M&M’s Case Study Essay

1. Introduction and Background The major purposes of effective leadership and management consist in timely monitoring of organisational environment, development of adequate responses to environmental challenges and further strategic planning and changes[1]. Relevant leadership strategies and implications can solve numerous business challenges and help organisations to overcome diverse external as well as internal pressures and crises[2]. This strategic report is aimed at the identification of the key business challenges of M&M’s through external and internal analysis and further development of solutions and specific recommendations on how effective leadership can meet these challenges in this organisation. M&M’s is a popular confectionary brand, which belongs to Mars Incorporated. The brand’s name is an abbreviation for its creators such as Mars and Murrie. The main products of M&M’s are chocolate and peanut colourful candies with the letter ‘m’ on one side[3]. The product was firstly launched during the World War II, and the main customer of M&M’s was the US army. In 1980, the firm began its foreign market expansion[4]. Nowadays, Mars Inc., the parent company, is one of the biggest confectionery manufacturers in the world. M&M’s chocolate beans are sold in more than 70 countries around the world. The company employs more than 40,000 people all over the globe. It should be noted that M&M’s is a private firm, which started from a family business. In 2010, total revenue of the parent company, Mars, constituted $30 billion[5]. M&M’s uses flat organisation structure, which makes the company very responsive to the needs of its em ployees as well as customer. The main competitors of M&M’s are Hershey, Nestle, Cadbury and Kraft Foods[6]. M&M’s business strategy consists in maintaining high quality of the production alone with high volume and low prices. 2. Environment Monitoring Research and development (R&D) department has always been of great importance for M&M’s. It has been mentioned in the background that multi-level efficiency is one the main principles of the firm. To achieve this efficiency, the company relies on its own market research and general industry publications and analyses[7]. The company’s success formula consists in in-depth customer engagement practices, through which tastes and preferences of customers are studied and analyses. For instance, in 2002, M&M’s monitored customer environment through the internet survey method, when the target population was proposed to select a new colour if candies. As a result, purple candies were added to M&M’s production[8]. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the early 2000s, the external environment began to rapidly change. In response, M&M’s needed to develop adequate measures and strategies in order to remain competitive the market. In this case, M&M’s decided to implement the ‘launch and learn’ approach, which can be considered another successful method of monitoring the environment[9]. As a result, ‘My M&M’s’ brand was introduced to the customers. The main idea of the new brand consisted in customisation. Customers could order chocolate beans, but instead of the letter ‘m’, they could request their names or even images. In-depth market research and monitoring were also made after the launch of the new sub-brand. The new product turned out to be successful and appreciated by customers. In addition, it should be noted that M&M’s uses the benchmarking method when new marketing strategies are tested in smaller focus groups[10]. 3. External and Internal Analysis In order to understand external environment of a company, the PESTEL framework is frequently implemented. It should be noted that PESTEL is an acronym, which stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal environmental factors[11]. Political †¢ M&M’s sells its chocolate beans in more than 70 countries all over the world[12]. If the government of a country is unstable, it can negatively affect the firm and its sales. For instance, quotas on imports and other restrictions may be introduced. In these conditions, M&M’s will be able to bring only a specific amount of chocolate beans to the local market. The main examples of such countries are Serbia, Thailand, China, etc.[13]. †¢ The main M&M’s markets of presence are the US and the UK, which are characterised by low political risks[14]. Economic †¢ The global economic crisis has negatively affected customers’ buying capacity. However, it should be mentioned, that chocolate beans are a fast-moving consumer good. Thus, it can be sold quickly even during economically pressing times and at low prices unlike cars and electronics, which are durable and high-priced commodities[15]. †¢ As a multinational company, M&M’s opens new factories in different countries. The company hires employees and helps to decrease unemployment in developing economies such as Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mexico, etc. In turn, M&M’s also suffers from unemployment and other macroeconomic conditions in these economies. †¢ The market has reached maturity yet, neither in the US, nor in other countries[16]. Social †¢ The company produces chocolate beans, which are demanded by wide categories of buyers, from kids to adults. †¢ The company’s products are very popular with special events such as weddings and birthdays. †¢ The public is worried about the quality standards used in the company[17]. Technological †¢ Contemporary marketing strategies require from M&M’s using online sales and online customer involvement. Customer engagement marketing methods are also required where the internet serves as the playground[18]. Environmental factors †¢ Chocolate beans production cannot be classified as highly damaging to the environment and employees’ health. †¢ However, M&M’s depends on the production of cocoa beans and weather conditions in which they are cultivated. Such input material as cocoa beans are unlikely to run out[19]. Legal factors †¢ M&M’s has to follow the regulations of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food Drug Administration (FDA) on the chocolate candies production[20]. †¢ M&M’s has to follow the legislation in all countries where it operates. †¢ M&M’s has to protect its employees’ rights and freedoms. The next step of environmental scanning is SWOT analysis. This analytical framework will help to identify the company’s internal, including strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T)[21]. The SWOT analysis also helps to determine whether the company’s resources and capabilities are enough to compete with other organisations in the marker[22]. Strengths †¢ Strong and well-known brand name; †¢ Belonging to the family of the largest confectionary firm; †¢ M&M’s operates in over 65 countries around the globe[23]; †¢ Good reputation among customers and suppliers; †¢ High operational efficiency; †¢ High-quality products[24]; †¢ M&M’s chocolate beans are the best selling candies in the market; †¢ New brand ‘My M&M’s’, which offers customisation; †¢ Strong leadership and teamwork; †¢ Good resource allocation; †¢ Ability to listen to employees’ and customers’ ideas[25]. Weaknesses †¢ M&M’s promotional campaigns require considerable funding; †¢ Employees are resistant to change; †¢ Complex business environment, which causes interest conflicts; †¢ Flat organisational structure has some disadvantages. For example, one employee may have a few bosses. Furthermore, this structure type may limit the company’s growth. †¢ Mars Incorporated was criticised for contracting with low-cost African suppliers of cocoa beans, who used child labour[26]; †¢ Lack of innovative ideas and no recent innovations in the product range. Opportunities †¢ Further market expansion; †¢ Wider diversification of products in the foreign markets; †¢ To meet customer demand; †¢ Technology improvement and development[27]; †¢ Innovation; †¢ Creation of brand-new goods; †¢ Elimination of disadvantages related to flat structure[28]. Threats †¢ Lack of innovations can cause shifts in consumer tastes. To be more specific, customers can stop buying old and outmoded candies and start buying new candies with innovated product and package design. †¢ The number of competitors may increase[29]; †¢ Further growth of trade barriers; †¢ Decrease in consumer demand; †¢ M&M’s rivals’ innovated design can give competitive advantage. The Cultural Web analysis helps to see a more comprehensive and bigger picture of the company’s culture[30]. The framework consists of 6 separate dimensions, which are stories, symbols, power structures, organisational structures, control systems and rituals and routines[31]. Stories Mars Incorporated, the owner of M&M’s, is one of the greatest examples of the so-called ‘American dream’ realisation. Founded in 1911, Mars became a multi-national company with more than 50,000 employees very quickly. Workers of the firm are viewed as the most valuable asset. This idea is one of the main company’s focuses. Employees work in a highly motivating and inspiring environment[33]. They are given bonuses for coming to work on time, which stimulates their performance and productiveness[34]. Symbols Small panned chocolate candies covered with coloured edible shell, which does not allow chocolate to melt in one’s hands, prove to be the major symbol of the company. Furthermore, the letter ‘m’, which stands for M&M’s name is a highly recognisable symbol. In addition, excellent quality and great taste have made M&M’s the world’s best selling candies[35]. Power Structure Mars Incorporated, the parent company of M&M’s, was established as a family business. It was founded by Frank Mars in 1911 in Tacoma. Today, John Mars, a grandson of Frank Mars, is the chairman of the company. Paul Michaels is the company’s CEO at the moment. All the serious decisions in the company are made by the members of the Mars family[36]. Middle managers are given less power in the organisation. They are responsible for ‘insider’ management, and do not participate in taking strategic decisions. Organisational Structure The company has a flat organisational structure. This means that the number of intermediates between top managers and employees is reduced to a minimum. Hence, the role of middle managers is nearly eliminated[37]. Employees are actively involved the corporate decision-making process and can easily access the senior management. This type of organisational structure allows improving communication between management and workers. The company is teamwork oriented, which is another benefit of the flat structure type[38]. Control Systems It has been mentioned that one of the major corporate values and principles in Mars and M&M’s is efficiency. The company’s aim is to generate the maximum revenue using minimum input materials and resources. Another important value is quality, which needs to be given considerable attention and accurately controlled. The company relies on an internal control system, which guarantees achievement of such objectives, as efficiency and compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. Other departments of the organisation are manufacturing, marketing, sales, human resource, research and development, supply, communications and finance[39]. Rituals and Routines Unchanged design of chocolate beans since 1941 may be viewed as one of the key rituals of M&M’s. The firm regularly organises informal events for its employees, which improve communication between organisational members and facilitate learning in the workplace. The slogan of the company illustrates the main distinctive feature of M&M’s chocolate beans: â€Å"Melt in your mouth, not in your hands†[40], which builds strong associations with M&M’s candies. This slogan stimulates customers to test the firm’s promise. Hence, eating chocolate beans that do not melt in hands has become another important ritual. Another important analytical framework, which helps to understand the overall degree of rivalry in the industry where the company operates, is Porter’s Five Forces[41]. According to this model, each industry is influenced by five forces, namely supplier power, buyer power, threats of new entrants, threats of substitutes and degree of rivalry. Supplier power There are plenty of suppliers all over the world that sell cocoa beans. M&M’s buys considerable amount of cocoa beans and is dependent on prices set by the suppliers. Even insignificant growth of prices can result in increase in the prices for the final production by M&M’s. On the other hand, M&M’s can easily switch suppliers since it does not have long-term obligations. Thus, supplier power is low[42]. Buyer power M&M’s is presented in more than 70 countries. This means that the firm’s customers are many and they are highly fragmented. No single customer can significantly impact M&M’s and their pricing policy. It can be concluded that the buyer power is low[43]. Threats of new entrants New entrants in the confectionery market are possible. However, new market players need to meet huge capital requirements in order to enter the market and start accumulating large market share. For this reason, it may be assumed that the threats of new entrants are medium[44]. Threats of substitutes There are plenty of other large multinational companies and highly recognisable brands in the confectionary market (e.g. Kraft Foods, Nestle, Hershey Co and Cadbury). If M&M’s will demonstrate weak innovativeness and creativeness in product range, customers can easily switch to alternative manufacturers and their goods. Threats of substitutes may be evaluated as high[45].

Canterbury Tales: The Wife of Bath Essay

Canterbury Tales is a story written by Geoffrey Chaucer. Geoffrey Chaucer was satirical with most of the characters in Canterbury Tales. The story tells about the journey of a group of pilgrims to Canterbury to the shrine of Thomas a Becket and the stories they tell along the way. The pilgrims are in a competition to see who can tell the best story. The host of the Tabard is in charge of the competition and giving a complimentary dinner to the winner with the best story. Each one of the pilgrims stories reveal a little about them, their personalities and their morals. The pilgrims include people like Chaucer himself, a Knight, a Prioress, a Monk, a Franklin, a Parson, the Wife of Bath and others. Most of the satires of these characters would be the same today as it was back then. For example, the Wife of Bath’s satire would remain the same today, but her occupation would be similar to that of the actress, Joan Collins; both have given out advice due to all of their experience and resolved issues with women in relationships. In the same way that Joan Collins gives advice to women, the Wife of Bath gave advice to women. Joan Collins is a British actress and author who normally plays an adulterous woman in movies and television shows. She writes books giving tips to love and life. Joan’s books include Love & Desire & Hate, The Joan Collins Beauty Book, and Joan’s Way: The Art of Living Well. The Wife of Bath is a slightly satirical character in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. The Wife of Bath tells a story in Chaucer’s story; it tells of a Knight who was told to find the thing that women most desire. The Knight found the answer to be that women want to have sovereignty over their husbands and lovers. At the end of her tale, the Wife of Bath asked Christ to send women husbands who are â€Å"meek and young and fresh in bed,† (page 150). She wanted women to be able to have complete control over their husbands. The Wife of Bath places a curse on husbands who refuse to be controlled by their wives. Also, the two ladies, the Wife of Bath and Joan Collins, both have the same amount of experience in relationships and marriage. Even though she was married five times, Joan wrote in her autobiography that she â€Å"recounted entanglements with numerous Hollywood stars, near-stars, and others,† (â€Å"Joan Collins†). Like Joan Collins, the Wife of Bath married multiple times and gained wealth from all the marriages. The only difference between the two people, Joan and the Wife of Bath, is that Joan divorced her husbands and the Wife of Bath’s husbands died. So the Wife of Bath was widowed while Joan Collins was divorced. Among the many husbands that they had, Joan Collins and the Wife of Bath were two highly listened to ladies. Like the Wife of Bath stated, â€Å"[she] believes that having experience is the greatest authority, and since she has been married five times, she certainly considers herself an authority on the remedies of love.† (â€Å"Wife of Bath†). Even though neither woman had a long and lasting marriage, they gave out advice on relationship and love. Joan viewed love as something you have to work on because marriage is hard work and does not come easily. The Wife of Bath’s view was always for the woman to have the upper hand in a marriage. She believed they should be in control of their husband or lover at all times. She also stated that if a husband cannot confine to the will of his wife he should be cursed to death. The Wife of Bath’s satire in Canterbury Tales can be easily seen remaining today, due to all the similarities between Joan Collins and the Wife of Bath. The Wife of Bath was never a great role model for anyone to look up to but people listened to her anyways. All five of her marriages led people to believe that she knew what she was talking about. As she was back then, the Wife of Bath would still be the same person. She would still be a wealthy, flashy woman who did not have the best of luck with men. All in all, whether it is in the future or past, the Wife of Bath’s satire can exist. She was someone who liked to stand out and draw attention to herself. She loves superiority and control over other people, especially her husbands and lovers. Today, the Wife of Bath’s satire would be somewhat identical to the actress and author, Joan Collins. Completely as she was then, the Wife of Bath would exist today.

Native Americans in the United States and Cheyenne Essay

Region: By the time the Americans met the Cheyenne Indians they were living on the Great Plains of South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas. The U. S. government forced the Cheyenne’s to move to Oklahoma during the 1800’s which the Cheyenne’s called â€Å"The Trail of Tears†. Some Cheyenne Indians escaped to the North into Montana. Today there are two Cheyenne tribes, one in Oklahoma and the other in Montana. Houses: Originally the Cheyenne’s lived in villages of earthen lodges and Birch bark â€Å"wigwams†. As they became Nomadic they used buffalo-hide to build houses called â€Å"Tee Pee†. They used the Tee Pee’s because they could set up and break down and were easy to carry so they could follow the buffalo herds. Food:. The Cheyenne were farmers in the beginning, the women harvested corn, squash and beans while the men hunted deer and buffalo. They mostly gave up farming and followed the buffalo’s as they moved across the Plains. Besides Buffalo meat the Cheyenne liked fish, fruit, berries and corn that they bought from other tribes. Language: The Cheyenne alphabet contains only fourteen (14) letters which can be combined to form words and phrases. Today the U. S. government is working to convert the Cheyenne to an English only speaking tribe. The Cheyenne are trying to keep their language alive. Tradition: Before the sun rose, the Cheyenne begin preparing for the day. The first task of the day was to build a fire. The Cheyenne women got water from the nearby stream. As it dawned the women made the morning meal while the boys herded the horses back into camp. The women taught the young girls the tradition and the men taught the young boys. Many men hunted game to provide the camp with food. As day turned into night, the Cheyenne people prepared for the evening meal. This was the liveliest event of the day in which music, dancing and various other activities took place. After a few hours, the camp became silent as people turned in for the night. An important Cheyenne custom is the smoking of the peace pipe. There are strict rules during the smoking of the pipe. A prayer is offered before the first smoke. Most men have their own specific way to smoke the peace pipe. Another tradition of the Cheyenne is storytelling, which can only be done by certain people. These stories are often related.

Business environment College Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business environment College - Research Paper Example Circular 8 enables a foreign investor to establish a wholly-owned company anywhere in China, with full-fledged trading and distribution rights for as little capital as USD 60,000. The key barriers mentioned above have also been removed, and there is no longer a distinction made between foreign and domestic trade. As a result, companies are no longer required to segment their marketing efforts and can present a single, coherent "face" to the marketplace (Cassie Wong). Ever since China gained membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO), there has been increasing interest from foreign investors in the commercial possibilities that the country offers. The Banking industry of a country plays an important role in the economic well being of that country. The Chinese Banking industry is also effectively serving the purpose of supporting the process of economic growth in China. With the GDP growth rate of approximately 10% an year the assets of the Banking sector in China is also multipl ying. The country launched its open door policy 26 years ago. Since the policy introduction the FDI flows in the country received a quick response. In 2004 China was at no.2nd position in the world of FDI with $64 billion. The Chinese FDI trends can be examined in two phases. First phase: 1979-82 Second phase: 1984-91 Third phase: 1992-99 In the first phase the government establish for special zones with incentive policies. Although there was a high inflow into those regions, the total FDI flow reached US $ 1.8 billion. In the second phase the provinces were opened and recorded US $ 10.3 billion. In 1989 however the trend dropped. In the third phase Deny Xiaoping opened China for overall economic reform. The phase was very fruitful for China. The government introduced new policies and market oriented economic reform. In result of these reforms the FDI's started flowing into the Chinese economy at rocket speed. In November 1999 US-China had an agreement regarding the WTO, according to which many new reforms were made (Sandra, 2001) those included. The sectors relating to the distribution services will be opened for repair and maintenance and China will phase in trading rights and distribution services over three years. The Government for the investment opened the telecommunication industry of China. The professionals were also allowed

Identify the internal and External Users of financial information ( Essay

Identify the internal and External Users of financial information ( Should include At least 5-7 References ) - Essay Example There are also retained earnings, which tell the user the portion of the net income reinvested in the company. The Generally Accepted Principles should be followed in provision of reports to be used by external persons. Accounting has some divisions i.e. cost accounting, managerial accounting, and financial accounting. Management accounting aims at providing information to the company management for the purpose of management decision. Cost accounting is the formation of financial plans, average costs, and actual costs of operation for production or processes and determining the variances on the desired results.Variuos users of accounting information have different interests in the information (Schneier, 2013). These users are internal and external. Firstly, the owners and investors of the business have a keen interest in the accounts kept by the business. Business owners are interested in knowing whether their funds are being misappropriated and not used in the desired manner (Leitner, 2012). The accounting information aids them in knowing the profitability and the financial status of the business in which they have invested their capital. Investors are concerned about risk and return in relation to their investment (Leitner, 2012). This helps them in making a decision on whether to continue investing in the business. It is also helps assess whether the business will be able to pay off dividends. Managers are also users interested in the accounting information. In small businesses, the management may comprise owners also. However, in large businesses, the management is made of employed experts who are delegated with responsibility of carrying out the business or a portion of it. The accounting information helps the managers in the performance measurement. The outcomes of the appraisal are then used to correct any discrepancies (Leitner, 2012). Managers are encountered with economic decisions that should be made regarding the business which require

Gender Based Violence in Immigrant Families Research Proposal

Gender Based Violence in Immigrant Families - Research Proposal Example This research paper will examine the amount of gender based violence that occurs among immigrant families and what the root cause is from those living in this domestic environment. Basis of Gender Based Violence The importance of gender based violence of immigrant families living in Italy is not only created from the basic problems associated with the acts of violence. The concept also links to cultural associations that create an acceptance of the acts of violence. The association with Sub – Sahara Africa is one of the links that is created from this. Marital authority is a common association of those living from the region, leading to spouses not carrying specific rights in the family and a lack of rights which are available, specifically to women, living within the household. The result is a direct link to honor killings, sexual violence, criminal abuse and relations to intra-familial violence. The violence is not only related to the cultural beliefs but often causes women to not receive help because of the associations with culture and the rights of each spouse within the household. result is a direct link to honor killings, sexual violence, criminal abuse and relations to intra-familial violence. The violence is not only related to the cultural beliefs but often causes women to not receive help because of the associations with culture and the rights of each spouse within the household. The immigrants which come to Italy often don’t link to criminal proceedings and are likely to not respond to the gender based violence, instead causing harsh conditions to continue to subside until medical assistance is needed (Barazzetti, Garreffa, Marsico, 2007). The complexity of gender based violence of Sub-Saharan Africans in Italy has become a compound problem because of the association with culture. Reporters are stating that the difficulty is the honor based violence and killing based on gender is acceptable among the culture and is therefore not able to create the right responses from those within the families. It is noted that 32% of women living in Italy have suffered from a form of violence with 80% of this being inside the home. However, only 10% of women from various cultures state that the gender based violence are a crime, while the other 90% believe it is an acceptable form of status that is within the household. It is also being stated that because of this mentality, the forms of domestic violence are continuing to rise with many overlooking the violence within their own household or becoming a part of the crimes based on honor violence and killings (Momigliano, 2010). Domestic Violence among Immigrants in Italy While there a re many that believe the gender based violence is acceptable, there are also figures which show that the hindrances of this form of violence is continuing to rise within Italy, specifically among different cultural groups. It is noted that there are 69% of rapes which are conducted by a family member or friend while only 6% occur by strangers. It has also been found that almost 50% of the rapes occur by immigrants and within the same household. It has also been found that over 60% of women have suffered from domestic violence which is gender based while only 26% have considered this a crime. An average of 21% of women that have reported the violence as a crime say they have been unsatisfied with the responses from the police with little to no help available. The main problem is shown through women that are immigrants and which receive discrimination within the household and from police as well as a lack of policies available for all women who are suffering from domestic vio

Kottak presents the concept of the feminization of poverty Essay

Kottak presents the concept of the feminization of poverty - Essay Example These include (1) the growth and emergence of female/women-headed households, (2) inequalities between households and discrimination against girls and women and, and (3) economic policies that lean heavily towards neo-liberalism, including structural changes and transitions in post-socialist markets (Kottak 82). Kottak argues that increasing visibility of poverty among women is deeply rooted in political economies, cultural trends and demographic patterns. He states that there are huge regional variations in the financial and economic status of women-headed households, and this is primarily influenced by women’s access to property and employment, political regimes and social policies. Kottak also states that inequalities between households have been found to worsen the state of women’s rights in terms of their vulnerability (105). This manifests in form of inequalities in resource allocation to households and a lack of decision-making in important spheres like legal codes, public policy and development. Inadequate access to property rights (in land), employment, illiteracy, poor wages, childbearing, early marriages have also proved detrimental to the empowerment of women and the realization of their rights. The expansion of female/women-headed households has been found to be influential in the exacerbation of women’s poverty, and although this has not been proved in most parts of the world, the United States offers a stark example of what may eventually be the situation in a majority of countries. In the US, feminization of poverty is closely linked to the growth of female-headed households especially among low-income females in terms of insufficien t social support (Kottak 74) It has been established that neoliberal economic policies have a tendency and potential to induce poverty and hence have adverse effects on girls and women.

Interpersonal Communication in Relationships Research Paper

Interpersonal Communication in Relationships - Research Paper Example So far, the course has provided vast amounts of information that would assist in improving interpersonal relationships through the right application of communication theories and approaches. I would be structuring my advice in five sections: the principles and misconceptions in effective interpersonal communications; barriers to effective interpersonal interactions; the process of developing and maintaining self-concept; assessing your personal communications and improving communication competencies; and finally, developing strategies for active, critical and emphatic listening. I am sure that although this letter is lengthy, the information contained herein is validated from significant findings sources from researches on the subject by authoritative practitioners in the field. Principles and Misconceptions in Effective Interpersonal Communications Effective interpersonal communications must address issues that lead to misconceptions on communication. Remember John and Vivian how mi sunderstandings commonly results from misinterpreting the messages relayed by the sender of the communication to the recipient, or vise versa? A relevant article published in the Health Day News entitled â€Å"Close Relationships Sometimes Mask Poor Communication† (which I will likewise attach for your further reading on you available time), revealed that couples have tendencies to assume that since they have been together for a defined period in time, their close interpersonal relationship presumes that they understand all communications relayed or exchanged in all circumstances. This is a misconception. Experts reveal that one partner should not assume that the message expressed by the other is always understood (Thompson, n.d.). To address the dilemma, couples must repeat what one said to confirm it the message was correctly understood. Accordingly, the implicit rule is to double check with each other (Thompson, n.d.). The Health Day News article cited Nicholas Epley, a pr ofessor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, as explaining the rationale for the misconception, to wit: â€Å"our problem in communicating with friends and spouses is that we have an illusion of insight. Getting close to someone appears to create the illusion of understanding more than actual understanding" (Health Day News, 2011, p. 1). In this regard, to improve communication, John and Vivian, you need to pay closer attention not only on the verbal language that you exchanged, but also on nonverbal modes of communication, such as gesture, body language, tone of the voice, eye contact and even silence (Grohol, n.d.). Caution is likewise advised in the interpretation of nonverbal signals that could also be susceptible to be misinterpreted. The rule on double checking still applies. The website on Family Education provide relevant suggestions to improve communication skills by following the guidelines on steps in clear communication: to observ e undivided attention, figuring out what one really wants to say, and practicing being a good listener, among others (Family Education, n.d.). Now that issues of misconception are resolved, we now proceed to barriers to effective interpersonal interactions. Barriers to Effective Interpersonal Interactions There are diverse sources of barriers that deem to preclude the level of

Torts Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Torts Law - Essay Example condition of the fishing equipment, the service provider brushed it aside in a casual manner saying no untoward incident had happened in the past 25 years generally without paying attention to the particular boat and equipment. It is not the case of the service provider that even if the fishing equipment had been in good condition, the accident could not have been averted given the fact hooking of such a huge fish is capable of leading to such an eventuality as not a foreseeable risk and presence of tuna fish in that coastal area is a rare phenomenon. Hence the Family Friendly Vessel’s owner is clearly responsible for the injuries suffered by Mickey’s wife June and his daughter Gina. Lord Atkin in Donoghue v Stevenson1 (1932) laid down that in tortious liability due to negligence, the above requirements of duty of care, breach of that duty and loss and damage due to that breach should be met. In fact Donoghue case gives liberty to proceed against those who are not privy to the contract unlike in the present case wherein there was definitely a contract that existed between Family Friendly Fishing and the Mickey family. Hence it is all the more appropriate to hold the vessel owner directly liable to June and Gina for loss they have suffered. This principle laid down in Donohue v Stevenson was adopted in Australia in Grant v Australian Knitting Mills and Another.2, though both were from the House of Lords. The Family Friendly Fishing can not avoid the damages under the pretext of the inherent risk involved in such dangerous sports because, but for the defect this mishap would not have occurred. The res ipsa loquitur doctrine can not come to the rescue of Family Friendly Fishing. The doctrine is understood as â€Å"Control [by the defendant manufacturer] during the process of manufacture was sufficient, once the plaintiff has eliminated himself and other extraneous forces as likely causes of the injury†3 They had the duty of

Beauty Myth- How Media & Beauty today Impacts Women Essay

Beauty Myth- How Media & Beauty today Impacts Women - Essay Example Halliwell, E., Malson, H., & Tischner, I. (2011). Are Contemporary Media Images Which Seem to Display Women as Sexually Empowered Actually Harmful to Women?.  Psychology of Women Quarterly,  35(1), 38-45. http://pwq.sagepub.com/content/35/1/38.short [Accessed 17 March 2014] The article assesses the way women have been previously depicted as passive sex objects to present times when they are representatives of sex and are sexually powerful and in control due to their looks. This has been found to have an adverse effect on the body images of women and research that was carried out by the authors of this article found that the current depiction of beauty by the media has led to increased self objectification and weight concern. Acevedo, C. R., Nohara, J. J., Arruda, A. L., Tamashiro, H. R., & Brashear, T. (2011). How women are depicted in ads? A content analysis study with Brazilian advertisements.  International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER),5(10). http://www.cluteonline.com/journals/index.php/IBER/article/view/3517/3564 [Accessed 17 March 2014] The aim of this article was to analyze the roles that were occupied by women in TV advertisements. The aim was to determine the message spread to society about women and how this has changed over the years. The study analyzed 95 pieces and derived upon the conclusion that women’s images have changes however, they continue to be idealized and stereotyped, which also extends to social settings. This article is done based on a study that was performed by Dove and indicates that women gain their perception of beauty from what they see on social media. This article suggests that beauty is no longer largely influenced by fashion magazines or TV shows, but rather social sites like Instagram or Facebook through images of different appearances via â€Å"selfies† and other viral trends. The article illustrates the health impacts that are implemented by the

Half The Sky Essay Example for Free

Half The Sky Essay With Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn are great authors who give us true stories of girls and woman from Africa and Asia and their extraordinary struggles. We view the Cambodian teenager sold into sex slavery and an Ethiopian woman who suffered devastating injuries in childbirth. Drawing on the breadth of their combined reporting experience, Kristof and WuDunn view our world with anger, sadness, clarity, and, ultimately, hope. Through these stories, Kristof and WuDunn help us see that the key to economic progress lies in unleashing women’s potential. They make clear how so many people have helped to do just that, and how we can each do our part. In much of the world, the greatest unemployed economic resource is the female half of the population. Countries such as China have prospered precisely because they emancipated women and brought them into the formal economy. Realistic, and inspirational, this book is essential reading for everyone. They tell of an attempt to help a woman dying in childbirth in an African hospital, and the institutional, social, and financial problems that block efforts. They discuss how their support for legalization of prostitution was undercut by the more sordid reality they discovered behind the apparent success of just such a legal zone in India (in Kolkata), and examine how legalization of prostitution in the Netherlands compares as an anti-trafficking technique with the criminalization of sex-service purchases in Sweden. They point out how the campaign against female circumcision has been set back by the campaigners’ use of terminology (â€Å"female genital mutilation†) that turned the people they wanted to help against them. Kristof and WuDunn emphasis how important it is for individuals speaking up and resisting—but it’s here that their proposals (or, at least, their exhortations) seem questionable. (Mukhtar Mai) name we have heard before, Usha Narayane, and Sunitha Krishnan are clearly remarkable women, and deserve every support, but it is also true that they are very brave, and driven individuals—and lucky, because of their risk.

Analysis of the salient features of Beck’s cognitive theory Essay Example for Free

Analysis of the salient features of Beck’s cognitive theory Essay Beck’s cognitive theory assumes that most psychological problems arise from faulty thinking processes. The theory is centred on three factors that form what can be illustrated as a triad. Beck (1976) noted that the three factors that affect the human mind’s capabilities are thoughts, antecedent events and behavior (Figure 1). Figure 1: The foundation of Beck’s (1976) concept of the cognitive theory Source: Created from the description by Bandura (1976) A point worth noting is that these factors cannot act on their own as they do so in synergy with other factors. For instance, behavior is affected by the environment; thoughts are affected by the self (individual); and antecedent events are influenced by the current events. Beck’s cognitive theory perceives antecedent events, thoughts and behavior to be dynamic. In addition, according to (1998), each of the three constituents of the triad is capable of affecting others. However, Beck (1976) notes that in evaluating the triad, cognition or thoughts require more emphasis. This is because it is through thoughts that human beings are able to change their beliefs, attitudes, interpretation and perceptions in different instances. Moreover, thoughts or cognitive factors serve as a platform for filtering or appraising events. In line with this, if the human mind is biased towards one event at the expense of another, the thinking process would elicit some form of emotional and behavioral responses that would imply some problems in life. Therefore, according to this theory, the way human beings think could actually change the way they feel and behave. The cognitive theory serves as a way of understanding and treating depression due to the approach it takes in addressing the various faculties of the mind. In addition, since it highlights issues related to mental capabilities, it is appropriate for addressing mental health issues and other instances of disorders that arise due to depression or factors such as substance use. In postulating the theory, Beck was of the opinion that depressed people often have low opinion of themselves. Precisely, Beck suggested that depressed people believe that the world, their future, and they themselves were the causes of their depression. In addition, Beck (1998) noted that people might be faced with psychological difficulties due to occurrence of automatic thoughts, negative self-assessments and dysfunctional assumptions. Moreover, Beck connoted that automatic thoughts usually pave the way for emotions but occur considerably fast with the affected individual’s little awareness. As a result, such individuals do not view themselves with high esteem. As an example, people affected by stress may address themselves in considerably high critical tones; they also blame themselves for every mishap that befalls them. Beck’s theory and depression Beck (1987) noted that depressed people, apart from having a low opinion of themselves, also develop schemas in their minds such as â€Å"if many people hate me then I am worthless. † Nevertheless, such beliefs are usually primitive, overstated and rigid. It is worthy noting that the self schemas developed in the minds pf distressed people are usually stable but latent and only discernible when they are stimulated by social stressors (for instance when a person provokes the distressed individual) (Beck, 1987). Once the distressed person is provoked, the depressive diagram in the mind of the individual becomes activated by the stress of the event (provocation) and results into a two-fold consequence (Beck, 1976). The first effect is that the content of the distressed person becomes negative. This is characterized by a cognitive triad and the person develops negative beliefs about himself or herself, the world and the future (i. e. every aspect of the cognitive triad becomes negative). In the second phase, there is a systematic bias in the mind that characterized by distortion of information processing capability and being prone to committing errors. Although not all forms of depression are caused by stimulation of the self-schemas, Beck viewed the negative cognitive triad and negative processing of information as the intrinsic features of all depressions (Beck, 1987). The result of the negative schema is fear for all activities by the individual. This is in spite of the fact that some activities could be easily accomplished. For instance, a negative evaluation of self worth may be â€Å"I am unworthy, I just can’t do this†; and a negative evaluation of the world or daily events may be â€Å"Everything that happens to me is just enough evidence that my world is crumbling, this world does not need me. † On the other hand, a distressed person’s evaluation of the future may be â€Å"It seems that nothing will ever get better for me even in future. † From the above illustration, Becks Cognitive Model of Depression clearly shows how early experiences in life can lead to the development of dysfunctional beliefs, which in turn cause individuals to have negative self-views, which in turn result into depression (Beck, 1987).

The implementation of electronic health record

The implementation of electronic health record Only 4 percent of U.S. doctors are using an electronic medical record system (EHR) because of a diverse range of barriers and perceptions involved with implementing an EHR system. The health care portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) called Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health or HITECH promotes the Meaningful Use of information technology in the form of EHR systems for every American by 2014 (Hoffman, 2009). Just having an EHR system is not enough; meaningful use means the system must improve the quality, efficiency, security, access, and communication in the delivery of health care among other functions. The United States government has provided $17 billion in available incentives to assist physicians and health care facilities implement certified EHR systems that meet Federal qualifications by the year 2014 (Blumenthal, 2009). This important health care issue affects everyone in this country because of the nature of private health i nformation. The U.S. government mandate for the implementation of electronic health records presents a wide variety of issues for and responses by physicians who want to retain their diversity relating to the way they practice medicine, while meeting the Meaningful Use requirements that will positively affect their investment and efficiency. Meaningful use depends on interoperability, which means that physicians systems will be able to communicate with each other for information exchange. Currently some physicians may have systems that are interoperable, but some may have invested in software that does not provide that function. Numerous vendors often market more than one type of system. Currently, estimates of physicians using a complete, fully functional EHR system are only at four percent (DesRoches, et al., 2008). This leaves the majority in need of researching software systems, purchasing, and implementing an EHR system to meet the Meaningful Use requirements. The practice of medicine is a highly individualized field where every physician has their own ways to provide for their patients. A general practitioner will have different software needs than a surgeon or obstetrician. An issue the physicians have to address is that they have to choose a certified EHR system that will provide the functions they need for their particular practice of medicine. Many physicians are starting with a basic system and customizing it to fit their practice needs (Baron, et al, 2005). HITECH will need to certify systems that provide functions that the physicians require with enough flexibility to meet the diverse needs of every type of practice. Some EHR systems are designed for primary care practices or large hospitals and may not meet the needs of a specialist. Physicians will have to choose a certified system that will have the required functions as well as those his practice will require. Whichever system a physician chooses will require training in order to benefit from the functions the software can provide. A basic knowledge of computer use is a skill many physicians do not even have. In fact, some physicians have technophobia when it comes to computers in their practice (Hayes, 2009). Statistics have shown that younger physicians are more apt to have a positive outlook on the EHR systems. Younger physicians also appear to have earlier adoption of an EHR system because of their prior exposure to computers. In-depth training to learn the functions and processes of the system are necessary to prevent severe disruptions in the workflow of the office. Many offices will train a few employees to be Super Users to be a resource for others in the office who have had less training. Super Users will be able to adjust the work processes when needed. Some physicians offices close for a period of days to bring the system online and prepare the office for going live. The diversi ty in computer abilities and comfort levels will affect the complexity, price, and amount of training required for each physician and his office staff for the chosen system. Cost is the biggest issue in the adoption of EHR systems. Cost estimates are between $12,000 and $24,000 to implement a fully functional EHR system (Baron, 2005). The equipment, software, training and one year of support can cost $140,000 or more (Baron, 2005). The HITECH incentives will cover some, but not all the cost of the conversion from paper to electronic records. Incentive payments can total $18,000 in the first year, for physicians implementing in 2011 and 2012 and will continue for 5 years at reducing amounts. The available incentive amounts will decline each year and end completely in 2016. In other words, physicians who adopt in 2011 could collect $44,000 over the five-year period while physicians who adopt in 2013 would receive $27,000 in incentive payments over 3 years (Blumenthal, 2009). The incentives will provide more funding for physicians that implement early. Surveys indicate that the incentives are a facilitator for approximately 55 percent of physicians who see the incentives as a reason to make the transition now, and receive maximum financial benefit (Blumenthal, 2009). The diversity in size of practices will affect how the physicians perceive capital costs. Due to the diversity in the types and ways physicians practice, issues that need to be considered and addressed, and the many solutions available, physicians attitudes and opinions on EHRs and Meaningful Use vary from very enthusiastic to resentful and wary. Studies have shown that physicians who have already adopted an EHR system are generally satisfied with their system and the benefits it provides. However, although the physicians will be the ones assuming approximately 89 percent of the cost of the system, they will not receive much of a return on their investment (Hoffman, 2009). The insurance companies will save money on reduced testing, streamlined billing, and overall efficiency. The government will save money on the same things as well as have a medium for monitoring fraud. Physicians will save some money on record storage, employee salaries previously paid for filing and transcribing records, and paper office supplies, but in comparison to the cost of the system, savings ar e minimal. Physician concern over return on investment is 50 percent for physicians who do not have an electronic system but only 33 percent for physicians who are already using an electronic system (DesRoches, 2008). The results may reflect Medicare and Medicaid patient numbers, size of the physician practice or perhaps the diverse perceptions physicians have over the dollar value versus the benefits to their actual income. Seemingly, the biggest numbers of implementers are the larger practices who are often better able to absorb the large investment than a small practice or single physician office. Statistics show that large primary care practices are more apt to implement EHR systems than other types of practices. These large group practices of fifty or more physicians were four times more likely to have a fully functional system than with physicians in practices of three or less physicians (DesRoches, 2008). The increased cash flow from a large practice makes the large capital expense less detrimental to the practice. This diversity in the size of physician practices is a significant basis for EHR implementation. EHR implementation itself will not provide for full Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. In order for a physician to receive full reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, an EHR system must meet the Meaningful Use requirements. Physicians who do not have an EHR system that meets the meaningful use requirements will see penalties in the form of reduced Medicare payments. The reduction of payments will start at one percent in 2015, increase to two percent in 2016, and increase again to three percent in 2017 (Blumenthal, 2009). Physicians with large amounts of Medicare and Medicaid patients will have a significant reason to implement a system that meets the Meaningful Use guidelines. This issue will not affect all physician practices and some physicians do not feel it is a significant impediment to their practice income to warrant the large expense involved with implementing an EHR system. The diversity in the types of patients a physician or practice routinely cares for will have an e ffect on their financial return and willingness to implement an EHR system. For those who may not see a financial return there are many other benefits to adopting an EHR system for patients, insurance companies, and the government, and to some degree physicians. One benefit for physicians is a more efficient and streamlined insurance claims process, which will aid in cash flow. Physicians will also be better able to provide for their patients because the patient record will be able to go where the patient goes, including to hospitals and specialists, resulting in better coordination of the patients care. The EHR will provide a reduction in clinical errors because of the ability of the EHR to provide clinical decision support and monitor medication dosing and contraindications, and allergies. However, a group of physicians feel that this is questioning their judgment and do not want the interference in the way they practice medicine. Of physicians who are using a fully functional EHR system 86 percent appreciate the avoidance of medication error function that their system provides. The diversity in the physicians response to clinical decision support may be due to age of the physician, the number of years he or she has been in practice or any number of reasons including the personality of the physician. Along with those benefits, there is disruption of the office workflow. This is a significant cause for physician concern (DesRoches, 2009). The learning curve for an EHR system slows down all the processes in the office. Some physicians are better able to deal with the chaos that ensues while converting to an electronic system. Everyone within the practice has to relearn his or her job processes. All the office procedures of the practice have to be redesigned to work with the EHR system and the practice requirements. There is a period even after implementation of changes and adjustments that must be made to customize the system to the practice. Physician practices have reduced their patient load as much as fifty percent during implementation to try to reduce the waiting time for patients (Braon, et al., 2005). This essentially means a reduction in revenues until everyone can perform their jobs smoothly and handle the normal patient load again. Estimates are anywhere from four to six months before normal patient load is fully resumed. Physicians have reported losing patients because the wait time to see the physician was too long during the early stages of implementation (Baron, 2005). This is a major barrier for 41 percent of physicians in making the switch to electronic records (DesRoches, 2008). Physicians are very busy by nature and a slowdown in the office creates a diverse level of frustration that has caused some physicians to put off implementation or even to reverse the work already done in adopting an EHR system and return to their paper system. Those who do make the switch from paper to electronic records will have to consider HIPAA requirements for security of an EHR system. EHR systems require the secure storage of EHRs, which contain patients private health information and interoperability requires secure access to patient EHRs. Some physicians will choose to be on an encrypted network to share information with their local hospital, laboratories, and other health care providers. A verification process will be required to allow authorized physicians access to patients private health information and to deny access to unauthorized persons. Security of patient records is a concern for many physicians. Some physicians feel this is something that needs more regulation before they will expose their patients to the risk of a breach. The diversity in the EHR systems in operation now creates issues for secured patient PHI with system interoperability. With all the diversity involved in implementing an EHR system, physicians perceive the challenges of the U.S. government mandate for the implementation of electronic health records in different ways. Some feel there are too many barriers to address before implementation of an EHR and others feel the benefits outweigh the barriers. There are as many opinions on the issues of switching to an EHR system as there are physicians themselves. Addressing issues such as cost, security, training without a major loss in cash flow, which stems from disruption to the workflow of the office, will all stress the doctor patient relationship at least for a time. This is important because it will effect how and when the physicians adopt and use the nationwide system. The diversity in the way physicians practice medicine is individualized and the approved EHR systems will have to be flexible enough to allow for that individuality. The one thing all physicians want is to practice medicine they way they always have and meet the required mandate for Meaningful Use so they may recoup some of their investment. References Baron, R. J., Fabens, E. L., Schiffman, M., Wolf, E. (2005, August 2). Electronic health records: Just around the corner? Or over the cliff? Annals of Internal Medicine, 143(3), 222-226. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=17875478site= ehost-live This article is written by physicians in a 4-internist practice describing the processes involved with converting from traditional paper medical records to electronic medical records. Baron and colleagues address the problems and issues involved, and how they worked through them. Some topics of interest include both planned and unexpected finances, training, workflow and accommodations and the overall office environment. The article describes the realized benefits and lacking areas of standardization and interoperability. I chose this source for its overall description of actual process of implementing an electronic records system. This article also addresses computer skills and requirements. Blumenthal, D. (2009, April 9). Stimulating the adoption of health information technology. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(15), 1477-1479. doi:10.1056/ This article describes the portions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) that pertains to health information technology. The article addresses barriers physicians have for implementing the mandated electronic medical record. Financial issues including incentives, costs and financial penalties are of adopting the mandate are covered. Other areas to promote and ease the transition, such as support systems, state and regional medical information exchanges, education initiatives, and extended HIPAA guidelines with regard to electronic records and transmissions are included in this article. This article explains the incentives for implementing the electronic records system. I chose this article to explain the diversity involved in the governments promotion for adopting an electronic health record system. DesRoches, C. M., Campbell, E. G., Rao, S. R., Karen, D., Timothy, F. G., Jha, A., . . . Blumenthal, D. (2008, July 3). Electronic records in ambulatory care: A national survey of physicians. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(1), 50-60. doi:10.1056/ This article is a summary of statistics and results compiled from a survey of physicians in the US regarding the adoption of electronic health records. Documented in the survey are physician statistics and opinions in areas of usage, implementation, and satisfaction with the electronic health record systems. Issues addressed are quality of care, age groups of physicians who have adopted an electronic system and size of practices more apt to adopt electronic health records. The positive effects on practice processes, barriers that hinder adoption of electronic health records, incentives for and reservations with switching to electronic health records are included in the survey. I chose this source because it provides actual statistics of the usage of electronic health record systems as well as the diversity in physicians perceptions of the process, the systems, the benefits, and problems associated with compliance. Hayes, F. (2009, February 2). No Rx for ROI. Computer World, 43(5), 40. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=36487540site=ehost-live In this article, the senior news columnist addresses the issue of return on investment (ROI) for the adoption of electronic health records. The definition of ROI is given and how it applies to aspects of electronic health record adoption for physicians and hospitals is examined. Risks to, benefits of, and improvements needed regarding electronic health records are noted. The author confirms that those assuming the expenses for electronic health records will not be the ones reaping the benefits. I chose this article because it covers reflects my opinion one of the most important reasons for physician resistance to implementing the government mandated electronic health record system. Hoffmann, L. (2009, November). Implementing electronic medical records. Communications of the ACM, 52(11), 18-20. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=45021143site=ehost-live In this article, a basic history of George W. Bushs goals for every American to have an electronic health record is presented along with the progress of the government in making those goals real. Usage of electronic records is briefly mentioned. The article focuses on some major barriers and concerns of physicians for implementation and usage. The article also addresses some of the positive aspects for electronic health records. I chose this article because it provides concise overall answers to who, what, when, where, and why answers to the implementation of the electronic health record and health information technology.

Essay --

James Mercer Langston Hughes was a poet and a novelist from the mid -1900s who began writing poems throughout his high school career. His poems are mainly affiliated with the tough life he had been through as racism reached its peak. In his poems, Langston Hughes discusses his hardships dealing with all the racist people in his schools and the ones around him. And how the experience of life was for someone who was black. He was known as the most versatile writer of the Harlem Renaissance, a time in American history when African Americans became part of the mainstream in both politics and music. In Langston Hughes’s poem, â€Å"Dreams† Langston Hughes illustrates the value of dreams. He believes that dreams serve as the purpose of life and if there are no dreams to achieve then that life is not worth living. The rhyme scheme of the poem is A-B-C-B-D-F-E-F. In line 1 and 2 Langston Hughes uses personification describing how dreams die, giving dreams characteristics of living things. By this he means that if people do not follow their goals/dreams they can never taste freedom and they become incapable of doing anything with their life. From lines 3-4, a metaphor is used to compare life to a broken-winged bird that cannot fly if dreams die. This is the same concept where if there aren’t dreams to pursue in life, there is nothing to be done in life. From lines 6-8, Langston Hughes uses personification again saying, if dreams go, or in other words fade away, life becomes a barren field with frozen snow. This is a metaphor. With this being said, a barren field is used to describe an empty life, still, and alone where there is nothing to be done and where nothing can be done, everything is stable. This barren field being frozen with snow sh... ...n’t being treated like the white kids are treated. From lines 3 to 6, Langston Hughes explains how the injustice in his life doesn’t matter to white kids. To white kids, injustice is like unnoticeable, yet it does exist. Throughout the rest of the poem, Hughes questions the promises made by the Pledge of Allegiance. The promise made was, Liberty and Justice for all! This was only for the white kids where when it came to African Americans, they were ignored. Langston Hughes points out the part in the Pledge where it is said, â€Å"for all†, and that really only stands for white people. He says the Pledge of Allegiance has lies written in it. Like a children’s nursery rhyme, treated insignificantly. Langston Hughes discusses how the promises made in the Pledge are only promised, but are not given to all. The rhyme scheme for this poem is A-B-C-D-C-E-F-G-H-G-I-J-K-L-K.

Stephen Bantu Biko :: essays research papers

Stephen Bantu Biko Stephen Biko is known internationally as the founder of the South African Students' Organization (SASO), and a leading force in the South Africa Black Consciousness movement. He fought against the separation between black and whites, called apartheid (the Afrikaans term for separateness). His childhood experiences and character, lead him to became a powerful leader. Steve Biko was born on December 18, 1946, in King William's Town, South Africa. He father was a clerk and his mother was a housemaid. Following the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, Biko was just 17 years old when he became a political activist. He started to become active when he got expelled from Lovedale High School and his brother was arrested in a nationwide police crackdown on political activists. He ended up graduating in 1966 at a boarding school in Natal named St. Francis College. By then, his mind and character were those of a leader. He had a quick brain with huge mental force and ideas. He had the gift to cut through to the core of a problem and find the best solution. "His mind was a tool to chisel out sense and truth and order" (Woods 78). Biko was thoughtful, sensitive and had a good sense of humor. He was motivated by the search for good and truth. At the University of Natal Medicine in 1968, he became involved in the multiracial National Union of South African Students. He was known by peers and adults as a student leader This organization fought for black rights, except he claimed that, "the white [were] doing all the talking and the blacks listening" (Biko 210). Biko wanted the blacks to have as much say and participation as the whites, so in 1968 he became the co-founder and first president of he South African Students' Organization (SASO). This was an all-black organization, which aim was to raise self respect and reliance to all blacks. He said, "Black liberation starts with psychological self reliance. This can only be initiated in isolation from allies whose good intentions are an obstacle to such self- realization" (Woods 63). This organization helped the foundation of another movement and convention, known as the South African Students' Movement, and the Black Peoples' Convention (BPC). This movement also became known as the Black Consciousness Movement. The movements he founded were headed towards students, because they were the ones that might change their minds, unlike the older people, who have already made up their minds. He published Black Review, which was a political journal for the black community. These movements and publications raised so much controversy that the black man is as worthy as any

Daredevil Stunts at Niagara Falls :: essays research papers

Annie Edson Taylor a widowed school teacher from Michigan made history on October 24, 1901 being the first person to take the daring plunge over the picturesque yet treacherous Niagara Falls. Various people have taken on Niagara Falls and all it’s furry from trapeze artist to barrel jumper all seeking a degree of fulfillment, at what cost? That is the risk these daredevils are willing to take. While there were many daredevil acts before Mrs Taylor’s bold accomplishment, none quite so renowned, for no one had previously endeavored to drive themselves over the falls. Though Carlisle Graham had announced a few months prior he would journey down Horseshoe Falls he did not go forth with his plans. Annie was strapped into a Kentucky oak barrel that was held together by seven steal rings and packed with padding, the barrel was 34 inches in diameter through the middle and four and a half feet long. The lid was screwed shut and Annie was towed out by a small boat to the mainstream and released at 4:05 pm, several news people were on hand, ready to deliver Annie’s fate to the world. The barrel streamed toward the Canadian side and over the Horseshoe Falls. Mrs Taylor was in the barrel for 17 minutes after her frightening tumble down Niagara Falls, until it was close enough to the Canadian shores to be hauled in. The top of the barrel was cut away. Annie emerged s cratched and bruised, very stunned but satisfied, quoted to have said â€Å"No one ought ever do that again.† She did try to cash in on her accomplishment, for it is documented that it was one of her motives for such a precarious act, however she was far from victorious. In lieu of money, for 10 years she held the honor of being the only person to ever go over the falls. She died a pauper twenty years later, at the still disputed age of 83. Not unlike Annie Taylor numerous people tried a variety of different stunts seeking fame and fortune for there dare devilish ways, many paying with their lives. One of the most notorious people to take to the tight rope was Jean Francois Gravelot or better known as â€Å"The Great Blondin†, he was branded as the most bold and entertaining daredevil of all time, he was infatuated with crossing over Niagara Falls. Daredevil Stunts at Niagara Falls :: essays research papers Annie Edson Taylor a widowed school teacher from Michigan made history on October 24, 1901 being the first person to take the daring plunge over the picturesque yet treacherous Niagara Falls. Various people have taken on Niagara Falls and all it’s furry from trapeze artist to barrel jumper all seeking a degree of fulfillment, at what cost? That is the risk these daredevils are willing to take. While there were many daredevil acts before Mrs Taylor’s bold accomplishment, none quite so renowned, for no one had previously endeavored to drive themselves over the falls. Though Carlisle Graham had announced a few months prior he would journey down Horseshoe Falls he did not go forth with his plans. Annie was strapped into a Kentucky oak barrel that was held together by seven steal rings and packed with padding, the barrel was 34 inches in diameter through the middle and four and a half feet long. The lid was screwed shut and Annie was towed out by a small boat to the mainstream and released at 4:05 pm, several news people were on hand, ready to deliver Annie’s fate to the world. The barrel streamed toward the Canadian side and over the Horseshoe Falls. Mrs Taylor was in the barrel for 17 minutes after her frightening tumble down Niagara Falls, until it was close enough to the Canadian shores to be hauled in. The top of the barrel was cut away. Annie emerged s cratched and bruised, very stunned but satisfied, quoted to have said â€Å"No one ought ever do that again.† She did try to cash in on her accomplishment, for it is documented that it was one of her motives for such a precarious act, however she was far from victorious. In lieu of money, for 10 years she held the honor of being the only person to ever go over the falls. She died a pauper twenty years later, at the still disputed age of 83. Not unlike Annie Taylor numerous people tried a variety of different stunts seeking fame and fortune for there dare devilish ways, many paying with their lives. One of the most notorious people to take to the tight rope was Jean Francois Gravelot or better known as â€Å"The Great Blondin†, he was branded as the most bold and entertaining daredevil of all time, he was infatuated with crossing over Niagara Falls.

Great Gatsby and Elizabeth Barret Browning comparison Essay

In what ways do the texts you have studies highlight the changing values of dreams and desires? The concept of dreams and desires are a constantly changing ideal experienced in human nature, and this concept is explored through Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s anthology of poems â€Å"Sonnets of the Portuguese† and Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s satirical novel â€Å"The Great Gatsby.† Correlative thematic concerns arise between the Victorian era and the Jazz Age in relation to dreams and desires and furthermore to the nature of love and perceptions are undertaken making these texts valued upon consideration of each other. Through deconstructing these texts it becomes apparent that these values are influenced by each text’s composer’s contextual influences. Similarly, the role and value of each composer within their context must be undertaken to comprehend the value and perspective of their reconstruction of their era. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Victorian context shapes her perception in the evaluation of love and the role of women. In the construction of her poems, ‘Sonnets from the Portuguese’ structured inspiration derives from Romantic prose, whilst pertaining to the strict form. Allowing for a focus on the thematic concerns of her poems rather, Barrett Browning’s poems emphatically explore the progression of the highly idealised love of herself and Robert Browning. Rejecting the social expectations of her context through her presentation to Browning of her deeply personal poems, her poems provide insight to the female perception of courtly love. Through this alone we can see that Barrett Browning is an example herself of changing values as she rejects social conventions of her era by using the sonnet form, which was dominated by males at the time, whilst women tended to be limited to the novel form. She uses this form to present and express to Robert Browning the extent of her love. Love is explored in both texts as a major thematic concern representing changing values of dreams and desires. Jay Gatsby in Fitzgerald’s â€Å"The Great Gatsby† had spent the last 5 years of his life building his dream and perfect fantasy that he wishes to share with Daisy. Throughout the novel his dream and desires are tested yet he still remains hopeful. Out of all the characters Gatsby seems to be the only one with this hope, making him a perfect representation of the changing ideals of love, and furthermore dreams and desires. In Barrett Browning’s time, the notion of love was believed in and practiced through courtship in comparison in the Jazz age  where love was no longer idolised and only one out of so many people has that same kind of hope as nearly 80 years earlier. When comparing these 2 texts we can see that over this time the value of dreams and desires changes, in this case the significance of love becomes less important. In the Great Gatsby, the director uses symbolism to show the changing value of dreams and desires. The green light at the end of Gatsby’s wharf represents his hopes and dreams for the future. It is first brought up in chapter 1 shining brightly; representing his firm belief in his love for daisy, until it gradually loses its strength in Chapter 9 â€Å"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.† Throughout the movie his belief in his dreams are tested and through the gradual decrease in the green lights intensity, we can see that it represents Gatsby’s gradual decrease in his belief in his dreams as he realises the problems that arise and how they affect the successfulness of his desires. This change over a short time is also present in Barrett Browning’s sonnets and her love for Robert. In sonnet 1 she describes her love as a shadow drawing her back by the hair, as she doesn’t understand how she’s feeling, she’s unfamiliar with the feelings of love. Gradually by the end of her sonnets she is strong in her love for Robert saying â€Å"how do I love thee, let me count the ways!† as though she loves Robert in more ways than 1 and she knows how she feels now and is certain of those feelings. This represents her own changing values as her dreams and desires are uncertain, yet they become to love Robert and throughout the sonnets we can s ee that she values this love more and more and becomes more confident in that love. When considering the context of Elizabeth Barrett Browning we can recognise the importance of her sonnets and furthermore her love for Robert. When viewed as a whole, her sonnets represent the change she experiences of the value of her love being highlighted. In Fitzgerald’s â€Å"The Great Gatsby† this gradual change idea is also present in the character Jay Gatsby and his loss of value for love and his own dreams and desires. In both these texts we can see that dreams and desires are changing values both in short and longer periods of time. The context of each text is taken into account when deconstructing these texts as it shows the significance of the representation of changing values. Jay Gatsby is the only one in his time who shares the same hope in his dreams and desires as Barrett Browning 80  years prior. Therefore we can see that both the great Gatsby and Sonnets of the Portuguese are texts that highlight changing values of dreams and desires.

Understand How to Safeguard the Well Being of Children and Young People

Question 1: Why is it important to safeguard children and young people? Without providing the service of safeguarding for children and young people who are not developed enough to do it for themselves, their future could be negatively affected. If they were to be affected by an event such as abuse, and there is no safeguarding in place, this could carry on and seriously affect their physical and emotional development. This could mean they fall behind with developmental milestones. Children need to be provided with a safe and happy environment to grow up in so they are happy to develop at a normal rate and sequence. This will help them achieve their full potential, through into adulthood. Question 2: Explain why a person-centred approach is important in safeguarding the well-being of children or young people. It is important to centre the safeguarding approach around the child or young person, as their wishes and concerns need to be taken into account to achieve the best possible outcome for them. It is important to have a good relationship with the child so the child will feel comfortable disclosing information and conveying their feelings and points of views. Having this will mean the organisation can respond in the most accurate and appropriate way. The child can then be involved in any future decisions. The organisation and carers should be there to support and explain everything to the child to try to comfort them so the situation is not so daunting and the child can explain clearly what they want for their future.

Lincoln Electric expansion to India Essay

Market entry strategy involves the essential requirement for a company to get into international level. The need of involving other companies whereby two companies join together is referred to as joint venture entry. They get into a similar market and make the same production with the aim of sharing risk and at the same time they share the profit according to their terms of agreement (Kretzberg, 2007). Therefore, Lincoln Electric Company has a chance to join with other company to venture in the Indian market. Through the joint venture strategy in Indian market, Lincoln Electric has a chance of attracting wider market share in the region. The major consideration is done through extensive study of the market situation through various considerations. Market environment has a wide consideration depending on the factors such as political, social and economic integration. The basic considerations that Lincoln Company has to consider are directed in achievement in the market increase (Hastings, 1995). Concerning the Indian market structure, introduction of welding company is essential in reference to the technological improvement. The factors concerning the technology in the region, it covers the different aspects especially in developing market. While considering joint venture strategy in international market, the major considerations are made depending on business environment. This involves political, economic and social culture of the region. External environment Political status of the region helps in decision making regarding international marketing and business establishment. The major factors are on the risks that are involved while setting the business and the response from the market. The references are done in respect to the intention of the company and the level of investment (North & Trabajo, 1997). Lincoln Electric has a high chance of introducing its operation at Indian industries due to stability in the political field. The issues regarding the political  situation in India are attractive to the investors. There is no major threat regarding the Lincoln Electric company investing in the region. The Lincoln Electric company has to take advantages of the political situation in India. The Indian government offers full support in the provision of security and ensuring investments are safeguarded. On international investors, the government acknowledges their participation in the provision of employment in the region (Theobald, 2008). Therefore, they take high initiative in protecting the companies through different acts regarding business and industries. The political will in Indian government in upholding the foreign companies ensures development throughout. Therefore, political stability of the country has a major effect on the business setting and its operation. Economics background India has a promising economic situation whereby investors consider it as a strong initiative leading to prosperity. Lincoln Electric Company has to consider long term condition regarding the market and economy of the region. The basis of market and competition helps in introducing appropriate measures regarding the future of the Lincoln Electric company. The management has chosen appropriately the markets that have a promising future and having the market structure that have the capability of improvement (Majumdar & Saad, 2005). The competitions in the region are based on the development capacity. Lincoln Electric Company deals with the electrical materials and hence taking advantage of Indian market. Through the technological improvement in the region, the Lincoln Electric company has the chances of improving the production. The major aim is connected to market share increase through innovative strategies in technology. India is a superior country that the company ought to invest in since it has a wider market that requires the electrical materials. Few industries in the country provide the required electrical materials. Hence, it would be vital for the Lincoln Electric Company to expand its operations in this country. Huge profits will result from the company expanding its operations to India. The average sale of the company’s products will improve; it will hence be able to produce more products for the India market (Fratianni, 2006). Different tools can be used to analyze the expansion of this company in India. The expansion of the company will have different inferences; the company may get  high level of profits or get losses. Profits can use as a good measure of the company’s expansion in a certain region. The success of the company is normally measured by the level of profits that it generates by involving itself in a certain venture. In this case this company is completing whet her to enter the India market or not. It is recommendable for the company to enter India market since there is high demand for its products in the country (Hafford-Letchfield, 2010). Though its products received mixed reactions from China and Japan, the company can take encouragement from the fact that the Indian market did not compose of many electrical companies like in the case of china and Japan. The degree of competition in India is low while the demand is high. Applying the law of demand and supply, entry to the Indian market will signify an increase in the profits of the company (Kuada, 2008). The demand for its products would be in the rise in this country. The performance of the welding materials in Asia countries for the country in the early years was not as expected for the country. There were mixed reactions for its products across the consumers. The reactions arose from trade restrictions that were imposed by the governments. Companies were to produce consumer products at low cost, and hence they would be provided to the consumers at low costs. This then gives the company a hectic decision, and they have to resolve to enter the market of not (Combe, 2006, p. 108). If the company enters this market, it can expect anything to happen, it may either get improved profits or in turn it would get losses. The companies to India would imply that the company will increase its market share across different regions in India. It would then be possible to market itself to the locals by having its local company. The company’s improved sales would also imply that the company would be able to compete with other multinational companies that deal in the manufacture of welding and electrical products. India is among the growing countries, and attributed by the country’s GDP growth is high. The market is important, and its annual GDP is relatively high that of Latin countries combined together. India is projected to be an economic powerhouse in the next coming years (Kretzberg, 2007). This implies that the country is doing well economically, and it is, therefore, vital for the Lincoln Company to join the Indian market. The company need o considerate some vital aspect before it have resolved on expanding to the Indian market. It should  carefully analyze the market situation in the country (Chadwick, 2002). This helps the company to analyze the competitors of its products. Competitors are vital; the company should be more realistic and come up with strategies that would help it deal with competition. Strategy that the company should use to enter the Indian market (joint venture) Joint venture is essential for the Lincoln Electric company entering new market; it can enter the market on different grounds. The Indian welding market is made of three large competitors and small companies that sell their products at low discount (McClave & Benson, 1988). Considering the performance of the three companies in this market, the level of competition is high. The entry of Lincoln Company would hence impact the market, and high level of compilation would be witnessed. Since the Lincoln Company is well-establis hed company with different multinational companies in different countries, it should then stand on its own and provide its products to this market. As noted from the provided context different companies that tried to enter the market by either merging or acquisition found it rough to make it in the market (Miles, 2014, p. 153). Since the company is well financially grounded and wants to establish itself as a global, multinational, it should then make all the necessary structures required to enter this market. All the basic installation needed should be adopted by the company so that it can be in a position to compete with other companies in the market The company should establish itself on its own since it would signify an element of intent that would increase competition with its rivals (Tsoukas & Chia, 2011, p. 421). The company is also in a position to expand its production capacity when it has formed the company on its own. It would not be tired to commitments resulting from companies merging. The joint venture is a strategic entry of this company should be based on the formation of a new company that would use different inp uts in the production of its product. This strategy is important since- as noted in the China case the company should form the establish itself on its own since legal issues might arise in the case that the company enters the market in partnership with other companies. Partnership would restrict the growth of the firm, and there would be a dispute in profits sharing. It was also noted that the right decisions could not be made in the right time, and it took time while making decisions affecting the company. Due to the increase in the demand welding materials  in South Korea the company’s distributor could not cater for the requirements needed by the shipping companies. The Company could have catered for the demand if it had established its own company dealing in the production of welding materials. This then forms the base for the company to establish its plant in demand so as to cater for the future changes in demand (Tompkins, 2005). This is possible in the case that the company is able to adopt new technology in manufacturing its products. Lincoln could not cater for the demand of his products across South Korea since his was not involved in the manufacture of the materials while in South Korea. In Japan, the company production was limited; the company did not have any market link and hence was not involved in the final market demand of the products. The company faced many challenges while in its operation like the poor power supply. The power system was impaired hence the company could not function to optimality (Robert French & Vince, 1999). The company should have entered the Japan market with all the necessary machines that are needed to produce its product hence it would be in a position to compete with the other competitors in this region. It is hence ideal for a company to enter the Indian market on it owns since it would cope with all the challenges without delaying its production. Entering the market in any other form would imply that the company would not be to handle the pressure that results from competitors (Daft, 2001, p. 212). The Indian market is demands welding materials hence the company should establish a renowned plant to help in the manufacture of its products. Challenges faced by adopting this approach It is hard for the company to establish itself with the other competitors in India. The Indian market is made of different companies that deal in the production of welding materials. Establishing its products requires the company to use advanced marketing strategies that would outdo the competitors. Conclusion The company needs to apply strategic management rules, which would help it establish its strength and weakness. This approach requires the company to sets its goals and objectives that would help it to identify the risks that are associated with its operations. The company should keenly analyze the  key aspects that might hinder its operations, and the factors might be internal or the external factors. Analyzing the situations would help it to gather momentum, and, hence, would cope with competition from rivals. The company might find it hard to make in the market since some of the consumers would not regard its products. Another challenge, which the company would face, is a huge capital outlay that it requires to establish itself. Since the company is establishing a new plant, it would need a lot of money to make the structures and buy equipments. The legal process needed to establish the plant may be cumbersome; hence the firm may take time to start its operations in the country. Some government procedures required to establish the company may take time before they are provided by the government, these are like the licenses needed to establish the company. References CHADWICK, R. ( 2002). Business and economics. London: Routledge. COMBE, C. ( 2006). Introduction to e-business : management and strategy. Amsterdam ; Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. DAFT, R. L. ( 2001). Organization theory and design. Cincinnati, Ohio: South-Western College Pub. FRATIANNI, M. (2006). Regional economic integration. Amsterdam ; Boston : Elsevier JAI. HAFFORD-LETCHFIELD, T. (2010). Social care management, strategy and business planning. London ; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. HASTINGS, D. F. (1995). The Lincoln Electric Company: the actual is limited– the possible is immense. New York, Newcomen Society of the United States. KRETZBERG, A. (2007). Market entry strategies for emerging economies. Frankfurt am Main, Peter Lang KUADA, J. (2008). International market analysis theories and methods. Adonis and Abbey. MAJUMDAR, M. A., & SAAD, M. (2005). Transition and development in Algeria : economic, social and cultural challenges. Bristol: Intellect. MCCLAVE, J. T., & BENSON, P. G. (1988). Statistics for business and economics. San Francisco: Dellen Pub. Co. MILES, J. A. ( 2014). New directions in management and organization theory. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. NORTH, K., & TRABAJO., O. I. (1997). Environmental business management : an introduction. Geneva: International Labour Office. ROBERT FRENCH, M., & VINCE, R. ( 1999). Group relations, management, and organization. New York: Oxford University Press. THEOBALD, R. H. (2008). Environmental management. New York: Nova Science Publishers. TOMPKINS, J. (2005). Organization theory and public management. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. TSOUKAS, H., & CHIA, R. C. ( 2011). Philosophy and organization theory. Bingley, UK: Emerald.

Gaining Independence

Gaining Independence Many parents stand by in frustration wondering how they can help a challenged child develop new skills. The very first step to completing this task is ridding our minds of the word disabled. The dictionary defines disabled as an umbrella term for someone who is being incapacitated by illness or injury or in broad terms physically or mentally impaired. The biggest gift we can give our children is independence. Independence is freedom from dependency of us. That’s what every mother wants, her child to fly from the nest and live a life of happiness and freedom.Another thing we can do for our children is step back and allow them to struggle a bit. Remember the saying: â€Å"necessity is the mother of invention? † What that means is through necessity, people become creative and make do with the things they do have. It makes them more kind, compassionate and grateful towards life. Through struggles a child learns perseverance. Perseverance will fuel a chi ld with the energy to work hard at developing skills and build self esteem. The natural inclination of a parent is to swoop in and rescue the child when they struggle, or cry or attempt to give up because a learning experience has challenged them.Unfortunately, by rescuing our children we are unconsciously conditioning them to be dependent on us. And that is something that can be prevented. Disabled children can be independent; they just need to show them how. First, help them find their own strengths. Everyone has a strong suit or strength. Whether its compassion, or math. But, everyone does. So, develop these strong suits and strengths and capitalize on the things they CAN do. Second, don’t use the word disability as an excuse. Everyone has some adversity or challenge to overcome. EVERYONE.But, where appropriate, hold your child to the same standards as you would with any other child. Doing so, will make him or her stronger in the long run and give them the best chance to s ucceed and function more independently. Third be there to help, Independence doesn’t mean dropping someone in the middle of the ocean. Growing up pis a difficult enough for any child and can be stressful at many different levels. Knowing they have a safety net is critical part of developing confidence and allows them to stretch their abilities without being frozen by overwhelming fear of failure.Fourth, you have to be avoid giving your child directions all the time. Otherwise they will never become independent. It is a good idea to supervise your child, but you should avoid correcting their actions and behaviors in front of others Generally it is best to show your kid how to do things and let them learn from their mistakes. It is always better to help your child rather than criticizing their actions. In conclusion, always put the person first, not their disability. Anyone with a disability would rather people to see them. Not their disability, simply because they are a person . Not a disability.

Writer's choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 31

Writer's choice - Essay Example l, they do that faster for some customers since they have the resources at hand, on the other hand if they do not have the materials that match the customers preference and urgency, they postpone the order until the time when they get the relevant materials that match the customers need, that is when they will accomplish the order. This matches to an up close of what the customer needs, they work on the difference between their service and whatever the customer exactly needs to make sure that the variation is minimal as per the customer and further forecasting the demand and make a level for it in the period it produces it. MRP system plays a major role in predicting what might lead to a significant difference from diverse seasons at give times. As a result, this forecasting capability may lead to a change in the inventory activities at that specific time. By the company realizing the fundamental components that its activities may require, it will subsidize the purchasing bill hence become more focused and specific to the materials needed in its operations. Given that they have prior information on the required materials, the company will not have to buy the unuseful materials which are thereof useless to the operation despite them being in the warehouse, thus, leading to a big waste of time and money. Work standardization and quality practices promote easy work implementation by the workers. Notably, if the work system process is indicated adequately and controlled well, the workers will have knowledge of what to do. This leads to them working it out in a smooth way giving out the best results