Implementation, Strategic Controls and Contingency Plans Essay

Implementation, Strategic Controls and Contingency Plans - Essay Example As a result, the company’s management aim at enhancing the company’s portfolio assets making it dominant in the real estates and other investments made in United States of America and around the globe (Wolff Urban Development LLC n.d ). In addition, the management intends to formulate strategies by branding the company’s image resulting to positioning of the company in the global market. More than that, the Human Resources of Wolff Urban Development, LLC plays a decisive role in the development of investments decisions and managing the company’s human resource thus, it makes it easier for them to have knowledge on what the company wants. Given that, World Urban Development, LLC has been in business from 1968, it is crucial to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the processes that will make the company be vibrant in the global market. More significantly, it is essential to establish solutions based on the challenges that the company faces both internally and externally while undertake investments decisions whether by acquisition or construction. More considerably, Wolff Urban Development LLC sets plans that are intended to benefit the company in achieving the set goals. More significantly, it is imperative to establish on how the investment are being undertaken thus, it is important to develop the strategic controls and contingency plans that will be used in implementation of the company’s decision (Barney, 2007). Objectives 1. To ensure employees involvement in the successful implementation of the company plans. 2. To make sure that the company’s brand maintains a strong image and market position. 3. To oversee the expansion of the company’s investment within United States of America (USA) and around markets in the world. Wolff Urban Development, LLC, is guided by the strategic and contingency plans that are clearly set to meet the investment projects. The company’s management outlines their objectives t hat are focused on utilizing the investment opportunities in making it successful in the industry. Wolff Urban Development LLC, is involved in a clearly set devising strategy focused on achievement of its objectives and goals that are set before carrying out the plan. Functional Tactics Wolff Urban Development LLC, uses it reliable network established over the years of existence to achieve its investments decision. It remains essential for the company’s employee to internalize and be more conscious towards the organization’s investment decisions. More significantly, the company invests a large amount of funds in projects that require human resource personnel of the company to utilize the resource allocated in order to ensure that the company attains the highest possible return for the organization as the focus on achieving objectives that the management sets. In addition, Wolff Urban Development LLC, employees are putting the company in a competitive position by settin g investment projects that are beneficial to the company. In addition, the experience company’s employees have acquired over the period makes it easier for them to understand the needs of the company (Wolff Urban Development LLC, n.d). More significantly, the employees of the organization develop new policies by bring new ideas and opportunity that are benefici

India Today Essay Example for Free

India Today Essay Slowly, but surely, in the year 2000, India is beginning to erase the Nehruvian social contract that created the public sector and bound the employees to a corporate unit and the corporate unit to the nation. In the age of restructuring and re-engineering that this has ushered, employees are no longer valued resources but expendable commodities. And likewise, the employers are no longer demi-gods and fuedal lords in one. They are going to become one with a mind-boggling scenario of a private sector, where the growing manager with the corporate experience of a lifetime might suddenly be written off as hopelessly old fashioned; and replaced with a young nerd, who along with, maybe the new owners driver, will be sitting on a stack of stock-options valued in millions. Clearly it is time to think seriously about wealth and what it means to be wealthy in India today. The last time Indians thought self-cautiously about being rich through joint holdings with non blacks, was in the 19th Century when the East India Company revealed to the worldly wise Indians occupying crucial positions within the system, the plunder-potential of their land. They got busy right away. This continued for almost a century till historic events triggered off a freedom struggle under Gandhi over the equitable distribution and domestication of Indias wealth. The idealism lasted barely two decades. Political debates then were all about the baneful influence of capitalism and money. It was okay to generate jobs but not great wealth which could corrupt our most sacred institutions. Slowly some crusading investigative journalists and economists followed this logic and began to glean disturbing facts about the trumpeters of this brand of Hindu socialism. They made dark revelations repeatedly about questionable personal behaviour and financial chicanery that they had discovered among various political groups in power.

Fate and Love in A Midsummer Nights Dream Essay -- Midsummer Nights

Fate and Love in A Midsummer Night's Dream       There are many instances in A Midsummer Night's Dream where love is coerced from or foisted upon unwilling persons. This romantic bondage comes from both man-made edicts and the other-worldly enchantment of love potions. Tinkering with the natural progression of love has consequences. These human and fairy-led machinations, which are brought to light under the pale, watery moon, are an affront to nature. Shakespeare knows that all must be restored to its place under fate's thumb when the party of dreamers awaken.    Both the play's humans and fairies try to shape love into forms that are advantageous not to the lovers, but to the leaders. Egeus insists that Hermia submit to Demetrius or die; Hippolyta must ...

George Washington Biography Essay

George Washington (1732 – 1799), the First President of the United States, is a prominent individual of the American history. He was commander in chief of the victorious Continental army of the American Revolution and won many important battles that helped the Americans defeat the British. During his presidential terms, he set many important precedents for the following Presidents, such as having Presidential Cabinet Members. He was nicknamed for his accomplishments as the â€Å"Father of His Country†. George Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia on an estate along the Potomac River. He was the oldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. When Washington was eleven, his father died and left only himself, his mother and his five other brothers and sisters. After the his father’s death, Washington could not go to school because he needed to help at the family farm to acquire enough money for his family to live. In his free time he practiced land surveying for fun with his father’s tools. Later, Washington started his occupation as a surveyor. When Washington turned 16, he surveyed lands of the Shenandoah for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. After his half-brother, Lawrence, had died, Washington inherited the farm and large amount of land at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Also, Lawrence was adjutant of the colony so Washington took over this responsibility. As district adjutant, he was referred to as Major Washington and was had trained the militia in the quarter he was assigned to. He first gained public awareness by being adjutant of Virginia and was sent off to warn the French to stop additional intrusion on the land of the northern colonies. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1754 to carry out this task and he departed to the North. Washington found out that the French already had a set up a fort and had a large number of soldiers camped, so he quickly built Fort Necessity. However, the French surrounded and attacked Fort Necessity. The French captured Washington in this attack. Luckily, Washington was released based on the earlier agreements of the British and French. These first several battles fought were the beginnings of the French and Indian War. The next  year, Washington volunteered to be the aide of General Edward Braddock because he was discouraged and angered by the defeat. At that time, Washington tried to convince Braddock to use the style of fighting of the Native Americans, but Braddock disagreed and used the regular fighting technique. Braddock was mortally wounded in this battle and Washington was nearly injured because of four bullets that ripped his coat and two horses that were shot from under him. After the French and Indian War, Washington was 26 years old and fell in love with Martha Dandridge Custis. She was a wealthy widow with her two children, Martha â€Å"Patsy† and John Parke. They married and moved to Mount Vernon where Lawrence once lived. Washington was very successful in farming there. While they lived in Mount Vernon, Washington was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1759 to 1774 and he strongly against the British Stamp Act and the Townsend Act which set taxes on many products. Washington like many others did not buy these taxed products and boycotted them. In the middle of 1774, Washington thought that the many British laws were striving to stop self-government within the colonies and were attempting to have tyrannical rule over the colonies as the King had over England. Washington was one of the few that proposed of a continental congress to be held to govern the colonies. He was elected to be a delegate of Virginia for the First Continental Congress. The Congress created a new government devoted to overthrow unfair rule of Britain. The Second Continental Congress joined together on May 10, 1775, after the fighting of Lexington and Concord had took place. Surrounded by almost 14,000 of Massachusetts’s soldiers, the British army was trapped in Boston. The British government announced that Massachusetts had committed treason after this rebellion, and were trying to take over MA. Washington appeared at the Second Congress in full uniform conveying the message that he was in support of Massachusetts. Congress created the Continental Army for this reason to fight the British. Washington was unanimously elected as general and commander in chief of the army. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington’s actions were left to him because the Congress could not provide laws to help. Washington was given  full power to do anything with authority to improve the service. As General, Washington lost many battles such as the Battle of Long Island but Washington learned from his many experiences and he began to have many successes such as the Battle of Saratoga which was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. The colonies in this war had a great number of help from other countries, such as France, and Washington became good friends with Marquis de Lafayette. This war was won by the help of the French and Washington’s expertise. After the war, Washington left the power of general and returned back to Mount Vernon to be with his wife. Washington became President on April 30, 1789. Washington did not have any examples to follow of previous Presidents since he was the first. One of the first precedents that Washington set was to have only two terms in office. This precedent was followed until 1940. Another was to have the Cabinet contain two leaders of different ideas to balance the Cabinet. Washington appointed John Jay as the Chief Justice because Washington felt he was most suitable. In the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington sent many soldiers to stop the farmers from revolting and the farmers instantly stopped. Washington also pardoned the farmers for their actions because the government’s strength was already shown. This event is very similar to Shay’s Rebellion, but the swift ending of the Whiskey Rebellion showed that the Constitution worked well and strong. In the Spirit of Cincinnatus, Washington left his power after being the General of the Continental Army, and after the Presidency to go back to his farm at Mount Vernon. Each morning he rode his large farm on horseback. Sometimes he rode fifteen miles north of Mount Vernon to watch the building of a new city. The city would be the capital of the United States, named after him, as Washington D.C. Washington died at Mount Vernon of a throat infection in December 14, 1799, after he made his last tour of his property on horseback in the winter weather. It has been said that George Washington was, â€Å"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.†

Fourth Amendment Exceptions Summary Essay

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution requires that no search or seizure shall be carried out unless a warrant has been issued. The exceptions are: searches with consent, frisks, plain feel/plain view, incident to arrest, automobile exceptions, exigent circumstances and open fields, abandoned property and public place exceptions (Harr, Hess, 2006, p. 219). Consent to search any property must be given by t actual owners or, as set forth in the United States v Matlock (1974) by a person in charge of that property. If, for instance more than one person owns a property, only one of those individuals must give consent. There are exceptions to that rule as well. Only commonly shared areas of that property may be searched (Harr,Hess, 2006). Take for instance a family living in an apartment which comprises of a husband, wife and sister to the man. The sister would give consent for common areas, such as the living room, den, kitchen, and bathroom, to be searched and she canno t give consent to allowing the bedroom of the brother and sister in-law to be searched. The husband, on the other hand, could consent to having the bedroom searched because it is there joint bedroom and is not off-limits to him. Other conditions on the searches incident to arrest exception include the use of force, the search of other individuals with the arrested individual, searching the vehicle of an arrest person, contemporaneousness and inventory searches â€Å"if a government agent has probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime without a warrant† because â€Å"in the time it would take to get a warrant, the car, driver and contraband or evidence could be long gone† (Harr, Hess, 2006. p. 231). The 1981 case of Robbins v. California saw the justifications for searching without a warrant. Those specifications include that the mobility of vehicles produce exigent circumstances.

Bio of French Impressionist Painter Boudin

Bio of French Impressionist Painter Boudin Louis Eugà ¨ne Boudins pint-sized paintings may not enjoy the same reputation as the more ambitious works by his star pupil Claude Monet, but their diminutive dimensions should not diminish their significance. Boudin introduced his fellow Le Havre resident to the pleasures of painting en plein air, which decided the future for talented young Claude. In this respect, and although he was technically a key precursor, we may consider Boudin among the founders of the Impressionist movement. Boudin participated in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, and also exhibited in the annual Salon that year. He did not participate in any subsequent Impressionist exhibitions, preferring instead to stick to the Salon system. It was only in his last decade of painting that Boudin experimented with the broken brushwork for which Monet and the rest of the Impressionists were known. Life The son of a sea captain who settled in Le Havre in 1835, Boudin met artists through his fathers stationery and framing shop, which also sold artists supplies. Jean-Baptiste Isabey (1767-1855), Constant Troyon (1810-1865) and Jean-Franà §ois Millet (1814-1875) would come by and offer the young Boudin advice. However, his favorite art hero at the time was the Dutch landscapist Johan Jongkind (1819-1891). In 1850, Boudin received a scholarship to study art in Paris. In 1859, he met Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) and poet/art critic Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867), who took an interest in his work. That year Boudin submitted his work to the Salon for the first time and was accepted. Beginning in 1861, Boudin divided his time between Paris during the winter and the Normandy coast during the summer. His small canvases of tourists on the beach received respectable attention and he often sold these quickly painted compositions to the people who had been captured so effectively. Boudin loved to travel and set out for Brittany, Bordeaux, Belgium, Holland and Venice quite often. In 1889 he won a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle and in 1891 he became a knight of the Là ©gion dhonneur. Late in life Boudin moved to the south of France, but as his health deteriorated he chose to return to Normandy to die in the region that launched his career as one of the maverick plein-air painters of his era. Important Works: On the Beach, Sunset, 1865The Nurse/Nanny on the Beach, 1883-87Trouville, View Taken from the Heights, 1897 Born: July 12, 1824, Trouville, France Died: August 8, 1898, Deauville, France

Free Essays on Manic Depression

Manic Depression Manic Depression is an illness that involves the body, thoughts and a person’s mood. It is not just a bad mood that will pass with time or something a person can just pull themselves together from and â€Å"get over it†. Manic depression is a disorder suffered by many people and affects the way a person eats, sleeps, how they feel about themselves, and how they think. This disorder cannot be cured without a treatment because it has to do with a person’s chemical makeup and things that have happened in their life. Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, anxiousness, emptiness, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness. Also a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed is a common sign a person is depressed. They may be very tired and feel a loss of energy to do everyday routines or could suffer the opposite and not be able to sleep and become extremely restless. Appetite changes and weight loss or weight gain is an example of a physical change along with headaches and chronic pains. Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts are very serious symptoms of depression and the person needs to seek immediate help. Depression is not something you can catch like the cold or the flu. It may run in families, suggesting it is biologically inherited. Additional factors in a person’s life more likely bring on the depression even if it had already been inherited. Stresses in life with work, school, and home are typical causes. In some families depression seems to occur generation after generation and in others a person with no past family history of the disorder could suffer from it. Whether inherited or not, depression is often associated with changes in the brain structure or brain function. Manic depression, which is also known as bipolar disorder, is a certain type of depressi... Free Essays on Manic Depression Free Essays on Manic Depression Manic Depression Manic Depression is an illness that involves the body, thoughts and a person’s mood. It is not just a bad mood that will pass with time or something a person can just pull themselves together from and â€Å"get over it†. Manic depression is a disorder suffered by many people and affects the way a person eats, sleeps, how they feel about themselves, and how they think. This disorder cannot be cured without a treatment because it has to do with a person’s chemical makeup and things that have happened in their life. Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, anxiousness, emptiness, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness. Also a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed is a common sign a person is depressed. They may be very tired and feel a loss of energy to do everyday routines or could suffer the opposite and not be able to sleep and become extremely restless. Appetite changes and weight loss or weight gain is an example of a physical change along with headaches and chronic pains. Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts are very serious symptoms of depression and the person needs to seek immediate help. Depression is not something you can catch like the cold or the flu. It may run in families, suggesting it is biologically inherited. Additional factors in a person’s life more likely bring on the depression even if it had already been inherited. Stresses in life with work, school, and home are typical causes. In some families depression seems to occur generation after generation and in others a person with no past family history of the disorder could suffer from it. Whether inherited or not, depression is often associated with changes in the brain structure or brain function. Manic depression, which is also known as bipolar disorder, is a certain type of depressi... Free Essays on Manic Depression I tried to ignore the large sign. It was black with bold white letters that said â€Å"Family Mental Health Services.† I took my anxiety out on the door and pushed past it with unnecessary force. I walked to the front desk and was greeted by a secretary whose smile seemed to know my discomfort all too well. â€Å"Good morning,† I muttered under my breath, trying not to look her directly in the eyes. I felt she would look into me and formulate a diagnosis even before I spoke. I smiled weakly and sat down in an uncomfortable waiting room chair, trying to avoid her as much as the small room would allow. My stomach clenched as I sat down in the uncomfortable waiting room chair. I looked around me at the others, waiting. The number of children there surprised me. I looked them over, one by one, and found myself attempting to name their dysfunctions, just as I thought the secretary would. I wondered if she made a guessing game out of it. After all, she had the ability to check the files to see if she was correct. â€Å"Do I really need to be here?† I asked myself, almost audibly. Then I thought back to the beginning of it all, the beginning of my depression. It was eighth grade and I sat in my mother’s small apartment, thinking about the formal dance that was to be held that night. I was nervous; I had no talent for dancing back then, nor had I ever been to a dance. I glanced at my beautiful dress and my stomach tightened. It seemed to be mocking me. I was overwhelmed by a sense of hesitation. I didn’t have to go; I could just sit there and watch TV by myself all night. No one would miss me. But I had to go; I wasn’t a coward. Suddenly a thought crossed my mind. Mom takes pills for her depression. I could take them, and then I would feel fine! It would all be okay; I could have fun at the dance and not worry. I waited for my mother to go outside for a cigarette, and I went to the medicine cabinet. I looked through the bottles...

6 Methods for Teaching Money Counting Skills

6 Methods for Teaching Money Counting Skills Counting money is a critical functional skill for all students. For children with learning disabilities but average intelligence, money not only gives them access to things they want to purchase, but it also builds a foundation for understanding the base ten systems of numeration. This will help with them learn decimals, percents, the metric system, and other skills that are vital for science, technology, and the social sciences. For students with intellectual disabilities and lower functionality, counting money is one of the skills they will need for self-determination and for the opportunity to live independently in the community. Like all skills, counting and using money needs to be scaffolded,  building on strengths and teaching the baby steps that will lead to independence. Coin Recognition Before students can count coins, they have to be able to correctly identify the most common denominations: pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. For low-function students, this may be a long but worthwhile process. Do not use fake plastic coins for low-functioning students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They need to generalize coin use to the real world, and the plastic coins do not feel, smell, or even look like the real thing. Depending on the students level, approaches include: Discrete trial training:  Present only two coins at a time. Ask and reinforce correct responses, i.e. Give me a penny, Give me a nickel, Give me a penny, etc.Use errorless teaching: Point to the correct coin if the student picks up the wrong coin or seems to waffle. Collect data and dont introduce a new coin until the child is at least 80 percent accuracy.Coin sorting: After the child has succeeded with discrete trial training, or if the child quickly seems to be distinguishing the coins, you can give them practice by sorting coins. Place a cup for each denomination, and place the mixed coins on the table in front of the child. If the child recognizes numbers, put the coin value on the outside of the cup, or place one of the coins in the cup.Matching coins: A variation of sorting coins is to match them to the values on a cardstock mat. You could add a picture if it helps. Counting Coins The goal is to help your students learn to count coins. Counting money requires understanding the base ten math system and strong skip counting skills. Activities with a hundred chart will help build these skills. The hundred chart can also be used to help teach counting money as well. Money should begin with a single denomination, ideally pennies. Counting pennies could easily accompany learning to count, as well as introducing the cents sign. Then, move on to nickels and dimes, followed by quarters. Number lines and hundred chart:  Make paper number lines to one hundred or hundred charts. When counting nickels, have the students highlight the fives and write the fives (if they are not on the number line). Give students nickels and have them place the nickels on the fives and recite out loud. Placing the coins and reciting out loud make this a multi-sensory unit. Do the same with counting dimes.Giant number line: This activity ramps up the multisensory element of money and skip counting. Paint a giant number line (or get parent volunteers) on a paved portion of the playground or school courtyard, with the numbers one foot apart. Have individual children walk the number line and count the nickels, or get giant nickels from a bulletin board set and have different students stand at different points to count off by fives.Coin templates: Create counting templates by cutting out facsimile coins and pasting them on five-inch by eight-inch file cards (or any size you find most manageab le). Write the value on the card (front for low-functioning children, on the back as a self-correcting activity). Give students nickels, dimes, or quarters and have them count them out. This is an especially useful technique for teaching quarters. You need only make one card with four quarters and the numbers 25, 50, 75, and 100. They can count multiple quarters in rows.

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

Discussion - Essay Example If a family still chooses that their own child needs to work in order for the family to go on, then 13 or 14 is an age where in other countries children have never reached, therefore it will be sort of an accomplishment. Education for All (EFA) was launched in Thailand in 1990 and 10 years later 176 countries were ready to gather to see and compare improves to revise and adjust for the better and for the future. A lot of countries have made it a priority to put education first, and we just need all countries as time goes on to do the same. Yes, I agree with this view. Educated children have better understanding and knowledge about their surroundings, wellbeing and awareness. Children at the age of 13- 14 years are quite aware, they can read and write and can understand the situation and therefore it is the need of time for the developing nations to march ahead and make education essential for the betterment of the children, the future citizens. I think all countries should insist on all children being in school at least to the high school level. Why education is important is due to the possibility of a career change later in life. For those who don’t hold a high school diploma or specialization, the options for a career change are often limited. I understand in most countries they would rather their child to work instead of school, but here in America there are people that work and go to school. Children are directed for education for career that is true and better degrees often provide a better job prospects. If a person has a diploma or a specialization then his/ her chances to procure a job will always be bright as compared to the one who left the school and has started working. No doubt the one who has started working earlier has more experience as a time factor but is not technically sound as compared to the one who possess the qualification. It is therefore

Television Advertisements Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Television Advertisements - Research Paper Example The paper realizes the prevalence of such behavior and in that acts as a measure to find a solution to the previously answered problem. The research question seeks to address the issue on a producer’s and a television company perspective. It aims to ensure that the involved stakeholders understand their social responsibility in protecting the children by developing relevant measures to combat the adverse effects on the children. The question relates to the significant problem of the various impacts of TV advertisements on children but adopts a different approach from the previous studies. This discussion declares that  the concern will not be a regulation by the prevailing regulative bodies, but an undertaking by advertisement houses and television companies meant to limit the effects of these ads on the children. The answer would work towards improving the overall health of the American population since there will be reduced cases of obesity and smoking among the children. Obesity and smoking are some of the primary causes of heart-related diseases and lung cancer in the United States and other areas in the world. Eliminating the negative influence of TV ads on the children will create a direct effect on the reduction in the prevalence rate of the associated diseases such as lung cancer and heart diseases.  The outcome can be included in the commercial television industry code of practice that will ensure the children are not influenced negatively by the ads and that parents are assured of their children’s safety.

The concept of Deterrence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The concept of Deterrence - Essay Example There are a number of hindrances to deterrence, for example, the level of literacy to the group being deterred can cause a major challenge. Another challenge as Bunn put it that, deterrence to a certain extent towards the non-state actors/terrorists could be seen as an oxymoron, because of their suicidal nature (Bunn, p.4). Looking back at the situation during the cold war deterrence was not a very useful strategy. Evidenced by Almog in his article, US and Soviet Union both used deterrence against each other but failed to prevent the Korean War and Vietnam War (5). He further goes ahead and explains that deterrence can work against non-state actors. For example he gives the situation in Israel where deterrence has worked for over 50yrs and still practiced successfully (6). Almog suggest that for the war on deterrence to be effective it requires: inducements that turn emerging terrorists away from their vicious impulses (6).It is possible to deter rogue states and groups since their l eadership is dedicated to staying in power. Group assessment on specific actors has to be carried in order to provide information and analysis to be used in tailoring deterrence on each actor. To deter the enemy must perceive the ally as having the capability and will to carry out the threatened actions (Bunn 5). This is why the US is putting place strategies to strengthen its credibility across the spectrum and a series of deterrence options to act against its adversaries.This statement indeed applies to the modern strategic environment.... Group assessment on specific actors has to be carried in order to provide information and analysis to be used in tailoring deterrence on each actor. To deter the enemy must perceive the ally as having the capability and will to carry out the threatened actions (Bunn 5). This is why the US is putting place strategies to strengthen its credibility across the spectrum and a series of deterrence options to act against its adversaries. Conclusion Looking at the article in this essay it is evident that as much as terrorist group may have beliefs that encourage suicide and martyrdom, it is still possible to investigate and target what such groups value most and tailor make an effective deterrence strategy, just as Bunn put it (1). Therefore we can conclude that deterrence can be used against non-state actors as a military strategy although it faces some limitations. War termination Introduction Davis Hanson exposes the modern wars â€Å"messy, confused, and non-traditional, but from his po int of view, â€Å"victory† is a timeless military reality of making an enemy concede through force and diplomacy to your political objectives.†Ã‚   (National Review Online, 22 September 2010). This statement indeed applies to the modern strategic environment. Why the concept of victory is less relevant in today’s strategic environment The earlier concept of ‘victory’ as historian Davis Hanson put it that â€Å"†¦is a timeless military reality of making enemies concede through force and diplomacy to your political objectives.†Ã‚   (National Review Online, 22 September 2010).  For example ever since World War I, the disintegration of empires has produced over one hundred new states in the international system, and with this has come more turmoil. Additionally, at

Loan Officer Compensation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Loan Officer Compensation - Essay Example The republicans were in the opposition sector of the bill; in 2010 mid elections the republicans took control of the House. They were the ones who initiated the drive to end the bill, but unfortunately their efforts were gone wasted when most of the republicans joined the other side of the argument in May 2010, this happened when the senate passed a broadly similar bill. Four republicans changed their sides by supporting the new bill passed by the senate; only two republicans were left in the opposition side; however they could not generate enough influence to repeal the bill (New York Times) Loan Officer Compensation rule has been one of the hottest topics of debate in the real estate industry for several months. The changes were mainly designed to be in the favor of the consumer rather than the banks or financial institutions. The main opposition body of this rule consisted of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) and the National Association of Independent Housing Pr ofessionals (NAIHP), they first filled a stay order that was initially denied by the courts, later they their appeal helped them in granting an emergency stay but eventually it was also dissolved by the courts. The main reason why the courts rejected their appeal was the fact that they were unable to provide the courts with the appeal that was up to the standards of the courts to grant a stay order (Kraus) The new rule for the Loan Officer Compensation took effect on 1st April 2011, this rule was an amendment to the original (Reg Z). The rule was intended to limit the originators or the brokers from increasing their compensation at an expense of a disadvantage of the borrower, the primary aim was to incorporate consistency in the compensations paid to the brokers, previously the compensations were not found to be consistent between the transactions, they were dependent upon the broker’s ability to negotiate terms between the borrower and the lender, which at times resulted in a situation that was deemed to be in the favor of the broker and the lender, but not the borrower. The main reason behind the fact is that the borrowers are not always aware of the culture and customs of the borrowing industry, which left them with an obvious disadvantage. There were several problems that were highlighted by the critics of the industry that were present in the changes made by passing the new rule. The very first problem that was highlighted was the fact that the new rule would dramatically decrease the competition in the mortgage industry. It is analyzed as a change that was more favorable for the larger banks rather than the smaller banks of the industry; this was taken as a discrimination factor by the industry. An improvement factor for the whole economy is the one that will promote smaller businesses to flourish in their activities and increase their scale. The second issue that was raised by the group was a prediction that the change will bring about an increa se in the borrowing rate for the consumer in the long run as result from the decreased competition One of the biggest changes that were brought about by the new rule was the fact that the originators compensation is limited to one source only. Before the new rule took effect,

Developing Human Resource Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Developing Human Resource Strategies - Essay Example It also comprises of a few recommendations along with an action plan in order to enhance the business objectives. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Overview of Toyco 4 Toy Industry of United Kingdom 5 Internal and External Environment 5 Analysis 6 Overview of HRM and SHRM 6 AMO Model 9 Conclusion 10 Recommendations 10 Action Plan 12 References 13 Bibliography 16 Appendices 18 Introduction Overview of Toyco Toyco is a toy company which is currently operated independently by Martin Monk. It was established in the year 1950 by Harold Bennet. The prime objective of Toyco is to offer extensive range of toys to the children of the society with the intention to enhance the brand loyalty of the organisation (Michell, 2011). Even though, Toyco needs to implement certain SHRM strategies, it had to witness varied types of challenges in its human resource, marketing and finance related operations. Due to lack of coordination among the employees of the organisation, uniform org anisational culture could not be maintained within Toyco. As a result, the devotion and morale of the employees are also affected to a high extent, resulting in downfall of the profit margin of the organisation. In addition, this may also result in employee conflicts leading to increase of turnover and absenteeism rates. Along with human resource, the marketing department in the organisation is also facing diverse issues (Michell, 2011). Due to lack of allocation of human resources, the employees are observed to fail to offer various innovative products to the target customers, which might hinder the image of the organisation in long run. Moreover, due to lack of motivation, employee devotion and commitment towards the assigned task is reducing at a considerable pace, which in turn tends to hinder Toyco’s productivity and efficiency. As a result, the customer might shift towards other leading competitors resulting in the downfall of the total sales of Toyco, which might be de trimental for the organisation (Michell, 2011). Thus, these above mentioned challenges should be diminished with the help of various SHRM strategies within the organisation. Toy Industry of United Kingdom The toy market of United Kingdom is regarded to be highly competitive in the current day context. It includes many apparent competitors. Moreover, each and every organisation is currently observed to attempt to offer inventive products to magnetise large number of customers (Michell, 2011). It is essential to retain its market share as well as profitability in the market with the purpose to augment customer loyalty and responsiveness (Armstrong & et. al., 2009). Internal and External Environment The internal environment of Toyco includes its brands, its financial strengths as well as market competencies. Notably, the company serves its customers with a varied range of products such as reaction man, action girl, space geeks and bolbs among others of varying age groups. This signific antly contributes to the overall enhancement of its brand uniqueness and reputation in the market. Moreover, the company includes a strong hold over the European and Mexican market intends to enhance its distinctiveness among other competitors operating in same segment. However, the

Study Shakespeare's Hamlet and Webster's White Devil to compare the Essay

Study Shakespeare's Hamlet and Webster's White Devil to compare the ways that women in the plays are victims of male pride. Cri - Essay Example Among the female characters of William Shakespeare the role of Ophelia is supreme. She is considered as the most fragile character in his heroines. The attributes of Ophelia are far in high whereas the other female character in the play, Gertrude does not get much acclaim. The character Vittoria in The White Devil has been put to many comments. For many she is considered as the white devil in the play. As the other female characters of the play carry the attributes of innocence and good heartedness the chief lady, Vittoria is remarked for her wisdom, courage and harshness. The present essay tries to make an analysis on the female characters in these two plays. Further, a study is being conducted on the females as victims of male pride in these two plays. True, the Elizabethan and Jacobean attitudes of considering the females are also seen in these plays. As females they had to undergo male dominance and male chauvinism which caused the tragedy of the women characters vividly in these two. Women characters in the play Hamlet: The major women characters who enriched the play, Hamlet are Ophelia, the lover of Prince Hamlet and Gertrude, mother of prince Hamlet. The King of Denmark is killed by Claudius, his own brother and the uncle of prince Hamlet who later marries the former queen, Gertrude. It really infuriates prince Hamlet who was well aware of the plot of his uncle. The ghost of the King Hamlet appears before his son Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus reveals the story of his tragedy. The thoughts of revenge engulf in the mind of young Hamlet and the whole play is centred on his revenge against his uncle Claudius who killed his father and married his mother. The five long acts of the play tells his attempts to take revenge on his uncle and in the meanwhile it can be seen that Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius, the trusted courtier of Claudius is making love with Hamlet. The suffering of Ophelia begins when Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius by thinking it as Clau dius. She becomes mad due to her father’s death and moreover at the rejection of Hamlet and commits suicide. Christy Desmet (1999, p.11) makes clear assessment about the character of Ophelia when he writes, â€Å"Ophelia is a cipher, or a â€Å"plot device† or pawn used by her father, her lover and Shakespeare himself; at most she seems a â€Å"sacrifice to the general meaninglessness and loneliness pervading the play.† The words of Gabriel A. Rieger (2009, p. 47) is also notable when he remarked thus; â€Å"Ophelia is an inversion to the prince.† Laertes, the brother of Ophelia is ravaged to take revenge on Hamlet and in the final scene it can be seen that the sword of Laertes is poisoned as instructed by Claudius and again a cup of bowl filled with poison was made ready for Hamlet. Meanwhile Gertrude drinks the cup for Hamlet and dies and she at the time of death announces the evil works of her present husband. Laertes wounds Hamlet and is himself woun ded by the poisoned sword. When Laertes is seen dying he tells all about the plans of Claudius and at the end Hamlet stabs Claudius and makes him drink the poison prepared by himself. Thus in the final scene of the play a series of murders can be seen. Gertrude’s death is seen a part of her husband’s folly. Horatio, a friend of Hamlet becomes a witness to all the disgraceful acts that happened at the final scene. Two main characters in the play, Ophelia and

Developing Human Resource Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Developing Human Resource Strategies - Essay Example It also comprises of a few recommendations along with an action plan in order to enhance the business objectives. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Overview of Toyco 4 Toy Industry of United Kingdom 5 Internal and External Environment 5 Analysis 6 Overview of HRM and SHRM 6 AMO Model 9 Conclusion 10 Recommendations 10 Action Plan 12 References 13 Bibliography 16 Appendices 18 Introduction Overview of Toyco Toyco is a toy company which is currently operated independently by Martin Monk. It was established in the year 1950 by Harold Bennet. The prime objective of Toyco is to offer extensive range of toys to the children of the society with the intention to enhance the brand loyalty of the organisation (Michell, 2011). Even though, Toyco needs to implement certain SHRM strategies, it had to witness varied types of challenges in its human resource, marketing and finance related operations. Due to lack of coordination among the employees of the organisation, uniform org anisational culture could not be maintained within Toyco. As a result, the devotion and morale of the employees are also affected to a high extent, resulting in downfall of the profit margin of the organisation. In addition, this may also result in employee conflicts leading to increase of turnover and absenteeism rates. Along with human resource, the marketing department in the organisation is also facing diverse issues (Michell, 2011). Due to lack of allocation of human resources, the employees are observed to fail to offer various innovative products to the target customers, which might hinder the image of the organisation in long run. Moreover, due to lack of motivation, employee devotion and commitment towards the assigned task is reducing at a considerable pace, which in turn tends to hinder Toyco’s productivity and efficiency. As a result, the customer might shift towards other leading competitors resulting in the downfall of the total sales of Toyco, which might be de trimental for the organisation (Michell, 2011). Thus, these above mentioned challenges should be diminished with the help of various SHRM strategies within the organisation. Toy Industry of United Kingdom The toy market of United Kingdom is regarded to be highly competitive in the current day context. It includes many apparent competitors. Moreover, each and every organisation is currently observed to attempt to offer inventive products to magnetise large number of customers (Michell, 2011). It is essential to retain its market share as well as profitability in the market with the purpose to augment customer loyalty and responsiveness (Armstrong & et. al., 2009). Internal and External Environment The internal environment of Toyco includes its brands, its financial strengths as well as market competencies. Notably, the company serves its customers with a varied range of products such as reaction man, action girl, space geeks and bolbs among others of varying age groups. This signific antly contributes to the overall enhancement of its brand uniqueness and reputation in the market. Moreover, the company includes a strong hold over the European and Mexican market intends to enhance its distinctiveness among other competitors operating in same segment. However, the

Contextualised analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Contextualised analysis - Essay Example The paper concentrates on two pages (page 45 and 204) extract from the book that deals with relationship (sexuality). This double existence was in concurrence with the Victorian era in which the author lived, and also with a viewpoint that pleasures are most enjoyable when they are confidential. No evil is as allusive as the surreptitious sin. There is basis to suppose that Wilde would have retreated at the tendency to put on one’s sexuality within one’s sleeve; instead of making such internal desires the matter of subtle, secretive gratifications. Illusion, as he eminently quoted, is the initial of entire pleasures. Wilde was capable to rationalize his enticements while taking pleasure in the thrill of prohibited fruit but in his spirit, in his innermost conscience, the guilt prowled. Just as homosexuality in Wilde’s merely book, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is noticeable without being unconcealed, many desire their sins could be uncontrolled without being observed. The Picture of Dorian Gray discovers the fantasy of unconquerable vice only to realize that, while law can be avo ided, there is no flee from conscience. Homosexuality is revealed in book in many section, however, this analysis provide an extract of page 204 revealing confession of Hallward for loving Dorian. ‘It is quite true I have worshipped you with far more romance of feeling than a man should ever give to a friend. Somehow I have never loved a woman†¦. From the moment I met you, your personality had the most extraordinary influence over me†¦. I adored you madly, extravagantly, absurdly. I was jealous of everyone to whom you spoke. I wanted to have you all to myself. I was only happy when I was with you’ (204). This was a time of historical transformation in Victorian or modernist period. In the preamble, Wilde also warned readers against seeking connotations â€Å"beneath the surface† of literature or any art. The extract provides a

Folate Supplementation In Food Essay Example for Free

Folate Supplementation In Food Essay Generally, fortification of foods have proven beneficial to people over the past years as it restores the nutrients that may have been lost in food processing and also enhances the vitamins that the food contain. Examples of food fortification include the addition of Vitamin C, to an orange drink, Vitamin D to dairy products, and Vitamins B1 and B2 to bread, among many others. However, while food fortification is generally considered beneficial to consumers, a recent article, Folic Acid Fortification: One Size May Not Fit It All, which was published in Natural News. com, showed that foods fortified with folic acid increase the risk of colon cancer. While I am in generally in favor of the fortification of foods, the article made me think twice before consuming foods that are high in folic acid. Although the article showed that folic acid had a number of benefits, particularly the 20 per cent reduction of birth defects of the spinal cord and the central nervous system, it still had health risks which, for me, should be greatly considered before taking in foods that are high in folic acid. In addition, even though the number of benefits outweigh the risks when consuming food that are fortified with folic acid, I believe that food manufacturers, nutritionists and members of the health sector should further conduct a collaborative and in-depth study on folic acid-fortified foods before they are made available for public consumption. The findings of the study should be then showed to the public so that people are aware of the risks of eating too much of a certain food. Another option which I believe would greatly avoid the risks of consuming food fortified with folic acid is the modification of food labeling. At present, food labeling is mandatory. However, it only shows the amount of nutrients, carbohydrates, calories, cholesterol, and other contents of the food and not the risks associated with it. In this regard, I would recommend that food manufacturers label fortified foods which contain substances that have known health risks in such a way that the people or consumers can see what exactly the risks are. For example, if a food is high in folic acid, which were shown to increase the risks of colon cancer, its label should clearly indicate that too much consumption of this food can lead to the colon cancer or should at least contain a warning. Furthermore, I also believe one way to lessen the risks of consuming foods fortified with folic acid, is for the government to make the public more aware of the exact content of the food and the dangers associated with them. Nevertheless, the article stated that only those who consume too much food fortified with folic acid are at risk for colon cancer, which means that these kinds of food are relatively safe if consumed moderately. The bottom line is people should always be aware of the exact content of the food they are eating in order to avoid possible health risks.

A Video Recorded Interview To Look At Skills Social Work Essay

A Video Recorded Interview To Look At Skills Social Work Essay I was asked to complete a video interview to practice my interviewing skills and analyse my ability to do so effectively. In this essay, I will highlight my strengths and weaknesses, and identify any future learning needs I wish to develop. It is vital for social workers to conduct successful and ethical interviews in their profession, it is therefore critical that I understand the values and techniques used, so that I myself can complete a profitable interview in the future. Firstly, I considered practicalities, such as venue and environment, where I tried to create an atmosphere where the client felt comfortable. I tried to not consciously fidget or distract the client (by playing with my hair/hands) and tried to avoid any intrusions (no one knocked at the door) which could disrupt the clients concentration or affect her mood. I also ensured that we had complete privacy throughout the interview, as this would make the client more comfortable and willing to share information. The working alliance, outlined by Koprowska (2005), indicates that a more successful interview will take place when the interviewer is understanding, attentive and respectful. I believe I demonstrated all these qualities, but my strongest attribute was showing the client respect. I did this by listening attentively, demonstrated by appropriate eye gaze (Egan, 2010) and nodding (Koprowska, 2005), which suggested interest and encouragement (Mehrabian, 1972). I sometimes used vocal prompts, such as yes yes, which also encourages the client to continue talking, but do not act as interruptions to her speaking (Koprowska, 2005). Another way in which I conveyed respect was by being courteous, which is highlight by the GCSS Code of Practice. I was polite and demonstrated good manners, but also communicated core values of social work such as anti-oppressive practice (by recognising the uniqueness of the client Thompson, 2006) and adopting a person-centred approach (by putting the clients needs first), which in turn highlighted my respect to the clients worth and dignity (Koprowska, 2005). I also delivered the interview in accordance with the GSCC Code of Practice by being clear and concise I used direct, simple language and kept the conversation on the subject at hand and directed at the key issues. I used both open and closed questions in the interview as I wished to gain factual information from the client (Koprowska, 2005), but I mainly used open questions as I wanted to elicit more expansive answers (p 83). I also demonstrated use of a probing question so that the client would elaborate on one of her answers. Edenborough (2002) recognises that a probing question can be used to gain further information but it has been suggested that too many probing questions can make the client feel as though she is being interrogated. Therefore, I did not use many. However, they were not necessary as the client was quite articulate in her answers. Tone of voice and pace of speech is another important aspect of verbal communication, especially when working with visually impaired service users (Koprowska, 2005). I believe my tone of voice varied appropriately in the interview, but I was not aware of the pace of my speech. However, I can recall from my shadowing experience, that the social worker spoke slowly and allowed small silences between questions to ensure that the service user had finished talking and giving their answers. I believe this to be a very valuable skill to have when working with visually impaired service users. Walmsley (1994) reports that while only 7% of words and 38% of voice leads to communication, a majority of 55% of communication is due to gestures and expression, and Argyles (1975) research suggested that a persons physical gestures and their mode of sitting can tell us much about that person. It is therefore vital to use non-verbal communication in social work interviews. I sat back in my chair and faced the client squarely to demonstrate a relaxed, open atmosphere to create a sense of involvement with the client (Egan, 2010). My facial expression was neutral with occasional smiles, but it was not distracting as Egan (2010) points out that this can create a tense and uncomfortable environment. Being natural helps put the client at ease (Egan, 2010). I demonstrated a natural persona by laughing with the client when she made a humorous comment. This showed empathy and hopefully added to the rapport building relationship. However, this is the extent of my non-verbal communication and an area that should be improved to include non-vocal prompts and gestures. This will aid the client to understand and validate the verbal conversation I am communicating (Koprowska, 2005). Another limitation in my interview skills is that I did not reflect or summarise at the end of the interview. Edenborough (2002) names the reflecting question, which is the ability to reflect back on the clients answers, which is something I did not consider. Neither did I paraphrase, which checks out understanding (Koprowska, 2005, p87). In addition, I did not end the interview well. I did not conclude or summarise, which Koprowska (2005) identifies as being important to collect up and agree key points (p87). Although, I politely thanked the client for attending the interview, I demonstrated a very poor ending to the interview which should be improved. Not only did I not end the interview well, I did not particularly start it well either. In the engage and explain phase of the interview, I said hello and informed the client that I would be asking her some questions, but I did not elaborate, did not introduce myself or check the clients understanding about the purpose of the interview. This may have jeopardised our relationship and rapport-building. Fortunately in this case, I believe that this did not affect the conversation and there was open and free communication between myself and the client. To conclude, I believe I demonstrated some strong qualities and abilities throughout the interview (for example, showing respect), but there are many aspects which I need to improve on, such as summarising and non-verbal communication. Although I attempted to create a friendly and relaxed environment, the interview appeared to be quite structured and forced, but this may have been because the interview was being recorded and assessed. However, this was my first interview that I have conducted and my nerves may have caused this slight inconsideration. Undertaking reflection upon the interview has highlighted the importance of preparation and planning needed for a successful interview and how this process with essentially help me to develop a more confident approach in future social work practice. Argyle, M. (1975). Bodily communication. Methuen: London, UK Edenborough, R. (2002). Effective interviewing: A handbook of skills and techniques. Kogan Page Ltd: London, UK Egan, G. (2010). The skilled helped: A problem-management and opportunity-development approach to helping. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA, USA Koprowska, J. (2005). Transforming social work practice: Communication and interpersonal skills in social work. Learning Matters Ltd: Exerter, UK Mehrabian, A. (1972). Non-verbal communication. Aldine Atherton: Chicago, USA Thompson, N. (2006). Anti-discriminatory practice. (4th Eds). Palgrave Macmillan: Hampshire, UK Walmsley, H. (1994). Counselling techniques for managers. Kogan Page: London, UK UNIT TWO SHADOWING A SOCIAL WORKER The organisation in which my shadowing opportunity took place was the visual impairment team (VIT) in Rotherham. I shadowed the only social worker in the team for one day. When people are experiencing sight problems, they are referred to an ophthalmologist by their GP or optician, where they are either registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired. If consent is given, their information is passed on to the social services, where the VIT will contact them to arrange a home visit. I had the opportunity to assist SW* on two of these initial home visits. The VIT offers a person-centred assessment of the care needs of people with a visual impairment and provides specialist equipment and independence training in mobility, communication and daily living skills. Information about some of the resources available to service users was made apparent by the SW during an initial home visit which I was able to observe. Debbie* was a widow in her 50s who had recently been registered as sight impaired. This was the first visit SW made to Debbie, and SW was interested in finding out what Debbies strengths and needs were. Debbie was quite articulate in explaining where she needed help and extra support. For example, she explained that the lighting in her lounge and bedroom was not bright enough for her to see, so SW explained that she would liaise with the council to fit brighter lights. Debbie also expressed that she had trouble reading, and was becoming bored of watching television all of the time, so SW recommended the talking newspaper and audio books, which Debbie was quite interested in. Debbie explained that she frequently visited a local resource centre to engage in activities and would be interested in other groups she could attend. Debbie lived in an elderly neighbourhood and found this quite isolating, and stated that she only had one regular friend. Debbie stated that she had previously bee n prescribed with anti-depressants, at this point SW advised Debbie to seek medical advice from her GP as it appeared that her isolation may be impacting on her emotional wellbeing. On reflection I feel that the SW was able to investigate this further by effectively asking probing questions (see Edenborough, 2002). This communication skill is highly important for SW as verbal communication is vital in this area of social work, as non-verbal communication may be lost on the visually impaired service users. Gaining more information allowed SW to identify appropriate intervention (GP advice) as she was actively analysing/processing the information being given. This type of thinking is closely linked to reflective practice (see Fook Gardner, 2007). When SW asked for my thoughts, I was also able to reflect on the situation and identify that although Debbie presented with low self-esteem and confidence, she appeared to be motivated by wanting to become more involved in community based resources/activities and therefore a good method of intervention would be to encourage and support her to access this.. Below is what I would consider to be an important quote from the Person-Centred Support: What Service Users and Practitioners Say (2008) report: An idea which came from service users themselves will only be realised if individuals are empowered to play their full part, not only in determining their own lives but also in the transformation of public services (p1). Person-Centred Support: A Guide for Service Users (2008) identifies eight important aspects of person-centred support. These included choice and control, listening and information. SW listened intensively to Debbie and was able to pick up hidden feelings behind what Debbie said. SW also gave Debbie plenty of information about available resources and services, which allowed Debbie to have control and make choices about what sort of services she would like. Allowing service users to make their own choices is also written in the GSCC Code of Practice (1.3) and encourages anti-oppressive practice (AOP). Dominelli (2002) states that in order for a practitioner to engage in AOP, they must conceptualise their relationships with clients and move away from privileging their own expert knowledge while devaluing those of the people with whom they work (p34). Essentially, this means that the social worker and service user should work in partnership, where they negotiate with one another to set and achieve goals and objectives (page 36). This empowers the service user and creates a person-centred approach. It was evident that SW adopted a person centred approach and was also able to empathise with the service user as she also had a visual impairment and is also herself a service user. SW demonstrated her knowledge of section 5 of the National Occupational Standards (NOS). She had in-depth knowledge of the services available and of direct payments. During my shadowing opportunity, we discussed relevant legislation and SW reminded me that the VIT work within the statute of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA 1995, 2005) and NHS and Community Care Act (1990). SW demonstrated many skills and values, which are outlined by the Code of Practice. For example, SW promoted Debbies independence by assisting her to understand her rights (3.1) and promoted her interests by treating her as an equal (1.4), which is also in accordance with the DDA. SW worked in accordance with the NOS by exercising good practice and contacting Debbie after she was referred to the VIT (2G) and by arranging a formal initial assessment to assess Debbies needs (2H), which is also in accordance with the NHS and Community Care Act. Prior to my shadowing opportunity, I was worried as to whether I would be able to follow all the rules and procedures set out by the Code of Practice and NOS once in the world of social work, but after observing SW I was assured that knowledge and skills would come with practice and time. I was already familiar with some of the theoretical perspectives and legislation behind SWs work and believe completing any forthcoming placement will allow me further opportunities to apply theory to practice and to identify appropriate methods of intervention in different social work settings. *False names have been used to respect the confidentiality of the social worker and service user. Disability Discrimination Act (1995, 2005) Dominelli, L. (2002). Anti-oppressive social work theory and practice. Palgrave Macmillan: Hampshire, UK Edenborough, R. (2002). Effective interviewing: A handbook of skills and techniques. Kogan Page Ltd, London Fook, J. Gardner, F. (2007). Practising critical reflection: A resource handbook. McGraw-Hill Companies: Berkshire, UK General Social Care Council Code of Practice for Social Care Workers (2004) National Occupational Standards for Social Work (2002) National Health Service and Community Care Act (1990) Person Centred Support: A Guide for Service Users (2008) Joseph Roundtree Foundation Person Centred Support: What Service Users and Practitioners Say (2008) Joseph Roundtree Foundation UNIT THREE REFLECTING ON FUTURE LEARNING NEEDS During the past five months, I have gained a wide theoretical/knowledge base of social work principles and had the opportunity to apply this to some practical practice experiences (interview and shadowing). Reflecting on these experiences has helped me to identify some key areas which I feel may need to be improved in order to develop my learning, and are highlighted within the body of this report. Writing assessments and reports has been recognised as core skills in social work practice. Therefore, it is essential that I am capable of collecting and presenting information in the form of an assessment/report, especially as my placement is with a Youth Offending Team and I will be required to write coherent reports for other professional bodies that can provide accurate insight of service user experiences and needs that are backed up by relevant theory and knowledge. From completing the ICT assignment, I have gained knowledge on how to format Word documents and search for information on the internet, which will be highly useful when it comes to writing a report. Although I possess these basic skills, learning how to complete a successful assessment/report within legislative and policy frameworks is a major area for development, as this will play a large role in my placement. A major learning goal for my next academic year is that of reflective thinking and writing. Before starting this course, I had not completed a reflective account of writing. Rather, I had only completed experimental reports and critical essays. Even though my skills in reflective writing are improving, I still find this quite difficult. I also need to improve my ability to critically reflect upon my work. Giddens (1991) highlights that I will have to constantly adapt to changing conditions (cited in Fook Gardner, 2007, p10) in the world of work, and critical reflection will allow me to stand back to analyse the issue and manage it more effectively, which in turn will act as a process for me to learn and develop my professional practice (Fook Gardner, 2007). In order to critically reflect back on my practice, I must first learn how to effectively apply theory to practice. I must use a theoretical framework to inform my decisions when on my placement, and then use formal and informal knowledge sources to guide my practice (Oko, 2008). The GSCC Code of Practice clearly points out that a social worker must strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of service users (p14). This is vital to form a healthy professional relationship between the social worker and the service user. Service users may be vulnerable and susceptible to discrimination or unjust treatment; therefore, the social worker must not abuse the service users trust or demonstrate oppressive practice, but instead be honest and trustworthy (2.1), communicate in a straightforward way (2.2) and respect confidential information (2.3). I believe two of the most important aspects highlighted by the Code of Practice is that the social worker should be reliable and dependable (2.4) and should honour work agreements and arrangements (2.5). Service users, who can sometimes feel lost and helpless, rely on their social worker to provide services and support to help them lead an independent life as possible, but if the social worker cannot commit to ag reed meetings or agreed plans (Koprowska, 2005, comments on the importance of punctuality), the service users trust and confidence in the social worker and social care services will diminish. Social workers should be sensitive to the needs and experiences of service users and should act appropriately. I aim to develop my skills in understanding the experiences of service users and IDENTIFYING their needs, as this information and knowledge will allow me to target specific potential problem areas and produce more focused support and services. A way I have been able to demonstrate my ability to identify a service users need is when I visited Debbie* during my shadowing opportunity. Debbie had sight problems, and the aim of the visit was to assess any specific areas that she may need help/SUPPORT with. Later, when discussing/reflecting with the social worker I was shadowing, I was able to identify that although Debbie needed practical sight-related help, (e.g. brighter lights in her lounge), she also appeared to be isolated/depressed and have low self-esteem. I discussed/considered various group activities and social groups that may help Debbie to overcome her loneliness and boost her confidence in herself. These were discussed with Debbie, to ensure a person-centred approach was taken and allowed her choice and control. Adopting this approach essentially lends support to the principles of anti-oppressive practice (Thompson, 2006). Another way in which I believe I have demonstrated sensitivity towards service users was in my video interview. Although this was not conducted with a service user, this video analysis enabled me to reflect back on my performance, where I realised I showed great respect towards the client. This is a skill I will transfer when practising social work. Although I believe to have some shown some strengths in my interview assessment and shadowing experience, questioning my techniques has helped me to consider areas on which I need to improve. I acknowledge that my reflecting and summarising in the interview was weak and is an area I definitely need to work on. I must do this to ensure that the client understands the information which was referred to and understands any goals, aims or objectives (Koprowska, 2005). I learned from both experiences that effective communication is of critical importance when working with service users and must be a two way process that values the input of service users. Reflecting on my shadowing experience and working with clients who experience sight impairments is a good example of how communication is key, especially verbal communication, as non-verbal communication and the clients ability to interpret body language may be lost on them (Koprowska, 2005). As a social work student I need to develop on all of these skills during my placement and to build on my academic learning to progress professionally. In addition, I need to increase my confidence and ability to apply this to social work practice and intervention. I acknowledge that continuous reflection of my learning needs is going to be vital to ensure that I become a competent social worker. One who can successfully transfer these learned skills and attributes to different social work settings and to different service user groups to ensure that the best possible care and support is provided. *False names have been used to respect the confidentiality of the service user General Social Care Council Code of Practice for Social Care Workers (2004) Giddens, A. (1991). Modernity and self-identity. Polity: Cambridge, UK Koprowska, J. (2005). Transforming social work practice: Communication and interpersonal skills in social work. Learning Matters Ltd: Exerter, UK Oko, J. (2008). Transforming social work practice: Understanding and using social work theory. Learning Matters Ltd: Exeter, UK Thompson, N. (2006). Anti-discriminatory practice. (4th Eds). Palgrave Macmillan: Hampshire, UK Fook, J. Gardner, F. (2007). Practising critical reflection: A resource handbook. McGraw-Hill Companies: Berkshire, UK

Italian Mafia Essay -- History

Italian Mafia The Mafia was first developed in Sicily in feudal times to protect the estates of landlords who were out of town. The word Mafia, derived from the Sicilian word, Mafioso, means family. Today, Mafia is a name which describes a loose association of criminal groups. These groups can be bound together by blood, oath or sworn secrecy. Many people had considered the Sicilian Mafia as the most ruthless mobsters of the twentieth century. By the nineteenth century, the Mafia had become known as a network of criminal thugs that dominated the Sicilian countryside. Members of the Mafia were bound by Omerta. Omerta, an Italian word, stands for a strict code of conduct. The code include avoiding all contact or cooperation with authorities. In the beginning the Mafia had no centralized organization. It consisted of many small groups. Each of these groups was considered as a district. And, each of these districts, had its own form of government. The Mafia had gained their strong-arm by using scare tactics amongst the people. By using these terroristic methods against peasants who could vote, the Mafia used this upper hand in placing themselves into political offices. They would achieve this in several communities. Using this political power in their advantage, the Mafia was able to gain influence with police authorities and the ability to obtain legal access to weapons. Benito Mussolini was the premier-dictator of Italy from 1922 to 1943. He was the founder and leader of Italian Fascism. Mussolini, along with his Facets government, was able to successfully suppress the Mafia during the time of World War II. However, after the war ended in 1945, the Mafia emerged and ruled once again. Over the next thirty years, the Sicilian Mafia was not only able to gain control Sicily, but all of Italy as well. In the second half of the nineteenth century, America had the largest number of immigrants moving to the United States ever known. There is a recorded three million Irish, four million Italians, and four million Jews that immigrated to the United States during the later half of the nineteenth century. People immigrated for a number of reasons. Many of them dreamed of leaving behind their old worlds. Worlds of oppression, fear, and crime. Unfortunately, this dream was shattered for many of the immigrants. For those who migrated to Chicago, severa... ... the rest of his life in his mansion in Miami Beach, Florida. A great contribution to the Chicago Mafia died alone in 1947. In the early 1980's, the Italian government launched an anti-Mafia campaign throughout all of Italy. Not only did this lead to a number of arrests and trials, but it also was the reason for several assignations of key law-enforcement officials whom were in retaliation. For the past two decades, both America and Italy have been cracking down on the organized crime group known as the Mafia. Criminal activities concerning those involved in the Mafia have declined dramatically. The modern underworld crime of today consists of business men and women with a strong knowledge of computers. Old world ways such as killing, riots, and vendetta have been done away with. Today's "mobsters" are highly educated extortionists dressed in suites. The old ways of organized crime will never be the same again. The desire, need, brutality, wisdom, and style of what we know as the Italian Mafia only exists in books and movies. In my opinion, the time of the Prohibition was, and always will be the most recognizable time of the underworld because of the Italian Mafia.

Gmos and Organic Food Essay

Why spend more money on organic food? Why are GMO products lasting longer? These are commonly asked questions which will be explained. By the definition of GMO products, they encompass alimentary products grown from seeds that have been genetically altered. Organic products are those that are grown under the traditional way, without any intervention of Bio-engineering, and also without the usage of chemicals, known as pesticides. The Author, Michael Pollan in both, â€Å"Omnivore’s Dilemma† and â€Å"In Defense of Food† makes an extensive and detailed analyzation of the production of food now days. The big corporations (farms) are now known as manufacturing factories; where practically all the elements of their production process are strictly controlled. This highly technological system reduces the nutritional value of their products and in many cases their flavor as well, but it guarantees high volumes and longer shelf life of the products. An example of a food that would be known as a GMO would be tomatoes, which would be less healthy and again it wouldn’t taste the same as an organic one. Organic products are grown by small farmers according to old farming techniques. These products do not need the addition of micronutrients like GMOs; they maintain all the nutritional values and the original taste. Unfortunately, small farmers can not satisfy the demand that the market needs, let alone, the prices are higher. For example, if you were to sell organic tomatoes, you would have to need to sell them locally. If a company such as organic valley were to be ship organic products from California to New York, with them having shorter expiration date, they would end up going bad. It would be hard for everyone to have the budget to buy and eat organic food; even expensive restaurants don’t use organic food. So, what is better? Feeding a large growing population with GMO products; or to go back to square one, and run the risk of not having enough supply and have the prices skyrocket. At the end of the day, people will eat more GMO food for not everyone has money to buy organic food.

Global Trends

Global Trends MGT 460: Leadership Priorities & Practice Instructor William Conaway February 17, 2011 Global Trends Education is arguably one of the biggest industries in the world. People pay to learn and if we are honest, people learn to get paid. Individuals stress to their children the importance of doing well in school. Why? The world has put a prerequisite on success, and it is education. Since we know that education is vital and we understand that the twenty-first century has brought with it a global community; it follows that the Education industry in America, especially public school, must change if this millennial generation is to be successful in the future and as a future public school worker I must be marketable for those changes. General Environment Children are different today then they were 10 years ago. Between the internet, video games, and movies it takes a lot more to hold their attention which means it takes a different type of teacher to get them to learn. Baby boomers who make up the largest population of the experienced teaching community will be retiring over the next 3-5 years. Although these teachers have years of experience this particular generation is very different from anything they have ever faced. Consequently, the students have been turned off by their traditional approach. . Lee Goeke the former head of Human Resources for Vancouver Public â€Å"studied what he calls the millennial generation — those who graduated from high school in 2000 or later. He determined they weren't obsessed with money like Baby Boomers or Generation Xers. Out of all the generations we've had, this is the perfect generation for teaching,† Goeke said. â€Å"The millennial generation is more interested in vision and philosophy. (McLatchey, 2008). Task Environment We live in a global community. The internet and other advanced technologies have brought the world together in an unusual way; resulting in Americans not just competing among ourselves, but with people all over the world. This has always been the case in some industries since the establishment of America, but never to the degree in which we see it today. Consequently, public education is becoming an industry of great importance. Parents are demanding more of the curriculum. Society as a whole recognizes the need for quality public school education if we are to continue to compete with companies around the world in the future whose educational systems will or have surpassed ours. Pulling it all Together In the next three years due to the shrinking size of the world and the competition for jobs in our global community education in America will become more world based, focusing on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development (http://www. bo. org/pyp/). Having a degree in both organizational management which prepares me for the global business market and psychology which helps me understand social, emotional, and cultural needs will make me not only extremely marketable in the years to come, but an effective member of the education community. References http://www. ibo. org/pyp/ Rafte ry, I (2 March). With teacher turnover high, Vancouver schools shift recruiting effort to attract idealists. McClatchy – Tribune Business News. Retrieved March 31, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Complete database. (Document ID: 1437867971).

How Google Changed the Internet

How Google Changed the Internet Trying to find something on the internet used to be a challenge many years ago, today Google dominates the search engine world. Google has changed not only the way the United States uses the internet, but also how the world does. The search engine market on the internet is competitive; Google leads the way with the most accurate search results, and other online tools for users to use (Alexa). Google allow users not only to search but to organize their life, find directions, and share content with other users. Google didn’t begin as Google.Founders Larry Page and Sergey met at Stanford University (Stross). Sergey was assigned to show Larry around the school, according to some reports the two disagreed on almost everything. The two reconvened in 1996, and began their first search engine, â€Å"BackRub. † The search engine become very popular and within a year outgrew the servers at Stanford (Stross). The two decided BackRub needed a new nam e, and a new location that could handle the demand. Brainstorming came up with the name Google, a play on the word googol a term for the number represented by the numeral 1 followed by 100 zeros.The word was chosen because it reflects the mission to organize an infinite amount of information on the web (Corporate Information-Google Milestones). In 1998, Andy Bechtolsheim wrote a check for $100,000 to the new company. The new workspace location is set up in the garage of Susan Wojciki’s Melon Park, California home. Later Google filed for incorporation in California and were granted it. They then set up a bank account with the new name and deposited the check. Eventually Google moved to its current location at 1600 Ampatheater parkway.At this point Google has more than 800 employees (Corporate Information-Google Milestones). Google is the most popular search provider in the United States. In 2007 google. com became the most visited website surpassing Microsoft. com (Alexa). Goo gle. com is the most visited site in the U. S. (Alexa). The term â€Å"Google it† has become very popular in the language of an average American (Stross) Google isn’t just the most used search provider in the U. S. but also in the world (Stross) Google. com is available in 28 languages, allowing users from all over the world to search in a language that is comfortable to them(Google Support).Not every country provides all that Google Search has to offer. For example China strictly blocks the regular google. com because they can not control the results of a search done on that website. The only way Chinese people are able to search Google is by visiting Chinese Google google. cn. The Chinese government has the ability to filter search results (Wauters). Other countries have also blocked Google; a popular one that has recently been in the news is Iran (Finkle). Countries block Google so that their citizens won’t have free access to information that is not filtered by the government.Google is most widely popular for their search feature. Their products list is very vast, offering services for the consumer and business. On the consumer side of products Google offers a very long list. The most popular being iGoogle, YouTube, Google Calendar, Google Sync, G-mail, and the list goes on. On the business side of thing Google offers companies AdWords, Google search appliance, and Google custom search. iGoogle allows users to create customized homepages. Users can add gadgets that come in all shapes and sizes.For example a user could add their Gmail, CNN News, and Weather to their page and get all that information at once without having to leave to go to all the individual websites (Google Support). YouTube wasn’t created by Google, it was acquired. On October 9th 2006 Google announced its plans to acquire You Tube for $1. 65 billion (Google Press Center). YouTube is a video sharing website that allows users to upload videos, leave comments, an d create video responses. YouTube is the third most visited website in the U. S. (Alexa). Google Calendar allows users to virtually create a calendar in the format that most people are familiar too.Users are able to invite other users to view their calendar and vies-versa. SMS text messaging can also be set up so that a text message is sent out before an event on the calendar to remind the user (Google Support). Google Sync allows users to sync everything that is Google to their wireless device. This allows users to be able to have make changes on either device and appear on both, without ever having to plug their device into their computer (Google Support). G-mail is Google’s approach at web based e-mail. The layout is very minimalistic, and also allows users to customize their inbox page.The site is ad supported by a small text ad at the top of the page, unlike many other free e-mail providers G-mail does not place a ad at the footers of the users sent e-mail. Each user is given up to one gigabyte of free storage, virtually making it so users do not have to delete anything if they don’t want to (Google Support). Google isn’t just all about marketing to consumers, but also to business of all sizes with a wide variety of products for business customers. The most popular product is Google AdWords(Stross). AdWords allows business to create all sorts of ads for their business.The ads can vary from just text, text and picture, or full sized color ads. The ads are displayed on all sorts of Google services, the most popular is in search results, the ad would appear first if it had something to do with what the user was searching for. AdWords is a very cost effective way for business to promote online because it is pay for click, the business is only charged when their ad is clicked on (Google Business Solutions). The other very popular for business customers from Google is called Google search appliance (Stross).The search appliance is a device that companies can connect to their network, the appliances then searches and indexes all files on the network making them easier to find. Users of the network can then just type in what they are looking for, and get instant results. The search appliance can be customized to fit business on the small to extremely large scale (Google Business Solutions). Google is not just available on the web, but also on the go. Google offers a large variety of products for the mobile users. The most popular are Google mobile, Android mobile operating system and Google Maps for mobile.Google mobile allows users to quickly search for information using their phones. A full range of the Google family of products are available in the mobile addition, users simply point their mobile internet browser to google. com and Google recognizes that the request is coming from a mobile phone and automatically converts into the mobile version of Google (Google Support). If mobile users do not have access to the in ternet on their phone Google provides a short text number that users can send text messages to. Users simply text what they are looking for and Google text them back with the search results (Google Support).Google Android is an operating system for mobile phones. It is more typically referred to just as Android. The operating system allows open development allowing users to fully customize their phones and to create application. Users can also  purchase thousands of applications from the Android market to continue to customize their phone. Basic Google products come pre-installed on the phone (Google Support). Google maps for mobile allows mobile internet users to pull up full colored maps and driving directions (Google Support). Users on the go can quickly pull up directions if they become lost or searching for something along their route.Users can also utilize street view on their mobile phones allowing users to see what something look likes as if they were even there (Google Su pport). The future looks good for Google. As the largest search provider in America what does this company have up its sleeve for the future? Google believes that the United States doesn’t have fast enough internet service compared to other developed countries in the world. Their latest project is to link all of the country together using fiber optic cable to create blazing fast internet. Many people have split views on these issues.Ben Scott says â€Å"Google is showing the government that we can have super-fast opened broadband. † According to Scott Cleland â€Å"this is mainly a P. R. stunt†. Google’s ultimate mission is to link rural areas with the large metropolitan community. Google plans to start testing this service later this year; the specific test markets have not been released (Helft). Overall Google is a vital part of the online community. Finding information on the internet is no longer a chore. Google truly has changed the way America searc hes, but also around the world.In the coming years Google will most likely launch new products that will continue to allow it’s users to organize their life, find information, get directions, and share with other users.Works Cited Alexa. Amazon, 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2010. â€Å"Corporate Information-Google Milestones. † google. com. N. p. , 2010. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. Finkle, Jim, and Ian Sherr. â€Å"Q + A-How can Iran block Google? † Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 11 Feb. 210. Web. 22 Feb. 2010. â€Å"Google Business Solutions. † Google. N. p. , 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. Google Support . Google, 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2010. <http://google. com/? support>. Google To Acquire YouTube for $1. 5 Billion in Stock. N. p. : n. p. , 9 Oct. 2006. N. pag. Google Press Center. Web. 23 Feb. 2010. Helft, Miguel. â€Å"Google to Offer Superfast Net Service . † New York TImes 10 Feb. 2010: n. pag. The New York Times. Web. 24 Feb. 2010. Jarvis, Jeff. â€Å"The United Sta tes of Google. † Business Week. Business Week, n. d. Web. 19 Feb. 2010. Strickland, Jonathan. â€Å"How Google Works. † How Stuff Works. How Stuff Works, 2010. Web. 22 Feb. 2010. Stross, Randall. Planet Google. New York: Free Press, 2008. Print. Wauters, Robin. â€Å"Censorship 2. 0. † Tech Crunch. N. p. , 24 June 2009. Web. 22 Feb. 2010. YouTube. Google, 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2010.

The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) in strengthening beams in Essay

The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) in strengthening beams in the UK - Essay Example The material composites reinforced with carbon fibers have a higher tensile strength when compared to other materials. CFRP materials are thus very effective in areas exhibiting strong tensile forces. Although the tensile strength of steel is higher than that of FRP materials, steel is much stiffer and inappropriate to use in areas requiring some mobility. CFRP materials are less fragile and are able to absorb more shear forces compared to steel plates (Feih and Mouritz, 2012). These characteristics enable the designers to create products that are lesser in weight and in thickness. Corrosion resistance FRP materials have high abilities to resist corrosion compared to other materials including steel. This makes them appropriate to use in situations where corrosion is a concern for instance in the construction of bridges. Using FRP composites in outdoor applications thus guarantees long life and lesser expenses concerning maintenance. Enhanced Fatigue Life FRP materials are resistant t o fatigue and thus enable engineers to design flexible structures. The ability to absorb stress allows structures to have long life. This makes the FRP materials appropriate to apply in construction of bridges decks and the strengthening of bridges. ... Tailored characteristics FRP materials are flexible to use and customize according to the required design. Materials such as steel and concrete offer extra strength and stiffness that intrinsically compel the application of isotopic structural designs. In addition, the extra axial stiffness normally results to distress to attraction of forces in instances of seismic attacks. The FRP materials have an enhanced efficiency and viability even in seismic prone areas (Feih and Mouritz, 2012). Sustainability The application of glass-fiber FRP materials is characterized as sustainable and environment-friendly. In terms of energy consumption, the quantity of energy required to produce steel or aluminum is far much greater than that required for the production of FRP composites. Electromagnetic conduction FRP composites are non-conductors of electricity and can thus be applied in constructions around regions prone to electric shock including bridges in factories and along railway transactions. Disadvantages of FRP composites Although FRP composites have numerous advantages that make them ideal to use for construction work, they still have some setbacks, which make their application an issue. One of the disadvantages is that FRP composites are expensive compared to conventional materials such as girder. They are expensive in the short-term though if well maintained the long-term costs are negligible. FRP materials are guaranteed to long life. Although their application is easier and quicker, their lifespan can be short-lived when subjected to unfavorable environmental conditions (Feih and Mouritz, 2012). Applications of FRP The literature review has revealed various areas of application of the FRP technology. Some of the areas are

Cyber Security in Business Organizations Case Study

Cyber Security in Business Organizations - Case Study Example Information security failures tip the balance and expose organizations to the aforementioned threats. Organizations are challenged by the trend to ‘go global’ which implies that security programs should encompass the entire global market of a firm. In effect, this means that each individual unit of the firm dispersed globally should take responsibility for the security risks that are encountered. Despite having a strong central security infrastructure in place, ownership is an important issue that drives information security forward, especially in situations where the business critical applications lie outside the infrastructure (Johnson and Goetz, 2007). Internal organizational factors are also critical to the information security challenge. Education and consultancy within the organization has become important to ensure that employees understand what they are asking for so that security professionals can better respond to the need of the situation. However, spreading awareness through consultancy is not an absolute solution. Many organizational members are resistant to change and change management is a subject executives are often concerned about. Facilitating a proactive work culture and involving line managers to take responsibility and auditors to enforce security can be pivotal. This can ensure compliance and help deal with information security issues by making internal employees accountable (Johnson and Goetz, 2007). Protecting data and information in the midst of mobile technology has become an even greater challenge. The new age of smart phones has built a collaborative environment where protecting information security and intellectual property has become a great concern. Permissions are granted through a strong identity management system to access the information. However, a lot of it has to do with policy making and the enforceability of such policies. Compliance with information security standards is another challenge for many