempt is non rather so simple. This theoretical account assumes that the mobilisation of bodily resources is dearly-won, so people will set away every bit much attempt as necessary to accomplish a end. † I tend to hold with this theoretical account as it stressed on how one should do attempt to accomplish the ends alternatively of blowing clip. I used this theoretical account as a footing when taking my categories while maintaining in head my overa ll ends. Harmonizing to me motive is the cardinal driver for determination devising procedure With this in head, my two chief motivational factors to prosecute my MBA from Bangor are: Professional and personal. On a professional forepart, I besides wanted to analyze in a UK university that is little plenty to see a one to one interactive with the module and it at the same clip it provides a dynamic acquisition environment. As I read about the university online, I found it really interesting that is had â€Å" An impressive 93 % satisfaction evaluation was given by Bangor Business School pupils in the most recent National Students Survey † . This clearly reflects on learning and larning experience within the university. Furthermore Bangor University is good recognised in UK is besides a motive factor. In add-on, I feel the concern universe is acquiring smaller and bulk of employees within companies today are from diverse civilizations. Bangor University ‘s rich and diverse civilization will assist me during my group undertakings and heighten my communicating accomplishments further. In general, I am trusting that the cognition and experience I gain from Bangor University will do be better prepared for the existent universe concern experience. I found Bangor to be the best university with elect squad of professors and classs that help in constructing a strong foundation for us as we get ready to confront the ‘real ‘ concern universe. Again, this will fulfill my â€Å" societal and esteem demands † ( Maslow Hierarchy Need ) . On a personal degree, my brother graduated with an MBA grade from Bangor. He enjoyed his experience at the university. He besides liked the diverse civilization and friendly environment. I personally found a great alteration in my brother ‘s mentality to the concern universe. I enjoyed listening to the fantastic experiences with such enthusiasm was so reviewing to hear. What I found interesting was that every clip he shared his advanced thoughts he supported it by assorted theories he had learnt in his categories. When I joined Bangor, it was a soothing feeling to be introduced to assorted professors ( which my brother personally introduced me ) . This is of import to me, non merely because I myself am an international pupil. In add-on, go forthing place to peruse my surveies further in UK, it is of import to my household that I study in a metropolis that is safe and comparatively free from offense. Statistics show â€Å" The offense rate in North Wales is considered to be one of the lowest in the whole of the UK †[ I ] In visible radiation of above, possibly Maslow ‘s Hierarchy Need sums up so far my motives. I feel prosecuting my grade will give me an chance to non merely explore but besides fulfill my societal demands. Indeed being exposed to different cultural backgrounds will do me more socially cognizant. This is a immense motivational force for me as I want to work in a professional international environment. To sum, I feel that if you want to accomplish your end so you should hold to bask, explore and work the competences which come in our manner. The ground for taking Bangor University is that I want to make my MBA by non merely analyzing hard but besides by acquiring some planetary exposure.Approach to LearningMy attack to acquisition is based on three points: Information Gathering: To seek for the information that is required for accomplishing my ends. Measuring Information: To measure and form utile information to acquire context out of it. Implementing Strategy into Action: To aline the information to do a scheme and so implementing the utile scheme into actions. My attack to acquisition is base on mistake critiscm and rectification. This means that it is of import I foremost gather cognition for larning and so knock it and accordingly rectify it by traveling through the procedure or rating, eventually seting it into action. My attack to larning chiefly focuses on formalizing my point and so prolonging with my ain points. This attack is based on working the recent cognition that I have gained and besides utilizing different beginnings to understand the new and advanced cognition. This will profit me in two ways: One, I can expeditiously pull off today ‘s demands of the of all time altering concern environment. Two, it gives me the chance to take ends, values, programs and regulations are operationalized instead than inquiry ( Argyris and Schon, 1974 ) . Argyris et Al ( 1974 ) usage Single Loop Learning and Double Loop Learning as an alternate response is to inquiry to regulating variables themselves, to subject them to critical examinat ion. Hence they believe that Double Loop Learning is far better than Single Loop Learning Theory as it focuses on mistake unfavorable judgment and rectification. In my attack to acquisition, I find that Double Loop Learning theory best suits in accomplishing my ends.aˆÂ ¦ .Overall, my procedure of acquisition is to research my cognition and so develop a scheme which contains all positions required. Then implementing my wonts, attitude and manner of instruction in that scheme and so eventually implementing this scheme into actions by mistake unfavorable judgment and rectification. This theoretical account proposed by Onions ( 1973 ) is a true theoretical account of Learning. Harmonizing to Onions ( 1973 ) â€Å" Learning is a three procedure activity: To Develop: To blossom more to the full, conveying out all that is contained in. To Educate: To convey up from childhood, so as to organize wonts, manners, mental and physical aptitudes. To Train: To teach subject in or for some peculiar art, profession, business or pattern, to exert, pattern drill. † Pg-5 This theoretical account chiefly focuses on expeditiously alining the resources so updating it and trains it, to acquire a proper attack of larning. I tend to hold with this theoretical account and program to utilize this attack of larning in my ain learning manner.Issues in Group WorkThere are several issues which are anticipated in a group work. These issues non merely consequences in detroit the public presentation of the group but besides consequences in doing the way hard to accomplish the ends. Some of the issues are: Satisfaction: The degree of satisfaction is different for each person and therefore the procedure to make that satisfaction is different therefore I think this is the basic ground for group struggle. Since satisfaction is of two types: a ) Growth Satisfaction: It means growing of the group, how much undertaking has they done? So it is besides a basic ground for struggle. B ) Social Satisfaction: It means satisfaction of each member in a group. How much he/she is comfy in a group. This is besides a basic ground for group struggle. Planning: It means doing schemes to do usage of effectual resources like clip, attempt etc is the basic ground for group struggle. Since every member does non hold to utilize same scheme in a group. Directing: This is the most of import ground for group struggle. As it focuses on directing the clip, attempts and even member ‘s work and since each member do n't hold on this. Since every member has their ain positions on pull offing the undertakings so by and large they do n't hold on pull offing their resources. Forming: It means programming, meetings and implementing of schemes. So the leader plays a major function in this thing as a consequence of this each member did non be given to hold on forming therefore there is a struggle between leader and group members. Measuring each Member ‘s Performance: This is the major issue of struggle in a group, when you tend to measure each member ‘s public presentation in a group. How much attempts, clip is he/she giving to the group work and therefore this consequence in issues or struggles in a group. As a consequence of measuring each member ‘s public presentation makes the public presentation of group biased. Common Purpose and Specific Goals: It means each member should hold a common intent to accomplish the specified ends. Furthermore their attack must be the same in order to be in the same group. Therefore this is the ground for group struggle because each member can non hold a similar group and in order to alter the attack of each member is non an easy undertaking and therefore causes struggles. Skills: It refers to the cognition, skills each member has with him. It focuses on the accomplishment of ends. It is the root cause of group struggle. Since each member has different accomplishments and their public presentation depends upon these accomplishments. So it puts a negative position of the meber who has low accomplishments. Skills are of two types: a ) Administrative Skills: These accomplishments are required to pull off and aline the undertakings, attempts and accomplishments of members in a group. Therefore this accomplishment is besides an issue in group struggle. B ) Technical Skills: These accomplishments are required to technically stipulate the accomplishments in the group. It includes accomplishments requires in usage of engineering. If any member who is technically updated has the penchant in the group and therefore has the upper advantage in the group which makes other member covetous of him. It consequences in struggle in Group Work. Attitude of Group Members: It states as the behaviour of the group members. It means the manner they do their undertakings in a group. It focuses how much are they seting? It chiefly focuses on behaviour like are they chesty, how much clip are they giving in undertakings. It chiefly rely on members should go to in the proper manner. This is the major issue for a group struggle. If a member is non interested in making their work. They manner they pursue their occupation, responsibilities. If a member is non an effectual user of resources so it consequences in struggle. Loyalty: It means that each member should be loyal to the group work they are making. Each member should give his/her 100 % to be a loyal member of the group. They should be a loyal member so they each member can swear each other. It rely on the fact each member should be a loyal in go toing meetings, occupations and acting of responsibilities and undertakings assigned to them. If atoll any member is non loyal so it consequences in issues and struggles in a group work. Role of Each Member: It means each member should hold a similar function. One should non be biased to any member otherwise it consequences in struggles in a group work. The function of each member like acting of responsibilities, undertakings etc should be every bit balanced. If any member is excessively much over pressured so it consequences in struggles in a group work. Procedure the Group Use: It means the process a group uses should be agreed by each member otherwise it consequences in a group struggle. It is besides a major issue as to acquire each member agree on the similar processs as to acquire each member agree on the similar processs as each member has their ain thoughts and their ain manner of attacks to work. So it depends upon the leader to choose a process on the common concern of each member. Interpersonal Manners: It is an of import issue in group work. Since each member has their ain manners of working and one can non coerce anyone to alter their ain manners. So one has to accommodate and appreciate manners of each member otherwise there would be conflict in group work. Decision Devising: It includes a procedure in which determinations are taken. This is the major issue in a group work and it states all the determinations should be taken by the common concern of each member. If there are six members in a group and four agree to take determinations and the remainder two are opposing the determinations so there will be struggles in a group work. Division of Labour: It focuses that the undertakings should be every bit distributed in a group. One should non be biased with any member. Each member should give equal importance and equal responsibilities, occupation and duty. If any two member ‘s holding less work and everything is left on staying members so it raises struggle. Hence it is an of import factor which consequences in group struggles. Leadership: This is the major issue in a group struggle. Group ‘s public presentation depends upon the leader. If the leader is chesty and his manner of manner does non fit with other member ‘s so it raises struggle in the group. So one has to sure of taking the leader as a leader is the representative of the group. He is the 1 responsible for division of labor, planning, directing and forming etc. So one has to take attention of while taking a leader otherwise it consequences in struggles in a group work. Harmonizing to Joyce S. , David A. , Irwin M. , Osland Kolb Rubin â€Å" Sometimes they put less attempts to group undertakings than when they work entirely. This is known as Social Loafing. † Pg-193.Addressing Issues In Group WorkFor work outing issues in a group struggle I agree with this theoretical account. Harmonizing Joyce S. ( 2001 ) â€Å" A Model on Problem Solving Based on Theory of Experimental Learning. This theoretical account consists of four phases: Situation Analysis: What ‘s the most of import Problem- The undertaking of state of affairs analysis is to analyze the immediate situational context to find the right job to work on. Problem Analysis: What are the causes of the Problem- The undertaking of job analysis is to specify the job decently in footings of indispensable variables or factors that influence it. Solution Analysis: What ‘s the Best Solution- Solution analysis seeks to bring forth possible solutions and to prove their feasibleness for work outing the job. Execution Analysis: How do we implement the solution- Task necessity for implementing the solution must be identified and organized into consistent programs with appropriate clip deadlines and follow up ratings. † Pg-218 & A ; 219 Harmonizing to me I agree with this theoretical account and will utilize in future to work out struggles and issues in group work. As it focuses on each and every measure and give importance to each measure. Furthermore I would utilize an attack that attempts to look for job and so discoursing the jobs. After that use an attack that will turn to to solutions to these jobs. Harmonizing to me chief struggle in a group work is related Division of Labour so I strongly use such sort of attack that will supply equal and balanced distribution of labor between each member of the group. Another major issue is Decision Making Process so I should utilize a procedure which helps in taking all the determinations reciprocally agreed by each member instead than coercing the determinations on them. Furthermore I think alternatively of choosing the leader on my ain, we should keep an single vote system to choose the leader. As a leader is the representative of the group. My first focal point is to esteem and appreciate interpersonal manners. Since every person has his ain manner of working and therefore 1 has to accommodate themselves to the manners and attitude of each member. We should travel for the process that is good accepted by each member of the group. We should discourse attacks that we should utilize in a group work. We have to esteem each member ‘s facts, their clip and attempts. So we should travel for that procedure and attack with which everyone is comfy and ready to bask in working towards that attack. Another issue is forming which focuses on scheduling meetings and implementing schemes therefore it becomes a major struggle issue in a group. So in order to screen it out one should concentrate on scheduling meetings harmonizing to the convenience of each member and implement schemes after discoursing it with each member. Implement it merely after every member is pleased by that attack. In order to work out issues in group conflict one should concentrate on encouraging each member to give thoughts and so give accent on flow of thoughts, information and cognition within a group. One should cook to compromise in a group and appreciate each other ‘s thoughts. One should concentrate on effectual usage of resources and usage of wit while working in a group.

Equus Performance Commentary

On paper, Peter Shaffer's Equus is extraordinarily vivid piece of literature. Onstage, it is a visually engaging masterpiece, where the complexity of breathing life into characters and settings by the perfected interplay between actors and the stage is an enthralling and emotional experience for all those involved. Like all theatric successes, Equus has endured various convoluted productions of the magnificent original, sometimes succeeding, and sometimes failing, to poke and prod the audience into thinking-questioning- imagining. A handful of directors have fallen prey to the vicious desire present within all of us: to turn a play into real life; to make it relatable to surroundings we are so familiar with. Those who do- fail; fail to understand the concepts that Equus strives to imbibe in its readers. Equus is not a pretty fairy tale dressed in the tattered rags of disillusionment, Equus is macabre and bare, miserly in its pity for a naive audience that likes to think itself jaded. In Shaffer's words, â€Å"Upstage, forming a backdrop to the whole, are tiers of seats in the fashion of a dissecting theatre†¦ In these] sit the audience†. If one allows their imagination to roam as it will (and definitely as Shaffer wished it to be) the audience will form a rather imposing backdrop, hundreds of eyes that look down upon the tormented actors and silently, quietly, judge. Eyes are an important recurring motif in Equus: those of Equus, Alan's jealous God, that perpetually watch Alan are emulated by the h orse-actors and the audience that view the stage from above and the sides. Not only is the judging audience meant to be a sort of stand-in for God, but they also represent the masses; the forever judging, cruel, intransigent and sentient being that is society. The stage that the audience looks down is sparse, and movable. This allows the â€Å"square of wood set on a circle of wood† to be rotated, to mimic the various settings as needed: Alan's house, the stable, Dysart's office, and the field where Alan performs ecstatic and ritualistic worship. Shaffer describes the rail that surrounds the wooden square as â€Å"[resembling] a railed boxing ring†. This boxing ring has been interpreted in many different ways, one critic compares Alan and Dysart as competitors of a sort, â€Å"the boxing ring [fits in with] the intimate contest in which psychiatrist and patient are locked†. In a play whose protagonist strives for freedom, the boxing ring may also represent the inevitable battle against society and the â€Å"reality principle† that Alan's worship will lose, a â€Å"ritualized public combat†. The rails represent bondage, chains, turmoil, and signify to the audience the tension, conflict and the unsatisfactory conclusion to Equus. Simply seeing them onstage is enough to subliminally communicate to the viewers the angst and epic struggle between right and wrong within the play. The benches that seat the other actors in Equus: the horses, Alan's parents, the nurse, Dalton, Jill, are significant in the fact that the actors never leave them- unless they are called upon stage. They sit and watch the play along with the audience, and play the role of society in Alan's life. They too, judge Alan, they judge his worship, and they condemn it. The horse masks that are hung behind the stage once again provide the images of eyes, the eyes of God, that watch and mark Alan as one of their own. The actors that play the horses, when not in character, join the crowd that watch on in distaste as Alan passionately, ecstatically, communes with his God. Different directors have taken Alan's â€Å"God† to skyrocketing and plunging levels of meaning simply by dressing the horses differently. The initial production of Equus (directed by John Dexter) had the horses dressed in â€Å"tracksuits of chestnut velvet†, with â€Å"light strutted hooves, about four inches high†. The hooves (or â€Å"hoofs† as Dexter called them) have been a staple in all versions of Equus, but directors have taken liberties with the tracksuits and gloves of chestnut velvet that Shaffer prescribes. Some productions have well muscled, bare-chested men portraying the horses, with â€Å"strapping to suggest bridles†, whereas in others, the actors playing the horses were completely nude, adhering to Alan's notion that â€Å"The horse isn't dressed. It's the most naked thing you ever saw! † The nudity of the horses also creates an atmosphere of homoeroticism and homosexuality, which some critics have interpreted as the true source of conflict in Alan's life instead of religion. Peter Shaffer was deliberately trying to create imposing, menacing figures when he created the horses, not â€Å"the cozy familiarity of a domesticated animal†. The actors, he wrote, â€Å"must never crouch on all fours, or even bend forward† He insisted that all the motions of a horse must be created â€Å"mimetically†, through movements of various body parts. The actors who play the horses undergo vast amounts of training, and most commonly comprise of dancers, used to swaying movements and odd body contortions. Not only did Shaffer decide to distance his horses (who may even be called gods) from animals by having the actors playing them stand upright, but also by not giving them paper Mache horsey-jokey heads. The horse masks used in Equus are â€Å"tough masks made of alternating bands of silver wire and leather†. These huge, regal and god-like caricatures of horse heads enable the actors to toss and turn them with equine ease. Created by Dexter, they were deemed â€Å"risky† by Shaffer as they projected a double image: the horses head, and the clearly seen actor's head underneath it. Shaffer was eventually convinced by Dexter, who argued that Shaffer's Equus was about a double image and then horse masks would simply be a physical manifestation of it. As with the horses, directors have indulged themselves in taking liberties with the lighting of the play, although the instructions are not as rigorous for the lighting as it is for the horses. Some directors have used colored lighting to evoke a rich, captivating scene for Alan's memories, and bleak, white lighting for the scenes which take place in Dysart's office. Shaffer himself describes the lighting for Jill and Alan in the stables as â€Å"anti-erotic†, it is meant to be a dissection of a troubled mind, not an excitingly pornographic remembrance. The lighting is used to its best effect when Alan blinds the horses, the â€Å"cones† of light that surround the â€Å"archetypal† the horses out of a nightmare, creates an eerie, haunting image of light flashing on the flowing masks, an image truly out of a nightmare. Most interesting of all though, is the actual dissection of Alan and the tantalizingly concealed hints that clue the audience in too late: that Equus is a story told by Dysart. He is the only actor to ever address the audience, and the odd flashbacks and strange time lapses make sense†¦ f one were to consider them happening in Dysart's memory. The fact that we are seeing Alan through Dysart's eyes changes the way we view Alan. We grow to pity him, feel empathy for him, and even envy him. This is not because Alan is a genuinely compelling character (his story told from the viewpoint of Dysart's associates, perhaps, would cause the audience to turn against him), but because Dysart envies him and admire s him and views Alan positively, as something good, something worthy of sympathy. The story being told from Dysart's point of view also makes it seem more like a psychological detective story, complete with a crime, clues, and a whydunnit conclusion. Peter Shaffer's dramatic psychological thriller, Equus, is definitely the sum of all of its parts. A glorious mix of suspense, drama and pure controversy, Equus comes alive to the audience in a provokingly tangible way as a shimmering, stomping, tossing deity.

Acc/230 Week 6 Assignment

Week 6 Assignment: Candela Corporation Case Rebecca Mouser ACC/230 Financial Reporting: Peeking Under the Financial Hood November 4, 2012 Instructor Nathan McDaniel Week 6 Assignment: Candela Corporation Case Assignment: Candela Corporation Case Resource: Ch. 4 of Understanding Financial Statements * Compose a 500- to 750-word paper responding to questions 1 and 2 of the Candela Corporation Case on p. 146 (Ch. 4). * Format your paper according to APA standards. * Post your paper as an attachment. 1.Using the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, prepare a summary analysis for the years ended July 3, 2004, June 28, 2003, and June 29, 2002. Analyze the cash flows for Candela Corporation, Inc. for all three years. 2. Explain what information you gain from the statement of cash flows that cannot be found directly from the balance sheet or income statement. â€Å"Candela Corporation is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of advanced aesthetic laser systems that allow phys icians and personal care practitioners to treat a wide variety of cosmetic and medical conditions† (Fraser & Ormiston, 2007, pp. 46-147). After reviewing the corporation’s statement of cash flows for the years 2002, 2003, and 2004, it is clear that the company has taken on many changes financially. In 2002, Candela Corporation had a weak start with several losses compared to the years 2003, and 2004. In 2002, Candela had a net loss of $2,154 (thousands) compared to a net gain in 2003 and 2004. Candela Corporation had a significantly higher amount of loss in its net cash used in operating activities of $7,071 (thousands) compared to its net loss of $2,154 (thousands), a difference of $4,917.Candela Corporation also had a net loss in its investing activities of $1,058 (thousands), and a net loss in its financing activities of $5,141 (thousands). Candela also had a loss of $68 (thousands) on its income taxes for the year. In 2002, the company took a loss in the followi ng operating areas according to their statement of cash flows. Provision for deferred taxes $115 (thousands), tax benefit from exercised stock options $6 (thousands), effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of $305 (thousands).Account receivable $3,525 (thousands), notes receivable $54 (thousands), inventories $1,661 (thousands), and accounts payable $3,069 (thousands) and income tax payable $784 (thousands). Net losses in investing and financing areas include purchase of property, plant, and equipment of $1,058 (thousands), repurchases of treasury stock of $5,215 (thousands), and principle payments of long-term debt of $370 (thousands). In 2003, Candela Corporation had a net profit at the yearend of $6,814 (thousands) with a net cash used in operating activities of $11,655 (thousands); a significant difference from 2002.Candela Corporation still had a net loss in its investing activities of $1,227 (thousands) while they had a net profi t in its financing activities of $176 (thousands). Other net losses the company incurred in its operating, investing, and financing activities sections were provision for bad debts $13 (thousands), provision for deferred taxes $682 (thousands), and tax benefit from exercised stock options of $505 (thousands). Other areas are restricted cash $57 (thousands), account receivable $2,417 (thousands), accounts payable $1,409 (thousands).Accrued warranty costs of $921 (thousands), purchase of property, plant, and equipment $1,227 (thousands), net borrowings (repayments) on line of credit $1,114 (thousands), and principle payments of long-term debt of $3,330 (thousands). Candela Corporation seems to be most successful in 2004 according to its statement of cash flows. In 2004, Candela Corporation had a net income of $8,119 (thousands) and $1,132 used in net operating activities. Even though the company still had several losses in 2004 they were still able to profit from the last two years.Ot her net losses the company incurred in its operating, investing, and financing activities sections were tax benefit from exercised stock options of $1,223 (thousands), restricted cash $200 (thousands), accounts receivable $7,663 (thousands) and inventories of $2,134 (thousands). Other current assets of $2,550 (thousands), other assets $236 (thousands), accounts payable $91 (thousands), income tax payable $1,312 (thousands), and purchase of property, plant, and equipment of $685 (thousands).The income statement and balance sheet provides an adequate amount of information, but the statement of cash flows provides a clearer picture of what a company is doing and how well they are doing. The income statement and balance sheet provides information about the accounts receivable and the accounts payable as well as depreciation; the statement of cash flows also provides this information. â€Å"A company’s financial statements consist of the balance sheet, income statement and cash f low statement. The balance sheet summarizes the assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity of the company.The income statement shows the sales-related activity over a period, which is usually a quarter of a year. The cash flow statement shows the cash inflows and outflows during a period. Financial information is important in assessing a company’s profitability, detecting problem areas and making investment decisions† (Basu, 1999-2012). References Basu, C. (1999-2012). The importance of Income Statement and Cash Flows. Retrieved from eHow: http://www. ehow. com/info_8274659_importance-income-statement-cash-flows. html Fraser, L. M. , & Ormiston, A. (2007). Case 4. 2 CandelaCorporation. Prentice Hall.

Homeland Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Homeland Security - Research Paper Example The author has rightly presented that in America, homeland security has always been a matter of concern long before the September 11 attacks. When George Bush became the president of America in January 2001, terrorism was not a matter of priority in his administrative agenda. His administration was busy coping with many other problems like scarcity of staff in programs of foreign translation, poor and inefficient information systems and cultural differences between various agencies resulting in disruption of sharing of information. In 2011, the FBI requested the government to increase funding for counterterrorism programs in the coming Budget session. This proposal was rejected by the Attorney General just one day before the September 11 attack. The events of September 11 compelled the president to give more focus on terrorism with special priority to â€Å"biological weapons of mass destruction†. The Bush administration went on to establish the department of homeland security within the â€Å"White House Congress†. The department of homeland security was created with many new authorities to prepare the country against any future terrorist attacks. The focus was also on rapid response and recovery to terrorism. The Bush administration developed many new strategies and manuals on guidance for homeland security with extra focus on bioterrorism. The department of homeland security embodies multiple government departments and effectively manages its challenges. National Cybersecurity Initiative One of the most important concerns for the Bush administration was the nationwide cyber security. Cyber networks became a primary area of attack for the terrorists which resulted in unlawful access to the secret information and strategies of the Federal agencies. Electronic system of storing information had become the major support for securing a wide variety of strategy information regarding security and economy in both public and private sectors. Such systems were a primary target for terrorists and attacks on such system had become widespread. The Bush administration suspected that many such attackers were working in coordination with the â€Å"foreign military organisations or the foreign intelligent services.† Thus, among the many new enemies of America after the September 11 attack, the foreign intelligence bureaus attacking the electronic system became new and dangerous kind of adversaries. Cyber security became a crucial matter for the department of homeland security. Bush administration established the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI) in January 2008 to strategically focus on protecting the country from all kinds of threats to the cyberworld. The main function of CNCI is to anticipate future technological threats on electronic systems. The CNCI then instructs the Federal government to â€Å"integrate many of its technical and organisational capabilities to better address sophisticated threats and vul nerabilities†

Finance-Annuities Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Finance-Annuities - Speech or Presentation Example 9. Wade Ellis buys a car for  $15,002.71. He puts 10% down and obtains a simple interest amortized loan for the balance at  12  and  1/2%  interest for four years. After three years and two months of making the minimum monthly payment, he sells his car. Find the unpaid balance on his loan. (Round all intermediate calculations to the nearest cent. Round the answer to the nearest cent.) 10. Four candidates, Harrison (H), Lennon (L), McCartney (M), and Starr (S), are running for regional manager. After the polls close, ranked ballots are tallied, and the results are summarized in the table. Use the plurality method of voting to determine the winner. 11. The managers of Prints Alive (a local silk-screening business) are planning a party for their  44  employees. There are three possible locations for the party: the warehouse (W), the park (P), or the beach (B). The employees are asked to rank these choices in order of preference, and the results are summarized in the table. Use the instant runoff method to determine the winner. 12. The managers of Prints Alive (a local silk-screening business) are planning a party for their  40  employees. There are three possible locations for the party: the warehouse (W), the park (P), or the beach (B). The employees are asked to rank these choices in order of preference, and the results are summarized in the table. Use the Borda count method to determine the

National Branding vs Private Branding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

National Branding vs Private Branding - Essay Example It is different from private or local branding, since private branding involves the name of the retailer. Most of the products in the world are recognized in the form of national branding. The producer follows the pattern of national branding since the producer intends to promote his brand by way of marketing and branding it. It is imperative on the part of the manufacturer or the producer of the product to follow this kind of branding as this allows the producer to sell its name directly to the consumers, which holds the greatest effect on their minds. The work done by national branding in promoting the brand of the producer or the manufacturer is unprecedented. The national branding is the ultimate and real from of branding. It enthralls the people and allows for greater importance among the people who focus on the brand. â€Å"A brand placed on products that a large manufacturer has created for a smaller retailer. The smaller retailer places their own private brand label on the f inal good which was created by a third party manufacturer. Private branding is a cost effective way to gain access to producing a product without requiring a large manufacturing or design team.† The retailer to market the retail organization does private branding. Let us look at an example. The company known as Apple sells Apple computers. When the products are shipped, the brand value carries the logo of Apple. However, once the company ships the products to the retailer, the retailer themselves add the label of their brand upon the box of the product. This form of branding done by the retailer is known as Private Branding. National branding and private branding are different sides of the same coin. Some companies offer both types of branding for their products in order to provide end-to-end services. Apple is a prime example of this kind of category. They are providing an ecosystem, which includes retailing as well as production of the products.

Obama's Healthcare plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Obama's Healthcare plan - Essay Example s a puppet that is triggered to confuse low income earners so that they would vote convincingly with perceptions of better fruits thereafter (Rousseau 615). In myriad situations, the people at the helm often take advantage of voters to introduce perceived laws, which are impractical in the real sense, just to affirm their comeback to power. After which they propose changes that would transfer the responsibility to the common man since they shall have achieved their goals of ascending to power (Rousseau 622). According to the convincing information obtained from part of the book ‘Discourse of inequality part 1’, it is adept to agree with Rousseau that inequalities are inevitable within the society; for instance, not everyone would be able to put on shoe number 10. Clothing styles and shapes differ depending on personal posture depicted by each person intending to put clothes (Rousseau 617). Likewise to the economic, social and political concerns; different individuals are perceived to be opposed to other people’s thoughts, which create imbalanced perception. A practical example is Rousseau’s example that dwelt on the relationship between a husband and wife in a home set up (Rousseau 631). Men tend to have no businesses with their wives once their perceived passion is ascertained; women have the obligation to nurture the baby for nine months ‘pregnancy period’. After the delivery, a baby grows to a stage of self dependency regardless of the goodies obtained from parents affirming that different people depict peculiar traits, which in itself is a sign of inequality (Rousseau 632). Politicians of the same perception often converge to put pressure so that their bills would be passed into laws. The political patronage and affiliation is one such example that portrays the inequality among different personalities within same areas of work group and social demeanor. Hence I explicitly support Rousseau’s that inequalities are not only inevitable but also

RAS AL KHAIMAH MEDICAL DISTRECT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

RAS AL KHAIMAH MEDICAL DISTRECT - Essay Example The employee’s salaries are very low and hence they have incentive to make any organizational commitment. In addition to this, the MOH Has not made any efforts to improve their policies and procedures when their employees are concerned neither do they monitor their performance. Hence the MOH faces so many problems that result in poor job satisfaction and poor turnover and in this research we intend to make use of theories to understand these problems in a better light and find some solutions to them. 1. Problems faced in the ministry This project focuses on the Ministry of Health in Ras Al Khemiah. Presently, the ministry is facing many problems of which organizational problems are a major part. Some of the problems faced by the Human resources department are that of Organizational behaviour and the implementation of procedures to improve motivation and satisfaction among its employees. Poor organization culture, leadership behaviour between staff and the employers and decreas e in the company turnover due to employee problems. This research is about to understand and analyze the different variables, individual motivation and its causes, the deficiency of the application of human resources, job satisfaction among the employees, organization culture and poor choice of good leadership, poor motivation due to poor job satisfaction. In such a scenario it becomes very important to understand the causes leading to such issues so that we can rectify them for better outcomes. Some of the primary causes responsible for poor organizational culture and behaviour are a lack of trust between the employers, managers and the employees, lack of focus and good motivation, poor leadership skills, focus is more on the individual goal than the company goal, intolerance and poor communication between employers, staff and employees. 2. Description of the Company and its choice The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the organization chosen for this research for the following reasons . The Ministry of Health is facing a lot of organizational problems which is the main focus of this study. This research will help students to better understand the behaviour problems that various companies face in the real business world. The Ministry of Health clearly portrays the importance and relationship of each variable such as good leadership qualities and the impact it has on the success or failure of an organization. Group Level, Leadership In the group level analysis, our focus would be on Leadership and how it impacts upon the workplace. According to (Robbins & Judge 2009, p410) Leadership is defined as the ability to impact upon a group working towards the achievement of a specific goal or vision. In (Robins & Judge, 2009) opinion, neither are all leaders managers, nor all managers leaders. Leadership also has the capacity to bring about motivation by influencing the individual towards the success of the organization. This definition of leadership implies that leadership is â€Å"â€Å"the ability of an individual to inspire, motivate, and enable others to contribute to the effectiveness and success of the organization† (House et al 1999, p184) Good leadership is therefore crucial to the success of an organization through increased productivity. Yuki (2010) defines leadership from various perspectives such as Trait Theories, Behavioural Theories, Contingency

American Accounting Scandals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

American Accounting Scandals - Essay Example 55, 2009). Interestingly, this is not the first time in the history of United States that its accounting practices, approaches and system has received criticism and strict scrutiny from its stakeholders. After the bankruptcy of Enron and WorldCom in 2001 and 2003, respectively that was also the biggest accounting scandals of their time, the US accounting practices made the headlines all over the world (Ketz, pp. 234, 2003). This paper is an attempt to explore the accounting standards whether they are too flexible or too rigid. The discussion would include looking over the causes of Enron’s bankruptcy rooted in its accounting problem, debate between rules based accounting and principles based accounting and the problems with the possible convergence of accounting standards all over the world. ... 144, 2006). Non-transparent and unethical accounting was the most important cause attributed to the failure and downfall of Enron. In the year 2004, McLean wrote Enron scandal that, â€Å"The Enron scandal grew out of a steady accumulation of habits and values and actions that began years before and finally spiraled out of control† (Silverstone & Sheetz, pp. 22, 2007). Furthermore, another writer in an attempt to explain these â€Å"habits and values† wrote that, â€Å"the primary motivations for Enron's accounting and financial transactions seem to have been to keep reported income and reported cash flow up, asset values inflated, and liabilities off the books. (Duska, Duska, & Ragatz, pp. 74-75, 2011)† Without any doubts, Enron had some of the smartest minds in the company, as its executives and accountants, who were spot on in tweaking and twisting, the accounting laws to their advantages (Rapoport & Dharan, pp. 106, 2004). They used off balance sheet vehicles , complex financial structures and others to hide their debts and inflate their incomes. Furthermore, the mark to market accounting further allowed the company to manipulate its financial figures for deceiving the shareholders, creditors and other stakeholders. More importantly, Enron used the ambiguities and gaps in the mark to market accounting to inflate its income (Rezaee, pp. 175, 176, 2002; Mulford & Comiskey, pp. 44-46, 2005). Mark to Market accounting method requires showing the net present value of the cash flows from any long-term project and adjust the values of market assets according to the current market value. However, the problem with this method is that under certain situations and for certain projects, correct, accurate, and timely predictions about their future

Pediatric Care Plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Pediatric Care Plan - Research Paper Example 592). In this case, the patient’s manifestations are fever, productive cough, diarrhea, and poor appetite—all can be attributed to ALL and the ongoing chemotherapy. Explicitly, these infectious diseases have high chances of recurring. Specifically, recurrent fever can be the result of decreased function of WBC and rapid metabolism due to the deterioration of leukemic cells from chemotherapeutic agents (Huether & McCance, 2005, p. 592). Furthermore, leukemia affects blood cells, and many vital organs are affected with the changes in metabolism, oxygen supply and demand, and overall organ function (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2006, p. 898). In fact, leukemic cells are likely to cause infiltrations to other organs, further causing lymphadenopathy, inflammation, and neoplasms (Conter et al., 2004). This is notable in this patient who also has a history of neoplasm. Generally, the care and management for this patient demands conservative administration of medications (esp. antib iotics) and responsible monitoring of drug reactions and incompatibilities. As in this case, the patient has a history of allergies from numerous medications (Dimetapp, Pseudoephedrine). This condition, in turn, affects not only the patient but the whole family in terms of financial and emotional challenge. Day 1: Skin is pale and cool to touch, especially on areas around the mouth, face, palm creases, and in the nail beds. There is a thin film of sweat on the patient’s forehead, axillaries, and neck areas. Rashes are noted on the trunk and upper arms. Patient is complaining of mild itchiness on his chest and abdomen. Minor scratches around the trunk with varying degrees of healing are observed. Petechiae are noted on the lower legs and feet. Eyes: The eyes are symmetrical in appearance. The conjunctivae are pale. PERRLA noted. Eyes are not icteric. Patient reports no blurring of vision, or any

Globalization & Development of economies Essay Example for Free

Globalization Development of economies Essay Globalization has been perceived as a beneficial factor in the development of economies, technological advancements as well as sociological and political development. However, not everyone gains from these benefits. Instead, other nations particularly the developing states are subjected to the dangerous effects of globalization. The truth about globalization is while the benefits may be enjoyed by a few individual states, the negative impacts of globalization are felt by all the nations in the world. Globalization and the associated changes in the social work organization has led to a creation of economic systems where various corporations are increasingly moving around the world to find the cheapest labor possible. A good example is out the trend of outsourcing, which is quite common in the modern world of business. Cheap labor in this context is reproduced through political, social, technological and economic means which allows corporations to pay extremely low wages to the workers. Globalization has led to a number of technological innovations and technology has played a pivotal role in the reshaping of the social organization of work. The introduction of computers and information technologies has greatly changed the work setting. For instance, the shift from demands for physical work to mental, intellective operations and information handling has substituted the skills of all collar workers. This has reshaped the social organization of work. The overall effect of such changes is the reduction of employment and the eventual reduction in the wage levels among the workers performing physical work. The social organization changes of capitalism have intensified the effect of globalization and affected how employment and labor relationship is regulated. This has mainly been seen through the intensification of acquisition and cross-border mergers where companies value the importance of mergers and acquisitions in order to increase the strength of business. There has also been a pronounced trend of the global corporations of transforming themselves into organizers and coordinators of activities performed by suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors. This has had a significant effect to the regulation of employment and labor relationship leading to the production of cheap labor. Through globalization, employers can easily subcontract and outsource cheap labor from different states which further allows global corporate to externalize and reduce the costs that are incurred from employing directly. Outsourcing of labor makes the employers to pay low wages since they can choose to employ from states where cheap labor is readily available. The political instability, poor living standards and poorly developed economies in developing states have all contributed to the reproduction of cheap labor and global corporations are taking advantage of this. In order to avoid further tearing of the social fabric caused by globalization, consumers and /or producers of cheap labor should devise machineries to provide salient working conditions with improved wage levels. This can be achieved by setting the international wage minimums that will prevent the overexploitation of workers from the developing countries. All workers with similar qualifications should earn on the basis of a unified wage rate. The increased acquisition and merging of companies can be beneficial as it increases the strength of business in a synergistic manner. However, agreements should first be made to integrate the social values of each company and respect the rights of employees of each of the merged companies. Through this, the benefits of globalization can be reaped by both the developing and the developed states or the producers and consumers of labor. Reference: Amin, M. (2009). The effect of globalization, labor fexibilization and national industrial relations systems on human resource management. International Business Research. 2(4), 36-45. http://www. ccsenet. org/journal/index. php/ibr/article/viewFile/3910/3434

Culture Shock Essay Example for Free

Culture Shock Essay Studying, working or living abroad can be a wonderful experience. However, this can also be an awful time in one’s life with some people finding a lot of discomfort in adapting to a new society. This impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar is referred to as culture shock. It includes the different feelings and apprehension people have when learning the ways of a different society. This paper looks at this â€Å"occupational disease† as is commonly known. The term ‘culture shock’ was first used by the anthropologist Oberg back in 1960. According to Oberg, there are six main aspects of culture shock. The first is strain, an effect caused by the effort to adapt. Another aspect is a sense of loss and feelings of deprivation in relation to friends, status, profession and possessions. A third common aspect which especially affects people who relocate to a new environment without prior familiarisation with the environment’s culture and way of life is a feeling of rejection by the members of the new culture, or even rejecting the members. Confusion in roles, values and self-identity is another equally significant aspect of culture shock. A certain variety of people may experience anxiety and even disgust or anger about practices they may encounter in their new environment. Last but not least, Oberg identified â€Å"feelings of helplessness†, a case where one may be unable to cope with the new environment. Despite the many negative descriptions that Oberg gave about culture shock, in all its diverse firms, it has been acknowledged as a part of a successful process of adaptation. (Marx, 2001, 5) Culture shock has several stages and the many symptoms known usually occur after the first stage, the honeymoon stage. The honeymoon stage is an excitement stage experienced in the first few weeks of an individual’s relocation to a new environment. The honeymoon stage may last for even months, depending on certain circumstances, such as the person’s popularity. For instance, a well-known person may experience a long honeymoon stage, where he or she may be taken to the show places and given special attention. This experience may not last for long if the person is forced by circumstances to remain in the place for a long period of time. It is then that the person may start having a hostile and aggressive attitude towards the host country, and many symptoms may occur. (World wide classroom, 2008) For example, excessive concern over cleanliness, where one may find the new and strange experiences in-appropriate or plain â€Å"dirty†, especially in relation to drinking water, food and bedding. Another common symptom is a desire for dependence on long term residents of one’s own nationality. Other symptoms such as the fear of physical contact with attendants or servants, irritation over delays and other minor frustrations out of their proportion to their causes, excessive fear of being cheated, robbed or injured, great concern over minor pains and irruptions of the skin, delay and outright refusal to learn the language of the host country; and most significantly, the terrible longing to be in familiar environment, a situation where one would miss one’s relatives and friends. (World wide classroom, 2008) Everyone has been known to be affected by culture shock. Some people adapt quite easily, but others may take years to fully adapt to their new environment. It is therefore critical to understand how to deal with it. Culture shock is unavoidable, despite a person’s status or circumstances. However, various ways have been identified of minimizing it. Some of these steps include, firstly, allowing time to find out about culture shock, which may involve tasks such as reading and carrying out research about the intended place of destination, a step which encompasses learning to recognize the symptoms and their potential impact. Secondly, expecting culture shock to happen is an important step. This should be irrespective of location or distance, as culture shock is likely to occur in a neighbouring country as much as in a far country. The third step is identifying all the opportunities for building support networks with local people as soon as early as possible. Another equally important step to remember is not to give in to any stressful situation. Learning from people who have undergone similar experiences is an invaluable step as someone is able to avoid certain mistakes, hence adapting faster and easier. In some extreme cases, symptoms may persist despite a person’s coping efforts. In such situations, then one is advised to seek professional help through counselors or medical profession. It is critical to remember that reverse culture shock, a situation where the symptoms of culture shock re-occur to people when they get back home is equally normal. Most importantly, is to think about the positive aspects of culture shock; it is worthy noting that people who experience culture shock adapt better than those who do not. (Marx, 2001, 18) According to recent research, the more well-traveled and practiced at absorbing, accepting and adapting one is, the more easily one overcomes culture shock. Good adjustment to a new environment ensures that one competently performs the roles that each social context requires, thus avoiding frustrations resulting from inappropriate behaviour. (International Education, 2008) Managing culture shock is a skill which is increasingly gaining importance in almost all career fields, and can be of invaluable help to international students, job relocation and even living outside a person’s native country. Despite the many painful experiences associated with culture shock, minimizing it using the steps aforementioned can greatly assist in adapting to a new society hence maximizing one’s time and resources. Works Cited: Eickelmann C. , The International Educational Site: Studying abroad and Culture Shock. Retrieved 29 November, 2008 from: http://www. intstudy. com/articles/ec184a13. htm Marx E. (2001) Breaking through Culture Shock: What You Need to Succeed in International Business. Nicholas Brealey Publishing. World Wide Classroom. (2006) Culture Shock and the Problem of Adjustment to New Cultural environments Retrieved 29 November, 2008 from: http://www. worldwide. edu/about/index. html

Racial inequality and treatment

Racial inequality and treatment Introduction It goes without saying that education equality has always been one of the most important questions in Afro-American struggle for equality. It is essential that the Southern states has always been the stronghold of racial inequality and treatment to the Afro- Americans was worse than anyone else is one the most important places in the struggle for equal education. This paper would examine the endless struggle of the black minority in St. Louis for getting the equal education, as good as the white majority gets. The analysis of the struggle for the primary civil rights of the Afro-American nation would help to realize how important was reaching educational equality in the area where the blacks were always considered to be unequal members of the society, who does not have right for the equal jobs, rights and education as well. This struggle for the equal education would be the best illustration for the further generations and help them to understand what a difficult way. â€Å"What hap pens inside the classroom is only a small part of education. What, where, and how students learn is a function of the organization of the school system, prevailing theories about learning, local political pressures, and, of course, financial realities. The history of education in St. Louis is little different than that of most American cities, in that it forms another framework through which to view the communitys past† (St. Lois Government, 1996). The aim of this essay to reveal the difficulties the black minority met while fighting for the equality in the educational sphere St. Louis. The beginning of the struggle for equal education of Afro-Americans It is a well known fact that even in the 20th century it could be hardly spoken about equal rights for the backs and the whites in the educational sphere and Southern states of the U.S. The education of the black minorities, if it is was possible, was separated from the white children and it goes without saying there was no even slight mention about the equal educational facilities: â€Å"Schools were segregated by race. Churches operated the first schools for African-American children until 1847, when Missouri law forbade teaching African-Americans to read and write. First Baptist Church pastor John Berry Meachum responded by opening the â€Å"Freedom School† on a barge in the Mississippi River, which was federally owned, and thus beyond the reach of state law† (St. Lois Government, 1996). The segregated schools became legal in 1896 by the United States Supreme Court (Plessy v. Ferguson case). Back and white children in St. Louis studied separately for more than 50 yea rs and only after the World War II the first steps towards the desegregation were made. The black children were mistreated at school as were as well their parents at work and what is the most poor in this case that it was legally supported over the whole country: â€Å"Giving the power of law to the separate-but-equal doctrine, school systems nationally kept black and white children apart. The problem was that separate wasnt equal† (St. Lois Government, 1996). Hence after the war the civil rights movement was developing quite quickly. Afro-Americand understood that they could not live under the white oppression and the most burning area were Southern States of the United States. : â€Å"In its landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision in 1954, the court reversed itself, saying that separate education was, by definition, unequal. Amidst a rising tide of social awareness about racial equality, Catholic schools in St. Louis had already figured this out, desegregat ing the Archdiocese system in 1948. The Brown decision did bring about one immediate change in St. Louis education† (St. Lois Government, 1996). The first step towards the changes which were so much needed was made. It goes without saying that the whole system needed desegregation as equality of education is one of the primary rights of the person. It is essential that representatives of the Afro-American nation were seeking for the equal education and equal work facilities with the whites. They were not intended to yield the places in public transport to the whites and were intended to provide for their children equal with the whites education. The schools were poorly equipped compared to the white communities schools: â€Å"East St. Louis Senior High School, whose biology lab has no laboratory tables or usable dissecting kits, with nearby suburban schools where children enjoy a computer hookup to Dow Jones to study stock transactions and science laboratories that rival thos e in some industries† (Linda Darling-Hammond, 2010). The primary equipment needs in the schools of racial minorities were still severely violated and it is not surprising that the educational level of the black children was significantly lower that the white ones and they could not get equal job and get equal income in future. The problem was really burning and it got to be solved, either by the local government or by Afro-American community itself. As it usually happens the problem solution was found by the the black themselves. It is a well known fact that one of the most significant problems in segregated schools was teaching. The white teachers did not appreciate teaching of the black children that the Afro-American community of St. Louis was eager to train black teachers themselves to raise the quality of the black teachers and the level of the black children education: â€Å"Stowe Teachers College evolved out of the Sumner High School program to train black school teach ers since 1890. But Brown v. Topeka Board didnt fully address the issue of de facto segregation brought on by housing patterns. Blacks were relegated to their own city neighborhoods, where their children attended neighborhood schools. When housing is segregated, so too are the schools. Funding, and therefore educational quality, receded during the 1950s and 1960s as well. What had once been one of the best public school systems in the United States had plummeted. Black students especially suffered as public schools declined in a core city with a disproportionately high African-American population. Three in four students in the St. Louis Public Schools were black in 1980, while more than two in five white youngsters attended school outside the system. Public education in St. Louis came under court supervision in 1980, with the goal of desegregating St. Louis Public Schools† (St. Lois Government, 1996). More than hundred years have passed after declining of slavery and starting of the fight for the equal rights of Afro-Americans with the white majority, when in St. Louis the desegregation program started. It is not surprising that being separated from the equal education from the very beginning the Black Minority did not chanced to protect themselves and seek for the better future. Low rating of the Afro-American schools and their segregation from the white children also had a significant impact on the crime rate in the region, the level of unemployment among the Afro-Americans and other significant factors that form the whole economical vision of the city. Such a poor treatment and late start of desegregation program negatively influenced St. Louis as resort area and economical center of the region as desegregation program was not started earlier, but only in the late 20th century. The following chapter would reveal how desegregation program was started and what were the results of it. St. Lois. Desegregation program of primary and secondary educational systems in the area. Its beginning, results and decisions. Desegregation plan was started in 1983 and since then it has a controlling eye of media, civil rights foundation and other on it. It is essential that development of the blacks segregation in the certain areas in the late 20th century, when the civil rights were not just an empty words, but people struggles for equality for more than hundred years and finally reached it. Then we see that desegregation was started to assimilate the white majority and black minority as the human rights should be observed and the Afro-American community could not stay aside the social life of the country: â€Å"Five years ago, St. Louis pioneered a metropolitan wide school desegregation plan that tried to fuse the predominantly black and poor inner city with 16 mostly white and wealthy suburbs. The plan, which resulted from a Federal District Court settlement that postponed threatened litigation for five years, involves no mandatory busing and became the largest voluntary school transfer program in the country, with 12,000 children attending schools outside of their designated districts each day. It has also met most of its goals for integrating blacks into suburban St. Louis County schools† (Amy Stuart Wells, 1988). It was the first attempt which was under the strict control and attention from the federal government. And it should be mentioned that even after just five years of this program operation in St. Louis the other areas took some significant parts of this particular program to solve the typical questions in their local place. It is not surprising that being the pioneer is very difficult task and St. Louis as the area of traditional confrontation between the black and the white communities had to overcome certain difficulties in order to reach the desired effect. The core idea of the program was the ability of parents to chose the schools for the their children studies outside the area of their dwelling: â€Å"Once hailed as â€Å"one of the most creative social experiments of our time† by William H. Hungate, the judge who oversaw its design, the plan has fostered many problems. Among them are what some parents and educators in the city call a brain drain of the citys best black students, too few white students coming into the city system and high operating costs, financed mostly, and reluctantly, by the state. Concepts National Appeal. Still, the main component of the plan, the concept of allowing parents to choose schools well outside their local districts, has gained national appeal as a way to extend to inner-city children the better educational opportunities often available in suburban districts† (Amy Stuart Wells, 1988). Different civil rights foundation often relate to the St. Louis desegration program as one of the most significant attempts of the past century and consider that it has incorporated the core elements of the school changes involving expansion of such an element as freedom of school choice and accountability . The researches consider that St. Louis desegregation program is one of the most significant achievements in the fight for the civil rights of Afro-American community and it was the largest school choice plan, which let with 13,000 to 15,000 to break through the boundaries of the suburb, the boundaries of inequality, and the boundaries of racial discrimination: â€Å"It permits parents of children in failing schools to send their children to more successful public schools. The St. Louis desegregation plan reconstitutes failing schools with new principals and educational programs-elements of the education reform program supported by President George W. Bush and Senator Edward M. Kennedy† (William H. Freivogel, 2002, p. 209). The same time analytical investigation of the school reform in St. Louis provided by the investigator of the Century Foundation (Task Force on the Common School) William H. Freivogel came to the conclusion that even desegregation did not solve one of the most significant problems for American secondary system and the St. Louis reform has a number lessons to take for the further reforms all over the world: â€Å"the St. Louis desegregation plan has lessons to offer the rest of the nation. Neither school desegregation nor accountability magically creates a level playing field for African-American children. But an entire generation of students-black and white-has had an opportunity for a high-quality education in an integrated setting. African-American students, who took advantage of this opportunity, gained significant, if not dramatic, improvements in achievement, graduation rates, and college attendance† (William H. Freivogel, 2002, p. 210). The increasing of secondary educati on of drop out rate is probably one of the most significant problem for the white majority and the black minority of the area met. The data provided by the different educational establishment showed that the black minority used their advantage and actively participated within the desegregation. The following data give the compared results to the other cities of the U.S.: â€Å"Data from the 1990 census show that, in Florida and Texas, urban districts generally have a greater percentage of minority students as part of the total student body than rural districts. This is a national trend as well. It has been estimated that in the mid-1990s, for example, 53.8 percent of urban schools had predominantly African-American student populations. In some cities the number is higher: Milwaukee, 61 percent; Philadelphia, 64 percent; St. Louis, 80 percent; Atlanta, 92 percent; and Birmingham, 94 percent† (Matthew Ladner and Christopher Hammons, 2000, p. 94). We see that the drop out rate i ncreasing is not just the problem of the St. Louis Area and it even yet it may have connection to the desegregation, It should be noted that the Black minority after the years of suffering from inequality and mistreating within the different educational establishment took their chance. The success of the desegregation should be undertaken as one the positive example of the racial struggle for equal right for the education and freedom of choice. Understanding the mistakes of the past the government developed the plan which corresponded to the needs of the racially discriminated African-Americans. The final edition of the plan included five main components. One of them was so called interdistrict transfer program it â€Å"required mostly white suburban districts to either increase the number of African-American students by fifteen percentage points, or to reach and maintain the plan goal of a student population that was 25 percent black† (William H. Freivogel, 2002, p 213). One of the core features of this plan was that the student would apply for the district she or he would like to study in. The same time the district should identify the children, who need special education and screen for any discipline problems, but it should be noted that they could not send the student off due the academic disorders. Another element of the program was creation of magnet schools in the city and their aim was to create balanced student bodies, which would be attended by the white students from the surburb: â€Å"After a decade of slow growth, the number of white students from the suburbs traveling to schools in the city climbed above 1,100, reaching a peak of 1,478 in 1997† (William H. Freivogel, 2002, p 214).. The third part of the plan was quality of educational component. The thing the black segregated schools always suffered its aim was â€Å"to make capital improvements in city schoolhouses and to improve the education of those students left behind in all- black schools-a number expected to be from 10,000 to 15,000 students† (William H. Freivogel, 2002, p 214). The forth element included financial part, which was aimed to make the first three components working. The prosperous areas received nearly $ 10, 000 per pupil for accommodation and less prosperous from $ 3,000 to 4,000. And the fifth element was to provide 5 year lasting stay of the interdistrict case. It would help to evaluate critically the effect and the results of the first step. It is essential that each step of this plan contributed a lot to the unending struggle of the Black minority for its educational rights. It goes without saying that this desegregation plan was one of the most important decisions in the fight of Afro- American society for the equal educational facilities and it actually reached the aim. It goes without saying that it was the great victory in unending struggle for equality. Conclusion In the end it would be essential to make a stress on the fact that this desegregation program provided a significant impact on the whole country. The positive elements were undertaken in other areas, when they started their personal desegregation programs celebrating cultural diversity and racial equality. Personally I support the idea, that it was the great victory of Afro-American community in their fight for equal education and now not only in St. Louis but in many other cities all over the United States people could choose the school despite the district we live. The racial question is still one of the most important in the present day United Sates but such reforms help a number of Afro-American children to find their place and the white ones to understand the necessity of interracial equality and communication. References: William H. Freivogel. St Louis: Desegregation and School Choice. Century Foundation Press. 2002 Matthew Ladner and Christopher Hammons. Special but Unequal: Race and Special Education. Houston Baptist University. 2000 Linda Darling-Hammond. Unequal Opportunity: Race and Education. Education, Race. Education, Race. Spring 1998 St. Lois Government. 1996. St. Louis Historic Context. Education. 28. 04.2010. Official web site of St. Louis city. Amy Stuart Wells. St. Louis Evaluates Its Pioneer Integration Plan. The New York Times. June 8, 1988

Emma by Jane Austen Essay -- Emma Jane Austen

About the Author Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 at Steventon, England. She was the seventh child of the rector of the parish at Steventon, and lived with her family until they moved to Bath when her father retired in 1801. Her father, Reverend George Austen, was from Kent and attended the Tunbridge School before studying at Oxford and receiving a living as a rector at Steventon. Her mother, Cassandra Leigh Austen, was the daughter of a patrician family. Among her siblings she had but one sister, Cassandra, with whom she kept in close contact her entire life. Her brothers entered a variety of professions: several joined the clergy, one was a banker, while several more spent time in the military. Although her family was neither noble nor wealthy, Rev. Austen had a particular interest in education, even for his daughters. Although her novels focus on courtship and marriage, Jane Austen remained single her entire life. She died in Winchester on July 8, 1817. Jane Austen published four novels anonymously during her lifetime: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1815). Two novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published posthumously in 1817. These novels are prominent for her satiric depiction of English society and manners. Summary of Emma Jane Austen's Emma is a novel of courtship. Like all of Austen's novels, it centres on the marriage plot: who will marry whom? For what reasons will they marry? Love, practicality, or necessity? At the centre of the story is the title character, Emma Woodhouse, an heiress who lives with her widowed father at their estate, Hartfield. At the beginning of the novel, she is a self-satisfied young woman who feels no particular need to marry, for she is in the rather unique condition of not needing a husband to supply her fortune. At the beginning of the novel, Emma's governess, Miss Taylor, has just married Mr. Weston, a wealthy man who owns Randalls, a nearby estate. The Westons, the Woodhouses, and Mr. Knightley (who owns the estate Donwell Abbey) are at the top of Highbury society. Mr. Weston had been married earlier. When his previous wife died, he sent their one child (Frank Churchill) to be raised by her brother and his wife, for the now-wealthy Mr. Weston could not at that time provide for the boy. Without Miss Taylor as a companion,... ...e is unpopular in Highbury due to her poor manners and arrogance, but becomes good friends with Jane Fairfax. Her status in society rests only on the fact that her sister married very well. She refuses to treat others with the proper respect they are accorded, including even Mr. Knightley. Mr. John Knightley - A tall, gentleman-like, clever man, respectable and reserved. Emma dislikes him somewhat for his severity and lack of patience. He is Knightley's brother and Woodhouse's son-in-law. He is married to Isabella, Emma's sister. They live in London and visit only occasionally. Mr. John Knightley is given to complaint and bad humour; his wife is submissive and devoted entirely to him. Mrs. Goddard: The mistress of a Boarding school where girls might be sent to receive a little education. Her school was in high repute. One of her former students is Harriet Smith, who now assists Mrs. Goddard. Miss Bates: The daughter of Mrs. Bates, she was neither young, married, handsome nor rich. She is a pitiable character with the worst predicament. She lacks all distinguishing traits such as intellect or cleverness, yet she was mostly happy and treated others with great goodwill.

The Story Of English :: essays research papers

The Story of English Many people may ask, " What is the Bayeux Tapestry?" In the following paragraphs, the significance of the Bayeux Tapestry will be recognized. First of all it should be understood that it is not a Tapestry in the full sense of the word. It is an embroidery. It was constucted from eight separate pieces of linen which were joined to make up it's length. It is approximately 70 meters long and a half a meter wide. It is evident that at one stage it ws longer, probably by as much as seven or eight meters are missing. This is a tragedy as it may have answered many of the questions that gives cause for debate today. It is generally agreed that Bishop Odo was the architect who commisioned the Bayeux Tapestry. It was designed and constructed reasonably soon after the battle in 1066. It was made without any shadow of a doubt to celebrate and record for posterity the events leading up to battle and its aftermath. If it is reasonably confident that Bishop Odo commissioned the Tapestry, debate still reigns as where to it was constructed, and by whom. It basically comes down to the allegiances. If one is French, they would like to believe that it was made in France. There are so many clues in its construction that indicate otherwise. Whereas it is known as the Bayeux Tapestry in England, it is sometimes referred to in France as the Tapisserie de la reine Mathilde or Queen Matilda's Tapestry. Matilda, one will remember, was William's wife. To infer that she and she alone constructed this work of art defies all credibility. As Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy, she would never have had the time. Another factor which excludes her from the equation is that she does not appear in it herself (although she may have been in the missing section). So if you discount the construction being undertaken in France, where was it made? Over the years, the Tapestry has been studied by experts in this field and the consensus of opinion is that it was of English construction. Certain historical facts of the time and features of the Tapestry indicate where it was made. Following the battle in 1066, Bishop Odo was made Earl of Kent. This was partly because he was William's half brother and secondly because William was duty bound to repay the loyalty of his nobles.

Bad Decision-Making in Hamlet Essay -- Shakespeare plays, story analysi

Are you too quick to make important decisions? Do you act before you think? These quick decisions are common in the play Hamlet. Hamlet was written by William Shakespeare in 1589. The play takes place in Denmark. The protagonist is a prince named Hamlet. Hamlet’s father suddenly dies, and Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, decides to marry Hamlet’s uncle, King Claudius. Hamlet slowly goes insane, and he wants revenge on the murderer of his father. Laertes, the son of the king’s associate, makes a bad decision in the play. When Laertes’ father, Polonius, is killed, Laertes is outraged and seeks vengeance. Laertes made a bad decision in the play, but he could have tried using the decision-making process, weighing possible alternatives, and he could have changed the outcome of the play if he had made careful decisions. Laertes’ main decision in Hamlet was how to seek revenge on Prince Hamlet for killing Polonius. There are seven steps to the decision-making process. First, Laertes had to identify the decision that had to be made. Laertes did follow this step by looking for a solution of his father’s death. Next, Laertes should have gathered information relevant to his situation. Instead of this step, Laertes automatically assumed that he had to kill someone without knowing what really happened to Polonius. Then, Laertes should have identified his alternatives of the decision. Laertes did not explore alternative in the play. He immediately met with the king and decided to kill Prince Hamlet without looking at different ways to approach the situation. After exploring alternatives, Laertes should have weighed the evidence of the situation. The only evidence that Laertes had was the king’s word that Hamlet... ...the king. By killing the king, they put Denmark in better hands, and they save both of their lives. Also, Ophelia and Hamlet could get married and take the throne. Just by changing Laertes decision, the ending of Hamlet completely changes. Everyone is alive and healthy, except for King Claudius, and Denmark is not taken over by Fortinbras, an officer of a foreign country. By using the decision-making process, creating alternatives, and choosing the best outcome, Laertes would have completely changed the play, Hamlet. Laertes could have used steps two, three and four of the decision-making process to make an educated decision. Also, Laertes may have wanted to explore his many alternatives and outcomes before making his decision. Lastly, Laertes should have talked to Hamlet about the death of Polonius. Think before you act, and do not be too quick to judge.

Biological Psychology Essay

Abstract Psychology has its own biological boundaries. This is in the form of biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience. The main aim of this branch in psychology is to have a clearer picture of the relationship of the mind and body, and mind and brain. It tries to link the brain functions to the different mental processes and behaviors. This type of psychology investigates man’s physiological phenomena such as memory and emotions. Biological Psychology Human beings are more then a collection of systems, more than a collection of organs and more than a collection of cells.   The human body is complex. It is an operating organism which functions as a whole. The human body involves a great deal of variety of processes. By examining the parts, it does not mean that one can understand the whole organism (Arnold, 1999). Biological psychology is the field of psychology which main endeavor was to link the different brain functions to different mental processes and behaviors. Psychologists in this subdiscipline of psychology are often interested in relating biological variables to psychological or behavioral variables. It deals with biological processes and behaviors that are shared with mammalian animals. This is because biological psychologists utilize animals in their experiments. Some of these processes are sensation, perception, motivation, learning memory and control of motor movements (â€Å"Biological Psychology†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The history of Biological psychology emerged from various philosophical views in the 18th and 19th century. However, its study started much earlier. It dates back to Avicenna, a Persian psychologist and physician. He recognized physiological psychology in the treatment of illnesses involving emotions. Avicenna also gave some psychological explanations on somatic illnesses. He believed that humidity inside the brain can cause mood disorders. Humidity is brought by the change with the amount of breath. Another is that happiness increases the breath so it contributes to the brain’s moisture. But then, too much moisture can make the brain loss control thus having mental disorders (â€Å"The Mind-Brain Problem†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The philosophical history of Biological Psychology surfaced from philosophers like Rene Descartes. He believed that the pineal gland was the point of contact between the mind and body. He also proposed a theory that pneumatics or fluid power of bodily fluids is connected to reflexes and motor behavior (â€Å"The Mind- Brain Problem†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another philosopher who contributed to Biological psychology is William James.   He is the one who argued that in the study of psychology there should also be consideration to the understanding of Biology. He also stressed that the functions of the brain must be included in the study of psychology. The connection between mind and brain became progressively clearer in the nineteenth century. In this century, the doctors started observing patients who suffered from head injuries. The patients usually exhibited alterations in language and memory and some variation in their personalities. One patient is a refined businessman and a loving father became a vulgar person who lacks in affection for his loved ones after a sever blow in the head. These observations is lead researchers to experiment by producing surgical lesions in animals in different regions of the brain to observe what effects these lesions have on behavior (Westen, 1999). Since its origin, one of the major issues faced by biological psychologists was localization of functions. This entails knowing which different parts of the brain control different aspects of functioning. In 1836, a physician named Marc Dax, noted that lesions on the left side of the brain were associated with aphasia or language disorder. Because of this discovery, many other discoveries linking the left hemisphere of the brain with language function appeared (Westen, 1999). These other discoveries led to the finding of Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. Broca’s aphasia involves difficulty in production of speech, whereas Wernicke’s aphasia involves difficulty in comprehending language (Westen, 1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The clinical assumption of Biological psychology is that organisms share similar biological processes and behaviors. Some of the other disciplines in psychology greatly related with biological psychology are comparative psychology, evolutionary psychology, neuropsychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology and experimental psychology (Westen, 1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Comparative psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes of animals other than human beings (Westen, 1999). Biological psychologists use animals in their experiments. They compare the results done on these animals to human processes and behaviors. Evolutionary psychology, on the other hand, deals with the explanation of mental and psychological traits and how they evolved to adapt to different stimuli. Neuropsychology is an interdisciplinary field of psychology and neuroscience that aims to explain how the structure and function of the brain relate to certain psychological behaviors (â€Å"Evolutionary Psychology†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Other fields of psychology related with biological psychology such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and experimental psychology are connected with biological psychology because these fields aim to link the physiological processes with different mental processes. Clinical psychology focuses on the nature and treatment of physiological processes that lead to emotional distress. Cognitive psychology examines the nature of thought, memory and language. And, experimental psychology examines mental processes in human and other animals (Westen, 1999). Some of the noted modern biological psychologists are Nikolaas Tinbergen, Karl von Frisch, Eric Kandel and Arvid Carlsson. Nikolaas Tinbergen is a Dutch ornithologist who won the Nobel Prize for Physiology in 1973. His contribution is the organization and elicitation of individual and social behaviour patterns in animals. Karl von Frisch is an Austrian ethologist who won the same award with Tinbergen. He studied the senses of bees and identified they methods of communication(â€Å"Nobel Prize in Physiology/ Medicine 1973†)..Eric Kandel is a neuroscientist whose contribution is the analysis of biochemical changes in neurons assiciated with learning and memory storage. Arvid Carlsson is a neuroscientist most noted for his on the neurotransmitter dopmaine and Parkinson’s disease (â€Å"The Nobel Prize in Physiology/ Medicine 2000†).   Reference Arnold, T. (1999). Mind and Brian Relationship. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.hyponoesis.org/html/essays/e022.html Biological Psychology. Retrieved February 11, 2008, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.psypress.com/common/supplementary/184169360X/part1.pdf Evolutionary Psychology. Retrieved February 11, 2008, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.psychnet-uk.com/evolutionary_psychology/evolutionary_psychology.htm The Mind- Brain problem. Retrieved February 11, 2008, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://moebius.psy.ed.ac.uk/~dualism/papers/brains.html The Nobel Prize in Physiology/ Medicine 1973. Nobelprize.org. Retrieved February 11, 2008,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1973/index.html The Nobel Prize in Physiology/ Medicine 2000. Nobelprize.org. Retrieved February 11, 2008,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2000/index.html Westen, D. (2nd Ed.). (1999). Psychology: Mind, Brain and Culture. U.S.A.: John Wiley   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   & Sons, Inc.

Comparison of a national sample of homicides committed by lone and multiple perpetrators Essay

Homicides have been one of the crimes that are often committed in England and Wales. However, despite the great number of cases reported, there has been very minimal or limited research that could help establish the relationship between multiple-perpetrators of homicides the rates of homicides committed (Roscoe, et al., 2012). Furthermore, there is a lack of extensive research to help establish the effects of psychiatric differences that may contribute to the number of homicides. Research has indicated that there are many young people who are involved in homicides as well as those who have been convicted multiple times. Race also has been noted as one of the distinctive aspects of many cases of homicide. Previous research has indicated that most of the multiple perpetrators of homicide are likely to be young (Roscoe et al., 2012). Furthermore, they have come from minority ethnic groups and often are not married. Over the years, there has been a rise in the number of homicides reported across England and Wales. The purpose of this research was primarily to help provide sufficient information regarding homicides in England and Wales. Furthermore, the research was aimed at helping to identify the relationship that exists between multiple perpetrators of violence and homicide rates in the two regions. Another purpose of this research was to help identify the relationship between age and the number of homicides that are committed in England and Wales (Roscoe et al., 2012). The authors of this research also aimed to provide much-needed information on homicides and multiple perpetrators of violence because there has been limited or minimal research conducted that can be relied upon to make conclusions. The method of research involved the use of secondary data collected from various government databases on people who had been convicted for committing homicide. The researchers obtained records on the social and clinical histories of the participants, together with records of previous offenses (Roscoe et al., 2012). The researchers used questionnaires to collect data on participants who had mental health histories. Mental health teams and clinicians who had supervised the convicted persons completed questionnaires to help establish the mental health histories of the convicts. The questionnaires sought information regarding the characteristics of the offenders, the care provided, and their forensic and clinical histories (Roscoe et al., 2012). The researchers presented findings in the form of graphs and tables to help enhance understanding of the data and information. The conclusion of this research indicated that there is a difference between lone and multiple perpetrators of homicide. This research also concluded that young people are commonly involved in homicide cases with multiple perpetrators (Roscoe et al., 2012). Gang members have been seen to be less involved in homicides as a result of being identified by police and the courts (Roscoe et al., 2012). Therefore, it is important that young people be provided with services that are supportive to help reduce the possibility of their involvement in homicide cases (Roscoe et al., 2012). Reference Roscoe, A., Rahman, M. S., Mehta, H., While, D., Appleby, L., & Shaw, J. (2012). Comparison of a national sample of homicides committed by lone and multiple perpetrators. Journal Of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 23(4), 510-521. doi:10.1080/14789949.2012.704639 Source document

Argument for the Use of Consensual Relationship Agreements (Cras) Essay

Argument for the use of consensual relationship agreements (CRAs) in my current (or future) workplace Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRA) is a contract that both employees involved a romantic relationship sign to acknowledge that their relationship is voluntary and that they will abide by the policies of the company regarding anti-harassment and anti-discrimination. (Hellriegel & Slocum ,2011). Office romance should be addressed in a more constructive and professional way just like behaviors such as attendance, dress codes, and non-disclosure agreements. If one can argue that it is perfectly acceptable for employees with personal challenges (such as death in the family, childbirth, sick family member) to receive assistance and, support in the form of personal time-off from work then it must be reasonable for other employees who become romantically involved to get some type of support from their employers. The risks of office romance can better be mitigated if the risk factors are known and managed. So, for example, lawsuits from employees who claim they were coerced into an office romance and disadvantaged by it would be avoided because employees signed the CRAs of their own volition. Allegations from other employees of real or imagined favoritism from a supervisor to a subordinate with whom he or she is romantically involved would be averted because HR would have already taken steps to ensure this does not happen. By creating a mechanism which provides specific and detailed guidelines for professional workplace behavior, HR professionals are able to educate and caution employees about appropriate or inappropriate workplace etiquettes. Privacy issues or lack thereof, as related to dating in the workplace would also be appropriately addressed with the employees involved so they cannot claim that were unfairly treated. Another compelling reason why one should argue for CRAs in their workplaces is that in light of the legal ramifications of the rights of employees in the workplace, CRAs become an expedient and prudent way to protect the interest of an organization and simultaneously provide safe and meaningful ways for employees to freely explore and express their sentiments for others who might feel the same way. Organizations spend a lot of time and resources on strategic planning and forecasting. The purpose of such planning is to position the organization to accomplish two major goals: stay abreast with, or ahead of, the competitive marketplace and change current processes and approaches that are not yielding desired, or expected results. These are proactive steps to assure progress and success. CRAs facilitate and enhance such strategic plans by staying ahead of a changing workplace in the modern age and ensuring that valuable human resources will not be lost and thereby jeopardize more important organizational goals and objectives. CRAs provide a framework for responsible behavior by employees, particularly, supervisors. It fosters a win-win work environment for employees who happen to be romantically involved with each other and for employers to provide guidance and direction for appropriate workplace behavioral expectations. By bringing the relationship into the open the employees involved would not feel pressure to go to great lengths to hide their relationship and could focus on being productive. Conversely, these employees would become pre-occupied with finding ways to hide their relationships if the company did not encourage workplace romance. Create a counter argument against the use of CRAs in your current (or future) workplace. Office romance must be forbidden in the workplace because it simply raises too many avoidable issues in the workplace. By its very nature, office romance predisposes employees involved to compromise their rational objective behaviors because their non-objective emotional senses tend to dominate their thoughts and actions. Romantic relationships are the result of spontaneous human behavior; they are not preconceived and therefore cannot be regulated or contained by contracts. Making CRAs a condition for employment is also not a good idea because, over time, the restrictions become unbearable and the parties involved find out that they are better off in different organizations where their actions and whereabouts will no longer be scrutinized by an assigned HR person. CRAs are tantamount to indirect employment agreement in that they indirectly impose restrictions on the individuals involved in the relationship and seek to protect the interest of the organization at the expense of the people who happen to be emotionally attracted to each other and choose to express those sentiments in an open and liberating way. CRAs simply become ineffective tools because the employees who even agree to sign them often find ways to secretly engage in behaviors that result in lapses in judgment because they are emotionally charged. In many respects, CRAs are intrusive and inherently designed to discourage workplace romance. By their very nature they put restrictions on a human behavior that is designed to be spontaneous and natural. Organizations are not equipped to handle issues of the heart and neither should they start now. Organizations need to focus on what they do best, increasing shareholder value and accomplishing other strategic goals and objectives. Discuss the ethical principles involved in the use of CRAs. There are many perspectives and convictions about what is, or is not ethical. However, there are no universally accepted principles and rules for resolving all ethical issues (Hellriegel & Slocum ,2011). In a country with such great freedom of expression, one can only imagine the diversity of opinions and positions regarding the factors that drive people’s decisions and formulate their ethics. The range of such factors is as wide as the differences in people and this is reflected in the diversity of ethical principles. However, for the purposes of this paper only a handful of relevant ethics based principles – Utilitarian, Professional Standards, Disclosure and Distributive principles will be considered: Utilitarian principle focuses on the magnitude, extent and impact of harm versus good of decisions that are made. The final decision is predicated on the weight of good versus bad – the greatest good for the greatest number (Hellriegel & Slocum , 2011). On the basis of this principle, CRAs are believed to generate more good than harm for those who choose to engage in office romance. Disclosure Principle – This principle focuses on how most people in society will react to the details of a decision when it becomes public knowledge. Most organizations take social responsibility very seriously and will do their very best to garner positive public image. Consequently CRAs are viewed favorably by such organizations. Distributive Principle – This principle is predicated on fairness. The thrust of CRAs is a win-win arrangement for both the organization and the individual because most organizations generally perceive CRAs to be fair. Create at least one (1) other option besides CRAs that would address workplace romances. The only other option for workplace romances that may be plausible is for the organization to develop a set of policies based on the organization interest principle which focuses on the basis of what is good for the organization (Hellriegel & Slocum , 2011). With this option, employees are expected to disclose any potential or actual conflict interest to the human resource professional within the organization. Conflict of interest covers a broad range of behaviors; however, this paper will focus on personal conflict of interest which stresses zero tolerance for discrimination and sexual harassment. This alternative approach to workplace romances would requires that an employee may not supervise someone with whom they have a close personal relationship such as anyone in their family, household or someone with whom they have or had a romantic relationship or other close personal relationship. Additionally, if one were to supervise someone even indirectly with whom they had one of the relationships described above, one must disclose the relationship promptly. Any acts of discrimination, sexual harassment or other harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation would be addressed under a zero tolerance policy.