Globalizing an Australian Wine Company Essay

The company’s strategic vision is to become the world’s first truly global wine company. As CEO and managing director of BRL Hardy Europe, Carson’s contribution and achievements had been significant with a 10 fold increase in sales volume, in a tenure spanning just seven years. He successfully turned around Hardy’s U. K. business by implementing cost cutting initiatives and ensuring strong systems, policies, and control. Millar, CEO and managing director at BRL Hardy followed a decentralized approach to management. He believed in delegation and adequately integrated culture and management style into the merged corporation. The U. K. market contributed significantly to BRL Hardy’s revenues and represented 40% of Australian wine exports. In U. K. , the fighting brands, namely, Stamps and Nottage Hill, were positioned at price points of 2. 99 and 3. 69 pounds respectively. As low price good quality wines, they accounted for 80% of the value and volume of the Hardy brand sales. As the image of these brands began to erode, Carson decided to relaunch them by relabeling and repositioning the wines. Carson insisted that sales performance in U. K. depended on efficient labeling that should not be completely dictated by the Australian management. Although management was skeptical about local control over branding, labeling, and pricing decisions, the move significantly boosted the fighting brands’ sales. As the fighting brands gradually moved up the price points, there was an opportunity for an entry level wine that could be priced lower than 4. 9 pounds. In line with the company’s vision of becoming an international wine company, Carson decided to tap non-Australian wine sources and develop a line of branded products that could utilize the company’s strong distribution channels. This strategy would provide vital scale economies, minimize harvest risk, capture rationalizing suppliers, and avoid currency-driven price variations. Carson propose d the brand D’istinto, an Italian venture with a Sicilian based winery. He wanted to develop a recognizable brand which was easy to buy and had global potential. The wine would be positioned to the average wine consumer and would help the company leverage distribution. The Australian headquarters believed that D’istinto would eat into the fighting brands’ share as they were positioned at almost similar price points. Carson’s earlier Chilean venture, Mapocho had proven troublesome and Millar was doubtful if the European unit could support another brand. While Millar recognized U. K. s strong performance and wanted to give Carson as much freedom as possible, the reality was that the Italian venture would stretch the tight human resources of the European unit and dilute focus from the overall corporate strategy. While the Italian venture was being proposed, the Australian headquarters had launched Banrock Station, an environmentally responsible product at a similar price point. Australian management believed that the brand had global po tential and had instructed areas to launch it appropriately. Miller, away from the frontline and external demands of the local customers, has to support Carson’s entrepreneurial experimentation and dynamism. However, the proposal to launch D’istinto should not be approved. It is imperative that the business strategy fit within the broader corporate strategy of the organization. Although Carson’s proposal represented strategic interests, it ran counter the corporate strategy of maximizing global efficiency. D’istinto’s launch would certainly come with financial implications and would also stretch the operating capabilities of the European unit. On the other hand, Banrock Station had already established itself in a few markets and a strong launch in Europe would only increase scale economies. D’istinto had an innovative strategy with catchy and attractive labeling and a distinct image capturing the Mediterranean lifestyle. This positioning would definitely appeal to the mature U. K. consumer and also to the U. K. retailers, who represented the majority of sales. However, there is no certainty that this strategy would prove equally successful globally. While D’istinto would provide short term results, it is important to understand the long term viability that Banrock Station offers. Global consumers are increasingly emerging into environmentally conscious populations that expect corporations to take responsibility of natural resources and the environment. Although through D’istinto, Carson aims to build a global brand, Banrock Station appears to be better positioned in a converging global market. In order to build a true global brand, Miller must establish consistency across organizational units and ensure that the vision is shared by all.

Meals

Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels was a very good community service that taught me some good things. Meals on Wheels is a voluntary work service that deals with elderly people who are sick, from diabetes to cancer. We as voluntary workers drop food off to these sick people who are registered through the hospital. There are many different types of patients you meet. They all happen to be around the same area as well. As we stop by the meals on wheels headquarters we first sign in and then pick up cooler full of cold food and a warm lunch bag to put the hot meals in.We then drive over to SST. Jude hospital where we pick up the hot food that has the patients names labeled on them. From here we drive to each patients house or apartment complex and drop off their assigned foods, which is one cold food meal pack, one milk, and a hot meal pack. Some places are so easy as getting off and dropping it off in the ice box they have set in front of their house or apartment complex while other patie nts e have to ring the door bell and hand it to them.Some days we will talk to some of these patients. For instance, at one of the first stops an older lady would come outside as we drop the food off and explain to me as she's very sick and doesn't feel well. Then go to explain how we walk with Jesus because we are doing this for her and how we are very blessed for doing it. It goes to show me how lucky I am for being young and healthy at the age I am and not take life for granted.Another Instance loud be an elderly guy who sits outside with his dog everyday before we pull up to drop his food off. He always seems to be In a very good mood and explains to me how I should be at the beach and not here doing this service. It shows the different kinds of people that are out there and there perspective towards things. Most of the people have their kids or husbands answer the door for them to get their food. At the end of the day we have delivered the food to twelve different people and he ad back to theMeals on Wheels headquarters where we drop off the lunch bag and the cooler. That Is the typical day of the Meals on Wheels service work. Hopefully some day In the future I can do this again on my free time.

Approaches To Hr By Multinational Corporations Management Essay

Approaches To Hr By Multinational Corporations Management Essay For better understanding this is important to discuss what a multinational company is in first place. In short words multinational company can be defined as a company or an organization that serves or produce in more than one country is known as multinational company. Other names use for such kind of organizations is Multinational Corporation (MNC), Transnational Corporation (TNC) or Multinational Enterprise (MNE). Multinational organization can be engaged in manufacturing, services or the exploitation of natural resources in the operating countries. Different writers described different definition of multinational companies. According to Moore & Lewis (1999, P. 21) stated that â€Å"an enterprise that engages in foreign direct investment (FDI) and own or controls value – adding activities in more than one country is known as multinational enterprise†. As Jones (1996, p.4) says â€Å"An MNE is usually defined as firm that controls operations or income generating asset s in more than one country.† There is a long list of multinational firms like Sony, Nestle, Wal-Mart Stores, General Motors, Ford Motor, ConocoPhillips Microsoft, Nokia, Toyota Motors, Intel, Coco-Cola, Sony, IBM, Nike and Citigroup etc. Now the main question is about the multinational companies of different origin adopt different approaches of HRM practices. To discuss this section this is really important to discuss the HRM practices in first place, to define what HRM is and then its practices will be discussed throughout this essay step by step, and then practices of HRM in broader context for the MNCs or MNEs. HRM is modern word use in the businesses, which can be defined as â€Å"a model of personnel management that focuses on the individual rather than taking collective approach†. (www.dictionary.bnet.com). As Pennington & Edwards (2000, P. 4) stated that â€Å"Human Resource Management (HRM) is a new way of thinking about how people should be managed as employee s in the workplace†. It can be classified into two schools of thoughts.i.e. Hard HRM & Soft HRM. Both types of HRM are under studies of different authors in detail. Now to concentrate on the question directly a survey is going to be under studies â€Å"Country of origin effects and HRM in multinational companies† which took place in 2007 by P. Edwards et al. In which he discussed 302 UK based multinational companies, which cover both UK – owned and overseas – owned companies. This study will play an important part in the essay to get the conclusion either multinational companies of different nationalities have different HRM approaches and practices or not. 2- Challenges in multinationals According to Brett, Jeanne & Kristin, 2006, international business’s nature is going under a sea change. The globalisation, multi-nationalisation, and the geographical diversification is pushing companies towards change in their management structure and style. Multi nationals now need to consider regional market conditions and develop strategies to cater to each of the regional markets. 2.1- Culture shock Culture shock is the big challenge for multinationals, the difference brings the different thinking ways and working ways, and it needs time to adjust it. In most cases the expatriate manager prefer to emphasize and require the home office or home country values on the host country’s employees instead of accepting and learning within the new culture. (Adler, 2002)

Generally Accepted Auditing Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - Essay Example the accumulation and evaluation of evidence regarding information to help determine and report on the degree of correspondence between information and established criteria (p. 4). Auditing requires that there must be verifiable information and certain standards by which the auditor can evaluate the information. The standards can vary depending on the nature of information. For instance, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principle) is considered to be the criteria for auditing historical financial statements. Auditing requires evidence like written communication and oral testimony and auditors need to obtain sufficient quality of evidences. The final step in auditing is preparing the audit report (Arens, Elder and Beasley, 2006, p. 4). GAAS are auditing standards that suggest necessary qualifications and characteristics of auditors. The guidelines are 10 GAAP standards that have experienced minimal changes since these were first developed in 1947 (Arens, Elder and Beasley, 2006, p. 4). These GAAS standards remain the same through time and for all audits, even though auditing procedures may vary depending on the complexity of accounting systems. The 10 GAAS standards relate to the competence of auditor, his independence in both financial and managerial relations and the attitudes about professionalism (Louwers, Ramsay and Sinason, 2008. p. 39- 42). The GAAS elements also affect the standards at field that include detailed planning of the audit, risk assessment through internal control and collecting audit evidences. One of the major concerns of GAAS is regarding the standards in financial reporting and its contents. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed by George W Bush on July 2002, was intended to establish investor confidence by improving the quality of financial disclosures and audit reporting, to strengthen the independence of accounting firms and to increase the responsibilities of corporate officers (Hayes, Dassen and Schilder, 2005, p. 49). The

Strategic Marketing Plan for Java Sumatra Research Paper

Strategic Marketing Plan for Java Sumatra - Research Paper Example With the new production capacity, the company will extend its reach to include wholesalers in the United States who offer premium coffee variants and are looking to include an additional coffee roast in their product selection. This marketing plan examines the current market environment, internal SWOT analysis, competitive universe, company mission, marketing and financial objectives, target market, positioning and market research to determine the best layout for the marketing plan. In order to achieve the sales forecast from 2009 to 2011, a comprehensive advertising and communication plan has been developed, with the internet and print advertising used at the forefront of the marketing plan. Lastly, an implementation and evaluation process is proposed to manage and control the marketing plan. In the last six years, Java Sumatra has been focused on providing a differentiated product, which is premium grade Arabica beans or roasts from Sumatra, Indonesia. By keeping to this mission, the company has developed a circle of loyal customers who trust the quality of the product and who are satisfied with its customer service promise of prompt and timely product delivery. With the spread of coffee culture in the United States, most specialty roasters and wholesalers are constantly looking to include new and innovative coffee selections to their customers and Java Sumatra understands the need to work with these roasters in order to survive in this very fragmented market where quality control is lax. As a result, Java Sumatra has gained valuable insight into attributes that are important to specialty roasters when making a purchase, the first of which is a consistent supply of quality beans. In order to meet the demands of specialty roasters and wholesalers, Java Sumatra has planned to increase its production capacity to 80,000 metric tons by 2011. SWOT Analysis The following SWOT analysis captures the key strengths and weaknesses within Java Sumatra, and presents the opportunities and threats facing the company. Strengths Strong relationship with plantation owners in Sumatra. Strong relationship with specialty roasters as a reliable source of supply and consistent customer service levels. Efficient production process that keeps costs down while maintaining the quality of coffee beans. Weaknesses Dependence on a number of plantation owners restricts the supply of coffee beans and inhibits expansion plan. A limited marketing budget. Opportunities Greater awareness of this type of coffee selection provides for increase in demand for quality coffee beans. The increase in production capacity will reduce costs and allow for a competitive cost structure that rivals the bigger players in the

Project Censored Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Censored - Essay Example This follows the calls for the respect of human rights and human dignity in the democratic space that U.S dominates. Indeed, U.S being the most democratic nation in the world should ensure that there are no cases of sexual assault in the military and in the society. News of sexual assault of U.S military women is unique since it defines unethical behavior among the disciplined forces, which contravenes the code of conduct for such officers. More so, the story is unique in that there are very few reported cases of sexual assault in the U.S military. With the information presented in the story one can be able to view the democratic levels in U.S based on this context, understand the place of women in the democratic society, and derive the correct measures to avert such a scenario. Furthermore, this information will help us to understand the public health issues, sexuality in men and women, and the extreme violence in women. The story will equip us with knowledge on the dynamics of sexu al assault in the military and how more victims are finding confidence in reporting sexual assault cases. Such information will derive knowledge on what motivates victims to report any sexual assault. Notably, upon reporting, victims can lay claims for health effects that may emanate from such sexual attacks. This story will help any victim and the society to understand the remedies for sexual assault in the US military. As such, the story is important as it defines sexuality in men and women and analyzes how victims can access justice and the relevant benefits upon suffering from sexual assault in the US military. It also shows how authorities discriminate women who report sexual assault with a view of accessing justice and getting the relevant claims. As such, we can establish that not having this information can affect citizens who live in a democratic society. Indeed, citizens without this information will not know the incidence and precedence of sexual assault in the US militar y (Chemaly 1) as a public health issue. The information depicts the level of increase in the number of reported sexual assault cases in the US military. Democratic citizens without this information will also lack enough knowledge on the causes for the increased numbers of reported sexual assault cases (McVeigh 1). This will deny such citizens a chance to devise mechanisms geared towards reducing cases of sexual assault and increase incidences of reported sexual assault cases for purposes of taking the necessary measures. The democratic citizens will equally lack enough knowledge on where to report sexual assault cases in the US military. This jeopardizes the efforts aimed at reducing cases of sexual assault. Moreover, democratic citizens who lack this information will not understand the suffering of the victims and the claims of the advocates groups thus missing the gusto to fight against sexual assault against women in the US military. Furthermore, lack of this information will low er the citizen’s knowledge on the government’s initiatives geared towards encouraging victims to report assaults (Chemaly 1). Indeed, the information also depicts the efforts of the Congress, Senators, former military officers, and victims' groups in reducing cases of sexual assault in the US military (McVeigh 1). Lack of this information will also deny the democratic citizens a chance to know their human rights and benefits attached to the victims

Assign_1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assign_1 - Essay Example This development was followed by commercial motives that were aligned to take the internet to a commercial scale. Cerf played an instrumental role in making the internet popular and helped define it in its current state. TCP/IP forms a part of the internet protocol suite that is the widely used communication protocol over the internet. The complete protocol tends to provide end to end connectivity between devices communicating through the internet. The protocol also specifies how data is formatted, transmitted, received, addressed and routed between the sender and the destination. The internet protocol version four (IPv4) was the first most widely deployed internet protocol. Even now, the most widely deployed internet protocol is the IPv4. The IPv4 uses the 32 bit (4 byte) address scheme that limits the total address space to around 4.3 billion users (2^32). This limit was exceeded in February 2011 but this exhaustion had been envisioned for some time already. Development on the IPv6 protocol had been underway in the nineties. The IPv6 protocol was deployed in 2006 on a commercial basis and tends to use 128 bit addresses to produce 3.4 x 1038 addresses for users and devices. Given the expansion in i nternet services and internet dependent devices it was necessary to expand the total number of addresses to accommodate an ever-increasing user base. In the video Cerf goes ahead to say that he would like to see an incorporation of authenticity layers to augment the validity of online users. Currently it is common for internet users to use the internet without much need for authentication. Using this advantage users can surf the internet anonymously and there have been cases of abuse over the internet. Cerf also goes ahead to say that anonymous surfing may actually be necessary in order to protect the identities of people using the internet in states where censorship laws are repressive. This issue is open to debate but Cerf’s point of view is clear that he

Open v. Close source Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Open v. Close source - Essay Example The application, system or program development life-cycle is a terminology that is often used in information systems, software and systems engineering to refer to processes associated with planning, creation, testing as well as deployment of information systems. The life-cycle of the development process applies to various software and hardware configurations since a system can be made up of software only, hardware or a blend of both. The development life-cycle for computer programs uses two methods or approaches, which are different in many ways depending on their application and style of development. Developers often choose between these two approaches depending on the complexity of the programs they are developing and other uses associated with them. Under a close-source model, the source code used is not often made available to the general public. This software is taken care of by a team that develops and produces the software in an effective compiled-executable state after which the public is allowed to access and use. Koch (2005) explains that this model was pioneered with Microsoft, who used in the development of their Microsoft and Windows programs. Later, several other companies have emerged to prefer the approach in the development of their programs. One of the key features of the open source model is that it often allows for other users to make modifications to the source codes. However, it should be known that the source codes for products designed are not always open for the general public. Beydeda (2005), posits that some of the most common advantages associated with this model is that it enhances trust, teamwork, acceptance and quality. According to Beydeda, (2005), non-free licenses are often used in the process of limiting what is termed by free software movements as essential freedoms. For the closed source model, its license only gives

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

Global Warming - Essay Example The earth’s atmosphere contains trace gases whose purpose is to prevent some of the heat of the sun to escape into the atmosphere when it is reflected by the Earth. This helps maintaining a certain degree of acceptable temperature on the Earth. When these gases rise in concentration, they start absorbing sun’s heat which results in rise in temperature to an unacceptable degree. Due to the rise in temperature, much of the living organisms are affected most of which die. The concentration of gases occurs, for example, by the release of gases like CO2 in the atmosphere through natural processes and also by industries and factories that burn fossil fuels. â€Å"Around the world, the Earths average temperature has risen more than 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius) over the last century, and about twice that in parts of the Arctic† (National Geographic Society, para.2). Human beings are the most important stakeholders of global warming. They will have to understand that their communities are at stake due to abrupt rise in sea level, massive storms and hurricanes, and heat and cold waves. For example, the year 2007 brought worst floods in the history of many countries like Malaysia, UK, North Korea, and other African countries. Pakistan saw the worst flood in 2010 that took millions of lives and took the shelter of thousands of people. After human beings, the next important stakeholders are the animals and plants. Hence, global warming is becoming a serious issue, according to 3,146 climate experts (CNN World). Businesses are the only stakeholders that will not make movements against the global arming issue so much so that they will even try to stop the decrease in global warming. This is because businesses tend to run such factories and industries that emit CO2 into the atmosphere and no business would want to end his business. But not all businesses work in this manner. For example, FedEx is such

Assessment for Learning Essay Example for Free

Assessment for Learning Essay The results of the personal survey of assessment literacy showed that general considerations scored 87/90, prior to test design scored 53/55, writing the test scored 28/30, during test administration scored 15/15, and after testing reflected 25/25. Our school is a small private school with small classroom sizes. As a result, most of our students receive specialized one on one attention and strong supervision for their academic success. Teachers believe every student can and will succeed. It is not an option to do otherwise. â€Å"Teachers must believe that all students can achieve a certain level of academic success, must bring all of their students to believe this of themselves, must accommodate the fact that students learn at different rates by making use of differentiated instruction, and must guide all students toward the attainment of standards† (Stiggins, 2005, pg. 326). How we test students need to take into consideration the impact of the learner (Stiggins, 2008). Stiggins (2008) informed teachers to utilize assessments for students by looking at the classroom level of use, the program level of use, and the institutional accountability and policy level of use. Looking at the school survey of assessment literacy will take into account these three types of assessment uses and their importance in generating an accountability system for our school to develop a system that fosters learning for all students. My greatest area of strength in regard to assessment literacy can be found in during test administration (15/15) and after testing (25/25). These were perfect scores and illustrated that student’s needs were met when considering the testing environment as conducive to maximize student performance and monitoring the students as they take ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 3 the test. Directions are always clear and questions are rarely asked. Tests are accurately scored because they are reviewed twice. Assessment data is gathered for what questions students answered incorrectly and notes are made for improvement of material taught the following year. It is reviewed again after the results of the test are completed to ensure mastery before moving on to the next chapter. The main goal is always on student achievement and mastery of the material. The data adjusts instruction to improve student performance. Any students who do poorly are given the opportunity to retest for 92% of the grade for improvement and mastery. Parents are notified of any student receiving below an 86%. This is our school policy. Retests are given within a week of the original test. Tests are graded the same day and given back the next day. This enables students to observe what they got wrong and assess ways to improve for the retest or master the material. Assessments are not always tests. Projects, reports, computer uses, etc. are vital ways to assess student learning through a plethora of ways. Gardner (1999) believed that students learn through spatial, linguistic, naturalist, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily kinesthetic, logical/mathematical, musical, and existential. Educators should recognize that diversity needs an on-going presence, availability, and active participation in the classroom teaching process (Spasovski, 2010). â€Å"If society wants all students to meet standards, then all students must believe they can meet those standards; they all must be confident enough to be willing to take the risk of trying† (Stiggins, 2008, p. 8). My greatest limitation in regard to assessment literacy is working with colleagues to design common assessments. Since we are a small private school, teachers are left ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 4 with the task of compiling their own assessments. Our principal will supply the assessments created by the publisher in book form or cd rom or teachers can compile their own. None of us work with colleagues to create assessments. We have team meetings that cross teach certain areas that are being studied to enhance learning across disciplines of teaching. However, assessments are each teacher’s responsibility. The Stanford test scores analyze our teaching productivity. Data is analyzed for the incorrect answer. The results address the weakest area of student learning. Teachers are to find solutions to fix them through data and research of proven strategies that work within successful classrooms. According to Creighton (2001), collecting data without purpose is meaningless. Data driven decision making and instructional leadership support one another. By analyzing the data that exist in our schools, student achievement and quality in teaching and learning can improve to assist students to become avid learners. Part 2: Analyzing the Survey Results The survey results of the criteria for the school survey of assessment literacy scored 84/90. Assessment, curriculum, and instruction are balanced in our school. Assessments are aligned to benchmarks, standards, and scaffolding of material over time to foster students’ learning. To promote student achievement, assessments are varied and reliable. Communication is accomplished with parents about performance through emails, assessments sent home requiring signatures, progress reports, report cards, and Stanford test scores. Since our students score in the 79-99% ranking of Stanford test scores as a class average, teachers seek solutions through data to ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 5 improve class average test scores. If any student did poorly, teachers seek ways that will improve student learning. Principals and teachers can learn to maneuver through the statistical data to help create goals and strategies for change and improvement (Creighton, 2001). The school’s greatest area of strength in regard to assessment literacy was that data-based decisions about student mastery of standards are made collaboratively by administrators and teachers. By looking at our strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats, teachers can gain insightful information into how they may best serve their diverse students’ needs and administrators can find solutions to helping these students achieve an optimal learning experience at school. This creates an opportunity for teachers and administrators to work together to improve student achievement. By understanding our diverse students’ needs, teachers and administrators can see the big picture and find viable solutions to problems that arise at their school. This year we have added a resource room to help struggling students with special needs get help from an ESE teacher. Curriculums are modified to accommodate student’s needs based on any language or learning barriers. The dominant culture of the nation-state should incorporate aspects of their experiences, cultures, and languages, which will enrich the mainstream culture as well as help marginalized groups to experience civic equality and recognition (Gutmann, 2004). Teachers have professional development sessions and team meetings to assess proven methodologies and research to help students learn. â€Å"When teachers support students by treating them with respect and caring about their futures, and encourage students by helping them to succeed, students are more likely ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 6 to respect and get along with one another; when taught how to be more tolerant of others, students exhibit greater tolerance† (Gollnick Chinn, 2006). Our school climate is multicultural and is reflected in every aspect of the education at our school. This is imperative if we want our students to compete in a global economy and to ensure learning and equity for all students. The school’s greatest limitation in regard to assessment literacy is that not all teachers recognize students’ emotional connection to assessment and its results. Also, the formative assessments are not used regularly to tell members precisely where to focus their improvement efforts and how to do it in a timely manner. My students complain that some teachers take a month to grade papers. Parents complain to me that other teachers do not understand their child’s special needs. For instance, I have a student with dysgraphia, dyslexia, and ADHD. For spelling tests, I have found it beneficial to call him up after tests and have him spell the word to me verbally that he got wrong in writing and he often gets it correct. He has transformed from a failing student to an â€Å"A† student. I grade his paper immediately after he turns it in and I ask him to spell the words he got wrong to me verbally. When students are failing, teachers need to find viable solutions to increase student learning. No single assessment is capable of answering all these questions to aid a student’s learning capabilities. A productive, multi-level assessment system is needed to ensure accuracy of all instructional decisions (Stiggins, 2008). Relying heavily on Stanford test scores impedes a student’s emotional connection to assessment and its results. Instead a wide arrangement of student work should become part of a portfolio to determine the overall ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 7 success rate of a student. â€Å"If all students are to succeed, they must have continuous access to credible evidence of their own academic success at mastering prescribed achievement standards† (Stiggins, 2008, p. 8). Data shows teachers areas that need improvement in teaching, student’s weaknesses, and how to do better next time. This will enable students to build self-efficacy when teachers help students to see what success looks like through assessment analysis to improve test taking the next time (Stiggins, 2008). This is the reason our school offers a retest at 92% of the grade. This is what Stiggins refers to as replacing the intimidation of accountability as the primary motivator through tests with the promise of academic success for all learners. This type of assessment promotes hope for all students to become successful. We are reminded by Tashik (2010), that an effective performance assessment system requires the complete interplay of several components: 1. Teaching and learning must remain the constant focus of the school. 2. Teams of teachers collaborate on all aspects of instruction and assessment. 3. Staff, department, and grade meetings are regular features of the school week. 4. Scheduling includes blocks of time for teachers to mentor and supervise student progress on the performance assessment tasks. 5. Continual development of new courses and units of study to better engage students in their learning and meet their academic needs. When these key components are intertwined, effective assessments can benefit our students through diversity and it can take the shape of molding into our students’ needs. When we look at the classroom level of use, the program level of use, and the ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 8 institutional accountability and policy level of use, assessments can work together to scaffold student learning for optimal success. In a perfect assessment system, the foundation would comprise of an array of assessments that enable students to learn more through scaffolding and take ownership of his or her learning success (Stiggins, 2004). ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING 9 References Creighton, T. (2001). Data analysis and the principalship. Principal Leadership, 1(9), 52. Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st century. New York: Basic Books. Gollnick, D. and Chinn, P. (2006) Multicultural education in a pluralistic society. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Gutmann, A. (2004). Unity and diversity in democratic multicultural education: Creative and destructive tensions. In J. A. Banks (Ed. ), Diversity and citizenship education: Global perspectives (pp. 77-96). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Spasovski, Ognen. (2010). Principles of the inclusive education and the role of teachers and in-school professional staff. The Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation,111(1-2), 67-86. Tashik, P. (2010). Changing the national conversation on assessment. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(6), 55-59. Stiggins, R. (2004). Classroom assessment for student learning: Doing it right – Using it well. Portland, OR: Assessment Training Institute. Stiggins, R. (2005, Dec. ). From formative assessment to assessment FOR learning: A path to success in standards-based school. Phi Delta Kappan, 87(4), 324-328. Stiggins, R. (2008). Assessment manifesto: A call for the development of balanced assessment systems. Portland, OR: ETS Training Institute.

The Issues Of The Sexual Morality Sociology Essay

The Issues Of The Sexual Morality Sociology Essay Sexual morality refers to the beliefs and practices by which a culture, group, faith, etc. regulates their members behaviour in matter of sexual activities. Many cultures and religions have rules regarding sexual behavior which they consider moral and it is said by persons in those cultures and religions that those acting outside of those rules are immoral or wrong. These rules sometimes distinguish between sexual activities that are practiced for biological reproduction (sometimes allowed only when in formal marital status and in fertile age) and other activities practiced for the pleasure of sex only (or mainly). In this sense, a concept of sexual morality can be expressed in any of the possible directions, and groups exist that recommend restrictive behaviours as well as groups that recommend totally free self-determination, as well as a variety of intermediate positions. The respective efficacy of these rules depends on the social position of the group that develops them, on its eventual political representativity, on its relationships with the laws of the related country. Views on sexual morality have varied greatly over time and from culture to culture. Usually, they derive from religious beliefs, but some writers have pointed out that social and environmental conditions play a part in the development of a given societys views on sexual morality. In Western pluralistic societies of the 20th and 21st centuries, there often exists debate on not only whether there is a common morality, but on whether it is right to expect such a common view. In most western societies, laws allowing a wide range of sexual relationships between consenting adults are the norm, although that legal range varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The debate thus often includes a sub-argument of what is legal vs. what is moral. In previous centuries and in many non-western cultures of the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been less room for debate. This does not mean, however, that views on sexual morality have ever been homogenous. For example, in Hellenic society, homosexual behavior was often encouraged and accepted as part of the socialization and upbringing of young men, especially those in the military. These relationships were in addition to heterosexual relationships entered into for the establishment of families and the production of progeny so that property would be inherited and kept within a larger kinship group. The importance of the kin-group and the maintenance of its property was such that, under certain circumstances, Athenian law allowed an uncle to marry his niece in order to keep family property together. It could be therefore argued that the needs of the family constituted a higher morality that helped to define the sexual mores of the society as a whole. In Roman society, sexual morality concentrated more on the social status of those involved, and their taboos concentrated on high-status men committing any kind of sexual act that was thought of as passive or submissive. Providing that the sexual act was dominant in nature, and the man had a high social status Roman society made little distinction between the type of sexual partner and type of sexual act. Another example is the contrast between traditional European and traditional Asian or African views of permitted familial relationships. British law and custom, for example, frequently forbade intermarriage between those related by marriage. However, in rural regions of India, Nepal, and surrounding nations, fraternal polyandry, in which two (or more) brothers marry the same woman, is culturally accepted. Likewise, European mores generally advocate monogamy strongly. Polygamy is widely practiced by many societies throughout Asia and Africa, and polyandry is the accepted norm in a few Indian and African societies. Moreover , exual ethics (also referred to as sexual morality) refers to those aspects of ethics that deal with issues arising from all aspects of sexuality and human sexual behavior. Broadly speaking, sexual ethics relates to community and personal standards relating to the conduct of interpersonal relationships, and deals with issues of consent, sexual relations before marriage and/or while married, including issues of marital fidelity and premarital and non-marital sex, issues related to sexuality, questions about how gender and power are expressed through sexual behavior, questions about how individuals relate to society, and questions about how individual behavior impacts public health concerns. OBJECTIVES To know the reality of the world and act accordingly To have the knowledge before being affected by sexual morality To be able to care for others and know their rights To help prevent more sexual morality victims directly or indirectly EXPLANATION Sexual Morality In A Nutshell Sexual morality refers to the beliefs and practices by which a culture, group, faith, etc. regulates their members behaviour in matter of sexual activities. Many cultures and religions have a sexual morality that they would like to apply even to non adherents; sometimes force has been used in spreading concepts of morality. These rules sometimes distinguish between sexual activities that are practiced for biological reproduction (sometimes allowed only when in formal marital status and in fertile age) and other activities practiced for the pleasure of sex only (or mainly). In this sense, a concept of sexual morality can be expressed in any of the possible directions, and groups exist that recommend restrictive behaviours as well as groups that recommend totally free self-determination, as well as a variety of intermediate positions. The respective efficacy of these rules depends on the social position of the group that develops them, on its eventual political representativity, on its relationships with the laws of the related country. Views on sexual morality have varied greatly over time and from culture to culture. Usually, they derive from religious beliefs, but some writers have pointed out that social and environmental conditions play a part in the development of a given societys views on sexual morality. In Western pluralistic societies of the 20th and 21st centuries, there often exists debate on not only whether there is a common morality, but on whether it is right to expect such a common view. In most western societies, laws allowing a wide range of sexual relationships between consenting adults is the norm, although that legal range varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The debate thus often includes a sub-argument of what is legal vs. what is moral. In previous centuries and in many non-western cultures of the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been less room for debate. This does not mean, however, that views on sexual morality have ever been homogenous. For example, in Hellenic society, homosexual behavior was often encouraged and accepted as part of the socialization and upbringing of young men, especially those in the military. These relationships were in addition to heterosexual relationships entered into for the establishment of families and the production of progeny s o that property would be inherited and kept within a larger kinship group. The importance of the kin-group and the maintenance of its property was such that, under certain circumstances, Athenian law allowed an uncle to marry his niece in order to keep family property together. It could be therefore argued that the needs of the family constituted a higher morality that helped to define the sexual mores of the society as a whole. Another example is the contrast between traditional European and traditional Asian or African views of permitted familial relationships. British law and custom, for example, frequently forbade intermarriage between those related by marriage. However, in rural regions of India, Nepal, and surrounding nations, fraternal polyandry, in which two (or more) brothers marry the same woman, is culturally accepted. Likewise, European mores generally advocate monogamy strongly. However, polygamy is a much more common social pattern worldwide, with some 80 percent of world cultures considering it acceptable. Polygyny is widely practiced by many societies throughout Asia and Africa, and polyandry is the accepted norm in a few Indian and African societies. In the United States, what many conservatives call traditional morality is held to prohibit all non-marital sex, because of the moral belief that sexual relations should occur only between husband and wife. This view of morality thus disapproves of some or all of the followingpremarital, extramarital, and homosexual relationswhether consensual or not. There are people who disagree with this traditional view. Generally they believe that sex is a natural behavior which should be only minimally restricted by legislation or other imposed moralities. Even among the most liberal views of sexual morality in the US, there is generally agreement that involving non-consenting partners (or those unable to give consent legally) in sexual relationships should be restricted and punishable under the law. Social constructions of sex continued to evolve throughout the twentieth century in Western societies. The pioneering surveys conducted by Alfred C. Kinsey and his colleagues (Kinsey et al. 1953; Kinsey, Pomeroy, and Martin 1948) found widespread premarital and extramarital sexual behavior among both men and women. This challenged the popular view that women were not interested in sex, or less interested in it than men. The work of William Masters and Virginia Johnson (1966) demonstrated that the processes of sexual arousal were similar for men and women, in contrast to the earlier view that they were different. These findings led to what has been termed the eroticization of female sexuality (Seidman 1991), the view that men and women were equally erotic. However, there are some gender differences in sexual behavior. Surveys in the United States (Smith 1991), Britain ( Johnson et al. 1994), and France (Spira et al. 1992) find that men report a larger number of sexual partners than wo men, both lifetime and in the recent past. Studies also find that men are more accepting of sexual activity in casual relationships than are women (Oliver and Hyde 1993). DISCUSSIONS Gender Discrimination In Wikipedia the definition for discrimination is given as the  prejudicial  treatment of an individual based solely on their membership (whether voluntary or involuntary) in a certain group or category. Discrimination is the  actual behavior  towards members of another group. It involves excluding or restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to other groups.  The  United Nations  explains: Discriminatory behaviors take many forms, but they all involve some form of exclusion or rejection.  Discriminatory laws such as  redlining  have existed in many countries. In some countries, controversial attempts such as  racial quotas  have been used to redress negative effects of discrimination. The main discrimination we want to discuss is gender discrimination. The Wikipedia also defines it as the gender discrimination and sexism refers to beliefs and  attitudes  in relation to the  gender  of a person, such beliefs and attitudes are of a social nature and do not, normally, carry any legal consequences.  Sex discrimination, on the other hand, may have legal consequences. Though what constitutes sex discrimination varies between countries, the essence is that it is an adverse action taken by one person against another person that would not have occurred had the person been of another sex. Discrimination of that nature in certain enumerated circumstances is illegal in many countries. Currently, discrimination based on sex is defined as adverse action against another person, that would not have occurred had the person been of another sex. This is considered a form of  prejudice  and is illegal in certain enumerated circumstances in most countries. Sexual discrimination can arise in different contexts. For instance an employee may be discriminated against by being asked discriminatory questions during a job interview, or because an  employer  did not hire, promote or wrongfully terminated an employee based on his or her gender, or employers pay unequally based on gender. In an educational setting there could be claims that a student was excluded from an educational institution, program, opportunity, loan, student group, or scholarship due to his or her gender. In the housing setting there could be claims that a person was refused negotiations on seeking a house, contracting/leasing a house or getting a loan based on his or her gender. Another setting where there have been claims of gender discrimination is banking; for example if one is refused credit or is offered unequal loan terms based on ones gender. Another setting where there is usually gender discrimination is when one is refused to extend his or her credit, refused approval of credit/loan process, and if there is a burden of unequal loan terms based on ones gender. Socially, sexual differences have been used to justify different roles for men and women, in some cases giving rise to claims of primary and secondary roles. While there are alleged non-physical differences between men and women, major reviews of the academic literature on gender difference find only a tiny minority of characteristics where there are consistent psychological differences between men and women, and these relate directly to experiences grounded in biological difference.  However, there are also some psychological differences in regard to how problems are dealt with and emotional perceptions and reactions which may relate to hormones and the successful characteristics of each gender during longstanding roles in past primitive lifestyles. Unfair discrimination usually follows the  gender stereotyping  held by a society. The  United Nations  had concluded that women often experience a glass ceiling and that there are no societies in which women enjoy the same opportunities as men. The term glass ceiling is used to describe a perceived barrier to advancement in employment based on discrimination, especially sex discrim ination. In the  United States  in 1995, the Glass Ceiling Commission, a government-funded group, stated: Over half of all Masters degrees are now awarded to women, yet 95% of senior-level managers, of the top Fortune 1000 industrial and 500 service companies are men. Of them, 97% are white. In its report, it recommended  affirmative action, which is the consideration of an employees gender and race in hiring and promotion decisions, as a means to end this form of discrimination.  In 2008, women accounted for 51% of all workers in the high-paying management, professional, and related occupations. They outnumbered men in such occupations as public relations managers; financial managers; and human resource managers. The  Chinas leading headhunter, Chinahr.com, reported in 2007 that the average salary for white-collar men was 44,000 yuan ($6,441), compared with 28,700 yuan ($4,201) for women. The PwC research found that among FTSE 350 companies in the  United Kingdom  in 2002 almost 40% of senior management posts were occupied by women. When that research was repeated in 2007, the number of senior management posts held by women had fallen to 22%. Transgender  individuals, both male to female and female to male, often experience problems which often lead to dismissals, underachievement, difficulty in finding a job, social isolation, and, occasionally, violent attacks against them. Nevertheless, the problem of gender discrimination does not stop at trand ender individuals nor with women. Men are often the victim in certain areas of employment as men begin to seek work in office and childcare settings traditionally perceived as womens jobs. One such situation seems to be evident in a recent case concerning alleged YMCA discrimination and a Federal Court Case in Texas.  The case actually involves alleged discrimination against both men and blacks in childcare, even when they pass the same strict background tests and other standards of employment. It is currently being contended in federal court, as of fall 2009, and sheds light on how a workplace dominated by a majority (women in this case) sometimes will seemingly justify wh atever they wish to do, regardless of the law. This may be done as an effort at self-protection, to uphold traditional societal roles, or some other faulty, unethical or illegal prejudicial reasoning. Affirmative action  also leads to white men being discriminated against for entry level and blue collar positions. An employer cannot hire a white man with the same on paper qualifications over a woman or minority worker or the employer will face prosecution. The UNICEF claims on gender discrimination that birth histories and census to-date reveal an unusually high proportion of male births and male children under five in Asia, most notably in India and China, suggesting sex-selecting foeticide and infanticide in the worlds two most populous countries, despite initiatives to eradicate these practices in both countries. More than 115 million children of primary school age do not attend school. For every 100 boys not attending primary school, there are 115 girls in the same situation. Research shows that educated women are less likely to die in childbirth and more likely to send their children to school. A UNICEF survey of selected countries finds that on average, children with uneducated mothers are at least twice as likely to be out of primary school than children whose mothers attended primary school. More than 130 million women and girls alive today have been subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), which can have grave health consequences, including the failure to heal, increased susceptibility to HIV infection, childbirth complications, inflammatory diseases and urinary incontinence. The younger girls are when they first have sex, the more likely it is that intercourse has been imposed on them. According to a World Health Organisation study, 150 million girls and 73 million boys under the age of 18 experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forms of physical and sexual violence in 2002. Globally, 36 per cent of woman between the ages of 20-24 were married or in union before they reached 18. Premature pregnancy and childbirth is often a dangerous consequence of child marriage. An estimated 14 million girls between 15-19 years old give birth every year. If a mother is under 18, her babys chances of dying in the first year of life is 60 percent greater than that of a baby born to a mother over 19. Babies born to mothers under 18 are more likely to suffer from low birth weight, under nutrition and delayed physical and cognitive development. High rates of illiteracy among women prevent them from knowing about the risks of HIV infection and ways to protect themselves.  Elderly women may face double discrimination on the basis of both gender and age. Women tend to live longer than men, may lack control of family resources and can face discrimination from inheritance and property laws. This is what gender discrimination means where the male and female are discriminated in some ways. Pornography Pornography or porn is the portrayal of explicit sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual excitement and erotic satisfaction. Pornography may use any of a variety of media, ranging from books, magazines, postcards, photos, sculpture, drawing, painting, animatio, sound recordingn, film, video, or video game. However, when sexual acts are performed for a live audience, by definition, it is not pornography, as the term applies to the depiction of the act, rather than the act itself. Thus, portrayals such as sex shows and striptease are not classified as pornography. A pornographic model poses for pornographic photographs. A pornographic actor, also called porn star, acts in pornographic films. In cases where few actor skills are required a performer in pornographic films is also called a pornographic model. Pornography has often been subject to censorship and legal restraints on publication on grounds of obscenity. Such grounds and the very definition of what is or is not pornography have differed in different historical, cultural and national contexts. Over the past few decades, an immense industry for the production and consumption of pornography has grown, with the increasing use of home video and the Internet, as well as the emergence of social attitudes more tolerant of sexual portrayals. Amateur pornography has become widely popular and generally distributed via the Internet for free. MORAL PRESPECTIVE Benefits of Safe sex Sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies can be greatly reduced by practicing safe sex. Even thought no method of safe sex is 100% effective, it is still much better than not using any protection. The methods of protection, while not foolproof, still greatly reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or an unwanted pregnancy. So, if you choose to engage in sexually activity, its always important to use some form of protection. The following will outline some of the options available including abstinence and monogamy, both male and female condoms, and oral contraception. Abstinence is still the best and safest method of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. It is 100% effective. Although it is the only foolproof method, it is not the most popular choice. The next best option if you are unwilling to practice abstinence, is to engage in sexual activities with only one person, in a monogamous relationship. A monogamous relationship means that both you and your partner engage in sexual activity with no one but each other. While monogamy is not an effective method of birth control, it does minimize the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. As long as both you and your partner are free of diseases and remain committed to each other, you will remain free of diseases. Abstinence and monogamy are both highly effective safe sex methods. Abstinence is effective at preventing both pregnancy and diseases while monogamy helps to prevent diseases only. The condom is one of the better methods available for avoiding sexually transmitted diseases. When theyre properly used they are also 97%-98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Male condoms are easily accessible in drug stores, grocery stores, and even vending machines. They are also inexpensive. There are male and female versions of the condom available. Male condoms are more popular. The male condom is a thin sheath, usually made of latex that fits over the penis and acts as a barrier to the exchange of bodily fluids during intercourse. Even if they arent used correctly, they are still very effective in preventing pregnancy (88%-90% effective). So even though they are effective, they are still not 100% reliable. The risk still exists, however small, of getting pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The female condom is a polyurethane sheath that lines the entire vagina. The closed end is inserted into the vagina and the open end remains outside the body. Its been available only since the 1990s and is not as readily available at the male condom. If you can find it, you will also pay more for it, since it costs more than a male condom. It is however, just as effective as the male condom in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. There are oral contraceptives available as well that are very effective in preventing pregnancy. These however, do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. An oral contraceptive is a pill that is taken daily which uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. If used correctly, the pill is 97-99% effective. As with any drug, there are side effects that come along with pill usage. Most of these side effects are mild. Some side effects include weight changes, nausea, irritability and breast tenderness. Even though these arent severe, they can be avoided altogether. Today there are numerous varieties of pills on the market. Talk to your doctor and find out which is best for you. Again, while oral contraceptives are effective against preventing pregnancy, they do not work against contracting sexually transmitted diseases. If you are not sure that your partner is free of disease, you should consider using another form of safe sex method as a back up to prevent these diseases. If you want to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, it is best to take all the measure you can to practice safe sex. So while abstinence is the only 100% effective method against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, there are other options out there to explore that offer good benefits. Monogamy is effective in protection against sexually transmitted diseases, while condoms and birth control pills are effective against unwanted pregnancies. Safer Sex (Safe Sex) at a Glance can reduces our risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), using condoms makes vaginal or anal intercourse safer sex, using condoms or other barriers makes oral sex safer sex, having sex play without intercourse can be even safer sex, and safer sex can be very pleasurable and exciting. CONCLUSION As a conclusion the major change in the discourse about sex is the uncoupling of sex from marriage. As sexual gratification became accepted as an end in itself, people began to challenge the belief that intimate sexual activity should be limited to marriage. A liberal discourse emerged, which argued that sexual intimacy involving consenting people who are not married nor planning to marry is acceptable. In the 1970s, some argued that extramarital sexual intimacy is acceptable if the spouse approves (ONeill and ONeill 1972). This discourse led to expansion of available sexual lifestyles, including nonmarital relationships, cohabitation, and open marriage. Since the mid-1960s, in the United States and elsewhere in the West, a minority discourse has developed that separates sex from love. According to this view, engaging in sexual intimacy for physical pleasure, or to express affection for ones partner, is legitimate. This discourse is the basis of a best-selling sexual advice book of the 1970s, The Joy of Sex (Comfort 1972), and its sequel, The New Joy of Sex (Comfort 1991). This discourse views male and female as essentially equal in sexual potential and in the right to sexual gratification. It challenges the double standard that sexual intimacy outside marriage or a committed relationship is acceptable for men but not for women. This discourse is consistent with the view that sex need not be limited to heterosexual couples. Thus, it facilitated the movement toward acceptance of casual heterosexual and homosexual contacts and living in committed gay and lesbian relationships. The most visible change in the United States and other Western cultures since the mid-1970s is the increasing explicitness of public discourse about sexuality. Explicit sexual representations are found in newspapers, magazines, novels, and films. The individuals desire for sexual fulfillment is used to sell lipstick, colognes, beer, clothing, travel, and automobiles. Personal advertisements, singles magazines, and dating services cater to the desire to find the (nearly) perfect spouse or the perfect sexual partner. The sex industry provides lubricants, vibrators, erotic clothing, and explicit videos to people seeking sexual fulfillment. Thus, stimuli associated with arousal are almost everywhere, creating a culture in which the sexual is ever-present. This sexualization of the culture undoubtedly contributes to the occurrence of sexual activity in places and among persons formerly prohibited.

The X-Files :: essays research papers

The X-Files The X-Files is generally acclaimed as the television cult hit of the 1990’s. The pilot that aired in September of 1993 introduced FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Together the two work to uncover the truth behind unsolved cases that defy normal investigation, the cases that the government has buried or ignored, labeling them the â€Å"x-files.† The two agents are wonderful examples of modernism and post-modernism world views. First in order to understand the reasons Scully and Mulder portray the two world views, we must understand what modernism and post-modernism mean. Modernism was the era that was dominated by Freud and Marx, a belief that humans are purely material machines, a belief that we live in a purely physical world and nothing exists beyond what our senses perceive. Modernists believe that people should be rationalistic optimists and depend only on the data of their sense of reason. Scully strongly displays the modernist world view throughout the show even after the two agents have been through many fantastic adventures. In the show as a whole there are modernist aspects because both Scully and Mulder are truth seekers. The shows motto is â€Å"the truth is out there† so this produces a strong concept of truth. However the show as a whole is very post-modern because it questions the modernist world view with its themes. It is interesting the show continually suggests that â€Å"th e truth is out there† but it is hidden under many different interpretations and perspectives. Post-modernism rejects the modernist ideals of rationality, virility, artistic genius and individualism, in favor of being anti-capitalist and scornful of traditional morality. Mulder strongly displays the post-modern world view. Scully is the modernist in the show, she is constantly doubting Mulder and always making a new plot or rationalization for what is happening. Scully often makes fun of or laughs at Mulder’s insistence of the existence of the supernatural or paranormal. Scully values science and rationality and even though the events seem to be unbelievable she never gives in and believes in Mulder’s theories. The main reason Scully was assigned to the x-files project was because she was a skeptic, they trusted her to write a clear scientific analysis of the cases. In the pilot Mulder asks Scully if she believes in extraterrestrials, she replies with "Logically I would have to say no. Given the distances need to travel from the of reaches of space the energy requirements would exceed a spacecraft's capabilities —".

Personal Narrative- Contributing to Society Essay -- Personal Narrativ

Personal Narrative- Contributing to Society I am one of those people that you’d probably term â€Å"normal†. I attend a normal school, I work at a normal job, I have a normal life. You wouldn’t single me out on the street: there is nothing remarkable about me, I am one of the many. So, what has someone like me got to say that would make any difference to this world? I haven’t fought the important socio-political battles of this century; I haven’t done anything that will be recorded in the world annals. Yet, I believe that I can contribute towards a healthier society. We live in a world that has forsaken the value of small things and deems those who think like me, foolish dreamers who will be left behind in the rat race. Well, so be it. I know I have to keep working and living in thi...

The Dangers of Tattoos Essay -- Body Art

Tattoos are becoming a popular phenomenon that is seen everywhere. Today’s youth are getting permanent tattoos to be cool and trendy, but are not considering the long-term effects. Teenagers should be aware of all that body modification may include, it is not just a pretty picture. Adolescences must consider the dangers and conscientious result of attaining diseases, being underage, and having a permanent mark on their body.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The unsanitary conditions of getting a tattoo tend to go unnoticed by teenagers. The increase popularity in body art has also caused an increase in the incidences of Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is spread by contact with human blood. Since, the government regulation has not enforced hygiene requirements for tattoo parlors, disease such as Hepatitis C thrive in these environments. Another disease that can be acquired is HIV. The government does not force tattoo parlors to use new needles or to sanitize the old ones. Also, tattoos can get easily infected and leave a scar if not properly taken care of. Sometimes, people die from ink poisoning if too much ink gets into the blood stream. I haven’t even touched on how painful it is to get a tattoo and how painful it will be to obtain a disease. Young adults do not consider the dangers of a tattoo until it is too late.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another problem with getting a tattoo is being underage. Teenagers have to convince their parents that a tattoo isn’t a foolish decision and they really want ...

Company Transaction Processing System

Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS INTRODUCTION As today’s inventions became more advance, the influence of such inventions to the people brought two classes. These are the good and bad influence. The bad influence is that young generation now became addicted in online games and was became lazy in doing home works and the like. While the good influence is that offices in many departments that use computerized system their works become easier and faster since it eliminates the paper works and the workload of the employees too.Now, a most efficient, flexible and reliable system has become a must for any institution and organization. In order to achieve the improvement of the system that the department uses, the need to understand the system within the office is very important. From this period; we are living in the era where technology is more important in the progression of human life. The convenience of technology that everyone can achieve is very useful in everyday life. And even today, the very fast evolution of technology is continuing day by day.The effectiveness of technology plays an important role in many industries world wide. In business, schools or even individual can enjoy the convenience came from technology. All the things that seems to be impossible in the past now it is very easy to achieve because of the presence of technology Try to imagine a college department with a most number of employees but still use a manual transaction system? One of the problems of many schools nowadays is the manual process of transaction system.With the use of the technology, each step by step process of a manual transaction system will reduce and also lessen the time to be consumed. That’s why the proponents proposed an automated transaction system to improve the transactions that may acquire by the use of technology. The automated transaction system makes the assessment and payment faster; it also covers accurate input of employee information incl uding the evaluation of grades, subjects and scheduling. The system also covers the generating of employee identification together with the employee number in the form of barcode font style.This ID can be used in transaction by scanning his/her ID number to be automatically assessed. This barcode technology is very faster and suitable for this transaction. Short Message Service (SMS) is also a very good product of the innovation of technology. Nowadays it is very useful to the public because of its ability in long distance communication. Less effort than from past when we are using letter just to communicate with some relative miles and miles away from us. The proponents decided to use sms technology to have a better enhancement for the proposed system.The functionality of this technology is to provide a notification for the employees according to the updates of the school and also checking the grades of the employee. It would be possible with the use of the Short Message Service Te chnology that would be sending to the employees registered on the system. The proponents of this study are eager to improve the manual system of transaction and make the process faster and accurate. The proposed system is intended for Colegio De Sebastian to upgrade their existing transaction process. The proposed system aims to improve the process of maintaining and storing data to maintain its security.The system will also help the administrator speed up the processing of accurate information to minimized time wasted in the present system by proposing a â€Å"Company Transactions Processing System† This chapter covers the background of the study, statement of the problem, conceptual framework, objectives of the study and scope and delimitation. 1. 1 Background of the Study In January 20, 2011, Colegio de Sebastian was founded by a couple who are known philanthropists and educators. Its primary purpose is to offer accessible quality education in the tertiary level, the coupl e’s dream for the young people of Pampanga.It was organized as a non-sectarian, non-stock, non-profit corporation oriented towards service to the community. The initial programs in the school of Business and Accountancy are Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Financial Management and Human Resource Development Management. The initial program in the School of Arts and Sciences is Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in the school of Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The proponents proposed a system entitled â€Å"Company Transactions Processing System†.This system makes the transaction to be faster and more accurate than the manual process. It also lessens the manpower during the operation of the transaction. This study is intended to help our locale in their transaction system by providing an automated transaction that satisfies the needs of the locale. 1. 2 Sta tement of the Problem The proponents conducted an investigation to have a better solution in the problems being encountered during transaction. With the help of the information gathered through actual experience and observation, the proponents have known of various problems and lead to this study.This study is conducted to develop a better solution and provide a system that can help the locale from the problem that may encounter during transaction. 1. 3. 1 General Problem Colegio De Sebastian is using Manual transaction system that lead to inaccurate information, not reliable, less security and slow process of transaction 1. 3. 2 Specific Problems Specifically, the study sought answers to the following problems. 1. The information of the outsourced parties is not well organized. 2. The paper based transaction system is time consuming. 3. Calculations on transaction with the complexity is not accurate 4.Retrieval of needed information is not punctual. 5. It requires too many employee s to assess and manage different transaction from different departments. 1. 3 Objectives of the Study This study will not be possible without the presence of goals or objectives. These objectives will serve as guides in determining the proposed of the proponents has been achieve. 1. 3. 1 General Objective The study aims to develop a â€Å"Company Transactions Processing System† that will replace the existing system providing more advantages, security, faster and reliable transaction. 1. 3. 2 Specific ObjectivesThe specific objectives of the proposed system entitled â€Å"Company Transactions Processing System† are: 1. To provide an efficient system that can maintain and manage the information of outsourced parties. 2. To provide a system that can lessen the time consumed in different transactions. 3. To provide an accurate system that accurately computes transactions with vital calculations. 4. To provide a system that can sends the information needed faster and more o rganized. 5. To reduce the employee in maintaining the records of transactions and the said third parties involved. 1. Assumptions The assumption of the study will determine that you expect to happen in your study. It is a partial conclusion that the proponents stated throughout the development of the study. The proponents’ assumptions are as follows: The following are the assumption of the proponents 1. The system will maintain and manage the information from the employees 2. The system will lessen the time of being consume in transaction 3. The system will accurately compute complex transactions.. 4. The system will send information needed by other departments in their transactions. 5.The system will reduce the employee in maintaining and operating the transaction process. 1. 5 Conceptual Framework of the Study The proponents were able to get and give process and flow of the proposed study and how it reacts with the user. It shows the input variables the processed involved in generating the expected output of the system. The paradigm of the existing system and the proposed system is presented below. Figure 1. 1 shows the paradigm of the manual transaction method of the school. The Output is the Existing Transaction System which Colegio De Sebastian is currently using. Output Manual Transactions System ProcessManual: Gathering of data Record keeping Computation of payments Input Outsourced parties information Employee information Transactions information Evaluation Output Manual Transactions System Process Manual: Gathering of data Record keeping Computation of payments Input Outsourced parties information Employee information Transactions information Evaluation Figure 1. 1 Paradigm of the Existing System Figure 1. 2 composed of three boxes for the input, process and the output. All the information is saved on the database to keep and manipulates properly the information. Output refers to the Company Transactions Processing System OutputCompany Transac tions System for Colegio de Sebastian Output Company Transactions System for Colegio de Sebastian Process Data interpretation Integration of data into the system Computerized assessment of information Computerized computation of payments Generate reports Process Data interpretation Integration of data into the system Computerized assessment of information Computerized computation of payments Generate reports Input Outsourced parties Information Registration Forms Employee’s transactions information Company other transactions information Input Outsourced parties Information Registration Forms Employee’s transactions informationCompany other transactions information Evaluation Evaluation Figure 1. 2 Paradigm of the Proposed System 1. 6 Significance of the Study The proposed system will be useful in our locale â€Å"Colegio de Sebastian† which helps eradicate the usage of the existing manual methods. The proponents believed that it will provide speed, efficiency, e ffectiveness in their transaction process. It will provide speed in Assessment of the employees, security and user-friendliness in mind. 1. 6. 1 Economic Significance Every school or company has the initiative to maximize their efficiency to save time, money, and increase growth.The proposed system lessens the man power because the system itself can automatically assess the subject of the employees. There is no need to hire personnel who will manually assess the subject of the employees. 1. 6. 2 Educational Significance This study will be significant to Proponents to improve their skills and it will help them practice and be able to share their study to future proponents. The system also offer an improvement of the school transaction, in that case even the professor, employee and the employees can acquire deeper knowledge to cope up in changing the old way of their transaction rocess. 1. 6. 3 Social Significance The system’s easy to use interface, speed, accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness can help the user gain confidence, lessen effort and for a faster transaction process that will help them perform well in work. Having an organized and automated system in any school is one factor to have a smooth operation. Having this system, the school can strongly monitor the transaction of every employee which turns provides a peace of mind. 1. 6. 4 Technological Significance Computerization in the business or even in school today has become the current trend today.Many industries rely on the power that computers have to offer. And with the study, many schools will have to initiative to revolutionize their systems for their own advantage. We all know that technology is frequently changing and reshaping our life. The use of barcode, kiosk and Shot Message Service are integrated in this study to deliver different enhancement that will be beneficial to the employees, teachers and employee. 1. 7 Scope and Delimitations The scope and delimitations of the proposed s ystem entitled â€Å"Company Transactions Processing System† are emphasized in this section.The proposed system has an ability to manage and manipulate the information of the employee. This system uses database in keeping the record and have an assurance that the information is secured from the directory. The proposed system can automatically assess the subject of the employees by scanning their employee identification and through the use of kiosk the employees can choose those subjects they want to enroll. This scope makes the transaction system more convenient to the employee and to the employees because it is just a self service in the part of the employee.The system has a different level of access. The system administrator is the one who manage and maintain the overall operation; he can access both the server and client side. While the Registrar, Accounting, Professor and the Employee has limited access in the system. The registrar can only access the registering matters like inputting of employee profile and maintaining the assessment of the subject. The accounting can only access with regards in the collecting of fees, he can access the payment of the fee from the employees.The professor access in the system is the posting of grades of the employees and lastly the employees can only access the kiosk part of the system which provides an auto assessment of their subjects with the use of barcode that is embedded in their id. Each system that had been developed has its own limitations and weaknesses that the user must know. The following is the limitation of the proposed system. In the part of the employee, any lost or misplacement of Employees Identification are subjects for replacement. The employees are the responsible to avail the new Employee Identification.The system cannot send any messages to the employees who has no cell phone and to the employees who are not register on the system itself. It is not responsible for the delay of messages and n etwork weak signals. Such incident will be part of the network provider. The system is dependent on the electricity. If power failure occurs, all the system operation will terminate. Even the sending of SMS will temporarily unavailable. The system ID generator has a limited caption and image you can enter to the ID, five captions with two images in the front and also five caption and two images in the back.The Design of the ID is depended on how the users design the ID. 1. 8Operational Definition of Terms There are different terms that the proponents used; the following are the definition of the operational terms that the proponents used. Data – are distinct pieces of information usually formatted in special way. Data can exist in variety of forms – as numbers, or text on piece of paper, as bit or bytes stored in electronic memory Database – is an integrated collection of logically-related records or files consolidated into a common pool that provides data for o ne or more multiple uses.One way of classifying databases involves the type of content, for example: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and image. Local Area Network (LAN)–A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building Module – is a self-contained component of a system, which has a well-defined interface to other components Software – The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.Structure Query Language (SQL)–A standardized query language for maintaining and accessing database information, it support distributed databases and allows user on a network to access same data simultaneously. User interface – In the industrial design field of human-machine interaction, the user interface is (a place) where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interact ion between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation.

Bring God to the Negro, Bring the Negro to God.

This book is 80 pages written by Keith R. Claridy, it focuses on the works of Archbishop Thomas Toolen in the racist stricken Alabama. The Archbishop being at the centre of growth of the Catholic Church in Alabama, particularly along the gulf coast in the twentieth century was instrumental in bringing the gospel to the African-Americans (Claridy 1). At the time when the Archbishop is in office, civil rights movement activities start being witnessed in the state beginning with Rosa Parks, the church is therefore left with no option but to intervene.At this point in time, the Catholic Church in Alabama is seen as the church of the minority and has a sole mission, to expand and reach out hence it functions as a missionary centre. There’s also the formation of the black panthers movement to advocate for rights of the African Americans. The archbishop is in fact in a very difficult position since the white as well as black Catholics are not relating well with white Catholics denyin g entry of black Catholics during masses in white parishes (Claridy 5). The author entirely focuses on the works of the Archbishop in trying to resolve this seemingly sarcastic conflict.The author chooses the title which stands out, it is satirical in that the church is at the epicenter of it, its teachings are supposed to shape the African Americans in following the principles of God including not using violence in their quest for equality. At the same time the Catholic Church in Alabama is divided, with parishes being for blacks and whites and there is no mixing of the races (Claridy 16). The author thus sees the work of Archbishop Thomas as bring God to the African Americans in order to create individuals who are God fearing and abide to his principles so that they would not act in ungodly manner (Claridy 48).The subject matter is timely owing to the fact that racism is still alive in many parts of the United States and the entire world. It is worth revisiting the issue with the calling to re-awaken the modern day Church to tackle racism in the manner in which people like Archbishop Thomas did. The book is rich in content in that author imposes the subject matter in the current context, calling for modern time heroes who can come out strong against vices, not necessarily racism but any other ills affecting the society and advocate for peaceful approach to the subject matter at hand (Claridy 72).The author chooses no better time than this when the United States is experiencing a presidency that is African American and was marred by racism in the campaign trail, the author therefore draws the audience back in time to see what the Americans and especially in this context the residents of Alabama have achieved against all odds in the fight against the ills affecting the society. There is no better State than Alabama where the author sets up his story being the mother of civil rights movements in the United States. In a nutshell the author is on point and the su bject matter is very relevant.In a simple, clear but firm way, the author has so well connected the main themes in this book. The reader is kept glued to the pages with his or her curiosity being aroused with every following line. The author has thoughtfully used the right language and given the story life in a manner that is mind puzzling. The reader feels like the story is in context with what is happening current, thus the book is worth reading for a meaningful gain. The non-confrontational means by which the Archbishop chooses to use in his work of religious guidance to appeal to the African Americans, they see him as accommodative as well paternalistic (Claridy 33).Serious lessons are therefore learnt from this approach, the Archbishop is even compared to Booker T. Washington in his approach by the Encyclopedia of Alabama. This book is worth spending money on, it leaves you enriched, challenged and with a desire to change the society by making it better just like Archbishop Tho mas Toolen. Works Cited Claridy, Keith. Bring God to the Negro, Bring the Negro to God: Archbishop Thomas Joseph Toolen & Race in

Logical Framework Analysis – Definition and Example

Logical Framework Analysis (LFA) LFA is an analytical, presentational and management tool which can help planners to: * analyse the existing situation during project preparation; * establish a logical hierarchy of means by which objectives will be reached; * identify the potential risks to achieving the objectives, and to sustainable outcomes; * establish how outputs and outcomes might best be monitored and evaluated; * present a summary of the project in a standard format; and * monitor and review projects during implementation.A distinction is usefully made between what is known as the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) and the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM). The approach involves problem analysis, stakeholder analysis, developing a hierarchy of objectives and selecting a preferred implementation strategy. The product of this analytical approach is the matrix, which summarises what the project intends to do and how, what the key assumptions are, and how outputs and outcomes will be m onitored and evaluated. The Logical Framework Approach consists of 2 phases – the Analysis Phase and the Planning Phase.The Analysis Phase consists of 4 steps – Stakeholder Analysis, Problem Analysis, Analysis of Objectives and Strategy Analysis whilst the Planning Phase consists of the LFM and Activity and Resource Scheduling. | Intervention logic| Indicators| Sources of verifications| Important assumptions| GOAL| Target groups’ health shall improve| 20% fewer cases of diarrhea, eye infections,malaria, blood parasites| Reports from health clinics inthe project area| | OBJECTIVE| Consumption of clean water shall increase from x to y and the use of latrines from a to b| | Project half –yearly reports| 1.Water sources remainunpolluted2. Primary health care andeducation are still provided| RESULTS | 1. 50% of the target group supplied with sufficient quantities of clean water2. 50% of existing water points in the target area repaired3. Hygienic habits of the target group improved| 1. water quality tested2. 50% of existing water points in working order3. All water points included in the maintenance programme4. Target groups’ habits more hygienic| 1. Project personnel who visit allconstruction sites when theinstallations are complete2.Reports from the District3. Half-yearly reports from theMin of Health 4. Examinations of the target group which is given training in health matters| 1. Maintenance system willcontinue to function2. Action to be taken: budget for current costs to be established at the healthauthority3. Target group is willing toadopt new habits in respectof water and sanitation| ACTIVITIES| 1. 1 Train xx personnel1. 2 Designate xx places for water points1. 3 Procure materials1. 4 Drill and construct xx wells2. 1 Train xx â€Å"water groups†2. Acquire materials2. 3 Repair xx old waterpoints3. 1 Survey present habits of hygiene3. 2 Train in hygiene| Project and costsForeign financingCapital goods ______ Operating costs ______Infrastructure ______Technical assistance (4)Total cost District 1 $_____Total cost District 2 $_____Total foreign cost ______Local financingPersonnel (unit at local health authority) ____Infrastructure _____Maintenance ______Operating costs Total cost District 1 $_____Total cost District 2 $_____Total local cost ____| 1.Necessary capital goods,materials and personnel areavailable2. Action to be taken: study tobe made3. Action to be taken: targetgroup participates in planning, implementationand follow-up4. Implementing organizationfulfils its obligations5. Action to be taken: healthauthorities sign anagreement| INPUT| | CONDITIONS| 1. Adequate supply of ground water of good quality2. Government continues to support the project|

Contingencies to Airasia’s Marketing Strategy Essay

Suggest three contingencies AirAsia should consider and rationalize your choice. What are the main modifications to the current marketing strategy should AirAsia undertake to respond to these contingencies. There are number of threats that AirAsia faces thus it should have well-prepared contingency plans in case certain situations occur. The following part focuses on analyzing three main contingencies that AirAsia should take into consideration as well as the modifications to the current marketing strategy that it would have to make to respond in case certain events occur. What if price war happens†¦Ã‚  To compete with the rivals, each airline introduced its own strategy. Famous full service carriers like Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have set up low cost subsidiaries. Malaysia Airlines launched competitive promotion scheme while independent low-cost airlines like Valuair focused on improving customer services through offering additional benefits to customers. Obviously, the harsh competitiveness in the region strengthens the probability that price war might happen. Price war happens when almost all airline companies simultaneously start to reduce their prices and the region’s aviation industry as a whole fails to deliver profit. Price war might have a serious impact on AirAsia if it, together with other airlines in the region, starts to reduce its prices to compete. Customers now will have various choices and would be able to switch to the airlines that offer them the best price as well as best service. If price war does happen, AirAsia should make the following modification to its current strategy: Increase customer satisfaction by improving on-flight service quality as discussed in depth in the third paragraph of question one. What if customers decide to switch to other airlines†¦ Air Asia now has to face up with increasing competition not only from low cost subsidiaries of full service carries but also from the emergence of independent low cost airlines. With the increasing emergence of new airlines which provide customers with not only low fares but also â€Å"a level of service far beyond that expected†, the probability that customers switch to other airlines is very high. Recently, AirAsia has been receiving many complaints from passengers who are unsatisfied with the service quality. Focusing intensively on keeping costs low, AirAsia neglected the satisfaction and convenience of its customers. Thus, the company should consider the possibility that customers might switch to other airlines. In this case the following modifications to the strategy should be made: AirAsia should offer incentives for the customers to stay with the company by introducing frequent flyer bonus miles. To motivate customers’, AirAsia can also offer membership cards which would provide them not only with additional miles but also with regular customers’ discount on specific flights to specific destinations or at special period of time. What if AirAsia is unsuccessful in entering new markets such as China and India†¦ AirAsia is now looking for expanding routes to other countries in the region and China and India are a huge potential. However, these markets have completely different economies and therefore there is a probability that the market will not support a new airline. Also, for example, when going to China – a huge market, AirAsia needs to be ready to face tough competition. Besides good reputation in the market, well-established airlines in China such as China Airline, Cathay Pacific, etc. are offering very high quality service to customer. In addition to that in the meantime, AirAsia has to compete with many tough competitors in its local market. Thus, there is possibility that AirAsia might not take the lead when entering new markets and might not be able to reach its targets in new markets. Therefore, AirAsia should take into account the possibility of low demand and be ready to make modifications to its strategy in order to respond: The Olympic Games 2008 would be a great opportunity for AirAsia to strengthen its image in customers’ mind. To take this advantage, AirAsia should organize some activities to promote the company. Other big companies will certainly promote itself through taking part in such activities as Olympic Sponsorship, On-Air advertisement, etc. AirAsia should choose a different tactic. Instead, it can create association between AirAsia and the Olympic through programs spread via mass media such as: design logo for AirAsia used during the Olympic time or organize a lottery program the prizes of which would be Olympic tickets or flying tickets inside China. AirAsia can also use other promotion programs like offering round trip tickets flying to cities where the Games would take place at the price of 1 reminbi (Chinese currency) for the first 10 customers buying tickets at a random period of time during 6 months before the Olympics. This should help build up the demand for AirAisa’ services among the customers and enhance its position in customers’ mind. To conclude, it is important for AirAsia to be aware of all contingencies that may happen during its operations and to be ready to apply modifications to the strategy to protect itself from any possible issues that might occur. These contingencies may not come to reality but it is essential to have contingency plans and to be able to make necessary modifications to the strategy in case of the price war, or lost of the customers, or difficulties entering the new markets in order to adapt to these changes and continue to operate successfully.