Hemp economic impact and legalization Research Paper

Hemp economic impact and legalization - Research Paper Example Hemp is a relatively important crop and basing on its different uses it could replace a larger variety of environmental unfriendly crops to enhance economical productions. The forces behind the keeping of hemp illegalization are rather political not environmental in nature. The ability of this product and the byproducts of it are rather scary to many industries especially the petrochemical, liquor and tobacco industries. The fact is that the legalization of hemp would put money in the hands of the farmers and hence totally restructuring our national economy. An article published in 1937 titled â€Å"Hemp: The New Bilion-Dolar crop† named over twenty five thousand possible uses of the hemp plant. This is because it is; a type of Marijuana which cannot get one high could be the reason as to why its popularity still lags behind. Many efforts by different scholars and business people to prove the viability of the product to the economies of the world have been enhanced through var ious ideas. However, there exists some controls over the whole idea since it is described under drugs whose consumption needs control. Despite the fact that this product remained illegal did not deter it from becoming one of the most affecting in the economy of the States in a positive way. This remained so until its legalization through an announcement made by the U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. This came in form of a memorandum that specified that the federal government would not consider it a priority any longer to prosecute the users or traders of the product that broke federal law but complied with State laws concerning this product (Kayla 6). That was so and publicized on the October 19, 2009. This came, as a relief to the people that put the product to different uses inclusive is those that use it for medical purposes. This did not go well with everybody. Some people looked at it as a wrong shot to the U.S. since it was encouraging the breech of Federal laws especial ly those affecting the drug. This simply relates that hemp is a legal item on one hand and yet still illegal on the other. Its legalization has had both positive effects and negative effects to the economy based on the consumption and need that drives one to it. Recent developments show the highly developing and revolving relationship between hemp and humanity. This movement has seen the development of the modern industrial hemp industry that depicts by the presence of hemp clothing, paper, seed-oil products and building materials (Rowan, 2). These developments have had a positive impact to the economies of the world generally specifically in Santa Barbra. The industries surrounding the development of these products that evolve form hemp have had a positive impact on the economies since their development and hence developing trade in the regions from which they hail. A healthy hemp rally circuit gave entrepreneurs in this product the impetus to go deep in investing in this product. This backed by their literature distribution and wears that accompanied the rallies to ensure that they spread the word about their product all over (Rowan, 4).this further bolstered by the formation of the hemp council started in the Los Angeles in 1991. In 1992, a vast number of companies were already in place and hence the success of the plant. The success, quality and economic advantages of the product

Social Networking and Law Enforcement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social Networking and Law Enforcement - Essay Example l individuals and groups use social networking as well as the way that law enforcement utilizes the same medium to attempt to stem the growth and proliferation of crime via this new and expansive medium. Furthermore, this analysis will review the ways in which law enforcement entities are using social networking to connect with and reach out to the jurisdictions and communities which they serve. Social networking provides individuals with a way to meet, interact with, and network among an exponentially larger group of people than had previously been possible. This has allowed people to build a complex web of relationships which would otherwise not have been possible using the technology that has been traditionally available (Patrashek 2010). Imagine a situation where a criminal would like to form a link to another criminal for purposes of organized prostitution, drugs or any manner of other crime. Due to the complex nature of the links and connections that social media provides, the amount of time from origination of the idea to commit crime to the contact with a fellow accomplice can take only a few seconds. This rapid increase in the free flow of communication and its subsequent use by criminals and criminal organizations has necessitated law enforcement to become highly involved and familiar with social networking as it currently exists. However, this involvement by law enforcement has a definite number of distinct drawbacks. The first and most obvious of these drawbacks is the overall level of privacy that users can expect when communicating via this medium. A great deal of information has recently been in the news media with relation to social networking and privacy levels, this issue is taken to a new level with the inclusion of law enforcement as a factor in the equation. Although it should be assumed that any and all information that is freely shared amongst social networking users will be subject to review and dissemination by law enforcement

Gender Differences In The Experience Of Body Image Psychology Essay

Gender Differences In The Experience Of Body Image Psychology Essay Gender differences in the experience of body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders Although in the past decades psychologists have conducted little research on males and body image, it has only been within the past 10-15 years that adequate studies have been completed (Cafri et al., 2005). As asserted by Kevin Thompson, Leslie Heinberg, Madeline Altabe and Stacey Tantleff-Dun (1999) most research pertaining to body image has been dominated by females, focusing on the female ideal for thinness, and predicting the development of eating disorders (McCreary, 2007). New research on males reveals that body image and eating disorder concerns are not limited to only females (Olivardia, 2000). Do males and females experience body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders the same? Through comparisons of studies of females and males with body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder it is argued that there is less than a difference in than popularly perceived. There are several sources for body image dissatisfaction (BID), but the most influential is the media exposure of women and men to cultural ideals that are often unattainable (Dalley, Buunk, Umit, 2009). Simon Dalley, Abraham Buunk and Turual Umit (2009) assert that media exposure is a form of social comparison that is spontaneous, effortless and unintentional. Self evaluation is created through contrast with the target, which are thinner media images. Kevin Thompson and Leslie Heinberg (1999) affirm that although there are individual variations in the internalization of the media pressures, investigations show that the media is a significant factor developing eating disorders. Eating disorders are classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, (DSM IV-TR1) as syndromes characterized by disturbances in eating behaviour, accompanied by grief /extreme concern about body shape and or weight, which are sub-categorized by anorexia nervosa, bulimi a and eating disorders not otherwise specified (Levenson, 2005). Eating disorders commonly occur in industrial cultures where there is access to food and thinness is considered attractive. Due to globalization, eating disorders are quickly spreading around the world, but they are most common in predominately Caucasian developed nations such as United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa (Fairburn Harrison, 2003). Body Image Dissatisfaction in Females Body image dissatisfaction is a significant predictor of eating behaviours in females (Dalley, Bunnk Umit, 2009). Although there are several sources that create body image dissatisfaction (BID), the most influential is the media which exposes women to cultural thin ideals that are often unattainable. While there are individual differences that influence that impact of exposure to thin ideals, many researchers have concluded that there is a distinct correlation between thin media exposure and female BID (Dalley, Bunnk Umit, 2009). Kimberly Vaughan and Gregory Fouts (2003) reported that the â€Å"ultra-slender ideal-body image† that is depicted within media texts is 15% below the weight of an average woman, and 90% of female models are below average weight. Combined with the unrealistically thin ideals represented by female models, digital enhancement of images adds to unattainable standards. Sonia Tucci and Jennifer Peters (2008) noted that high levels of body dissatisfactio n are associated with emotional distress, appearance rumination and cosmetic surgery. In a study conducted at the University of Liverpool of female students between the ages of 18 and 25 years it was found that exposure to thin-ideals in media images reduces body satisfaction scores (Tucci Peters, 2008). The opposite was found when the same participants were exposed to images of larger models, resulting in an increase of body satisfaction scores. Tucci and Peters (2008) additionally found that eating disorders, the drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction increased after the subjects were shown thin images. â€Å"Fat talk† is a notable subject in discussing body image dissatisfaction. As first suggested by Mimi Nichter (2000), â€Å"fat talk† is the tendency of females to belittle their bodies by claiming they are fat, even when it is not true. Although Nichter (2000) describes the social value of fat talk as a way for girls to bond through socially expected gender roles (dieting, weight loss and the pre-occupation of the body), â€Å"fat talk† creates body image dissatisfaction regardless of the initial reason for engaging (Tuckers, Martz, Curtin Bazzini, 2007). Katheryn Tucker, Denise Martz, Lisa Curtin and Doris Bazzinis (2007) study of south-eastern American university female students, found that personal body image dissatisfaction is influenced by the social norms of â€Å"fat talk†. These findings suggest that regardless of actual body image dissatisfaction, there is a normative unhappiness of body size in women, which further is increased by the pres sure to perform â€Å"fat talk†. Eating Disorders in Females Nancy Moses, Mansour-Max Banilivy and Fima Lifshitz (1989) conducted a study that examined the perception of weight, dieting and nutrition among adolescent high school girls in comparison to their body weight. The subjects reported a high concern with obesity regardless of their current body weight and nutrition knowledge. Over half of the underweight (anthropometric measured) sub-category of females (51%) described themselves as having an extreme fear of being overweight. The underweight category also reported having a pre-occupation with body fat (36%). Although normal and overweight girls were better able to perceive their actual body weight for height, the frequency of reported binge eating, and vomiting behaviours was similar among all three groups (underweight, normal weight and overweight). Moses, Banilivy and Lifshitz (1989) concluded that a fear of obesity and eating disorders were common amongst adolescent girls despite of body weight and knowledge of nutrition. Eating disorders are also evident in women attending college. Dean Krahn, Candance Kurth, Edith Gomberg and Adam Drewnowski (2005), reported that due to the intensity and frequency of college women dieting behaviour, two-thirds are at risk for eating disorders. A study conducted at a large Midwestern university of 324 female students concluded that a high proportion (49%) of subjects report binge eating, and/or compensatory behaviours such as excessive exercise at least once a week (Berg, Frazier Sherr, 2009). Non-purging compensatory behaviours (excessive exercise and fasting) are the most common form of eating disorder behaviours. Kelly Berg, Patricia Frazier and Laura Sherr (2009) also established that there are high rates of binge eating amongst female students but in contrast, purging behaviours (vomiting, laxative use, diuretics) were executed less frequently. Very little research has examined sexual orientation in a relation to eating disorders in females. i) Body Image Dissatisfaction in Males Unlike females desire to obtain thinness, men experience anguish when they perceive their body to be underweight (Olivardia, Pope, Borowiecki Cohane, 2004). Roberto Olivardia (2007) found that the male desire is to obtain a lean muscular physique (mesomorphic body type), which is produced by Western ideals (McCreary, 2007). In a study conducted by Christopher Ochner, James Gray and Katrina Brickner (2009) of male students attending a Mid-Atlantic college, it was found that body dissatisfaction was present in the male population through the desire for an increase in muscle gain (86%), as measured by the Male Body Dissatisfaction Scale. While much of the sample wanted to gain more muscle, 34% also wanted to gain weight, and 31% wanted to lose weight. Only 34% of the subjects were happy with their current weight (Ochner, Gray Brickner, 2009). In order to obtain a muscular physique with little body fat men engage in such practices as steroid use, ephedrine use, and dieting (Cafri et a l., 2005). The use of illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) is reported to be between 3% to 12% of American adolescent males. A study conducted at examining legal steroids, also known as prohormones revealed that the lifetime use is 4.5% in adolescent males (Cafri, Thompson Yesalis, 2004). Harrison Pope, Amanda Gruber, Precilla Choi, Roberto Olivardia and Katharine Phillips (1997) make known a form of body dysmorphic disorder called â€Å"muscle dysmorphia†. Men who suffer from muscle dysmorphia are concerned that they are not large or muscular enough. In order to create a desirable physique, men participate in obsessive weight lifting and dieting, which still does not eliminate the distress of being too small (Pope et al., 1997). Precilla Choi, Harrison Pope and Roberto Olivardia (2002) conducted a small sample of weightlifters with and without muscle dysmorphic disorder. The men with muscle dsymorphic disorder reported significantly higher body image dissatisfaction, a s well as reporting frequent thoughts about their muscularity, and missed social opportunities for working out (Choi, Pope Olivardia, 2002). Men commented on concealing their appearances through clothing, checking mirrors and the use of steroids, all contributing to the experience of body dissatisfaction through body dysmorphic disorder (Choi, Pope Olivardia, 2002). Eating Disorders in Males Previously noted research in male body image is a relatively new area; the same pertains to eating disorders. Daniel Carlat, Carlos Camargo, and David Herzog (1997) assert that information on eating disorders in males inadequate and often restricted to small cases studies. Although research is restricted, eating disorders are not unusual in males (Carlat, Camargo Herzog, 1997). Differences have been found in the ways that homosexual and heterosexual men experience eating disorders, and body perception (Harvey Robinson, 2003). Unlike women who use eating disorders to obtain thinness, men strive for a lean body mass (Harvey Robinson, 2003). For this reason the criteria in diagnosing eating disorders in males is unlike females. Jeffery Harvey and John Robinson (2003) discuss how abuse of steroids and dietary supplement is examined. A 1993 study conducted by Cliff Sharp, Stella Clark, Julie Dunan, Douglas Blackwood and Colin Shapiro (1994) on 24 male anorexics, notes that eating diso rders emerge at an older age in males than in females, and men display similar behaviours of binge eating, vomiting and anxiety towards eating. Sharp, Clark, Dunan, Blackwood and Shapiro (1994) also concluded that men display a lower use of laxatives, sexual fears and higher amounts of excessive exercising. The high amounts of exercising are discussed in the context of the high male gender roles and standards set for athleticism in society. Thus Sharp, Clark, Dunan, Blackwood and Shapiro (1994) emphasized that excessive physical activity is more socially acceptable as a means of weight control in order for males to obtain a lean physique. Carlat, Camargo and Herzogs (1997) sample size of 135 males concluded that bulimia nervosa is the most common eating disorder, affecting 46% of males. An alarming 32% of the males suffered symptoms of eating disorders not otherwise specified. Only 2% of the males were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Significantly noted, binge eating affected 11 patients. A study conducted by Daniel Carlat, Carlos Camargo and David Herzog (1997) revealed that a high number of males suffering with eating disorders are of homosexual orientation. Although only a small portion of the population identifies themselves as homosexual (3-5%), Arnold Anderson suggests that a quarter of these men may have an eating disorder (Anderson, 1999). The risks of developing eating disorders are higher for homosexual males due to the overall less satisfaction with their bodies (Herzog, Newman Warshaw, 1991). In a nonclinical sample of 43 homosexual and 32 heterosexual males by David Herzog, Kerry Newman and Meredith Wa rshaw (1991) it was found that although males in both sexual orientations current and ideal bodies selected were similar, homosexual males aspired for a physique that was underweight. The researchers attribute this desire to place men at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. Harvey and Robinson (1999) contribute the differences between homosexual and heterosexual males and the development of eating disorders are due to the societal factors surrounding the gender roles of masculinity and femininity. Looking at both Body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in males and females are experience in different ways. As noted by Christine Knauss, Susan Paxtaon and Francois Alsaker (2007), females strive for thinness while males have a goal to lose or gain weight or gain more lean muscle. Although there has not been subsequent research examining the causes of gender difference in body dissatisfaction, Nita McKinely (1999) emphasises that there is larger socio-cultural demand for females to be physically attractive in Western societies, therefore creating greater body dissatisfaction amongst girls and women. Although researchers argue that there are greater media influences on females to obtain thinness (Vaughn Fouts, 2003), males also undergo similar influences but with lean, muscular physiques (Olivardia, 2007). Over time males have been exposed to an increasingly muscular body that is contributes to higher numbers of males experiencing body image dissatisfaction (Olivardia, Pope, Borowiecki Cohane , 2004). Neala Ambrosi-Randic (2000) conducted a study on children aged 5-6 years as to their perceptions of both current and ideal body size. Ambrosi-Randic (2000) had the children indicate current and desired body size on a picture of male and female figures pre-adolescent in age. Sex differences were found in the ideal figure in females, with the girls preferring a thinner figure than boys. A 2007 study by Knauss, Paxtaon and Alsaker examined the relationships between body dissatisfaction and the internalization as well as pressure of media images in both sexes. Through a sample of 1610 adolescent males and males from different schools and socioeconomic status regions in Switzerland, the researchers found that girls felt that there is more pressure from the media to achieve ideals (d=.36), as well there is a higher internalization of body ideals (d=.37) (Knauss, Paxtaon Alsaker, 2007). Predictors of body dissatisfaction also have sex differences. Girls reveal a high correlation between body dissatisfaction and internalization (.62), and internalization and pressure (.71). A medium strength correlation is scored between BMI and body dissatisfaction (.38) and a low strength between internalization and BMI and pressure (.22). Boys displayed a medium correlation between body dissatisfaction and internalization (.38) and dissatisfaction and pressure (.41). Internalization and pressure scored a high correlation (.55), while BMI and internalization, as well as pressure and body dissatisfaction were low (.07). Knauss, Paxtaon and Alsaker (2007) concluded that there is a variance in body dissatisfaction between girls and boys, with female subjects displaying a higher overall body dissatisfaction than boys. Females internalize and feel more pressure from media ideals than boys. Males as well as females body dissatisfaction can be predicted by internalization, pressure, and BMI (Knauss, Paxtaon Alsaker, 2007). In a study examining university students from a Midwestern university, gender differences in body dissatisfaction was examined (Penkal Kurdek, 2007). It was found that women had a stronger dissatisfaction with middle parts of the body such as waist, stomach as was as display higher levels of physique anxiety. Males have a stronger dissatisfaction with facial parts (Penkal Kurdek, 2007). Jessica Lynn Penkal and Lawrence Kurdek attribute males higher dissatisfaction with facial body parts due to the evidence that women describe facial characteristics as an important desirable body characteristic (2007). In a 2004 Youth Risk behaviour study conducted by Grunbaum et al. it was reported that females engage in more eating disorder behaviours then males. Grunbaum et al. (2004), found that 29.6% of students reported themselves as being overweight, but the prevalence in females (36.1%) was much higher than males. This is not to say that males do not perceive themselves to be overweight as 23.5% of interviewed men claim to be fat (Grunbaum ,2004). In a 1989 groundbreaking meta-analysis by Geroge Hsu, asserted that eating disorders are more prevalent in women due to greater dysmorphia, poor self image and body concept, and role confusion that can occur during adolescent years. Hsu (1989) analysis revealed that over all females have higher rates of eating disorders, in a female to male ratio of 10 to 1. Although Hsus study is over 20 years old, he raise several questions that researchers are currently examining, such as the socio-cultural pressures to be thin, why there are higher occurrences in adolescents as a part of self and body concepts, identity formation and reasons for overall increase prevalence in women. Jeffery Harvey and John Robinson (2003) suggest that symptoms of eating disorders are similar between men and women but anorexia nervosa is the most challenging to diagnose in males due to amenorrhea being one of the critical warning signs in women. Amenorrhea is usually one of the first discovered symptoms of eating disorders, therefore for this reason men are often overlooked (Harvey Robinson, 2003). Another critical difference between the ways that women and men experience eating disorders is men often believe that their body is not too thin, while women continue to believe that they overweight (body dysmorphia) (Harvey Robinson, 2003). Establishing the prevalence of eating disorders in adolescents of both genders, Einar Kjelsà ¥s, Christian Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m and Gunnar Gà ¶testam (2004) examined 1960 adolescents (1026 girls and 934 boys), 14 to 15 years of age. According to the diagnosing criteria in the DSM-IV and DSM-III-R, females experience a higher lifetime prevalence of all eating disorders (17.9%, 18.6%), anorexia nervosa (0.7%), bulimia nervosa (1.2%, 3.6%), binge eating disorder (1.5%) and eating disorders otherwise not specified (14.6%, 12.9%) (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam, 2004). Although males did not display the same prevalence of eating disorders (6.5%), Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m, and Gà ¶testam (2004) found high numbers of boys with anorexia nervosa (0.2%), bulimia nervosa (0.4%, 0.6%), binge eating disorder (0.9%) and eating disorders otherwise not specified (5.0%, 4.%). Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m and Gà ¶testam (2004) final ratio results for eating disorders in female to males was 2.8:1, anorexia nervosa 3.5:1. Bulimia nervosa revealed a ratio of female to male of 2:1, while females and males were closely diagnosed with binge eating, with a ratio of 1.7:1. Eating disorders otherwise specific female to male ratio was 2.9:1. The total number of girls who thought they were very/slightly obese was 32.3% while only 2.6% were classified as obese (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam, 2004). Only 15.9% of males reported perceiving themselves as very/slightly obese, while 5.1% were classified as obese. Both sexes displayed subjects who considered themselves as obese when classified as underweight or normal weight, girls 74.3% and boys 62.1% displaying distinct body image dissatisfaction (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam , 2004). Conclusion Females appear to be at a greater risk for developing body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders through the internalization and pressure from the media (Knauss, Paxtaon Alsaker, 2007) and a higher socio-cultural demand to be physically attractive (McKinely, 1999). Although research predominately examines females, males should not be forgotten. As asserted by Olivardia (2007), males also undergo similar influences by the media. Both men and women experience anxiety towards their body, but it is experienced in different ways, therefore body dissatisfaction and eating disorders are not the same in the sexes. Females have an overwhelming desire to obtain thinness often through calorie restriction, excessive exercise and fasting (Berg, Frazier Sherr, 2009). Males desire is to attain a lean, muscular physique (Olivardia, 2007), therefore engage in such practices dieting, exercise and more dangerously steroid and ephedrine use (Harvey Robinson, 2003). In order to fully answer whether males and females experience body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders the same more research needs to be conducted examining males, body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Additionally several factors should be taken into account while conducting such research. Body dissatisfaction and eating disorder research often uses the self-report method, therefore under or over reporting is subject to occur. Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m and Gà ¶testam (2004) discuss the complications in creating survey questionnaires that are concise but can discriminate those with and without eating disorders in difference sexes. Females might over-report the rates of body dissatisfaction due to engaging in the socially valuable â€Å"fat talk†, as first asserted by Mimi Nitcher (2000). It has also been noted that when self reporting on body dissatisfaction males answers are superficial because they do not feel that the content applies to them (Kjelsà ¥s, Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m Gà ¶testam, 2004). Many of the studies on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders use Caucasian students. This is disconcerting because the subjects are apart small population (Caucasian, educated) to draw conclusions upon. Future research needs to completed to investigate not only male body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, but also race, age and different socioeconomic statuses. Extreme dieting, supplement use and other new methods of weight loss (ex. infrared sauna) should be closely examined in future research in both males and females to understand if there are new trends in body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. References Andersen, A. (1999). Eating disorders in gay males. Psychiatric Annals, 29, 206-212. Ambrosi-Randic, N. (2000). Perception of current and ideal body size in preschool age children. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 90(3:1), 885-889. Berg, K.C., Frazier, P. Sherr, L. (2008). Change in eating disorder attitudes and behavior in college women: Prevalence and predictors. Eating Behaviours, 10(3), 137-142. Cafri, G., Thompson, J.K., Ricciardelli, L., McCabe, M., Smolak, L. Yesalis, C. (2005). Pursuit of the muscular ideal: Physical and psychological consequences and putative risk factors. Clinical Psychology Review, 25, 215-239. Carlat, D.K., Camargo, C.A. Herzog, D.B. (1997). Eating disorders in males: A report on 135 patients. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154(8), 1127- 1132. Choi, P.Y.L., Pope, Jr. H.G. Olivardia, R. (2002). Muscle dysmorphia: a new syndrome in weightlifters. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 36, 375-377. Fairburn, C.G. Harrison, P.J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet ,(361) 9355, 407-416. Grunbaum, J.A., Kann, L., Kinchen, J., Ross, J. et al. (2004). Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance (Abridged). The Journal of School Health, 74(8), 307-324 Harvey, J.A. (2003). Eating disorders in men: Current considerations. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medial Settings, 10(4), 297-306. Harvey, J.A. Robinson, J.D. (2002). Eating disorders in men: Current considerations. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 10(4), 397-306 Herzog, D. B., Newman, B. A. Warshaw, M. (1991). Body image dissatisfaction in homosexual and heterosexual males. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 170, 356-359. Hsu, G.L.K. (1989). The gender gap in eating disorders: Why are the eating disorders more common among women? Clinical Psychology Review, 9, 393-407. Kjelsà ¥s, E., Bjà ¸rnstrà ¸m, C. Gà ¶testam, K.G. (2004). Prevalence of eating disorders in females and male adolescents (1-15 years). Eating Behaviours, 5, 13-25. Knauss, C., Paxton, S.J. Alsaker, F.D. (2007). Relationships amongst body dissatisfaction, internalisation of the media body ideal and perceived pressure from media in adolescent girls and boys. Body Image, 4, 353-360. Krahn, D.D., Kurth, C.L., Gomberg, E. Drewnowski, A. (2004). Pathological dieting and alcohol use in college women—a continuum of behaviours. Eating Behaviours, 6(1), 3- 52. Levenson, J. (Ed.). (2003). Textbook of psychosomatic medicine: eating disorders. Washington, DC: The American Psychiatric Publishing McCreary, D.R. (2007). The drive for muscularity scale: Description, psychometrics, and research findings. In J. H. Thompson and G. Cafri (Eds). The Muscular Ideal: Psychological, Social, and Medical Perspectives (pp. 265). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. McKinley, N.M. (1999).Women and objectified body consciousness: Mothers and daughters body experience in cultural, developmental, and familial context. Developmental Psychology, 35, 760-769. Moses, N., Banilivy, M.M. Lifshitz, F. (1989). Fear of obesity among adolescent girls. Pediatrics, 83, 393-398. Nichter, M. (2000). Fat Talk: What girls and their parents say about dieting. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Ochner, C.N., Gray, J.A. Brickner, K. (2009). The development and initial validation of a new measure of male body dissatisfaction. Eating Behaviors, 10, 197-201. Olivardia, R. (2004). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. In K.J. Thompson (Ed.), Handbook of eating disorders and obesity (pp. 543-561). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons Inc. Olivardia, R., Pope, H. G., Borowiecki, J. J. Cohane, G. H. (2004). Biceps and body image: The relationship between muscularity and self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder symptoms. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 5, 112−120. Penkal, J.L. Kurdek, L.A. (2007). Gender and race differences in young adults body dissatisfaction. Personality and Individual Difference, 43, 2270-2281. Pope, Jr, H.G., Gruber, A.J., Choi P. Phillips, K.A. (1997). Muscle dysmorphia. An underrecognized form for body dysmorphic disorder. Psychosomatics, 38, 548-577. Sharp, C.W., Clark, S.A., Dunan, J.R., Blackwood, D.H.R. Shapiro, C.M. (1994). Clinical presentation of anorexia nervosa in male: 24 new cases. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 15( 2) 125-134. Thompson, J.K. Heinberg, L.J. (1999). The medias influence on body image disturbance and eating disorders: Weve reviled them, now can we rehabilitate them? Journal of Social Issues, 55(2), 339-353. Thompson, K.J., Heinberg, L.J., Altabe, M. Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1999). Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance. American Psychological Association, 11, 19-50. Tucci, S. Peters, J. (2006). Media influences on body satisfaction in female students. Psicothema, 20(4), 521-524. Tuckers, K. L., Martz, D. M., Curtin, L. A. Bazzini, D.G. (2007). Examining ‘‘fat talk experimentally in a female dyad: How are women influenced by another womans body presentation style? Body Image, (4) 2, 157-164. Vaughan, K. K. Fouts, G. T. (2004). Changes in television and magazine exposure and eating disorder symtomatology. Sex Roles, 49(7-8), 313-320

The Invincible Criminal Essay -- Crime & Punishment

Imagine losing your retirement funds or being a victim of a mortgage fraud because money from your bank account disappeared overnight! The 1996 report of the National Criminal Justice Commission estimated that the annual cost of white-collar crime is between $130 billion and $472 billion, seven to twenty-five times greater than the cost of conventional or street crime (Conklin, 2010, P. 71). White-collar crime in America is considered larceny committed by the wealthy, respected, and legitimate enterprise which is not set up or intended to go out of business like an ordinary fraud or con game. White-collar crime offenses may involve forgery, embezzlement, or fraud involving massive amounts of money. Offender’s commit fraudulent acts in the course of normal business practice, but is considered unethical and violates accepted accounting principles and mainly public trust. To help better understand the issue the essay will explain several incidents which are involved with white co llar crime and how it hurts many individuals from families to businesses. Even though white-collar crime offender’s gain an increase in salary and may go unnoticed, the criminal justice system should continue to take a stance on white collar crime. Because mainly white collar crime is a serious invincible crime, laws that regulate white collar crimes are necessary, and impacts society's way of life. Additionally, a proposed suggestion will be presented to counter the identified problems and conclude final thoughts on white-collar crime. At the end of the day the goal to continue law regulations against white collar crime while maintaining public protection will be the driving emphasis behind this essay. Defining White-Collar Crime First, the criminal just... .... N., Gilbert, J. A., & Konopaske, R. (2003). Deterring white-collar crime. Academy Of Management Executive, 17(2), 114-127. Retrieved April 20, 2012 from EBSCOhost. (doi:10.5465/AME.2003.10025206) Maddan, S., Hartley, R., Walker, J., & Miller, J.. (2012). Sympathy for the Devil: An Exploration of Federal Judicial Discretion in the Processing of White-Collar Offenders. American Journal of Criminal Justice : AJCJ, 37(1), 4-18. Retrieved April 19, 2012, from ProQuest Criminal Justice. (Document ID: 2586601701). Podgor, E.. (2007). The Challenge of White Collar Sentencing. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 97(3), 731-759. Retrieved April 19, 2012, from ProQuest Criminal Justice. (Document ID: 1392880651). U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Inves ¬tigation (1989). White Collar Crime: A Report to the Public. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.

A Personality Development Theory Applied in Choosing Career Essay

This paper attempts to look at the Big Five, a personality development theory that is used in studying the dimension of one’s personality. The Big Five model is a product of empirical research and at present, the most accepted approach among psychologists in studying personality traits. 1 The five factors are known as OCEAN- openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. 2 It is said that theses possession of these traits may be stable for over 45 years that can start from early adulthood. 3 Parts and portion of traits are also heritable genetically. In addition, the traits are result of adaptation to the environment. Generally, these factors are viewed as universal and have been found in languages of different nations. Knowing where one’s place in the dimension can be very useful for one’s improvement and realization of skills, talents and abilities. The Case Dave has long been dreaming of putting up his own business. After several years of working in the job which he definitely did not like, he finally decided to pursue his dream. At this point in time, Dave was not sure of what enterprise will best fit his personality. Applying the Big Five Personality Development Theory, we carefully examine Dave’s personality in order to see what are his dominant traits and characteristics, his weaknesses and   1Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed. ), The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives (pp. 180-207). New York: 2Guilford. Soldz, S. , & Vaillant, G. E. (1999). The Big Five personality traits and the life course: A 45-year longitudinal study. Journal of Research in Personality, 33, 208-232 3Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed. ), The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives (pp. 180-207). New York: unleashed talents if ever to be able to fit it with the kind of business that will best suit him. This is for the purpose of finding the better enterprise that will complement to his overall personality. This is important because the idea of putting up a business is much of a risk to take and Dave cannot afford not to be successful in his new chosen field after leaving his long time job. This is somehow a prelude to the future of his business because as the business and manger and owner to be, he will direct the efficiency and effectiveness of his business. To start with, traits and characters must be identified. In this case Dave provided us with some of his characteristics that are assumed to be relevant in helping him determine the best business for him. Dave mentioned that he was previously a paralegal and he had worked with attorneys and several clients in their law firm. He claimed that he often acts as a leader and in fact he formerly managed a staff. He added that he posses various leadership qualities though if given a choice, he would rather work alone. Applying the Big Five Personality Earlier, it has been mentioned that Dave, if given the chance will rather work alone, hence, we can conclude that he is an introvert. But since, he had longed desire to have his own business, it is inevitable to work with other person or to a group of person. By the word business, he is going to put up an organization. Building an organization means continuous interaction with other people and all the accompanied activities will operate in a relational or in a dynamic manner. Example of introversion is being independent and often being quiet. Introvert people prefer to do things by themselves and refuses to be helped by others and also disregard group activities because they see themselves more productive if they are alone. They are also the type who minimizes social involvement, in other words they prefer less socialization. Some of them are deliberately shy and some extreme cases found depression. Given that Dave wanted to put up his business and he also wanted to be alone if possible, I think the best business that will suit him is a coffee shop. Maintaining a coffee shop is not that difficult. Three to four people can be able to organize the business accordingly. If he will put up a coffee shop, he can be the one at the counter or he can hire another person to do that and all he needs to do is to supervise. Unlike his previous job wherein he had staff to lead to and attorneys and clients to deal with, a coffee shop business will put him in less trouble. If he has a passion in bartending, he can be the one to do it and all he needs to face is the waiter who will be passing the orders to him. As for agreeableness, undoubtedly, Dave has established leadership qualities necessary to operate a business. It will not be hard for him to deal with his employees to be, since he had his fair share on this matter on his preceding occupation. On the other hand, Dave showed did not mention about openness but I think it is safe to say that he is an open person because even if he has introvert qualities he bear with his colleagues for a long period of time and he tried to be a good leader and showed exceptional qualities of leadership in the law firm. Another proof of his openness is his likeness to have his own business. This means that he is open for new changes in his life to happen. Meanwhile, Dave has finally become assertive departing from his old reticent way. This is because at last he had the courage to left his job and starts a new with a business. Lastly, after evaluating the four factors of the Big Five, we can conclude that Dave is in the mid of imaginative and conventional dimension since he had let several years to past before actually realizing his wants, nevertheless he also posters creativity side as he was able to think of another form of occupation. In this activity, I learned the importance of knowing your personal traits and characteristics. Being familiar with your limitations and advantages may help you in various ways, likewise, it can help you understand others as well as to deal with them accordingly. Being acquainted with these traits will improve your relationship to other people and most of all it will contribute a lot in realizing your own potential and developing you as a person. References About. com Website (2008). The â€Å"Big Five Personality Model. Retrieved on January 17, 2008 from http://psychology. about. com/od/personalitydevelopment/a/bigfive. htm Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed. ), The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives (pp. 180-207). New York: Guilford. Soldz, S. , & Vaillant, G. E. (1999). The Big Five personality traits and the life course: A 45-year longitudinal study. Journal of Research in Personality, 33, 208-232

Family Essay

In a world of varying cultures and values for the elderly, there exists a principal notion about elderly homes that have spurred today. Oftentimes than not, the notion about elderly homes are of the negative and this stems from the fact that the elderly homes serve as a constant reminder about something that most people fear—death and old age (Dickinson and Vasen, 2006). However, according to Dickinson and Vasen, there is a positive side to the elderly homes that most people do not see (2006). One of these may be attributed to the view that the elderly homes can be considered as a family in itself. In this family, there are parts that comprise the whole, cooperation is existent, and there are groups formed within the family as will be expounded in the body. The elderly homes are composed of several members that comprise the family. First, we have the group of nursing aides who cares for the elderly and they are the lifeblood of the family. Without the nursing aides, the elderly home will be like a tree without its roots. This is the group that serves the purpose of nurturing and giving utmost care and attention needed by the elderly living inside. Second, we have the group of elder persons who serves as the air that the elderly home breathes. They are the purpose why the home exists and without them, there should not have been an elderly home in the first place. Moreover, they are the center of attention in the home because of their decreased strength and special needs that have to be attended to. They are also at the center of activities in the elderly home such as in Christmas parties, gatherings, and others. Third, we have the administration that runs the elderly home. They manage the day-to-day affairs of the elderly home especially with regards to routine maintenance and those functions not covered by the nursing aides. Although they serve the elderly indirectly, they still form a vital role because they are the ones responsible for the proper functioning of the elderly home. Moreover, the administration is considered as the support system of the whole. In conclusion, it can be said that each is a part of the whole and each plays a role that whose purpose is to contribute to the family to which they are a member of. Moreover, there are relationships that are formed between these groups that form the bond between them as a family. It is all up to the members of this family to determine what type of family they would be. But certainly, it is not a negative one as most people tend to see them. Instead, it is a harmonious and vital institution of the society.

It hurts students; and other students and teachers too Essay Example

It hurts students; and other students and teachers too Essay Example It hurts students; and other students and teachers too Essay It hurts students; and other students and teachers too Essay Kim Maharajahs Tardiness: It hurts students; and other students and teachers too the rap sheet read like a laundry listeverything from vandalism to resisting arrest. How did it all start? If you trace the life of crime to its beginning, you will find it went all the way back to chronic tardiness in elementary school. If only the parents and the system had nipped this behavior in the bud! K, so that is a bit over the top, but it can feel this way when teachers or principals seemingly overreact to the crime of being ate. Whats the big fuss? So what if my child is a few minutes late? Her grades are fine, and she isnt a behavior problem. Why does the school get so upset? [emailprotected] Com/glade Your childs teacher loves him even when he is late, Just as our Savior loves us, no matter what. God gave us faith Ana all toner gluts Railing In promptness helps to use all of Gods gifts efficiently. Lets take a look at things from several different points of view: Teacher From the outside, a teachers Job may look easy. All she has to do is explain a concept, assign some homework, collect and grade it, ND, voila, successful learning has happened. In reality, the Job is much more complicated. A large part of what a teacher does is classroom management. This involves keeping the schedule running smoothly, preventing discipline problems and handling the ones that crop up, and capturing the attention of a class of students and keeping it. The teacher instructs, re-instructs, regroups, edits, creates, soothes, redirects, and monitors the students to be sure they understand. You get the picture. A child enters the classroom late, even Just a few minutes late, and he or she disrupts the process. Now the teacher adds something new to the list: What has this child missed, and how can I bring him up to speed? The office must be notified, directions have to be repeated, and lessons started over. Some late arrivals will stand at the door waiting, and others will make a grand entrance and further distract the class. All latecomers, even those who slip in the door and quietly find their seat, require extra work from the teacher. A late child is not Just a momentary distraction. Class You wouldnt think learning was so much work either. We dont always remember what it was like to pay attention as a youngster. Many children who struggle staying focused find it difficult to get back on track after a Lactation. When a canon comes late Ana t teacher has to restart the lesson or take care of attendance details, an opportunity arises for behavior issues. When that happens, a small disturbance can set off behaviors that further disrupt the class. Keep in mind that your child may not be the only one who is late, so this process of disruption can occur many times during the course of the week. When families are chronically late, this fosters an attitude that school and learning are not important. This seemingly little thing an have a big influence on the behavior and attitude of students over time. School Late arrivals disrupt the school also. The assembly area and school office are especially busy during the first part of the morning. Accurate attendance, and its affect on other tallies, is important to a safe and organized school day. Child The student who arrives late to school starts the day at a disadvantage. Other children have had time to put away coats, take care of classroom business, talk with friends, and generally prepare themselves for the school day. The time missed may only be 10-15 minutes, but it is an important mime. Children who are late may not have attendance recorded or lunch ordered, and that can cause problems later on. They may miss important announcements or a fun activity that the teacher has set out to begin the day. While some children adjust too rocky start, others find it difficult. If the child experiences stress because he was rushed or because she worries what the other students will say, the stress itself interrupts the learning process. Chronic tardiness (more than one or two times a month) is more than Just being a Tee umlauts late. It Is not Just tout ten hassle for teachers and staff, or the stress caused to the child or others. Tardiness isnt just about what a child is not learning in the few minutes of class time missed. It is about what a child is not learning about learning itself. Learning is not Just about picking up new information. It is an active process that involves the childs attention, intelligence, and personality. Children possessing the ability to self-regulate are far more likely to be successful in school and life, regardless of intelligence level. Self-regulation is the ability to plan ahead, evaluate strategies, regulate emotions and behaviors, and delay gratification for the purpose of earning. Children who self-regulate can think on purpose toward the goal of learning. The ability to be prompt is an active part of learning, just as knowing when to ask questions for clarification, writing down assignments, or finishing a project. Missing a few minutes of school, every so often, is only part of the tardiness problem. The problem is not in the incident itself. It is in the pattern of tardiness over time. Arriving at school late on a regular, or even semi-regular basis, teaches a child that school is something we Just plod through, rather than something we do with care and repose. If a child is born with the natural ability to do somethingfor instance, play golf like Tiger Woods, but does not learn to work hard, set goals, evaluate progress, and think purposely, the gift will be wasted. When you set promptness as a priority and make changes in the family routine to allow your child to arrive at school on time, you teach your child to respect learning and to take an active part in it. That learning will be part of every future test your child takes and every future project your child completes. In fact, the ability to slaughtered is a stronger predictor of future success than natural talent or Q. It may be hard to believe that something as seemingly insignificant as promptness can have such a great effect on your childs future. However, this is what parenting is all about: modeling and teaching healthy behaviors and strong values in every little thing we do as parents. This is what makes parenting such a challenge. Parenting is relentless! Thankfully, the love of God our Father is relentless too. He wants what is best for our children and for us as parents. He stands ready to help us with every task. Your childs teacher loves him even when e is late, Just as our Savior loves us, no matter what. God gave us faith and all other gifts. Training in promptness helps to use all of Gods gifts efficiently. For Discussion: What will be the consequence for tardiness for your child at her next level of education? What about when she Joins the workforce? How does developing a value for being prompt promote self- regulation skills? What other values can you teach your child that will develop self-regulation? For further study: http://tinnier. Com/messed (Definition of self-regulation) http://tinnier. Com/skunks (Parenting tips on self-regulation)

Appraising Investment Decisions and Affects of Non Financial Factors The WritePass Journal

Appraising Investment Decisions and Affects of Non Financial Factors 1. BACKGROUND Appraising Investment Decisions and Affects of Non Financial Factors 1. BACKGROUND2. LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 Investment2.2 Investment Decision2.3 Investment Appraisal2.4 General or Conventional Appraisal Techniques2.4.1 Payback period2.4.2 Return on Investment2.4.3 Discounted Cash Flow Methods2.4.3.1 Net Present Value (NPV)2.4.3.2 Internal Rate of Return (IRR)2.5 Limitation of Conventional Techniques2.6 Strategic Investment3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY3.1 Research Objective3.2 Research Questions3.3 Research Philosophy3.4 Research Approach3.5 Research Design3.6 Research Strategy3.7 Data Collection Techniques3.8 Qualitative Research4. TIME PLAN4. CONCLUSION5. REFERENCESRelated 1. BACKGROUND The search for reliable techniques for project appraisal is an aged activity. Still it is of prime importance because the survival of a corporation is predominantly determined by its ability to revitalize itself through the allocation of capital to productive use (Arnold and Hatzopoulos, 2000). Inadequate use of decision tools expand the possibility of less return then the cost of capital, resulting in destruction of firm’s value (Copeland et al., 2000). A successful investment can make profits, increases market share and adds value to the firm, but on the contrary, if it is unsuccessful the firm will experience a loss. An incorrect investment decision may even lead to closure of a firm or bankruptcy. Therefore, the decision to invest or not is very crucial to any firm as it determines its future, and at the same time, this decision signifies the importance of investment evaluation techniques accordingly. Due to importance of such decision and extensive research, there is no shortage of tools and techniques to analyze an investment. Numbers of tools are available to find out the extent of profitability of an investment to help managers in making this vital decision (Akalu, 2001).   The most popular techniques are the net present value, internal rate of return, return on investment, benefit/cost ratio method and payback period (Remer and Nieto 1995). Scholars and some other sources tend to emphasize discounted cash flow methods, especially NPV approach, as superior to other methods (Tatsiopoulos and Tolis, 2002; Kaplan and Atkinson, 1998; Zimmerman, 1997). However, these conventional appraisal techniques (especially DCF methods) sometimes misinform when they are improperly used, estimation of cash flows are inaccurate, rough identification of discount rate or when vital non-quantifiable aspects of projects are omitted (Kaplan, 1986; Dugdale and Jones, 1995). In literature almost all of the proposed techniques are not free from criticism. The most common and major argument made by scholars is that conventional methods of appraising investment does not give adequate information due to risk and uncertainties; and they are not even appropriate to analyze strategic investments (Bierman, 1980; Brealey et al, 1992; Cox et al, 1985). Risk can be reduced if identified and uncertainties may even be dealt with research, but it’s almost impossible to eliminate these factors from investment. To deal with these factors scholars have proposed some additional methods like sensitivity analysis, simulation analysis, scenario analysis, probability analysis and portfolio theory (Pike and Neale, 2006). Though, in regard to strategic investments, conventional appraisal techniques fall short because they don’t capture intangible or non financial project attributes (Busby and Pitts, 1997; Dempsey, 2003). Butler et al. (1991, p. 402) noted: â€Å"In making decisions on strategic investments, quantifiable financial performance factors (whether measured by discounted cash flow techniques, payback period, or impact on sale and profits) were viewed as of secondary importance by most respondents. Product quality, fit with business strategy and improving the competitive position of the firm were the most important factors considered by all informants.† Some special methods for appraising strategic decision are also established and described by scholars. Among these, the balance scorecard, real option analysis, value chain analysis, benchmarking and technology roadmapping are of vital importance (Kaplan and Norton, 2001; Hoque, 2001; McCarthy, 2003; MacDougall and Pike, 2003). However, continuous usage of conventional appraisal methods, despite their recognized limitation, leaves us in a vague situation and inclines us to explore more. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Investment Investment is employment of funds or capital with the aim of making future benefit. In literature and corporate world this activity is also referred as capital investment. G.H Lawson and Richard Pike (1981) describe it as: â€Å"Capital investment usually refers to the commitment of funds to fixed capital expenditure in the anticipation of returns that compensate for the risk of the investment and the delay in the enjoyment of funds, i.e. consumption.† 2.2 Investment Decision It is the process where managers or investors decides whether or not, when and how to spend money on the project. The heart of all investment appraisals is to calculate the value of spending money, by comparing the benefits with the costs. If this is done incorrectly, it could hammer the investor or firm’s growth (Mott, 1982). 2.3 Investment Appraisal The most important step to start appraising the investment is the identification of cost and benefit associated with it. This step requires immense of experience and expertise as it is an anticipation and mainly this reason has also forced Aggarwal (1993) to argue that â€Å"evaluating capital investment is close to an art and father from a science than is desirable†. Hence it can be said that investment appraisal techniques can never replace managerial judgment, but they can help make judgment more sound (Lumby and Jones, 1999). The major questions to be asked while investment appraisals are highlighted by Campbell (2006), these are: What return on capital employed will the project deliver? How quickly will the project pay for itself? Will the project add value to business? 2.4 General or Conventional Appraisal Techniques 2.4.1 Payback period This non-discounted appraisal techniques seeks to assess how quickly the positive cash flow recovers the initial capital investment. It is calculated by estimating the timely cash flows and at what time the project over comes the investment by the later returns. The project is accepted if it is equal to or less then the predetermined acceptable time or the one with lesser recovery time among available alternatives is accepted (Mott, 1982; Campbell, 2006). 2.4.2 Return on Investment Return on investment or return on capital employed is another non-discounted method for project appraisal. It is a ratio indicator which tells how well the investor or firm is utilizing the capital to generate revenue. The calculation is done by taking profit before tax and divides it by the difference between total asset and current liabilities (Lumby and Jones, 1999). This method has also some disadvantages but is a useful technique as well. 2.4.3 Discounted Cash Flow Methods These methods covers the issue of time value of money, which is, the future money is worth less than money at present. DCF technique converts the future cash flows value into the value of present day. In this manner we can worth the investment at the point when we are actually making it (Brealey et al, 2009). Among the family of discounted cash flow techniques net present value and internal rate of return are vital. 2.4.3.1 Net Present Value (NPV) Net present value is calculated by converting all future cash flows in today’s date and then deducting it from today’s investment. Positive NPV implies that the project is worth to create value and generally the project is accepted when NPV is greater than zero or the one with higher NPV is selected among available alternatives (Campbell, 2006). 2.4.3.2 Internal Rate of Return (IRR) It is that rate at which the net present value is zero. It is complex and difficult to calculate manually, as it is a trial and error method. Generally the project is accepted if the IRR is greater than the hurdle rate, discount rate or in simple terms the opportunity cost (Blank and Tarquin, 1989). 2.5 Limitation of Conventional Techniques Although every technique has its own and unique limitations but here general limitations are mentioned. The non discounted methods are normally criticized due to time value of money and discounted methods are argued due to its complexity. The most common errors found in applying DCF methods are: pre tax calculation of discount rate; anticipation of non-economic statutory in discount rate which may leads to error and incorrect results; interest charges are included in cash flows; cash flows are specified in today’s money (excluding inflation); use of single cut of rate instead of rate reflecting project risk (Pike and Neale, 2006). A major limitation of these techniques, which I have also mentioned earlier, are incapability to include the non financial factors into consideration like risk, uncertainties and factors involved in strategic investments. It has been argued that every single benefits of strategic investment are difficult to quantify and some other approach is required for strategic investment decisions, other than conventional financial techniques ((Butler et al., 1991; Covin et al., 2001). 2.6 Strategic Investment Strategic investment decisions mainly concerns long term investments in asset. Common type of SIDs includes: new product development, new market development, new technology or infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions (Harris et al., 2009). Strategic investments does not only brings economic value to the firm; benefits like increase in product quality, better competitive position, fit with business strategy, increase in customer loyalty can an advantage of strategic investment (Butler et al., 1991). 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research Objective The main purpose of this research is to examine the importance of non-financial factors that could affect the investment appraisal process.   The research aims to analyze and study conventional investment appraisal techniques and highlight their limitations. Moreover, the research shall investigate the non-financial factors that are considered important in evaluating strategic investment projects.   Lastly, the study shall investigate whether recently developed analysis tools such as those that aim to integrate strategic and financial analysis, being used to evaluate strategic investment projects. 3.2 Research Questions The research questions that this study shall attempt to answer through the analysis of empirical data are as follows: What are the limitations of conventional investment appraisal techniques? What non-financial factors are considered important in investment evaluation, especially in strategic investment decision? Do organisations use conventional appraisal techniques for evaluation of strategic investment projects or prefer using recently developed strategic analysis tools in order to evaluate? 3.3 Research Philosophy The research philosophy adopted by the researcher is one of ‘subjectivism’.   Morgan and Smirchich (1980) state that subjectivism perceives reality as a â€Å"social construct†.   Saunders et al (2009) state â€Å"the subjectivist view is that social phenomena are created from the perceptions and consequent actions of social actors†. In this case, the social actors are the company’s that shall be studied.   Strategic investment decision making shall be analysed and investigated in this research based upon the actions of views of these ‘social actors’. Saunders et al (2009) state that for a researcher to understand any action he should explore the subjective meanings motivating those actions. This research aims to investigate the reasons behind implementation of modern strategic analysis tools by identifying the weaknesses of conventional strategic analysis methods and understanding how non-financial factors affect investments. Remenyi et al (1998) also emphasise on this issue and discuss the importance of studying the details of a certain situation in order to understand the ‘behind-the-scenes’ reality. 3.4 Research Approach Deductive approach is defined as developing a conceptual framework by studying the theory and testing this through either confirming or rejecting the hypothesis developed based on the theory by studying the empirical data collected (Bryman and Bell, 2007).   An inductive approach, as defined by Bryman and Bell (2007), is one where theory is the outcome of research. According to Saunders et al (2009) in an inductive approach the theory follows from the collected data unlike in a deductive approach where it is the other way around. This research shall collect empirical data on strategic investment appraisal techniques using the methods mentioned below and the researcher will draw a conclusions based on the collected data by studying the inherent patterns   and thus, this study shall adopt an inductive approach. 3.5 Research Design Research design is defined by Collis and Hussey (2003) as planning procedures for conducting research in order to obtain the most adequate results. The purpose of implementing an appropriate research design is to make sure that the data collected for the purpose of the research enables the researchers to answer the research questions proposed. According to Saunders et al (2007) there are seven types of research designs and each can be used for explanatory, descriptive or exploratory research.   Since this research aims to highlight the limitations of conventional investment appraisal techniques and investigate the use of modern techniques, an exploratory research needs to be conducted.   An exploratory research is used when there are no existing models to use as a basis for the study. 3.6 Research Strategy The research strategies as discussed by Saunders et al (2009) are experiment, survey, case study, action research, grounded theory, ethnography, and archival research. The research strategy adopted for the purpose of this study is ‘case study’. Stake (2000) defines case study as an organised and systematic way of producing information on a certain topic. Cooper and Morgan (2008) define case study as â€Å"an in-depth and contextually informed examination of specific organizations or events that explicitly address theory.† Case studies help analyse the experience or activities of a particular event of phenomena. This research aims to investigate the use of recently developed strategic analysis tools and thus shall conduct an in-depth study of an organisation in order to investigate whether the said organisation implements such techniques. The company selected for the purpose of this research is Engro Corp. Engro Corp is one of the largest conglomerates in Pakistan and since I have family working within the organisation at reputable posts I have access to the company and shall be able to obtain the required primary data rather easily. Due to the fact that there is very little data on the use of recently developed strategic analysis tools and the data required for this research is not reported externally, this research shall use primary data collected through a questionnaire.   For this particular topic, only primary data can assist in answering the research questions posed and the objectives stated. 3.7 Data Collection Techniques The research shall primarily use primary data.   Some secondary data will also be used to support the primary data collection. Primary data used for this study shall be collected through a survey. An open-ended questionnaire shall be used to collect the data required for the research.   The questionnaire shall be self-administered and E-mail to the appropriate personnel within the company. The in-depth questionnaire shall explore the use of investment appraisal techniques within the company and if required, the researcher shall also issue a follow up questionnaire in order to collect further data for this research. 3.8 Qualitative Research Cresswell (1994) stated that qualitative research assists in understanding social or human problems by building a complex picture formed using words which report detailed views of informants.   Qualitative research involved the use and collection of a range of empirical data and involved an interpretive approach towards the subject. Hence, in this case qualitative research methods shall be used due to these aforementioned characteristics which are deemed suitable for this research. 4. TIME PLAN 4. CONCLUSION Choosing investment decision for research is due to my interest in the topic. However, it is also a part of my degree program and as per my knowledge there are some gaps which need to be filled. I will try me level best to add valuable input to this area of study. This research will definitely increase my knowledge, skills and will give me a worthy experience. 5. REFERENCES Aggarwal R. (1993). Capital Budgeting Under Uncertainty: New and Advanced Perspectives. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Akalu M (2001). Re-examining project appraisal and control: developing a focus on wealth creation. International Journal of Project Management; 19(7):375–83. Arnold G, Hatzopoulos P. (2000). The theory-practice gap in capital budgeting: evidence from the United Kingdom. Journal of Business Finance and Accounting 27(6): 603–626. Bierman, H (1980) Strategic Financial Planning Free Press, New York Blank, L.T. and Tarquin, A.J., (1989). Engineering Economy, 3rd. ed. McGraw-Hill, New York. Brealey, R S et al (1992) Principles of Corporate Finance 2nd Canadian edn, McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd, Toronto, Canada Brealey, R. Myers, S. Marcus, A (2009). Fundamentals of Corporate Finance. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. 116-274. Bryman A. Bell E. (2007). Business Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Busby, J.S., Pitts, C.G.C., (1997). Real options in practice: an exploratory survey of how finance officers deal with flexibility in capital appraisal. Management Accounting Research 8 (2), 169–186. Butler, R., Davies, L., Pike, R., Sharp, J., (1991). Strategic investment decision-making: complexities, politics and processes. Journal of Management Studies 4 (28), 395–415. Campbell, I. W. (2006), Business Economics and Accounting, MBA Module Manual- Accounting Finance 2005-2006, Bradford University School of Management.Collis J. and Hussey R., (2003), Business Research: A practical approach for undergraduate and post graduate students. New York: Palgrave Macmillan Cooper, D. J., and W. Morgan. (2008). Case study research in accounting. Accounting Horizons 22: 159-178. Copeland T, Koller T, Murrin J. (2000). Valuation. Wiley: New York. Covin, J.G., Slevin, D.P., Heeley, M.B., (2001). Strategic decision making in an intuitive vs. technocratic mode: structural and environmental considerations. Journal of Business Research 52 (1), 51–67. Cox, J C (1985) An intertemporal general equilibrium model of asset prices. Econometrica 53, 363-384. Dempsey, M.J., (2003). A multidisciplinary perspective on the evaluation of corporate investment decision making. Accounting, Accountability Performance 9 (1), 1–33. Dugdale, D., Jones, C., (1995). Financial justification of advanced manufacturing technology. In: Ashton, D., Jones, C. (Eds.), Issues in Management Accounting, second ed. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 191– 213. Harris,E, Emmanuel,C and Komakech, S (2009). Managerial Judgement and Strategic Investment Decisions. London: CIMA Publishing. 10-35. Hoque, Z., (2001). Strategic management accounting: concepts, procedures and issues, Chandos Publishing. Kaplan R, Atkinson A. (1998). Advanced Management Accounting (International edn.). Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Kaplan, R.S., (1986). Must CIM be justified by faith alone? Harvard Business Review March April, 87–95. Kaplan, R.S., Norton, D.P., (2001). Transforming the balanced scorecard from performance measurement to strategic management: Part 1. Accounting Horizons 15 (1), 87–104. Lawson, G.H and Pike, R.H (1981). Capital Investment: Theory and Practice. Bradford: MCB Publications. 10-35. Lumby, S. and Jones, C. (1999), Investment Appraisal and Financial Decisions, Sixth Edition, International Thomson Business Press, London. MacDougall, S.L., Pike, R.H., (2003). Consider your options: changes to strategic value during implementation of advanced manufacturing technology. Omega 31 (1), 1–15. McCarthy, R.C., (2003). Linking technological change to business needs. Research Technology Management 46 (2), 47–52. Morgan, Gareth, and L. Smircich (1980). The Case for Qualitative Research Acad. Management Rev., 5 (1980), 491-500. Mott, G. (1982), Investment Appraisal For Managers, The Macmillan Press Ltd; Bath. Pike, R. and Neale, B. (2006), Corporate Finance And Investment- Decisions and Strategies, Fifth Edition, Pearson Education Ltd, Bath.Remenyi et al (1998), Doing Research in Business and Management; an Introduction to Process and Method.   London, SAGE Remer D, Nieto A (1995). A compendium and comparison of 25 project evaluation techniques. International Journal of Production Economics 1995; 42(1):79–96. Saunders, Mark N.K.; Lewis, Philip Thornhill, Adrian (2009). Research methods for business students (5th edition). London: Financial Times Management. Stake E. Robert (2010). Qualitative Research: Studying How Things Work. New York: The Guilford Press. Tatsiopoulos I, Tolis A. (2002). Technical and economic evaluation and feasibility study of biomass energy. International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development 1(2): 142–159. Zimmerman J. (1997). Accounting for Decision Making and Control (2nd edn.). Irwin-McGraw-Hill: Boston.

Greg Lynn, Binary Large Objects, and Blob Architecture

Greg Lynn, Binary Large Objects, and Blob Architecture Blob architecture is a type of wavy, curvy building design without traditional edges or traditional symmetric form. It is made possible by computer-aided-design (CAD) software. American-born architect and philosopher Greg Lynn (b. 1964) is credited with coining the phrase, although Lynn himself claims the name comes from a software feature that creates Binary Large Objects. The name has stuck, often disparagingly, in various forms, including blobism, blobismus, and blobitecture. Examples of Blob Architecture These buildings have been called early examples of blobitecture: Selfridges Department Store (pictured on this page) in Birmingham, United KingdomGuggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain (designed by Frank Gehry)Xanadu Houses in Kissimmee, FloridaThe Sage Gateshead in Newcastle, UK (designed by Norman Foster)Admirant Entrance Building in Eindhoven, Netherlands (designed by Massimiliano Fuksas)Galaxy SOHO in Beijing, China (designed by Zaha Hadid)The Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, Washington (designed by Frank Gehry) CAD Design on Steroids Mechanical drawing and drafting changed radically with the advent of desktop computing. CAD software was one of the very first applications to be used in offices transitioning to personal computer workstations in the early 1980s. Wavefront Technologies developed the OBJ file (with the .obj file extension) to geometrically define three-dimensional models. Greg Lynn and Blob Modeling Ohio-born Greg Lynn came of age during the digital revolution. The term Blob modelling was a module in Wavefront software at the time, says Lynn, and it was an acronym for Binary Large Object - spheres that could be collected to form larger composite forms. At the level of geometry and mathematics, I was excited by the tool as it was great for making large-scale single surfaces out of many small components as well as adding detailed elements to larger areas. Other architects who were the first to experiment with and use blob modeling include the American Peter Eisenman, British architect Norman Foster, Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, Frank Gehry,   Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, and Jan Kaplickà ½ and Amanda Levete. Architectural movements, such as the 1960s Archigram led by architect Peter Cook or the convictions of the deconstructionists, are often associated with blob architecture. Movements, however, are about ideas and philosophy. Blob architecture is about a digital process - using mathematics and computer technologies to design. Mathematics and Architecture Ancient Greek and Roman designs were based on geometry and architecture. Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius observed relationships of human body parts - the nose to the face, the ears to the head - and documented the symmetry and proportion. Todays architecture is more calculus-based using digital tools. Calculus is the mathematical study of changes. Greg Lynn argues that since the Middle Ages architects have used calculus - the Gothic moment in architecture was the first time that force and motion was thought of in terms of form. In Gothic details such as ribbed vaulting you can see that the structural forces of the vaulting get articulated as lines, so youre really actually seeing the expression of structural force and form. Calculus is also a mathematics of curves. So, even a straight line, defined with calculus, is a curve. Its just a curve without inflection. So, a new vocabulary of form is now pervading all design fields: whether its automobiles, architecture, products, etc., its really being affected by this digital medium of curvature. The intricacies of scale that come out of that - you know, in the example of the nose to the face, theres a fractional part-to-whole idea. With calculus, the whole idea of subdivision is more complex, because the whole and the parts are one continuous series. -    Greg Lynn, 2005 Todays CAD has enabled the building of designs that were once theoretical and philosophical movements. Powerful BIM software now allows designers to visually manipulate parameters, knowing that Computer Aided Manufacturing software will keep track of the building components and how they are to be assembled. Perhaps because of the unfortunate acronym used by Greg Lynn, other architects such as  Patrik Schumacher have coined a new word for new software - parametricism. Books by and About Greg Lynn Folds, Bodies Blobs: Collected Essays by Greg Lynn, 1998Animate Form by Greg Lynn, 1999Composites, Surfaces, and Software: High Performance Architecture, Greg Lynn at the Yale School of Architecture, 2011Visual Catalog: Greg Lynns Studio at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, 2010IOA Studios. Zaha Hadid, Greg Lynn, Wolf D. Prix: Selected Student Works 2009, Architecture is PornographyOther Space Odysseys: Greg Lynn, Michael Maltzan and Alessandro Poli, 2010Greg Lynn FORM by Greg Lynn, Rizzoli, 2008 Sources Greg Lynn - Biography, European Graduate School website at www.egs.edu/faculty/greg-lynn/biography/ [accessed March 29, 2013]Greg Lynn on calculus in architecture, TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design), February 2005, https://www.ted.com/talks/greg_lynn_on_organic_designPhoto of The Sage by Paul Thompson/Photolibrary Collection/Getty Images

Reaction Paper 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reaction Paper 2 - Essay Example who disobeys" (Baumrind, 1991, in Huang and Prochner 2004, p.229), while parental response refers to "the extent to which parents intentionally foster individuality, self-regulation, and self-assertion by being attuned, supportive, and acquiescent to childrens special needs and demands" (Baumrind, 1991, in Huang and Prochner 2004, p.229). The psychologists and social scientists distinguish four parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglectful. Authoritative parents are â€Å"demanding and accepting† â€Å"controlling but not restricting,† authoritarian parents are demanding but rejecting and non-responsive, permissive parents are responsive but non-demanding, while neglectful parents are permissive and non-responsive (Ballantine 2001, p. 46; Huang and Prochner 2004, p.229). The studies of western researchers have shown strong relationship between the parenting styles and the child’s social competence, child’s school achievement, se lf-concept and goal setting, self-esteem and self-efficacy during the entire life and adolescent drinking and delinquency. All the studies have shown that authoritative parenting style always has favorable outcomes while the other three have demonstrated a negative impact on the children’s outcomes (In Huang and Prochner 2004, p.230). Parents play the major role in people’s lives, no matter whether they loved them as children or feared of and dreamt of parents’ divorce, as it happens in some families. Eric Berne (1975) discovered that parents’ scenarios and behavioral patterns determined the whole direction of an individual’s development. No matter what your attitude to the parents was, as time passes you start noticing (some people stay unaware of it) that you behave just as your parents did (even the negative traits that you did not like in your parents being copied). The behavioral patterns are than brought to the new family created by the grown children. They continue behaving just as their

Home Depot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Home Depot - Essay Example Home Depot operates with contracts, establishes credits with the bank, which provides it opportunities to work effectively in the long run (Magretta). In home improvement industry, it is prior for companies to anticipate with the changing market trends and knowledge (Harrison and John). Home Depot is effective to anticipate with the changing trends in the market and retains their customer. For the new entrant lack of knowledge and experience in the field makes it difficult to maintain its supply chains and customer retention. In addition; Home Depot has maintained an absolute cost advantage in the industry (Harrison and John). The pricing offered by the company is low cost pricing which makes the competition tough in the in the industry. Home Depot has maintained an exclusive control on the costing by developing strong relations with its exclusive sellers and suppliers. One of the major advantages Home Depot experience is the brand image, as customers are more inclined to approach co mpanies having strong brand names (Harrison and John). Home Depot has served over years, it is known as for the best quality and service provider in the industry. This eventually declines the dilemma for the existing companies like Home Depot and Lowies from the new entrants. Constantly, it can be concluded that Home Depot has an edge in the market and has restrained others from entering as new threats. 3.3.2 – Bargaining Power of Suppliers The bargaining power of suppliers in the home improvement industry is a low force. Home Depot’s expense controls and cost initiatives are its core competencies. Prominent companies in the industry like Home Depot and Lowe’s are dependent on well recognized brand name suppliers (Harrison and John). These firms maintain strategic alliances and exclusive relationship with certain suppliers; they maintain their market image in the industry, which eventually secures the bargaining power of suppliers. Home Depot maintains exclusive relationship with its suppliers, as it is depend upon products that are well recognized and brand suppliers. This is because of the reason that if these firms are unable to maintain strong relationship with its suppliers the may lose their product variety and quality (Harrison and John). Furthermore Home Depot eliminates the reliance upon third parties and middle man; this is because of the reason that if these third parties run into financial or regulatory difficulties it may caste negative impacts on the company in the industry (Harrison and John). Therefore, home depot has centralized its purchases operations through making direct purchases (Harrison and John). The online centers of the company aid company to minimize the control of suppliers. Home Depot also maintains websites to maintain and to strengthening the relationship with its suppliers, these measures limits supplier’s bargaining power to a low force. 3.3.3 – Threat Of Substitute Products or Services The threat of substitution in the home retailing industry is relatively low, because the substitution for the home product like hammers, nails, and paint etc. can be the similar products bought within the industry which are also sold by the same vendors (Harrison and John). It is true that the demand of products, their supplies and prices are interrelated in a market, which

Cost-Benefit Analysis of A Public Infrastructure Project Assignment

Cost-Benefit Analysis of A Public Infrastructure Project - Assignment Example Thus, to come up with a public infrastructure, several factors will be considered to look at both the advantage and causality in order to achieve the optimal benefit that is required. Public infrastructure is considered to be of good interest to the society if its final outcome benefits surpass the cost of implementing the total project. If the cost of implementing the infrastructure is more than the benefit the society is supposed to enjoy after its completion, then, the project is of no much benefit to the society. To realize the cost benefit of a public infrastructure, a cost benefit analyses is carried out to investigate the benefit the society is expected to achieve once the said infrastructure is completed. If the result shows that the project has a positive benefit, then, the infrastructure should be implemented. If the result on the other side reveals that the benefits of the project upon completion reflect negative benefit, then, the project should be dropped (Campbell and B rown, 15). 1.1Project description The public infrastructure that is illustrated under this paper is of power plant construction nature which is located in Middle East and North African region. This region has a high potential of solar and wind energy because it receives a lot of energy from sun in six hours than what a man consumes in one year and is home to top sites of wind potential. This project is expected to generate electricity by use of massive set up of solar and wind farms networks and connect the power to Europe through a Europe- Mediterranean electricity network. A high voltage direct current (HDVC) transmission cables will be used in the transmission of the power. The power plant will involve spreading of concentrating solar power systems, wind parks and photovoltaic systems in desert of North Africa in places like Sahara desert. This means that the power plant will produce energy that is renewable instead of use of fossil fuel that is not renewable. This project will p rovide a substantial demand of electricity in Middle East and Northern Africa region and a 15% of electricity need in Europe. Thus, due to the fact that this project is expected to benefit those three regions, it has being dubbed as EUMENA which means European Union, Middle East and Northern Africa. Investment under this public infrastructure is expected to cost up to 400 billion pounds by 2050. Under this project, Europe is expected to lead in fighting climate change and economies of the Northern African countries and Europe, grow due to green house gas emissions limitation. This project has the potential to satisfy 15 percent of the electricity demand in Europe and much needed electricity in Middle East and North Africa. 240,000 jobs in Germany are likely to be created if this project is implemented and generate electricity worth 2 trillion by 2050. Energy wastage is expected to be reduced under this project because it will enable transfer of energy from areas with surplus to area s it is needed. The grid will help in taking advantage of the large amounts of energy that is likely to be sourced from large scale sources of renewable energy that are remote. The construction of the transmission grid will reduce difference between actual generating capacity and the minimum

UnME Jeans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UnME Jeans - Essay Example The brand manager of UnME Jeans is faced with complex media in which the traditional media such as television, radio and print advertising have become less effective over the time because of the declining number of audience, increase in the advertising clutter and turning out of the consumers. In this case Foley is set to explore the options provided by Web 2.0 social media and determine ways to better handle advertising and branding objectives. Therefore, the major challenge for Foley is to ignore all the hype made by Web 2.0, and analyze the social media for UnME Jeans by delving into the needs of the consumers and their behaviours underpinning the technologies of Web 2.0. Situation Analysis The case study describes a situation where Margaret Foley, the brand manager of UnME, carries out an investigation with respect to emerging media Web 2.0. The brand manager had been allocating a huge amount of budget in the traditional means of communication and only about $250 towards social media which were not sufficient in the new era of competitive environment to survive, attract and retain the loyal customers. It has been analysed that with a change in the consumer’s demands and mindset, consumers are spending much of their time by staying online rather than watching television. The percentage rate of television viewers has dropped drastically and it had become essential for UnME to implement the new form of media. The fir m did not spend much on online marketing and as a result, the brand manger was not satisfied with the response from the target consumers. In the era of new technologies and various media options, the target customers, the teenagers, prefer visiting online sites and staying online for most of the time. As per a survey, it has been seen that the social media are a highly acceptable form of media. The below figures compare the use of various forms of promotional tools. Figure 1: Media Trends (Source: McGee, 2011) The above figures compare the media trends from 2010 to 2011. It has been seen that the use of social media is predicted to increase by about 63.6% in 2011 year-on-year, as compared to the use of television. As per the Internet World Stats (2012), about 78.3% of the US population uses the Internet, and the amount of time spent rose to 20% and the youngsters tend to spend about 40 hours per week. Change has taken place in the Internet population in US and it was predicted that about 71% of the population would be online in 2010 and it would continue to grow and would reach about 250 milion people in 2014 (European Travel Commission, 2012). The following table shows the future prediction of Internet usage by the consumers in the present and future. Table 1: Internet users (ETC, 2012) With the growth of social media among the customers, the youth sector still dominates the social media market and UnME, which targets the teenagers, is lagging behind in positioning the brands effectively through the use of social media. Teens and young adults showed the greatest penetration. According to eMarketer, out of five Internet users four of them belong to the age group of 12 to 34 (eMarketer, 2011). The figure below shows the trend of social network users, which is estimated to rise each year. Figure 2: Social Network Users (Source: eMarketer, 2011) The

Effective communication with customers and staff Essay

Effective communication with customers and staff - Essay Example I am a customer – oriented person and I fully realize that any business environment needs to be designed under the scope of serving customers’ needs and expectations. I believe that the customer lies at the core of managements’ concern and agenda and for this reason I am focused on delivering customer satisfaction by being willing to listen to their complaints, eager to find solutions to their addressed problems and focused to delivering overall customer satisfaction. I have strong interpersonal skills which allow me to sympathize with others and understand their concerns or queries while at the same time I am confident in my interactions with the customers. I am a goal – and – performance oriented person and I am intrinsically motivated to achieve organizational objectives. I enjoy working in an environment that offers interactions on both levels – customers and employees – and I have developed strong communication skills. My leadership orientation will offer significant advantages to the store as I can inspire and motivate others to share a common vision for the company and the company’s goals and objectives. Through team work I can empower employees to engage to the organization and participate so as to achieve strategically and effectively the mission targeted.

Traditional Health Care (Culture Care) Practices Research Paper

Traditional Health Care (Culture Care) Practices - Research Paper Example Figures from the 2009 World Religious survey shows that 50.4% of Nigeria's population are Muslims, 48.2% are Christian (15% Protestant, 13.7% Catholic, and 19.6% other Christian), and followers of other religions are 1.4% (BBC News, 2007). These figures notwithstanding, it is evident that Nigerian, Muslims or Christians, have widespread belief in traditional African religious practices (BBC News, 2007). In fact, this belief system has a bearing on the way health and illness is perceived and treated in Nigeria. The richness and variety of Nigeria diet is well known. Different spices and herbs are used in the preparation of soups and sauces and this dominated by meat and/or fish. The use of spices and herbs in food is believed to prevent illnesses such as malaria. With a dysfunctional educational system, only 68% of the population is literate with the rate for men (75.7%) is higher than that for women (60.6%). A country ravaged by poverty and corruption, it has a very low gross domesti c product (GDP); however, it is considered a lower middle income country by the World Bank (World Bank, 2011). The low literacy rate and the very low GDP affect people’s perception of illness and access to medical facilities, respectively. The Nigerian society, like the rest of Africa and in most developing countries has a male-centered and male dominated culture (U.S. Department of State, 2009). This affects the way women are treated and regarded. Most often sick women such as widows and those without children are accused of witchcraft and molested. Definition and Traditional beliefs of Health and Illness in Nigeria Nigerians regards health as multidimensional and not merely the absence of disease. Health is regarded as the attainment of physical, mental, emotional and social well being (WHO, 2005). This definition, which concord with the World Health Organization’s definition, is not a trademark of Nigerian philosophy of good health but the traditional belief of most ancient civilizations. Illness, on the other hand is disharmony either in the physical, mental, emotional and social state of an individual. Thus it is common among Nigerian to view immoral and erratic behavior as a disease. Furthermore, traditional medicine in Nigeria attributes illnesses to spiritual imbalance. Such imbalance could be self-inflicted or the handiwork of the enemies. Thus illnesses, according to traditional medicine in Nigeria, have their origin in the spiritual world Traditional Methods of Maintaining, Protecting and Restoration of Health in Nigeria The traditional method of maintaining, protecting and restoring health in Nigeria is linked with the African Traditional Religion (ATR). This method is the sum total of practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and/or mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied singularly or in combination to maintain well-being, as well as to diagnose, prevent an d eliminate of physical, mental, or societal imbalance, and rely exclusively on practical experience and observation handed down from generation to generation, whether verbally or in writing (WHO, 2005). The knowledge and practices form part of ATR. As mentioned above, traditionally, Nigerians linked all

Effective communication with customers and staff Essay

Effective communication with customers and staff - Essay Example I am a customer – oriented person and I fully realize that any business environment needs to be designed under the scope of serving customers’ needs and expectations. I believe that the customer lies at the core of managements’ concern and agenda and for this reason I am focused on delivering customer satisfaction by being willing to listen to their complaints, eager to find solutions to their addressed problems and focused to delivering overall customer satisfaction. I have strong interpersonal skills which allow me to sympathize with others and understand their concerns or queries while at the same time I am confident in my interactions with the customers. I am a goal – and – performance oriented person and I am intrinsically motivated to achieve organizational objectives. I enjoy working in an environment that offers interactions on both levels – customers and employees – and I have developed strong communication skills. My leadership orientation will offer significant advantages to the store as I can inspire and motivate others to share a common vision for the company and the company’s goals and objectives. Through team work I can empower employees to engage to the organization and participate so as to achieve strategically and effectively the mission targeted.

A brief look in the world of serial killers Essay Example for Free

A brief look in the world of serial killers Essay Often people get confused between a serial killer and a mass murderer. A mass murderer is a person who kills several people, all at once or within a short period of time. A serial killer on the other hand is one who kills several people over a long period of time, sometimes spanning several years. Technically, a serial killer is someone who kills at least three people with a break or free period between the killings. A mass murderer may have victims who cannot be generalized to fit into any category, as these victims are generally those who happen to be present at the time of the incident. However, the serial killers select their victims according to some preferred type or class, like sex, age, looks etc. Generally serial killings occur for sexual gratification, but there are also cases where victims have been selected with the sole intent of killing. Just like any other criminals, serial killers can also be profiled. The FBI has developed a Behavioral Science Service Unit in 1978 at Quantico, Virginia to study and establish profiles of serial killer suspects. The profiles attempt to predict the age, race, sex, and habits etc. of the serial killers. Although all serial killers wont fit a same profile, most killers can be characterized by a general profile. The general profile of a serial killer suggests they are mostly white males of 25 to 35 years of age, and have a similar type of victims (CCMC, 2007). These killers are thought to have an above or average intelligence, suffered child abuse or have had a troubled childhood and have little or no social attachments. Serial killers are also thought to return to the scene of killings or burials and keep body parts of their victims as souvenirs. Playing with fire, bed-wetting and cruelty to animals are some important childhood traits of a serial killer. Serial killers are generally associated with a pattern, because of which they are ultimately tracked down by the police. Such patterns may include either their method of killing, location, motive or the profile of victims. Serial killers have existed for several centuries. Four types of serial killers are (Holmes and De Burger, 1988) a) The Visionary type who believe that they are guided to kill by an inner voice or vision. b) The mission oriented type who believe they have to eliminate a particular group or class of people from the society. c) The hedonistic type of killers who get pleasure from the killings they carry out. d) The control or power driven type who derive sexual satisfaction by controlling their victims. In addition to this the FBI has identified two more categories of serial killers namely the organized type of serial killers and the disorganized type of serial killers. The organized killer is intelligent, socially acceptable, uses restraints and targets strangers. These organized killers are likely to hide the victim’s body, leaving little or no evidence; they keep a track of the developments in crime through the media, while anticipating questioning by the police (David, 2001). The disorganized killers on the other hand are socially withdrawn, generally know their victims and kill instantly without planning. These disorganized killers do not follow crime on the media, despite leaving evidence on the crime scene The serial killer John Wayne Gacy Jr. was a big businessman, liked and admired by many. He frequently hosted parties for friends and neighbors, dressing up as a clown. He also entertained children at local hospitals, and associated himself with groups like Jaycees, working for the improvement of the community. Everyone knew him as a devoted, hard-working man dedicated to he cause of friends and family. However Gacy had another side, a very dark unknown side, and when that side became known, he was known as the ‘clown who killed’. John Wayne Gacy Jr. was born as the second child and the first son to a Chicago’s Irish couple in 1942. His older sister Joanne was about two years older to him, while his younger sister Karen was two years junior to him. The three children attended catholic schools. Gacy, like any other boys of his age, took up part time jobs and scouting activities while at school. He worked as a bag boy and a clerk in a grocery store. Gacy’s childhood was absolutely normal except for his relationship with his father. He had a very deep relationship with his mother and sisters. The senior Gacy was an abusive alcoholic, who beat his wife and verbally abused his children (Bell and Bardsley). Although his father was not a pleasant man, young Gacy loved his father and wanted to get close to him. He longed for his father’s affection and love, but never got it. All his teachers, friends, and co-workers liked him very much and he was indeed popular. When Gacy was eleven, he was hit in the head by a swing while playing, which caused a blood clot in his brain. This blood clot was only discovered at the age of sixteen. Between eleven and sixteen, he suffered several blackouts as a consequence of his blockage. At seventeen, he was found to have a heart ailment, for which he was hospitalized several times. However, he suffered no major health problems due to this. After attending several schools and not being able to graduate, he dropped out from school and left for Las Vegas. He worked as a part time janitor in a mortuary, with which he wasn’t satisfied and again left for Chicago. He joined a business college and learnt the skills of a good salesman. A mature salesman, capable of handling all sales situations, he joined as a management trainee with a shoe company in Chicago. Thanks to his excellent performance on the job, he was soon promoted and transferred to take over the men’s apparel outlet in Springfield, Illinois. Gacy married and relocated and to Waterloo, Iowa in 1966 when his wealthy father-in-law asked him to manage the family’s chicken restaurant. Gacy’s first encounter with the law was in 1968 when he was arrested for homosexual acts and sodomy. He was arrested on felony charge of forcing a male employee to join in homosexual acts. Gacy who was by then a father of two infants, pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced to ten years in prison. His wife filed for divorce and parted ways. After 18 months, he got parole and went back to Chicago where he started his own construction business and married a recently divorced woman. In 1971, he was charged with the attempted rape of a man, but was freed of the charges when the victim did not turn up to press the charges. A shrewd businessman, he beat his rivals by hiring very young school age like employees, to cut costs. His second wife too divorced him in 1976 when she realized his passion for homosexual magazines. His minor role in party politics even got him photographed shaking hands with the wife of President Jimmy Carter. It was in December 12, 1978 when the police required to have a closer look at Gacy and his background. A teenaged boy working with a pharmacy had gone missing and Gacy was the last person seen with him. His background check revealed that he had spent time for sodomy. During a search of his house they found a ring belonging to another teenager who disappeared a year back. When investigators got to the sprawl space beneath his home, they sensed a foul smell, which they initially attributed to sewage. They then left his house and called him again for interrogation the next day. Since they had nothing incriminating, they let Gacy go. However Gacy was under 24 hour surveillance. Further investigation and lab work on the items confiscated, gave critical evidence on Gacy. Realizing the importance of the developments, investigators obtained a second search warrant to search Gacy’s home. Among the items confiscated at his home, there was a box containing marijuana and rolling papers, seven erotic movies, nitrate and valium pills, a stained rug, a pair of handcuffs with key, a eighteen inch rubber dildo and nylon ropes. Knowing that his dark game was over, Gacy confessed to the police that he had killed about 33 men, all young over the last seven years. He showed the locations to 28 graves under his house and garage. He also revealed that he had dumped five others into the river. He confessed that he had his first victim in January 1972, second one in January 1974. He revealed that he would lure his victims with the promise of marijuana, drinks or employment. He would then play with them and trick them into getting handcuffed and then sexually assault them. He would stuff an underwear or socks into their mouths to muffle their screams. He killed them by pulling a rope or board across their throats while he raped them.