Monday, September 30, 2019

Globalization trends

Each of these stakeholders gains when a company improves the value Hahn. The common key processes that should be used to improve the value and supply chain revolve around the customer, stakeholder, and supplier. Strategic planning to change management to customer service all serve a purpose. That purpose is to enable companies and partners to do business in such a different way that creates competitive advantage. When performance is elevated to a level in which success is imminent the company not only sees increase in profits but also sees new levels in customer service, inventory, production, and synchronization of key operations.Country Risk Analysis – Struck Entering Japan Any number of risks can affect an organization's global operations and the way to overcome these risks is by implementing advantageous strategic goals and strategies. In any new business venture a firm must take risks to achieve objectives set. When expanding into a new country a higher degree of risk mus t be taken. However, a higher degree of risk does not mean the company will be venerable to losses because of changes in the economies or political situations in countries in which they are investing.Understanding the types of risk involved and properly planning for these risks will allow the company to mitigate most problems and revert losses. As described by A. M. Best's assessment (2009) of the three categories of risk, Japan has been rated low in economic, political, and financial systems. Economic Environment Japan is the second largest economy in the world behind the United States. Yet, revised figures for the final quarter of 2009 grew by less than what was estimated, 1. 1 percent. â€Å"Japan continues to face the problem of deflation† (BBC News, 2010, Para. 6).Because deflation is bad for the economy, the tendency is for consumers and businesses to delay in making major purchases. With the value of currency rising all he higher value of currency to purchase more. Ban k of Japan board members during their February meeting had mixed views on the economy. Some members believe that upside and downside risks were becoming balanced, whereas others felt â€Å"considerable downside risks to the economy' (Toasts, 2010, Para. 2). Believing that brand recognition alone could aid in the success of expansion into Japan was not a good move for Struck.Because the Japanese have a taste for everything western Struck was sure about the marketability of the Japanese. Unfortunately, Struck suffered because of â€Å"bad predictions† (Gators, 2009, Para. 0) and not enough information gathered on Japan's economy. Political Environment Presently, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Ass is struggling to implement strategies to bolster Japan's economy. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDAP) has not passed a supplemental budget needed to fund the first economic stimulus package discussed back in October 2008 (Hashish, 2009).The political paralysis of Japan takes part in the global financial crisis causing the eroding of consumer product purchases. Once a business is up and running the worry becomes entering and enforcing contracts with errs and sellers. Even with guidelines set in formulating and enforcing contracts variations are still placed on certain ways a country views the legal system. Japan is a civil law system country encouraging shorter and less specific contracts because the general civic code deals with many pertinent issues (Daniels, Redheaded ; Sullivan, 2007).The wealth of the country decides on what business regulation procedures are required when opening a business. With free trade becoming more popular in countries that at one time placed strict regulations on foreign businesses he increase in capital has effected multinational and international companies to expand outside their home countries. The relaxed restrictions result in opportunities for people to experience global products and brands. Components of a Global Business Plan A business plan tells a story about a company's strategies and goals.Along with this information, a business plan also requires specific components. The first section must start with an executive summary. The executive summary is a brief synopsis of the business plan that includes a description of the nature of the business, a reason rodents or services is needed, description of the organization and management team, and a brief explanation on the sales and marketing approach. The next section is more detailed information taken from the executive summary including the business, market analysis, financing, and management sections.Conclusion Stakeholders can be anyone directly and indirectly associated with the company, such as customers, suppliers, employees, and shareholders. Each can benefit as well as lose. The key is making sure all activities are streamlined and work in a synchronized manner. When this happens stakeholders benefit by lower costs, new reduce design and development, and trustworthiness of the company. Economic exposure is defined as, â€Å"the extent to which a firm's market value is sensitive to unexpected changes in foreign currency' (Perry, 2009, Three Types of Foreign Exchange Exposure for Mans, Para. ). Before expanding into another country, researching the economic structure of the country is important. Economic risk comes from the inability of a country to meet financial obligations. Sustaining, and self-governing society (Daniels, Redheaded, & Sullivan, 2007, Para. 1). Creating a majority of people in society that accepts present political views an result in positive benefits including the attraction of foreign investment and international trade. When turmoil among the people and the roles of government exists, friction occur creating unpleasant unrest.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

General Management Theories

General Management Theories: There are four general management theories. 1. Frederick Taylor – Theory of Scientific Management. 2. Henri Fayol – Administrative Management Theory. 3. Max Weber – Bureaucratic Theory of Management. 4. Elton Mayo – Behavioral Theory of Management (Hawthorne Effect). 1. Frederick Taylor’s Theory of Scientific Management. Taylor’s theory of scientific management aimed at, improving economic efficiency, especially labor productivity. Taylor had a simple view about, what motivated people at work, – money.He felt that, workers should get a, fair day's pay for a fair day's work, and that pay, should be linked to the amount produced. Therefore he introduced the, DIFFERENTIAL PIECE RATE SYSTEM, of paying wages to the workers. Taylor's Differential Piece Rate Plan. If Efficiency is greater than the defined Standard then workers should be paid 120 % of Normal Piece Rate. If Efficiency is less than standard then work ers should be paid 80% of Normal Piece Rate. Principles of Scientific Management. Four Principles of Scientific Management are: 1. Time and motion study: – Study the way jobs are performed and find new ways to do them. 2.Teach, train and develop the workman with improved methods of doing work. Codify the new methods into rules. 3. Interest of employer ; employees should be fully harmonized so as to secure mutually understanding relations between them. 4. Establish fair levels of performance and pay a premium for higher performance. 2. Henri Fayol’s Administrative Management Theory: Henri Fayol known as the Father Of Management laid down the 14 principles of Management. – 1. Division of Work. 2. Equity. 3. Discipline. 4. Initiative. 5. Authority and Responsibility. 6. Esprit De Corps. 7. Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest. . Stability of Tenure. 9. Remuneration. 10. Unity of Direction. 11. Centralization. 12. Scalar Chain. 14. Unity of Comma nd. 3. Max Weber’s Bureaucratic Theory Of Management Weber made a distinction between authority and power. Weber believed that power educes obedience through force or the threat of force which induces individuals to adhere to regulations. According to Max Weber, there are three types of power in an organization:- 1. Traditional Power 2. Charismatic Power 3. Bureaucratic Power or Legal Power. Features of Bureaucracy: 1. Division of Labor. 2. Formal Hierarchical Structure. 3.Selection based on Technical Expertise. 4. Management by Rules. 5. Written Documents. 6. Only Legal Power is Important. 7. Formal and Impersonal relations. 4. Elton Mayo’s Behavioral Theory of Management: Elton Mayo's experiments showed an increase in worker productivity was produced by the psychological stimulus of being singled out, involved, and made to feel important. Hawthorne Effect, can be summarized as â€Å"Employees will respond positively to any novel change in work environment like bette r illumination, clean work stations, relocating workstations etc. Employees are more productive because they know they are being studied.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Moot Skeleton Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Moot Skeleton Argument - Essay Example The respondent argued that there were significant investment risks due to the financial crisis of 2007 thus limiting investment opportunities. In the second trust was an investment portfolio held in trust by the Barclays Bank for Betty Twix and her mother, Christie. The initial fund was $20,000 that the trustee invested in potato markets. The current value of the investment is $22,000. Betty contested the return on investment arguing that the trustee could have invested in wine markets. According to Betty, the trustee took into account non-financial considerations in choosing not to make such a decision. In such an argument, Betty knew that her grandparents were opposed to alcohol consumption. This was especially important because the bank manager was aware that her grandfather was a man of abstinence. With these arguments, Betty held that the breach resulted to a loss of $1,000. The trustee (respondent) argued that the wine market looked as profitable as the potato market at the tim e of taking that investment decision. The trustee learnt later that the wine markets were performing better than the potatoes market. More importantly, the trustee pointed out a clause that stated that â€Å"the trustee shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever that may occur with respect to the portfolio investment hereby settled unless such a loss or damage shall be cause by trustees own fraud†. In response, Betty Twix argued that the clause was invalid since it was widely drafted and thus could not exclude liability for breach of duties of care or the duty to not to take into account non-financial considerations. In the first instance ruling, Judge McIntyre ruled that the Barclays Bank breached its fist duty of no to have regard to non-financial considerations. Barclays was ordered to pay $1,000 to compensate the loss to the second trust. Skeleton Argument on Behalf of the Defendant (Betty Twix) For trustees to act within the law, they should act within their c lient’s power to invest and select appropriate investments. Before making investment decisions, trustees usually take into account various risk implications. The trustee has the following duties:1 Duty to administer Trust by its terms Duty of skill and care Duty to give notices Duty to account Duty to communicate and furnish information Duty not to neglect Duty of loyalty Duty to avoid conflict of interest Duty of confidentiality The general operating principle in most cases requires the following: i. If governing instrument indicates the need for an action, the trustee may take it f it is fair to the beneficiary, or ii. If an action is lawful, the trustee may take it if the instrument fails to offer sufficient specificity With these facts, it s clear that the Barclays Bank was duty bound to diversify the trust investments on behalf of the beneficiaries. However, the trustee is not a guarantor of the principle and income of the trust but must act in accordance with fiduciary responsibilities. The Barclays Bank did not demonstrate sufficient faithfulness in the performance of its duties, particularly in selecting the potato market over the wine market. The trustee bears personal liability because it took into consideration nonfinancial factors in making such an investment decision.2 Furthermore, the bank acted in mistrust and failed to take into consideration

Friday, September 27, 2019

Understanding Culture Shock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Understanding Culture Shock - Essay Example In the movie, Ashoke Ganguli (Irfan Khan) brings his new bride Ashima (Tabu) to New York (location change from a book!) from Calcutta. She shrinks his sweaters in the wash, eats her breakfast cereal with peanuts and chili powder, and generally does the best she can to adapt to this cold new country. Their first son is nicknamed Gogol after Ashoke’s favorite author, a placeholder name as they wait for a â€Å"good name† to come from Ashima’s mother in India. This pet name, however, takes hold, at least until Gogol Ganguli (Kal Pen) decides in high school to change his name back to his good name - Nikhil. He grows up, becomes an architect, rebels against his parents by dating a wealthy white girl (Jacinda Barret), then falls for a Bengali girl (Zuleikha Robinson) and attempts to reconcile his two names, two identities Some of the symptoms of culture shock as seen in the movie are excessive concern over cleanliness and the feeling that what is new and strange is "dirty." This could be in relation to drinking water, food, dishes, and bedding; fear of physical contact with attendants or servants; a feeling of helplessness and a desire for dependence on long-term residents of one's own nationality; irritation over delays and other minor frustrations out of proportion to their causes; delay and outright refusal to learn the language of the host country. Individuals differ greatly in the degree to which culture shock affects them.  

Thursday, September 26, 2019

An effective planning process is essential to optimizing the Essay

An effective planning process is essential to optimizing the organizations HR - Essay Example et al. 1999). Therefore, management's first and most fundamental problem is selecting the right individuals with the prospective for development. evenly important is the placement of those individuals in positions in the organizational structure where their talents are most desired. Manpower development instigates with human resources planning also known as manpower planning, which establishes a firm's specific personnel rations. These are attained by a qualitative fortitude of the individual job specifications and of the specific characteristics requisite of a person for the successful performance of each job. Once these job requirements are recognized, it is essential to forecast the number of persons desired for each job. This stage of employment is quantitative, as it entails estimates that are relatively easy to calculate from sales forecasts, labor turnover records, and other sources of data. Human resource planning involves: manpower planning and forecasting; studying the labor market; manpower recruiting; determining supply sources; selecting personnel with appropriate skills and qualifications; placing them on the job; and developing them into more productive employees (McDuff, N. 1995). Human resources planning imply a broad spectrum of activities touching many parts of an organisation. The focus of human resources planning is on decision support and policy making. It is concerned with aggregate flows of people into, within, and out of the organisation and with co-ordination of persons and jobs on an individual level. (Niehaus, 1979). Human resource planning is of great importance as it determines manpower requirements and the means for meeting those requirements in order to carry out the integrated plans of the organization (Fombrun, C.J, Tichy, N M, Devanna, M.A, 1984). It includes determining the required types of skills and capabilities and the needed numbers of people, as well as the location and timing of the manpower needs. Optimization in manpower planning is emergent where human resources are treated as capital assets in much the same way that plant and equipment are currently treated. In essence, this system attempts through an accounting model to measure the cost of the resources, what it would cost to reinstate the resources, and what their value would be based upon their potential earning ability. This system emphasizes that man is a unique entity needing individualized consideration. Thus, managers are becoming more concerned with accounting for the human resources, both in terms

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Essay One Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

One - Essay Example Terrorism has become a menace and it hampers development and growth of a country. It is very important take appropriate measures. 250000 people were approximately killed in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; this still remains the most dreadful massacre of the civilians ever to take place in the history. A lot of things changed after the Second World War, the US became a force to reckon with. The US also tested atomic bomb under water and this was first done in the year 1946. The Bikini Islands in the Pacific was the place where these tests of atomic bomb were conducted. "The United States Representative to the UN Atomic Energy Commission unveiled a plan under which the US would surrender its monopoly of atomic weapons to an international body. The Soviets refused the proposal, and proceeded to develop their own weapons." (Baruch Plan for Atomic Control, 22 April 2009) In Germany nine of the most influential people were hung after their trials, these nine people committed malicious crimes such as killing about nine million Jews. The Germans just wanted to ensure that this should not be repeated and hence did justice to these nine people. In the year 1947 the Asian countries also made significant progress, India and Pakistan got independence and formed their own governments, this independence was achieved after a long struggle with the foreign forces. These were some of the most significant events that took place after 1945. US War on Terror The US war on terror was launched after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the US bombarded several countries to eliminate the terrorists, countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and a few others were invaded by the US. The sole purpose was to eliminate the menace of terrorism. During this invasion the US crossed all limits, several unethical activities were also carried out by the US soldiers, and they redefined the word torture. Several Iraqi citizens had their body parts removed by the US soldiers; many dogs were also used in this operation to torture the citizens. The eye balls of several people were removed and many barbaric activities took place. The US claimed that Iraq was in possession of biological weapons capable of mass destruction but no such weapons were found once the operation by the US in Iraq was completed. Saddam Hussein was also brought to justice during this invasion; he was hanged till death by the US. There are several ethical factors involved in "W ar on Terror". On the other hand the war on terror has decreased the terrorists' activities to a significant extent. The US eliminated many terrorists by air strikes in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. The same has reduced the activities of the terrorists and the same has dampened the zest of the terrorists which was very essential. Dampening the zest of the terrorists was very important because had this not happened, the terrorists would have executed several major strikes across the world. The war on terror is a very debatable issue, ethically it may be argues that it is a very bad thing but realistically it is a very good thing and there was a very high need for such a war on terror. The Impact of Terrorism Terrorism has affected our lives and there are no two ways about it, the impact it has left on the people who have lost their near

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Course financial planning and control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Course financial planning and control - Essay Example As per Robert Bootle, Economic advisor, Mondaq, 'coming years will present plenty of opportunities for London's financial hub and it will be positioned as number one in the world. The ongoing globalization process will open new international markets. London has a strong track record for developing and trading new products. It is positioned European centre for new financial services. But there is an emerging threat from new Asian Global Financial centres. However once China and India, the two major new players, gets richer, they will turn to UK, thus helping the growth of the UK's financial services sector. In UK consumer spending regained momentum and along with other sectors gives sign of recovery of UK economy over past few years. At the start of 1990s the financial services sector accounted for 5% of the GDP, whereas now it stands at 9%. It's total assets at the year ending of 2005 stands to 5,988,300, compared to it's competitors GE Capital UK Funding (8,058,303), Provident Financial PLC (1,979,300) CW Lending Ltd. (2,616,735) and Cattles PLC (1,925,918). It has 115,920,724 nos. of shares at a market cap 738,415,012. It's net tangible assets stands at 5,917,600 compared to GE Capital UK Fundings 4,702,618, CW Lending Ltd.'s ,2,498,929, Provident Financial PLC's 1,348,600 and Cattles PLC's 1,469,941. ... igher than most of the other competitors like Provident Financial PLC (5%), Cattles PLC (3%)employed @7%, which is slightly lower to GE capital UK Funding (8%) and CW lending Ltd (9%), but higher than most of the other competitors like Provident Financial PLC (5%), Cattles PLC (3%) The company is in the business of: 1. Car Finance 2. Home improvement finance 3. Mortgages 4. Personal Finance and 5. Retail Finance. As per the statement of Jonathan P. L. Perry, Chairman, published in company's Annual Report; the group has performed strongly in the year 2005, produced growth in profit and loan assets. The Groups strategy of multi-brand products yielded good result. Paragon Mortgage Trust brand is well developed. The housing loan market is strong and expanding. The company has reduced its portfolio risks by reducing consumer loan from 36% in 2002 to 13.4% in 2005.Unsecured personal loan also is reduced from 319.9 million at 30th Sept 2002 to 180 million at 30 September 2005, which is 2.8% of the total loan book. With the surplus funds company has repurchased 1,790,000 shares and has a 20 million repurchase program. The risks perceived are: global economic shut down and prolonged slowdown in household borrowing growth. Now analyzing the financial statements for last 5 years: We find that the Return on shareholder's Funds are reducing over the years except in the year 2004 when there was a slight recovery. (1999 - 29.78, 2000 - 25.78, 2001 - 24.32, 2002 - 22.91, 2003 - 23.04, 2004 - 26.45, 2005 - 24.94). Whereas the Return on shareholders fund shown by Provident Financial PLC is much higher at in the range of 57.19 to 60.08 during last 4 years. Net tangible assets are increasing over the years making it to the highest at 5,917,600 in the year 2005. The liquidity ratio is

Monday, September 23, 2019

My business review of paultons park limited Assignment

My business review of paultons park limited - Assignment Example Furthermore, the management should review their financial records with when planning since the industry is characterised by a shift in demand at the market place, hence the need for proper management as it has been the case for years (Needles, Powers & Crosson, 2010, p. 1304). For instance in England, Paultons Park Limited is contributing to the growth of the economy despite the difficulties in managing their operations. During unpredictable times, the management is required to devise means of sustaining tourism activities to ensure that the change in the marketplace does not lead to losses in tourism companies (Futrell, 2004). The measures can include, planning for the accommodations of walk in guest in cases where demand surpasses the supply, budgeting for the needs of the clients and the employees of the park, and lastly, enacting policies that will facilitate revenue generations. In Europe, a majority of tourist prefer going to thematic parks and this is one area in which Paulton s has capitalized on; for instance, the corporations has designed parks to cater for the needs of clients from different regions of the world (Yi-De, 2008,p 2). Furthermore, the company has divided its activities into entertainment, educational and refreshments services with entertainment activities featuring as the most preferred programs by clients (PR Newswire 2007). In designing their programs, Paultons should devise ways to increase its revenue since competition is contributing to the decline in revenue at the company. In 2008, the management witnessed a decline in revenue and this was due to the cutthroat competition from suppliers of hospitality services. The competitors of the company are Disney, SeaWorld Parks and Clementon. The companies offer services similar to Paultons Park’ services; however, there are differences in the manner in which SeaWorld and Disney customizes their services to guest. Examples of services that Paultons Park customizes include entertainmen t services, supplying meals together and banqueting (Sehlinger, Testa & Bleiberg, 2011, p. 180). From a financial perspective, competition is posing a challenge to Planktons Park limited, and as a result, competition is forcing the management to devise means for dealing with the cutthroat competition and one of the suggestions is the use of modern facilities at the park. In this case, Paultons Park limited is going to invest in computer programs that will aid the management in planning for the needs of the company. A briefing on non-financial features of your selected firm The company engages in corporate social responsibility functions such as constructing shops and opening restaurants to serve the public. The management does this with the objective of strengthening Paultons Park brand name (Nikolai, Bazley & Jones, 2010, p. 276). Intermediate accounting. Australia, South-Western/Cengage Learning. Consequently, the company has reputation for offering quality services to clients at affordable costs. Additionally, the park engages in conservation activities such as maintaining public facilities like schools and this has developed the reputation of the company as being responsible in their duties. The company offers employees bonuses of their income and in addition, employees without bonuses

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Sex Education Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sex Education - Assignment Example As the essay declares  the information that is supposed to be presented within the scopes of sex educational process must contain the following items: sexual development and reproduction, means of contraception and other information about birth control, relationship dynamics and norms, and different kinds of sexuality.  It is difficult to say which aspect of sex education is the most needed for nowadays society, as all of them concern the most problematic personal issues that appear among people of all countries.This paper stresses that  it is important to say that sex education plays crucial role for the society in general, because it has the goal to reduce the rates of early pregnancies which may lead to increase in the quantity of abandoned children, and also it prevents expansion of such dangerous sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS and HIV.  Being aware of the possible outcomes of unprotected sex makes young people more attentive concerning their sexual relations; mo reover, apart from becoming conscious of the means of contraception, they may even refuse having early sex and be more careful in relationships in general.  The point is that, according to some psychological researches, the roots of understanding of the concept of sexuality and formation of sexual identity happens in childhood, when a person observes one’s environment and comes up to certain understanding of sex.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Victors beard Essay Example for Free

Victors beard Essay One point to make about the birth process before it has even begun is the location. The room that the creation takes place in is a hidden laboratory inside the university that Victor is working at, and the room for the birth process is hidden behind a curtain so its hidden from people if they were to come into the laboratory. The wall is stone and the insides have beams on the roof, which remind you of a cold room. The use of stone is used because stone is generally cold and old beams, which remind you of old, haunted houses. Also the room is dark and scary which may create suspense for the audience who dont know what may be round any of these dark corners. This is a place you wouldnt want to be in, this may also create sympathy for the creature as he is not looked after and has been shoved away in an old room. In the Whale version the birth scene is set in an old disused mill in the country. Inside the mill the walls are again stone which gives the cold feeling. It is dark and dingy and relies on torches for light, which adds to the gothic medieval feel of the film. In Mary Shellys adaptation the birth scene begins just after Victors wife to be Elizabeth falls out with him because she asks him to come back with her and to stop stressing himself out with his work. We then see him pull back a curtain and we see in the mis-en-scene the huge laboratory that has been set up by Victor. He then walks into the laboratory and we see a low angle tracking shot of him running though the laboratory, the use of the low angle shot gives us the impression that Victor is a big powerful man. As he is running through the laboratory we see him wearing a cloak, which suggests to the audience the idea that he has power like a scientist or magician, sorcerer. As he gets to the creature, his cloak is casually thrown onto the clothes hook, and we can see by this point Victor no longer cares. Now we can see that he has been working so hard on the birth of the creature that his shirt is now ragged, dirty and the top buttons on his shirt are un-done and his shirt is hanging off his skin more now. This may mean now that if the creature doesnt live he doesnt necessarily care about the creature surviving, or it could mean he has been working so hard he hasnt had time to change and this shows his determination to his work. Also Victor wears his shirt with the sleeves rolled up; this is another way of saying he is again determined to his work. Also Victors beard is unshaven which is a certain way to tell that he has been persisting in this experiment for quite a while without sleep. We then see Victor pulling down several handles and we then see a tracking shot of the creatures body which is being transported around by pulleys on the roof, and we see the creature is being banged around up on the pulleys. Still, at this time, we havent seen the creature; this creates suspense and is a clever idea by Branagh, as this keeps the audience wanting to know, as they dont even know if they are going to see the creature because if the creature doesnt live they might not see it.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Career Planning in Human Resource Management

Career Planning in Human Resource Management Untill recently talents or employees can join an organization with the expectation of staying there for their entire career, now life long careers are a thing of the past. Employees lacking worldly experience and understanding still believe that they are immune to the ongoing reductions because they are doing a good work and adding value to the organization. However rapid technological change, increasing completion, relentless restructuring and downsizing mean that high performance no longer protects the employees form the termination or dismissal. People increasingly will move from one opportunity to another opportunity without regard to the traditional job boundaries. Realistic career planning forces employees to foresee problems and opportunity and to be proactive. Career planning and development involves two process of career planning and career management. Career management is integral to Human Resources planning. But Human Resources planning and career management do not exist or are not integrated in some organization. Career planning and development should be seen as a process that aligns the skills and interets of the employees with the need of the organization. This means that career must be strategically managed so the skills that are demanded by the organization strategic business objectives are understood and a workforce with a matching profile of skills is developed. Career planning and development play an important role in ensuring that the organization has a knowledgeable workforce together with a competitive advantage. Human Resources planning and career planning and development The important reasons why organisation and employees are paying more attention to career planning is because there are EEO legislation and AA pressures,employees educational level and aspirations are rising, employees are more concern about their quality of life, employees are transiting from vertical careers to lateral careers and a global talent war is created by the shortage of skilled workers. Components of Career planning http://www.docstoc.com/docs/8714685/Career-Planning-1 The Goal: Matching individual and Organization needs A career development program should be viewed as a dynamic process that matches the needs of the needs of the orgazation with needs of employees. Employees responsibility Each and every employee should be concerned about his her own career planning and development, but many employees ignore this , preferring it to leave it to the organisation.By adopting such a passive stance employees give up their future career by limiting their future employability.This reduces the employees chances of achieving their career goals.Therefore employees has to take initiate in finding such oppurtunities and ways for career planning and development. Though some of the organisation provide in house traning and develop, this is often provided for the purpose of the organisations needs and not for the needs of the individual employees.Individula career planning menas that employee him/herself should find his/her own vocational interests,weakness present skills, ability levels and finally the career goal. The Organizational role http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/shengvn-65920-session-8-career-development-education-ppt VERY IMPORTANT Effective and proactive HR manger will recognize the importance of the career planning and development and will satisfy the organizational and employees needs.If the HR department is fully awrae of the organisation HR needs,career chances and traning and development oppurtunities than the HR department is well placed to promote career planning amoung employees ORGANIZATIONS NEEDS Strategic Operational Current competencies Employee turnover Future competencies Absenteeism Market changes Talent pool Mergers, etc Outsourcing Joint ventures Productivity Innovation Growth Downsizing Restructuring INDIVIDUAL NEEDS Personal Professional Age/tenure Career stage Family concerns Education and training Spouse employment   Promotion aspirations Mobility Performance Outside interest Potential Current career path CAREER MANAGEMENT What is career development? Career development is which an individual takes personal improvements which he/she undertakes to achieve a personal career plan.Career development is also important for the organisation to create and maintain a continuos learning environment. Factors in career development For a successful career development and growth include the following important factors. Exposure: if the employee wants to succed, the employee has to become known to the top or the senior management.Employees can be known to the senior management through performing superior work performance, giving presentations, report writing, taking initiate in and involveing organizations special events in organisng and arranging them in addition individually involveling company training and development programmes and social events. Performance: Employees who perform the job up to the management expectation will be well recognized by the department heads and the senior management, but employees who performa badly will also be rescognised but for the career development oppurtunities are less likely to be offred to them. Qualification: Strong correlation exsists between graduate earnings and the experience and the konledge that they have. Employer reputation: Some organisation have an strong reputation that is well known around the globe as breeding ground for high potential employees.Therefore employees getting a job in these companies will be an important factor for a successful career and for a long term employability. Mentor: Successful managers will have a mentor or a sponsor who helps advance their career by offering advice, providing instructions and opening career oppurtunities. Benefits of Menotoring Mentoring provides the structure for the groeth and development of all employees within an organisation. Mentoring plays an important role in motivating the employees and improves the employees job satisfaction. Mentoring also helps to impress the corporate values of the organisation. Mentoring also helps to avoid discrimination over women by helping them to overcome the gender related barriers to advancement. Helps companies and organisation to encourage and capitalize on diversity by identifying talents. Women sometimes find them excluded from mentoring, this is because mentoring is repetadly or frequently based on personal relationships that is built outside the working hours. Development: Rapid expansion of skills and knowledge makes the employee more valuable, where the employee will be more attracted and appreciated by the management. Language skills: The internationalization of business and the development of global business, business organisations seeks employees that not only speak English fluently but competency in a second language, and the more languge the employee know the more the better. Networking: It is extremely important for the employee to maintain or build a network of contacts with the people who are likely to be useful for the his/her career devellopement. Goal setting: A succeseeful career planners are extremely self motivated.The have pre identified what goels they need to achieve and what they have to do to reach and achieve it. Computer skills: Computer literacy is an important skill, having that far better than other l is a competitive advantage amoung other employees.Intodays world high skilled employees must be technology capable. Fainacial planning skills: To savvy employees understand that there is no life long employement gurantees. Apperance: Apperaence plays an important role in compensation and career success. Factors involved in career development system Needs In this step it defines the present system.It involves conducting a needs assessment as in a training programmes. It estabilhes roles and responsibilities of all employees and the organization.By identifying the needs it helps to establish, the target groups,mission or philosophy of the programe,cultural parameters, determine organisation receptivity and commitment and support for the career development. Vision The career system need to have a relation with the intervention. The vision creates a longterm philosophy. Design intervention for the organization, its employees and managers. Organize and make nessecary career information that is required to support the programme. Establish the objectives of the programme. Action plan To achieve the vision an action plan must be developed.And also the top management support is nessecarily important. Create a survey programme Establish a consultancy or advisory group. Asses resources and competencies. Involving the advisory group in the programme design, implementation, and for the evaluation and monitoring. Results Identifying Career Opportunities and Requirements Begin with competency analysis It is important for any organisation to learn its jobs carefully in order to identify and assign weights to the knowledge and skills each one requires.This can be achived with job analysis and evaluation systems such as those used in compensation programs.The system used at sears measures three basic competencies for each job, such as the know-how, problem solving and accountability.Know how is divided in to three respective categories of knowledge: technical, managerial and human relations.Problem solving and accountability also have different types of dimensions.The scores of each of the above competencies are assigned to each job and total value is accumulated for each job. Identifying Job Progressions Once the skill demands of jobs are identified and weighted according to their improvement , it than possible to to plan job progressions. Employees without any experience (new employees) will typicall assign a starting job. When the employee get experience from the current job, than the new employee can be promoted to a post that requires more knowledge and skill. most organization concentrate on developing job progression for managerial, professional and technical jobs.But these organizations also can develop job progression to types of jobs.When job progressions are develop it serve as a baisi for developing the career paths of the individual employees. Organisation can also make informative and attractive brouchers providing information in regarding the career paths that are available in the organisation for the employees. Recognize lots of possibilities Career development and planning systems were once primaly focused on promotions and advancement. However in todyas ever changing business ennviroment and the flatter o organizations and employees career development can occur in several different ways, which includes transfer to a from one place to another, demotion due to lack of competence and experience and job promotion to a better position or to a senior position within the organization. To provide the above possibilities HR policies have to be flexible enough to adapt and willing to help to support the career change. Promotion Promotion is the change from the current position to a position that is high level within the organisation assigned with more responsibilities. The position that was promoted provides the employee lots of benefits based on the responsibilities; it increases the pay, RR etc.The three principal criteria for determimg promotions are merit, seniority and potential. Transfer A transfer is the placement of an employement of an employee in another job for which the duties,responsibilities, status and renumerations are approximately equal to those of the previous job.A transfer can provide an individual to prepre for an eventual promotion.Trasfers make the path way for the employees to aquire more knowledge by tranfering from one organisation to another, to a different group, transferring to aboard or work shift.A transfer can also be a demotion, which the employee moves to a low level postion from the current position that can provide development oppurtunities. Relocation Services Relocation services include a range of internal business process that the HR department engage to transfer the employee, employees famility or the entire department to new work location.Relocation also include help in moving, selling a home, learning a new culture etc. Outplacement Outplacement is type counseling that is given help the employees that are terminated to locate or find a new career.The consultation provided by the consultant vary but it includes, career evaluation, termination procedures , phycological appraisals, interview traning preparing resumes, certain techniques to search for jobs etc. Dual Careers As more women are entering the workforce HR managers has to develop specific policies and programmes for accomodationg the dual career aspirations of employees and their spouces.HR mangers has to particularly pay attention to the implications of an employed spouse when providing career counseling to an employee.Dual career couples need to be flexible , to be mutually committed to both careers to adopt coping mechanisums to develop the skills of career planning.Therefore inturn organisation can provide flexible work schedules, effective career management, counseling, child care support etc. Career plateau Career plateau menas that high points in ones career where the probability and the motivation is minimal.When this happens the employees finds it difficult or trapped which it unables to achieve further advancement.If an employee is avoide plateauing it is difficult for the employee to get adapated and develop in the face of change or transition. Intodays business environment employees are now reaching pletaues earlier than before, it is extremely important for the organizations and individuals today to prepare to cope with the phenomenon successfully.and most importantly when there is sign of impending plateuea are observed. Significant decline in the competiveness is less if the organisation accept responsibility for employee development and if the employees are willing to invest time for their development. Work family conflict Work family conflict is commonly exsisting isn dual-income family and single parent family.People today are facing problem in identifying the deffrence or what is meant bu success and how to balance work and family.Specially for women it is difficult to balance the work and family responsibilities because the job demand competes with the traditional family demand being the mother, wife etc.Other than women, men also face the same problem if they place the family first, therefore they have to face lots of problem with their co-workers and with the company. http://www.scribd.com/doc/18002097/Career-Planning-and-Development What is career management? Career management is the process of designing and implementing goals, plans and strategies to enable the organization to fulfill the employee needs which this allows the individual employees to achieve their career goals. It is also the process whereby the employee indentify their own interest values and their own weakness and strengths And also the individuals establish action plans to achieve their career goals. .In todays global world each and every organization felt the need of career planning and development. The reason why career management is important because if the organization fails to motivate their employees to plan their career, the organization will face the following issues, such as loss or shortage of employees to fill the vacant positions, commitment by the employees become lower and high training cost. The career management process includes: Self assesement: employees determine the values, interests,aptitudes and dehaviroual tendencies.The self assessment is uaully involves phsycological tests. Reality check: Using the available information employees identify how the organisation or the company evaluate their skills and knowledge and where they fit in the companys plan. Goal setting: in this process employees establish and develope longterm and short term onjectives. Action plan: After the individual establish his/her goal, the individual developes an actional plan determimg how they will achieve their short and long term career goals. Employee role in career mangement The employees individually has to initiative to ask for feedback from managers and peers in regarding their skill in the work place and their strengths and weaknesses. This will help the individual employees to further improve their performance where improvements is needed. The employees have to seek challenges by gaining exposure to a range of learning opportunities. The employee has to Interact with employees from different work groups and organizations inside and outside the company environment. The employees has to create visibility through good performance skills HR managers role in career management The HR manager to provide relevant information to the employees in regarding the training and development opportunities that are available in the organization. The HR manager has to help the employees for to search for jobs. The HR manger is responsible to provide counseling services to the employees who have career related problems. Organization role in Career mangement Oraganizations or companies are responsible to provide nessecary resources needed by the employees for their career planning. Career planning workshops Workshops offer similar experiences that are provided in the workbooks.Comparing to workbooks, workshop has several advantages to employees, such as the employees has the chance to dicuss their ideas, concerns, attitudes and plans with others in similar situations.Diffrent workshops has different focus. Some workshops focus on the employees current job performance and development plans.And some focus on broader life and career plans and values.Career workshops assit the employees to learn how to make decisions, find career planning information, set career goals and bbuild confidence and self esteem within the employees. Career planning workbooks These workbooks are prepared by the organization to guide their employees through systematic self estemm of values,abilities, personal development plans and interests. Career couselling Career counseling is usually done by HR department. Career counseling involves talking with employees with their personal interests and goals, about their current job activities, their personal skills and career development objectives.In some organization career conselling is done annually and partially.Career counseling is usually  voluntary.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Harried Coffee Culture vs. the Joys of Drinking Tea :: Argumentative Persuasive Argument Essays

The Harried Coffee Culture vs. the Joys of Drinking Tea Dawn approaches. Signs and sounds of life appear as warm-blooded creatures slough off the chill of night and lumber forth to greet the day. Chitterings and grunts, screeches and roaring fill the ether and rise to a crescendo as beasts gather for their early morning feeding. Many creatures are thrown together, instigating the occasional scuffle as each vies for position. Claws flash, accompanied by warning growls as dominance exerts itself, subordinates retreating with rumbling complaint. One by one each pulls away from the frenzy, hunching over hard-won spoils: double tall cafà © latte with whipped cream and nutmeg, biscotti on the side. And so man has devolved to brutishness, compelled by the base sensuality of the elemental coffee bean. Coffee drinking has soared in popularity, as evidenced by the proliferation of establishments such as Starbucks and Pete's Coffee. According to the Koffee Korner website, coffee made its historical debut in 850 A.D. and by 1995 coffee became: "the worlds [sic] most popular beverage. More than 400 billion cups are consumed each year. It is a world commodity that is second only to oil." The fondness for this viscous black beverage has made such a stir that the phrase "coffee culture" has been coined to express this mania. Yet the use of the term "culture" is misleading, when you look at Webster's definition: "enlightenment and excellence of taste acquired by intellectual and aesthetic training" (Merriam). What enlightenment can be acquired while people madly dash around gulping high-octane fluid - like Espresso (Italian for "fast"), invented in 1903 by Luigi Bezzera (Sippy, Did you know) - from paper cups in a never-ending effort to get through the day? On the contrary, coffee's contribution to this sort of break-neck pace is a cause for the decline of the pursuit of intellect in modern society. Conversely, the pastime of tea drinking is on a more elevated plateau of reasoning. Unlike coffee, there is no instant tea to speak of (not counting instant iced tea which is too distasteful to mention). In fact, the perfect cup of tea is achieved only after careful preparation. A favorite teapot is selected and filled with boiling water to warm. The warming water is tossed out and freshly boiled water is poured over tea leaves added to the pot, a measure of tea for each cup and one measure respectfully for the pot.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Emotion and Memory of the Holocaust Essays -- Historical Knowledge of

In the aftermath of the Jewish Holocaust, an outpouring of eyewitness accounts by both survivors and perpetrators has surfaced as historical evidence. For many, this has determined what modern popular culture remembers about this atrocious event. Emotion obviously plays a vital role in the accounts of the survivors, yet can it be considered when discussing the historical significance of the murder of six million European Jews by the Third Reich? Emotion is the expression of thoughts and beliefs affected by feeling and sensibility of an individual regarding a certain event or individual. In terms of the Holocaust, emotion is overwhelmingly prevalent in the survivors’ tales of their experiences, conveyed in terms of life, death, and survival. As scholars often point out, the Holocaust evokes strong sentiments, and transmits and reinforces basic societal values. Through in-depth observation of various forms of media sources, this paper will argue that emotion and the lack thereof, as a repercussion of the Holocaust, through the testimonies of those who survived its trials and tribulations, has played an enormous role in determining historical knowledge of the genocide. In analyzing the stories which survivors of the concentration camps and their perpetrators have put forth as historical evidence supporting the findings of scholars, one must pose the question: where does fact end and emotional distortion of the subject begin? It is critical to approach this question with great care, so as to note that not all historical accounts of the Holocaust by survivors and perpetrators are laden with emotional input and a multilayered interpretation of the event. In her acclaimed article â€Å"Memory, Distortion, and History in the... ...e Museum.†. History and Theory, Volume 36, Number 4, Theme Issue 36. December 1997 8. Greenspan, Henry. On Listening to Holocaust Survivors. Westport, Ct. Praeger Publishers. 1998. 9. Kramer, Stanley. Judgement at Nuremberg. 1961. 10. Levi, Primo. Survival in Auschwitz. New York, N.Y. Touchstone. 1996. 11. Lewy, Guenter. The Nazi Persecution of the Gypsies. Oxford, England. Oxford University Press. 2000. 12. Spielberg, Steven. Survivors of the Holocaust. 1996. 13. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. http://www.ushmm.org/learn 14. Wiesel, Elie. Night. United States of America. Bantam Publishing Group. 1958. 15. Wyszogrod, Morris. A Brush with Death. Albany, N.Y. State University of New York Press. 1999. 16. Young, James. â€Å"Toward a Received History of the Holocaust.† History and Theory, Volume 36, Number 4, Theme Issue 36. December 1997.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Rosa Parks Essay -- Biography Biographies Rosa Parks Essays

Rosa Parks Forward Rosa Parks’ courage to stand up for rights as a citizen of the USA inspires me to this day to stand up for the ideals of freedom & justice for all. Rosa Parks influenced many northerners & lawmakers to look squarely at the discrimination victimizing Alabama’s black people, and work to correct injustice. A vital democracy requires citizen participation! The civil rights movement must continue today as immigrants, especially Arabs and Arab look-alikes are victims of prejudice. Washington Territory and Washington State were too long dominated by the Ku Klux Klan. We need active human rights advocates today to ensure dignity for all people. Shawn Landden [& Chris Bowen]’s biography of Rosa Parks is recommended reading for all who aspire to a successful democracy today. Introduction Many people know Rosa Parks. She was an important part of the Civil Rights Movement; she was arrested for not giving up her seat on a public bus to a white man when he wanted it. She was sick of being pushed around and shamelessly showed it by demanding respect. After this incident the black community started a major bus boycott. It started as a laughable situation that was expected to stop in a few days but ended as a serious problem for the Montgomery Bus Company. For over a year, the black community would not ride the buses. This ended when the U.S. Supreme Court declared bus segregation unconstitutional. This victory, without a doubt, made all African Americans confident to continue the Civil Rights Movement. Even before Rosa's arrest, Montgomery's black leaders had been discussing a boycott from the buses. They used her arrest as "a spark to light the fire that is the boycott". That is why the name Rosa Parks will be remembered for years to come. In this biography you will read about Rosa Parks' life before the boycott including her childhood, education, jobs, and ambitions. You will also learn about her life during the boycott, which will include her struggle toward her goals, and her life after the boycott, which will include her continuing work for civil rights. I hope you learn many things about Rosa Parks and her life, in this Biography, and I hope you remember the name Rosa Parks for years to come. Timeline February 4, 1913  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rosa McCauley born in Tuskegee Alabama 1918  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Enters school in Pine Level, Alabama 1924... ..., in Washington, D.C., had designed this sculpture. Etched into this sculpture were the names of forty men and women who had been killed in the civil rights movement. On the rock there also lies these words from Dr. King: â€Å"†¦until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.† Rosa was there when this memorial was established. Rosa still lives on today, traveling more and working with her institute, the Rosa and Raymond Parks institute for Self Development, in hopes of sharing her mission with the world. Bibliography Internet â€Å"Rosa Parks: The Woman Who Changed a Nation† http://www.grandtimes.com/rosa.html [Online] 28 March 2002 â€Å"The Life of Rosa Parks† http://www.tsum.edu/museum/parlsbio.htm [Online] 30 March 2002 â€Å"Rosa and Raymond Parks: Our history† http://www.rosaparkis.org/pages/background.html 30 March 2002 â€Å"Rosa and Raymond Parks: Programs† http://www.rosaparkis.org/pages/programs.html 30 March 2002 Books Rosa Lee Parks with Jim Haskins Rosa Parks: My Story Broadway, New York, NY Scholastic Inc.  ©1992 by Rosa Parks Encyclopedia â€Å"Parks, Rosa Lee† World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia. Chicago: World Book: CD-ROM.  ©2000

Monday, September 16, 2019

Chilean Mine Collapse

Chilean mine collapse George Montenegro BCOM/275 March 24, 2013 Allen Sutton Resource: â€Å"Over 30 Workers Trapped After Chilean Copper Mine Collapse† article found in the Electronic Reserve Readings. Research additional articles and information about the Chilean mine collapse. There are two parts to the assignment, as detailed below. Part 1: Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper using this and other articles as a resource. Because communications must be designed with the audience in mind, answer the following questions in your paper:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What are some considerations to remember given the different roles and people in the audience? o  Ã‚  Ã‚   What would be the potential needs of the families of the miners in receiving a message about this incident? o  Ã‚  Ã‚   What would be the potential needs of the company’s employees when receiving a message about this incident? ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What actions must you take before and aft er the message is delivered to ensure that it was received as intended? Part 2: Draft two written communications from the mining company announcing the accident, using what you have learned about the audience and effective messages.One communication should be directed to the families of the trapped miners; and the other as an internal news release to employees in the company. For both, identify the most appropriate channel—face-to-face, e-mail, video, memo, and so on. Submit one consolidated MS Word paper encompassing Part 1 and Part 2 of the assignment. Clearly identify Part 1, and Part 2, in the consolidated document. Format the document consistent with APA guidelines. Post the assignment to Assignments link

Randolph-Macon College Essay

I have learned a lot about this college, from my brother attending there for four year. There are many different characteristics that draw me to Randolph-Macon. Football is a plus because I know all the coaches, the characteristics are location, academic, small classes, teacher communication and small liberal arts college, and I believe they will help me succeed in my nest four years. These characteristics can be narrowed to ways that will advance my academic future. One of the characteristics in a college that I am looking for is the actual location. Ashland Virginia is a good small town that would be a good fit to live in for four years. Another reason that, I am looking to go to this college is because my Aunt and Uncle live right near the campus, I can go visit them any time I would like to. The campus is close to a few big cities which I like about it, it is near Richmond, Washington D. C and Norfolk. The school is only a short drive away from Roanoke. Personally, I am not looking for a big college to go too. I like Randolph-Macon because it is a small school with less than 1,200 students. The atmosphere on the campus is beautiful, I love walking through the campus when I visited my brother up there. Also, the reconstruction they are doing is going to be really nice. I have been told from a lot of people that have gone there, that there is a great bond between your classmates. Going to a small college like Randolph-Macon has its advantages that big colleges do not have. Randolph-Macon is a small liberal arts college; it has a wide range of classes that you can choose from. It ranges from guitar class to biology class it all matters what you want to learn. They have a business major that I am interested in. Having a business major, with a background of many other subjects will help me in the long run. Liberal arts will be an exciting challenge. Going Back to Randolph-Macon being that it is a small college it has its advantages. One major advantage that it has is small classes. Having small classes give teachers time to meet one on one with you. Also teachers go more into depth on subjects and always change in class. There are less than 20 people in each of your classes. The academics are nationally known, which is a huge plus. You defiantly get a good degree by going there. The academics part is a major reason why I am applying to this school so I can expand my knowledge with a good degree and get a job after I am done with college. Having small classes allows you to meet your teachers personally and develop communication. The teachers check attendance every day, which helps kids go to class. They have office hours that will work with their student’s schedules. The teacher will get know to know you on a first name bases which is very good in college. I think having big classes is a disadvantage to small classes because the teachers don’t care about you as much. Small classes will aid me because I will get help with classes and learn better. Randolph-Macon has its advantages and I have learned a lot about the from visiting my brother, these advantages are academics, teacher communication, small classes, small liberal arts college. Also knowing someone that went the school there helps me out a lot. The football program is a plus. These characteristics are very important in my decision. This is why I love Randolph-Macon College.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Beneath †Original writing Essay

Psychoanalysis begins. Monday morning, it was a big rush. I had to pack the kids’ lunches and watch after them as they left for school. It was Kelly’s first day at junior school, and Michelle’s at secondary school. I don’t know why, but as I shut the front door I had flash backs of my first day at secondary school. I got worried. Michelle is a lot like me when I was her age. To my children, I am a normal nice mother, ordinary like everyone else’s mother. That is how they see me. They know nothing about my past†¦ It was an excruciatingly hot and sunny day – July 30th 1993. I dreaded the moment the sunrise began. I felt a huge lump at the back of my throat, my head was pounding, and droplets of cold sweat trickled down my forehead. I used to be a normal, quiet, and well behaved person but, all that changed when I met Camryn Barnes. After the first three times, I promised myself I would never do it again. Yet here I was with the hammer in my hand smashing the new lock on the school gate. It fell to the ground making a loud sudden noise, which made me jump even though it was expected. I ran towards the school building, but the school doors were all locked up. After approximately an hour of struggling through one of the technology department windows, I managed to squeeze in. I ran to Dr Daniel’s office, pushing the door open. There, looking up at me with his beady black eyes was Cuddles – Dr Daniel’s hamster. I had my equipment ready and then I opened the cage door picking up the small rodent with my trembling hands. I whispered to him in the darkness, â€Å"Don’t worry, it’ll only take a second. † I reached into the back of my threadbare jeans pockets and pulled out the razor sharp penknife. Tears poured down my face. One, Two, Three. I did it. My hand was drenched in fresh, warm blood. I dropped Cuddles on the floor and retreated back to the technology department. I can still remember the cold beady eyed stare Cuddles had given me as I pulled the pocket knife out of him. I recollect a similar expression from the past victims. I got back to Camryn a lot quicker this time. Camryn was pacing outside and when she saw me she signalled to me to hurry up. I half jogged and half ran. When I reached her, she caught hold of my wrist and pulled me along with her. I glanced at her beautiful tanned face and saw the contented smile displayed along her lips. I could almost hear her heartbeat, and taste her idea of sweet satisfaction. When we reached her house, she dragged me to her bedroom then leapt onto her red crumpled bed and kicked off her scuffed trainers. â€Å"Did you do it? Did you ‘top the pint sized rat? † she asked with enthusiasm. There was a malicious gleam in her green eyes. I nodded staring at my sweaty bloodstained hands. There was a huge lump in the back of my throat, my stomach churned. I couldn’t take it any more, â€Å"You said we’d never do it again! Wasn’t killing Jackie’s budgie, Peter’s cat and Ellie’s turtle enough? Why Dr Daniel’s hamster? Why? † Camryn stood up with a frown creasing up near her finely plucked eyebrows. â€Å"What’s wrong with you? Dr Daniels failed me in English! I worked so hard for him! He got what he deserved! † A sudden anger flushed through my body, â€Å"Like the others got what they deserved?! † Looking at Camryn, and seeing her satisfied realization from her manipulation, I had to leave. I walked home, showered and then lay in bed. I remember glancing at my digital clock†¦ it read 6:16am. I tried so hard, but failed to fall asleep. It was only a few hours, but seemed like days passing by. Eventually my mother came into my room to see why I was not ready for school. â€Å"I don’t feel well,† I murmured. Mother carelessly shook her head and left me alone. A month ago I used to be really close to my mother, but now I just seem to want to push her away and out of my life. It was almost as if I surrendered everything I loved for Camryn. My mother, my old friends and, my self respect. Eventually I fell asleep. Beneath my closed eyes, my thoughts swivelled in front of my eyes. All I saw was beautiful, cold water, ripples glistening. That was where I wanted to be. I woke up and changed into my favourite clothes. I knew what I was doing. I felt dizzy but ignored the queasy feeling. I sat on the floor and scribbled a note for my mother. I used to write little poems to my mother ages ago. I knew that was what I had to do now. I still remember what I wrote in the poem, word for word. â€Å"June year 1993, on the 25th day, The day I changed, stopped to pray, I made promises, made to break, But it’ll be over, whilst I lie in this lake, I feel like I’m, spiralling into a deep dark hole, Hopefully this depth, can contain my soul, What I’m trying to say, dear mother, I’m Sorry, For pretending to be so upbeat and jolly, Sorry mum, I didn’t mean to, I’ll be thinking of you through and through. â€Å"

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Doungy by James Moloney Essay

On the exterior it seems that Dougy, the book, is all about racism. However when you delve further into Dougy, many other strong messages come across. Some that stand out are finding yourself, appreciating what we have and, most strongly, having an open mind. At the beginning Dougy, the boy, is timid, unsure of his life and seems to be in everyone’s shadow. Whilst being trapped in the hall with the floodwaters rising- Dougy comes out of his shell and comes to the rescue. His brave efforts probably save the lives of Gracey and Raymond. These events bring out the best in Dougy and he gains confidence in being able to achieve his dreams. He did, indeed, find himself and this made him, â€Å"bloody lucky.† Do you take things for granted? Dougy showed us that there are so many people out there, to who a new car sparks a cry of delight. Yet do we even blink an eyelid, when we see a new Commodore drive past? Oh no, it’s just another car. These feelings don’t just apply to cars, too- but too everything. We really need to appreciate what we have, not be greedy and just be happy with what we have- so many others aren’t as fortunate as you or me. This message comes out clearly, especially when the family goes to Brisbane. A lot of trouble brews in Dougy from not having an open mind and accepting the opinions and views of others. As you read the book, you will also see the influence that others can have on our feelings. Pay attention to the changed attitudes of the children to Gracey, after their parents have talked to them. James Moloney puts very different personalities into his characters and shows us the different types of people in this world. There are the understanding people, who will listen to both sides of an argument and follow their hearts and minds- shown by Brett. Then there are the obstinate people, who’s views will never change and they will keep on hurting people- shown by Cooper and Co. There are the people who really believe in themselves and won’t let other people get to them- shown by Gracey. There are those who don’t care what others think and can be kind of scary- like Dougy’s Mum. And then there are those people who need something to wake them up to their lives and give  them a little push; to realise their potential and to work towards their dreams- this is just like Dougy. James Moloney gives us so much to think about in such a little book. Dougy will give you plenty to think about, but you need to read between the lines to grasp all the hidden messages. James gives us a lot to think about and reading Dougy should really make you think about your life. Chapter 3 Summary-  · Family travels to Brisbane by train (pretty boring!)  · Dougy is touched by a field of sunflowers  · Pulling into Brisbane was really exciting for them (like the new Commodore)  · They were the only black people in the crowd  · They feel very different and they stand out  · Meet very prejudiced taxi driver who thinks they don’t have the money to pay him  · They are surprised that a black person owns the hotel because in their town there are only white bosses  · Gracey has first training session, but Raymond doesn’t want to go- instead he, Steve (guy from hotel) and Dougy go to see something Raymond really wants to see  · Steve takes them to Lang Park- the home of State Origin games  · The guard doesn’t want to let them in at first, but when he realizes  they’re from the country and harmless- he relents and lets them look around  · Being there means a lot to Raymond  · Raymond says he will play there one day and Dougy doesn’t laugh unlike the other guys  · Another guard comes along, makes them leave, says they’ll probably steal something and he isn’t nice to them  · Dougy isn’t sure what he wants to do in life, but he is scared of becoming like his Dad (just wandering around with no home) Commentary- The author, using something simple and part of Mother Nature- the field of sunflowers, shows that Dougy’s family live in a way out town. It also seems like a rally small town. Dougy also probably hasn’t been anywhere else because he says, â€Å"I think, maybe, there are hundreds of other fantastic things in the rest of the world that I’ll never know about.† This point is also shown by how excited they are when the train pulls into Brisbane. The author shows that things are different in towns and cities (well they were at the time). People in the country aren’t really educated about what life is like in the city. This is shown by Dougy’s uncomfortableness with being the only blacks in the crowd. He thought that it would be just like at home- equal numbers of blacks and whites in the streets. Being uneducated is also shown by the comment that Dougy makes that Steve couldn’t be the manager of the hotel because in their town only white people are own businesses. Dougy and his family thought things would be the same in Brisbane and on some matters, they were caught unawares. Chapter 3 also shows that in a small town people have to stick together no matter what their skin colour- there may be prejudice, but it has to be overcome to get things done. In the city prejudice can be rampant (more of  it), without that much of an effect. James Moloney shows that many people stereotype against Aborigines. They may hear bad stories about them or have one bad experience and then they think that every single Aborigine is the same. It hurts people’s feelings when you stereotype like that- for example the taxi driver thought Dougy and his family wouldn’t pay, just because others hadn’t paid him. (Another example of this is saying that all blondes are dumb.) The scene at Lang Park shows that the littlest things mean a great deal to some people and can really inspire them. Just being at Lang Park and touching the grass inspires Raymond to say that he would play there one day and Dougy knew he wasn’t joking. The very end of chapter 3 shows that if we don’t believe in each other and ourselves- we won’t have the courage or the confidence to do after our dreams. Chapter 7 Summary- A number of things happen in chapter 7. It has been decided that Gracey will go to school in Brisbane. It is the summer holidays, it’s hot and the town is expecting a storm. Melissa Brodie is back in town (to stay) and has found a new pastime, in the form of motorbike riding. Melissa’s Dad has warned all the young blokes not to let Melissa borrow their bikes- or else! However Melissa continues to ride- she borrows Tiny’s bike in secret. Two weeks before Gracey was to leave for Brisbane, her Mum decides they should celebrate- with the whole town. She sets of the hire the hall across the road, which happens to be a big no-no for blacks. The owner of the hall, Mrs England, nearly dies when Gracey’s Mum goes to hire it. Unable to stop her, however, she gives in and the hall is hired. Meanwhile a storm starts brewing up north and the whole town starts preparing for a flood. This is what they were doing when Melissa Brodie is found unconscious in the  sandhills. Not knowing the full story, people start to blame Johnny Warren and trouble brews! Commentary- The beginning of the chapter shows the different attitudes towards the weather and crops, of the people. The white people are constantly worrying that there’ll be no rain, whereas the black people don’t worry so much- this shows that they have faith in the land and this is they way that they are brought up- to have faith in the land. The fact that Melissa borrows Tiny’s bike in secret (after her Dad warned all the other blokes), is really important later on in the story because this unknown fact causes misunderstandings and, really, the whole war. Melissa being able to talk her way into borrowing a bike and also ‘bad-mouthing’ the town without any consequences, show how some people’s attitudes are warped. They will listen to a good-looking and skinny girl and agree and grin, but if a fat and not so nice looking person says something they just look at him or her funny and laugh or tease them. This shown by Tiny- he said he wanted to be a mechanic and people said, â€Å"Fat chance† because he is fat. The little episode in booking the hall shows that some people will never change and they don’t want to, either. However, no matter what stands in our way we need to be determined and believe in ourselves. While Dougy was helping fill sandbags and a guy said, â€Å"Typical, lazy black bastards.† This shows again that our society is affected by stereotypes. That man didn’t notice Dougy’s black hands on the bag, however. So this shows that there may be many stereotypes out there, but they, nearly always, mean nothing. You have to get to know a person before you can really say what they are like- you can’t just look at their skin or hair colour. Chapter seven contains many messages for us to remember. Chapter 11 Summary- At the beginning of chapter 11, Luke doesn’t feel like shooting anymore and his Dad decides to head home. Luke arrives at his grandparents’ house early Friday morning and sleeps till his Aunt calls that his Mum is going home from the hospital. As his aunt talks to him, Luke begins to feel guilty for not visiting his Mum. Therefore he decides to be a good boy and care to the household duties, while his Mum rests. When Alison first wakes, Luke has to lie his way out of the room- about the shooting trip. The next Monday Luke and Alison confront each other. The communication barriers are broken as Luke asks about his Mum’s school life. But these are soon put again as his Mum starts to say what he should and shouldn’t do. Luke gets very upset, storms out of the house, gets on his bike and rides away. Commentary- At the beginning of the chapter, it seems that Luke is growing up and he doesn’t want to shoot anymore. This shows that people can change, as they see the light of a situation. When Luke lies to his Mum, he doesn’t feel comfortable, which shows that lying isn’t a human tendency- unless you let it become that and you make it a habit. The point that Luke doesn’t want to hang around his friends is unusual and can show that he feels uncomfortable with being suspended. From this we can gather that it’s in us to want to do our best. When we fail ourselves, we do feel disappointed. The funny atmosphere between Luke and his Mum is the same in many families today- parents and children aren’t very close due to poor communication. When they start talking its like floodwaters, but this flood of communication soon slows to a trickle, as Alison starts acting like a teacher- according to Luke. What he doesn’t realize is that Alison just  wants what is best for him. Instead Luke runs out and may get into trouble again. This little episode shows us that talking to each other is needed for a stable family. What family members need to realize is that they can’t push their opinions down people’s throats, that they need to be reasonable and willing to compromise. It’s also really important to look out for each other.

Friday, September 13, 2019

How Technology Impacts Wellness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

How Technology Impacts Wellness - Essay Example These have made communication easy and more convenient for people that many have found themselves doing two or three things at the same time. Nevertheless, like the old saying goes too much of a good thing can be bad. The people behind Frontline’s documentary entitled Digital Nation takes a step back to assess the impact of technology on the different aspects of an individual’s well-being. At the start of the computer age, everyone was amazed at how fast it had become to do things. With the creation of the Internet, everyone was in awe that they could see colleagues and family from the other side of the world. Now, the Internet and the computer have become so much a part of a person’s life these people find it difficult to imagine how their life would be without the conveniences of today. Computers, cellular phones and the Internet have become a necessity for the people in the digital world, making them feel vulnerable without it. Mentally, technology has made some people cope better with events in their life. For example, the documentary featured the military employing technology in recruitment, the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and selected missions. Through simulations of actual military activities, people in the service who have come back with PTSD are able to evaluate the stressful circumstances over and over again until they overcome their anxiety. According to the film, these simulations have also encouraged eligible youth to sign up and help protect the country in the face of objections from parents. The youths say they are old enough to distinguish between games and real combat to make their own decisions. Technology has also helped lower the casualties in combat situations through the use of drones. Controlled remotely from the US, the personnel are able to hurt the county’s enemies but are safe from retaliation. Multi-tasking is a common practice in the digital age. As the students and professors in the documentary shared, they will be sending messages from their phones while browsing the Internet on the computers and listening to music on their MP3 players.     

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Human Resource Management - Essay Example Once a top executive realises that no matter how hard he struggles for his organisation, all he will receive is his fixed salary, the performance levels of the executive will begin to recede. The removal of incentive is effectively the removal of motivation on the job for such positions. It must also be realised that when such executives join office their primary motivation is the challenge posed by the new position. Once an executive figures out how to manage the new position, the real motivation begins to disappear from the job. In order to keep motivation on the job to a high level, it would be desirable to use a fixed and variable pay structure to serve as the executive’s motivation. On another note, this pay structure aids in ensuring that the executive treats his job more seriously than before because his financial stakes are involved with the performance of the organisation. While it may be considered as cumbersome by some top executives but this model ensures that the organisation pays the executive back in proportion to their

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Indigenous land claims Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Indigenous land claims - Essay Example In fact, even after gaining independence and sovereignty, the colonial masters have always been reluctant to hand over indigenous land to the indigenous people. Landlessness is one of the significant indicators of extreme poverty levels across the globe. Actually, poor citizens mostly live in rural areas, rely on agriculture, and agricultural labor to survive. However, they do not own these pieces of land (Landesa, 2012, p.1). In the modern times, all land belongs to the government with the citizens exercising use and care over land. Through various government land commissions, the government issues ownership certificates to qualified individuals, regulates and controls use of all land in a given state. Possession, use, registration, or even land claims are important yet very difficult procedures in matters relating to land. It is usually very difficult for the government to honor indigenous land rights and land claims have always resulted to violence and court cases.  However, the re have been various claims over land all over the world by the indigenous people in specific nations from the government, colonial masters, or caretakers. A land claim is a formal statement submitted to the federal and/or provincial government by an Aboriginal community asserting violation to commitments or obligations relating to Aboriginal land rights (Darling, 2012, p.1). While it is much easier to launch a land claim against a registered land, it is much difficult to claim a right over unregistered land. This paper will address the content and significance of the central land rights claims made by indigenous people, mostly indigenous people in Australia. Like other traditional inhabitants, the indigenous people of Australia have been in existence, occupying, and using indigenous land for more than 60 000 years. Although they have greatly evolved with time just like the uses of land, the significance of land in sustaining

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

What is Sodium Potassium Pump Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

What is Sodium Potassium Pump - Coursework Example In doing this, the enzyme performs fundamental functions that help maintain the life of the cell. The functions include regulating cellular volume by permitting the flow of both potassium and sodium in and out of the cell. The enzyme also maintains the resting potential of the cell and the transportation within the cells. Sodium-potassium pump regulates the cell volume through by pumping sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell. The failure of such a vital function would cause swellings of the cells. By enhancing the flow of the two minerals in an out of the cell, the enzyme helps maintain the cells osmolarity, which is the totality of the concentration of organic compounds, proteins and ion species in the cell (Mary 33). Additionally, by pumping sodium out of the cells, the enzymes provide adequate force for other membrane transport proteins. This helps in the transportation of amino acids, glucose and other nutrients into the cells. In doing this, the transport proteins exploit the sodium gradient created by the sodium-potassium

Monday, September 9, 2019

Organizational Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Organizational Culture - Essay Example As such, to establish an organizational culture that embodies the goals of the firm, one would first ensure that there is an effectively designed mission and vision statement, as well as corporate values that would provide the theoretical framework for the kind of organizational culture that one envisions to create. If an organization is to pull together toward common goals, the members must trust one another and work in unison as a cohesive and collaborative group. Openness of information about what is happening to the company and within the company is essential. The lack of information about what is happening demoralizes people. The organizational culture should inspire cooperation and teamwork, from top to bottom, within the work setting. To shape such values, the leader has first to find those values within himself. He must supply the moral leadership in the company, preferably utilizing transformational leadership style and strategies to bring about the kind of organizational culture where people identify their interests with that of the corporation, to find dignity and satisfaction in their work, and with consequent effects on increased productivity, morale and pride in being part of the company. Given this premise, when one is in a leadership position, the kind of organizational culture that one will create would contain the necessary ingredients for manifesting a strong corporate culture, such as: (1) a widely shared philosophy; (2) a concern for individuals; (3) a recognition of heroes; (4) a belief in ritual and ceremony; (5) a well understood sense of the informal rules and expectations; and (6) a belief that what employees do is important to others (Deal and Kennedy 3-85). This information is likely consistent with those elements provided in the course notes that emphasize strong cultures where â€Å"organization’s core values are both intensely held and widely shared† (Organizational Culture 3). As such,

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Magnetic resonance imaging - Assignment Example 2001). MRI is used to measure tissue perfusion through the use of different techniques such as arterial sin labelling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrasting imaging (DSC-MRI). DSC is based on injected contrast agent use that changes the blood’s magnetic susceptibility, thus, producing a MR signal continually measured throughout the bolus passage (Petrella & Provenzale 2000). ASL, on the other hand, is whereby before the arterial blood enters into the tissue to be assessed, it is magnetically tagged, and consequently, the labelling amount is measured and compared to a blank recording achieved without spin labelling. Currently, MRI is a powerful tool in a clinical setting for evaluation of brain anatomy, which is achieved via a number of metabolic or functional assessments. MRI perfusion is a technique used to measure cerebral perfusion non-invasively via several hemodynamic measurements assessments including cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood, volume, and meant transit t ime. This technique plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment cerebrovascular disease patients, as well as patients with other brain disorders (Petrella & Provenzale 2000). ... Exogenous Tracers Exogenous is a model of MR perfusion, which assumes that the tracer does not diffuse into the outer cellular space because it is constrained in the intravascular compartment. In this model imaging can either be performed dynamically or in a steady state. Dynamic imaging utilizes transient fluctuations in local magnetic field of the tissues in the surrounding that are induced by paramagnetic tracer bolus passing through the capillary network of the organ. The local magnetic field changes can be measured as signal fluctuations on MR imaging. Accurate measurements are enabled by Ultrafast imaging methods such as spiral MR and echoplanar imaging, which measures differing signal changes that occur rapidly (Ostergaard, et al. 1996). Data from the signal-time course is then changed to relative tracer tissue data from the concentration-time course. This results in tracer concentration-time curve that can be evaluated to establish different parameters of hemodynamic tissues such as blood flow, transit time, tissue blood volume and bolus arrival time. The hemodynamic parameters mentioned above are influenced by features of the bolus injection such as the injection rate, contrast agent paramagnetic properties, the amount of injected contrast material among others. Furthermore, these parameters rely on variables inside the subject under imaging, which are cardiac output and vascular volume of total-body (Buxton, et al. 1996). Therefore, it is not possible to compare the parameters between varied subjects, and at different times they may even cause variation on examination of the same subject. Nevertheless, there is an internal standard of reference,

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Equine Exercise Physiology, Fitness and Training Assignment

Equine Exercise Physiology, Fitness and Training - Assignment Example The pulse rates are highly depended on the level of stress experienced at a particular time. In this case, the heart pumps more than 1.5 litres of blood per beat. When responding to a race the horse increases its red blood cell count up to 65 per cent with more than half of it being stored in the spleen. These red blood cells lack nucleus and contains a component of haemoglobin protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen. The combination of the respiratory and cardiovascular system encourage a sustainable oxygen consumption potential .Thus, the horse’s heart has the ability to control the thickness of the blood that is redirected from internal organs to muscles that keep it in motion. The supply of oxygen to muscles facilitates the production of energy in the muscles. When running two or more furlongs, a horse derives more than half of its energy percentage anaerobically as it involves the heart rate of above 150 beats per minute. This involves volatile amounts of power characterized by very fast galloping, short sprints and acceleration. Anaerobic respiration in this case involves the breaking down of glycogen at the absence of oxygen (Hodgson, McKeever and McGowan 2013, p.20). The muscle cells of an over worked horse would contain a variety of fast-twitch muscle fibre types depending on its speed, pace and duration of exercise. These muscles will include the Type II A or B fibres. Type II A allows the muscles to contract fast and contain glycolytic fibres that propel the horse to more speed and endurance. The second type B contains low fast contracting oxidative fibres. The biopsy of endurance horses would reveal slow-twitch fibres (Type I fibres) that have the ability to contract slowly as they maintain posture and exercise at low levels of fatigue resistant (Hodgson et al. 2013, p.12). During endurance training, the heart rate of horses is maintained at 150 bpm, thus reducing the production of

Friday, September 6, 2019

Mississippi’s school Essay Example for Free

Mississippi’s school Essay The SAGE program in partnership with John Hopkins University of Baltimore Maryland, invites, states or districts to become members in improving the student achievement in the potential members’ schools. Through the National Network of Partnership Schools, SAGE and others in the network will work states, districts and other educational organization members to form an Action Team for Partnership plan. Members follow the Six Types of Involvement format (NNPS online). Five years of NNPS surveys and result focused studies on member schools’ progress has been reported (2005). NNPS uses research results to develop practical tools, materials, and guidelines for schools and school districts. Presently, over 1000 schools, 100 districts, and 17 state departments of education are working with NNPS to use research-based approaches to establish and strengthen their programs of school, family, and community partnerships (2005). It is suggested that incorporating the following elements create better programs and outreaching to parents of the students and increased parental involvement (2005). 1. Leadership 2. Teamwork 3. Action plans 4. Implementation of plans 5. Funding 6. Collegial support 7. Evaluation 8. Networking Results from longitudinal studies showed that â€Å" a review of literature on family involvement with students on reading, indicated that, across the grades, subject specific interventions to involve families in reading and related language arts, positively affected students’ reading skills and scores (Sheldon Epstein, 2005b). The original SAGE pilot program research involved participants of which fifty percent were below the poverty level (Vinson, 2002). Participating classes were reduced from average size to fifteen students per teacher. An evaluation by Molinar, Smith and Zahorik (1999) revealed that the first grade SAGE students demonstrated higher achievement when compared to nonparticipating schools in both language arts and math. Second and third graders were reported to follow the same pattern. The third study to be reviewed is the Prime Time (1984) project in Indiana. This was originally planned to be a two year project started in 1984 but it had such promising results that by 1988 all k-3 classes were reduced in Indiana. The average FTE was eighteen. In 1989, McGivern, Gilman and Tillitski compared samples of achievement levels of second graders from six districts with reduced class sizes and three districts that were not reduced and found significantly larger gains in reading and math among students of smaller classes. As with project STAR, SAGE has suffered criticism. Limitations mentioned were that â€Å"students were not assigned to experimental control groups on a random basis†, and that school policies were changed and implemented during the course of the study (Vinson, 2002). A widely criticized factor was the use of teacher incentives to motivate small classroom achievement. As mentioned previously, opinions on class size vary. Over the years several researchers have analyzed studies and evaluated the effectiveness of each. Glass and Smith (1979) found after analyzing seventy-seven empirical studies on class size versus student achievement, that small classes were associated with higher achievement at all grade levels. For greatest results in student achievement, students should attend small classes for over one-hundred hours (1979), with under twenty students. Small classes are beneficial because of 1) better student reaction 2) teacher morale and 3) quality of the teaching environment (Vinson, 2002). In a review of one-hundred relevant studies, small classes had been the most beneficial, during kindergarten and third grade, but only if teachers change their methods and procedures (Robinson and Wittebols, 1986). Slavin’s (1990) research of empirical studies, were chosen for analysis based on a three part criteria; 1) class size had been reduced for at least one year 2) twenty students were compared to substantially larger class sizes and 3) students in both class sizes were comparable (1990). Contrary to previously mentioned researchers, Slavin believed that smaller class size had minimal positive effects on students and those effects did not continue once students were returned to normal, larger classes (1990). A highly published researcher, Eric Hanushek has voiced his opposition to small classes benefiting student achievement since the mid-1980s. In all his reviews of class size studies, he’s always concluded that; â€Å"The evidence about improvements in student achievement that can be attributed to smaller classes turns out to be meager and unconvincing (Vinson, 2002)†. Johnson (2000), citing a study at the Heritage Foundation examining National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading data, asserted that the difference in reading assessment scores between students in small classes and students in large classes was insignificant. He criticized class size reduction programs citing California as example of how such programs exacerbate the problem of lack of qualified teachers to fill classrooms. His claim of the lack of association between class size and performance was consistent with Hanushek’s conclusions (1999). Studies of the effects of class size in secondary schools are much more rare and largely equivocal (Deutsch 2003; Grissmer 1999). Many of those who advocate for smaller class sizes at the secondary level argue that small classes positively impact the school environment, thus, improving performance indirectly. In her review of the literature of class size and secondary schools, Deutsch (2003) highlights studies that conclude small classes stimulate student engagement, allow more innovative instructional strategies, increase teacher-student interactions, reduce the amount of time teachers devote to discipline, improve teacher morale, and minimize feelings of isolation and alienation in adolescence that can come from anonymity. Another important process variable the researcher will investigate is the effects of school policy on student achievement. An influential policy becoming common in schools is that of parental support and teacher incentives. As with the other factors in this model, conclusions about the effects of both on student performance has been mixed, but recent studies seem to point to more positive correlations, particularly teacher experience (Hedges, Lane, and Greenwald 1994). Mississippi’s Department of Education’s Schools and Parents Partnering for Student Success is a brochure given to the parents of Mississippi public school students to educate them on what level of proficiency their child should be on in an attempt to form a relationship between school and home. Strategies for improving student achievement according to Mississippi’s School.