Cost Plus History Essay

The first Cost Plus opened in 1958, when a San Francisco businessman parlayed his passion for travel into an import business by selling a shipload of hand-woven wicker from a local pier. The furniture sold out within a few days, but the idea lived on. Now Cost Plus World Market’s store at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. (Cost Plus World Market) With such a receptive audience eagerly awaiting his return, it only made sense to open a store. And in 1958 he opened the first store in San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf and called it Cost Plus World Market. The store quickly became a destination for those who craved original and handmade items from around the world. Items were sold at cost, plus ten percent – hence the name Cost Plus World Market! (Cost Plus World Market) Since its opening more than four decades ago, the Company’s product categories have expanded to include: furniture, pillows, lamps, floor and window coverings, frames, baskets, garden, collectibles, tabletop and kitchen accessories, along with gourmet foods and wines. From a dining room table and chairs to the perfect Chardonnay to complement a meal, Cost Plus World Market is a complete value retailing resource which provides simple yet unique solutions for every entertaining and decorating need. (Cost Plus World Market) In 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering and trades on the NASDAQ national market under the symbol Cost Plus World Market. (Cost Plus World Market) As of January 30, 2010, the company operated in 268 stores under the name â€Å"World Market†, â€Å"Cost Plus World Market†, â€Å"Cost Plus Imports†, and â€Å"World Market Stores†. Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market buyers travel the world visiting remote villages, centuries-old factories and foreign bazaars searching for unique products to offer our customers. They get baskets from Bali, chocolates from Belgium, pottery from Portugal, and wine from around the world. These are just a few of the uncommon treasures that customers will discover on their adventure through our stores. Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market is a spirited, eclectic and wildly different retailer that turns shopping into an adventure by continually filling aisle after aisle with great finds at great prices from around the world. (Cost Plus World Market) Although I was not able to find Cost Plus World Market’s mission statement, I found what they call the Company Atmosphere. They want customers to expect an adventurous atmosphere when they enter into any of the store locations. They try to recreate a bazaar type atmosphere for those who want to look for items from different areas from around the globe. Cost Plus World Market changes their items they carry in the stores frequently, so products are always new and fresh. The stores offer a wide variety of goods that are imported from fifty countries around the globe. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market carries a variety of environmentally friendly items such as the plantation raised wood that many furniture products are made from as well as recycled glass goblets to name a few. Cost Plus World Market stores are located near major malls in thirty different cities. The target market is women from ages 25 to 55 years. World Market is a private label which most of the items have, with a few other labels. (www. hoovers. com) Cost Plus World Market Organizational Strengths Cost Plus World Market is considered 50 Countries Under One Roof. This is strength for the company for the people who do not ever get to leave and see other countries. They bring unique items from all over the globe that you cannot find in an ordinary retail or department store. Cost Plus World Market offers seasonal items that are unique and they sell them at reasonable prices. Many of the products that are sold at World Market are hand crafted by the local artisans in the different countries. (Cost Plus World Market)The company sells gourmet foods from different areas of the world not sold in your local stores. The wines that they sell include wine, micro brewed and imported beers, coffee, tea and bottled water. The wine assortment is moderately priced premium wines that are not readily available at a neighborhood wine or grocery store. The staffs are trained and can help with the different wines as to what the consumer is looking for with the budget they are working with. The company routinely shops a variety of retailers to ensure that its products are competitively priced. (Cost Plus World Market) Company strength for the company is that they are online, and since many people are connected to the internet they can reach many more consumers. Outside of the shopping the company has available on the website its Annual Report, Quarterly Reports, and Currents reports. The website gives information for the investors, merchandisers, etc. Cost Plus World Market offers different coupons for sales and percent off on the internet as ell. Since they shop the other competition retailers to make sure they have a competitive price you can feel comfortable that you will get the best price out there for unique items. Cost Plus World Market Organizational Weaknesses Cost Plus World Market has significant debt and may incur from this substantial debt added to it in the future. A good portion of the future cash flow for the companies operating activities will likely be dedicated to the payment of interest and the repayment of principal on the indebtedness. The company lenders have liens on the majority of the company’s assets. With this, the lender has a first priority including the company’s cash and inventory balances. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market can minimize this by making sure that they have the best prices of their competitors, advertise sales, new items, and the seasonal items they get in stock. Another weakness for Cost Plus World Market is that they incur major costs for the transportation of goods from foreign ports to the distribution centers and stores. They continually negotiate pricing for certain transportation contracts and with the rise in fuel costs vendors are expected to increase their rates, which in turn Cost Plus World Market will not be able to remain competitively priced to the consumers as they will have to compensate for the increase in transportation rates. (Cost Plus World Market) They can try to minimize this by negotiating a contract that holds a set transportation rate for a predetermined price to keep the costs competitive with the competition. Cost Plus World Market Organizational Opportunities Cost Plus World Market has an International, well established, sourcing network with long standing relationship with many of its vendors. They however do not hold long-term contracts with their suppliers as it is customary for this type of industry. The buyers often work with suppliers to produce unique products exclusive to Cost Plus World Market. The company believes that to keep the competitive prices, although there could be delays in changing suppliers, alternate sources of merchandise are available at comparable prices. Cost Plus World Market’s products are manufactured abroad in over 50 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. (Cost Plus World Market) Another opportunity for the company is the use of technology with having the products available on the company website for those consumers which Cost Plus World Market is not in their local area. The company’s information systems allow all of the stores across to link to the headquarters in Oakland, California. They are able to keep track of all the stores, sales, inventory, what store the items are sold in, all of which is updated daily. This allows the store managements to keep track of their data and better other in-store administration capabilities. This will help to keep products stocked, decide which items sell better in which area so as to not waste money on items which do not sell in certain areas and sell better in others. This will also better the communication between stores and better control finances. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market Organizational Threats One of the main threats to Cost Plus World Market is the competition. The company competes against a diverse group of retailers from specialty stores to department stores. The competitions companies are such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Michaels Stores, Pier 1 Imports, Trader Joes, and William-Sonome. Cost Plus World Market competes with these types of companies for customers, prices, and assortment of products, brand name, recognition, store locations, and the qualifications of the management. Cost Plus World Market) Another threat for Cost Plus World Market is the occurrence or threat of international conflict or terrorist activities because the products that they sell are purchased in other countries and must be shipped to the United States. They need the items precise and on-time as much as possible to keep the stores stocked with the merchandise to sell. These threats or occurrences can cause critical downfall for the company, impact on the busines s, personnel and facilities, customers and suppliers and the general economic condition for Cost Plus World Market. Cost Plus World Market) Summary, Strategic Analysis and Suggestions Cost Plus World Market can maximize on their sourcing network with the vendors and suppliers overseas by when the fuel prices are high and scheduled to be on the rise. They could try for an extended contract with the vendors and suppliers to have a set rate for the shipping of the products to keep costs down to be competitive with competitors. This can keep them ahead of the competition and draw in new customers as well as keep the existing customers. Cost Plus World Market can continue to keep updating their information systems to keep all of the data accurate for finances, merchandise, suppliers, vendors, each stores information, and keep this all connected to the home office in Oakland, California. This is going to let them know where they stand and be able to better serve the consumers. To neutralize the threat of the competition, Cost Plus World Market can do all they can to keep the costs of the merchandise down below the competition, advertise their products, and keep the products fresh and new to keep drawing in current and new customers. They can continue to build relationships with the vendors and suppliers overseas to keep the products coming and unique for the consumers. To neutralize the threat of international conflicts or terrorist attacks, Cost Plus World Market can try all they can to keep a good bond with the overseas vendors and suppliers to keep business going and items to be shipped to the distribution centers. Many items are unique and exclusive to World Market regularly supplied by an international network of individual and regional artisans developed over the Company’s 50 years in the import business. The majority of the store’s furniture is constructed of environmentally friendly, farm raised wood while a number of items are made out of recycled glass and yet countless are constructed of environmentally friendly bamboo. The value, breadth and continual refreshment of products invite customers to come back throughout a lifetime of changing home furnishings and entertaining needs. (Wire) For consumers who want to shop in a store that is considered â€Å"50 countries under one roof† they will be more than pleased to step into any of the Cost Plus World Market Stores and find unique items to suit their personal tastes.

Bless Me Ultima Essay

Bless Me, Ultima, By Rudolfo Anaya is a moving story about a boy who is the last hope of his family and must decide on a culture and his own fate. Throughout the book readers recognizes allusions to the Bible but mainly to the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is an alliance of three principles, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Antonio has three religions that influence him and each are alluded to the Trinity. The Father represents the Catholic religion and God, also the faith he resembles. The Golden Carp alludes to the Son, and his guidance of right and wrong and Antonio’s morality. The Holy Spirit is represented by Ultima and old curandera that resembles wisdom. By analysis of the book Bless Me Ultima, Anya uses the allusion of the Holy Trinity to conclude that through wisdom, faith, and morality a conflict can be reconciled. Throughout the text, Rudolfo Anaya uses the allusion of the Holy Spirit illustrates that when one only relies on wisdom a conflict cannot be resolved. This conclusion is confirmed when Tenorio has blamed Ultima; who resembles wisdom and the Holy Spirit, for the loss of his child. It is not rumor,† Narciso pleaded, â€Å"he has gathered his cronies around him at the bar, he has filled them with whiskey all day, and he has convinced them to burn a witch! They come on a witchhunt! † (Pg 128). The citizen’s fear of Ultima shows that he is using the allusion of the Holy Spirit and when Antonio only relies on one part of his Holy Trinity he fails to commit to resolving his conflict. Then he soon finds himself and his family in danger. Antonio again only depends on the wisdom Ultima supplies him, and then he realizes an internal conflict he has created after witnessing a fight between Narciso and Andrew. Had I already lost my innocence? How? I had seen Lupito murdered†¦ I had seen Ultima’s cure†¦ I had seen the men come to hang her†¦ I had seen the awful fight just now†¦ I had seen and reveled in the beauty of the golden carp! Oh God! My soul groaned and I thought that it would burst and I would die huddled against the evil house. How had I sinned? (Pg 165). Suggesting that Antonio has only leaned on Ultima he finds himself in a dilemma within his cultures in that he has been separating his cultures instead of creating intimacy between them. By only confiding in part of the  Holy Trinity one has to go through a cultural struggle without it being reconciled. Numerous times in the text Anaya uses the allusion of the Father in the Holy Trinity to explain that when one only focuses on faith a cultural conflict will not be compensated. For example, during one of Antonio’s dreams, he interprets God as a sort of evil figure. â€Å"You foolish boy, God roared, don’t you see you are caught in your own trap! You would have a God who forgives all, but when it comes to your personal whims you seek punishment for your vengeance†¦ Vengeance is Mine! He shouted, not even your golden carp would give up that power as a godâ€Å"(Pg 173). The fact that God is illustrated as a bad character in his dream it is clear that Anaya is using allusion within the Holy Trinity in that it is not enough to only take part in one section and might result in doubts like Antonio’s. Also, after the death of Narciso, Antonio returns back to school and has many things running through his mind. â€Å"I thought a great deal about God and why he let such things happen†¦ Perhaps, I thought, God had not seen the murder take place, and that’s is why He had not punished Tenorio. Perhaps God was too busy in heaven to worry or care about us†(Pg 186-187). The author uses the feeling of doubt in faith to show that when Antonio regulates the faith in his life he ends with failure. This occurs because Anaya uses allusion within the Holy Trinity to suggest that if you only regard the Father and the faith in which he represents one’s cultural conflict will not cease. As Anaya uses the allusion of the Son in the Holy Trinity it is evident that only confining in morality concludes to a cultural conflict. Readers experience this conflict multiple times throughout the text. One specific event is when Cico and Antonio are having a conversation about the Golden Carp and how Antonio would like to see the fish. â€Å"We have never taken a non-believer to see him,† he said solemnly. â€Å"But I want to believe, â€Å" I looked up and pleaded, â€Å"it’s just that I have to believe in Him? † (Pg 107). The author alludes to the culture of the Golden Carp to resemble the Son in the Holy Trinity; one sees here that when Antonio contradicts his religion and only focuses on his morals. Also when Antonio says â€Å"Its just that I have to believe in Him? † it is clear that faith and wisdom are not being considered in his decisions and because of that, cause conflict. Antonio’s morals rise and fall throughout the book according to his three cultures and the three parts in his Holy Trinity. When he only relies on morality we find that he is lost within himself. While Antonio is with Cico and they are waiting for the Golden Carp to show one of Antonio’s friends, Florence, dies in the water. Later that night he has a dream where all that he had lived for is now being killed around him. â€Å"Look! He pointed to the creek where Cico lay in wait for the golden carp. When the golden carp appeared Cico struck with his spear and the water ran blood red† (Pg 244). Through the allusion of the Son this passage and the resemblance of the Golden Carp being killed shows that if one is too strong in one section of the Holy Trinity it is no good. When Cico murders the Golden Carp it concludes that Antonio cannot accommodate his three cultures by keeping them separate and not combined. It is apparent that the most ineffective way to reconcile a cultural conflict is only alluding to one of the three constituents of the Holy Trinity. By closely examining Anaya’s use in allusion, it is clear that the most effective way to handle cultural conflicts is to believe in morality, wisdom, and faith. Antonio’s conflict is a result of not combing the three parts of the Holy Trinity. While he is in church he is listening to the priest speak. â€Å"How many persons are there in one God? † he continued. â€Å"Three. The Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost† (Pg 199). The author chooses to literally say that a God cannot work without the three main components. This shows resemblance in Antonio’s life when he tries to keep Catholicism, The Golden Carp, and Ultima all separate pieces. He questions if he can combine or create resolution for his conflict but hesitates to take action. â€Å"Does one have to choose? † I asked. â€Å"Is it possible to have both? †(Pg 238). This shows that Antonio recognizes his problem and starts to connect with all three parts of the Trinity, wishing they could all are one, and not realizing he has the power to do so. Through the power of the Holy Trinity, (God, The Golden Carp, and Ultima) Antonio comes to the conclusion to reconcile his cultural struggles. â€Å"‘Take the llano and the river valley, the moon and the sea, God, and the golden carp-and make something new, I said to myself. That is what Ultima meant by building strength from life†¦ Papa, I asked, Can a new religion be made? †(Pg. 247). Anaya attempts to inspire the reader by illustrating that within togetherness one can incorporate their cultures and create a new one. To conclude in Antonio’s struggle within himself it is inevitable that one can overcome a cultural battle by reliance of faith, wisdom, and morality. The Holy Trinity does not work if all parts aren’t connected. In Antonio’s life, the only way he would become successful it to combine and control his three cultures into one, never letting one over power the other. In Bless Me, Ultima; one can see a reoccurrence of resemblance to the Trinity and many other Bible references. Rudolfo Anaya suggests that one has the power to do anything with wisdom, faith, and morality in his or hers heart.

Has Globalization Helped Haiti in Handling?

Has globalization helped Haiti in handling the devastation of the earthquake? Haiti's worst earthquake in two centuries hit south of the capital Port-au-Prince in 12 January 2010. Hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed, millions were relocated, thousands died. The BBC documental video â€Å"Surviving Haiti† showed how lives changed after the earthquake, how government was handling the situation and what measures were taken to help. As Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince would not be able to handle the devastation of the earthquake on their own.So, the question is, has globalization helped Haiti to recover losses after the devastating earthquake? The global response to the earthquake in port-au-Prince has been generous and quite fast. United States mobilized its soldiers to help suffering Haitians, the EU allocated large amount of money, Canada, Brazil, Italy and Cuba sent over 1,000 military and disaster relief personn el each, Turkey sent searching troops, Germany and China sent officers of technical assistance, aircraft carriers arrived from Russia, Israeli medical staff came, Iran allocated tents for families that lost their homes.Even such countries as Guyana, Estonia and Liberia have sent money. It would seem that the sum these countries sent was ridiculous, but for a small country, it is a kind gesture. The total sum of donations worldwide equals about 2, 5 billion US dollars. Apart from financial aid, human compassion made miracles. Families from France didn’t give up the adoption processes; they came to see their potential children, to meet their parents and to solve bureaucratic problems.Sympathetic corporations, non-governmental organizations, private persons and celebrities responded to the Haiti pledges. In the most difficult moment of their lives survived children and their parents got a flash of hope for better future. People all over the world are not indifferent to the suffe rings of their „planet† neighbors. So, the film shows that life of earthquake survivors is very hard, but hope still exists.In this particular case of Haiti, when globalization impact was also a question of humanity, not just of economy, the process itself helped Haiti to recover more or less after the devastating earthquake and to save as many Haitians as possible. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. guardian. co. uk, Haiti earthquake aid pledged by country http://www. guardian. co. uk/news/datablog/2010/jan/14/haiti-quake-aid-pledges-country-donations

The Strategic Human Resources Management Model and Its Effects Research Paper

The Strategic Human Resources Management Model and Its Effects - Research Paper Example The Personnel Department acts as a meditation centre where arguments, complaints or concerns are settled. They have the rewards and punishment control over the actions of the employees based on their policy regulation function. The evaluation or appraisal function is also a part of the Department’s responsibility. The appraisal process is very important to this department because this is where they get inputs from both the manager and the employee or subordinate regarding the work attitudes and procedures, which they then use to formulate ate development plans. The Department also takes care of the processes for retirement and termination of employment with the company. Looking at all the functions of the Personnel Department, it is clearly shown that the main or primary job of this Department is to maintain order. Generally, the order may mean upholding the policies of the company by closely monitoring and checking the employees’ actions, but there are other meanings a ttached to the maintenance of order. This order may be in terms of relationships or the lack of it among colleagues or between a superior and a subordinate. This order may also be in the form of addressing the manpower needs of each department so they can function well to achieve company goals. This also may take the form of appeasing the concerns or complaints of the employees to maintain peace. The order may also refer to the continuous development of the staff through training to increase productivity. It may also mean the timely and appropriate response to questions relating to job functions and personal privileges or rights.

Civil disobedience is justified when citizens experience injustice Essay

Civil disobedience is justified when citizens experience injustice from the government - Essay Example It includes disobeying particular laws that are considered as unjust and other laws in drawing attention to the perceived injustice in the society. Examples of civil disobedience include the Civil rights Movements of 1960s and the recent Arab uprisings in North African countries and Asian countries. Some unlawful acts that citizens may engage in include non-payment of taxes, trespassing to government buildings, and damage of property and obstruction of traffic in the major highways. Citizens accept the adverse consequences of their actions as a means of furthering the objectives and causes. Civil disobedience was a major tactic of advancing the rights of Women in the USA, and the abolition of Apartheid in South Africa in early 1990s. This paper will discuss the reasons why civil disobedience is justified when citizens experience injustice from the government. Civil disobedience has been successful in ending injustice in the society. Many government policies are flawed and civil disob edience is only effective method of ending injustice in the society. Civil disobedience is mainly geared at advancing social issues that affect the majority of the citizens in the society. According to Martin Luther King, Jr letter from Birmingham jail, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. If injustice affects a single group of individuals directly, it will also affect other members of the society indirectly. According to his letter, the government should address the causes of the demonstrations in Birmingham and not the effects of the demonstrations (Ingram 90). Martin Luther’s letter clearly indicates that the minority has used all the available channels like negotiation but civil disobedience is the last resort to end the injustice. Negro leaders had sough negotiations but political leaders consistently refused to negotiate in good faith in ending the social injustice. According to Martin Luther, it is essential to create tension if the society has refused to negotiate so that leaders can confront the real injustice issues. According to Luther, justice delayed is the same as justice denied but violence should not be used to achieve justice. According to Luther, racial segregation in the society has denied Negros fundamental constitutional rights thus are justified to demonstrate so that authorities can resolve the injustice (Ingram 90). According to John Locke (1632-1704), the government derives its authority from the people and its major duty should be to protect the basic rights of the citizens. Locke asserts that people have the rights to alter the government if it has failed to protect their fundamental rights. Locke rejects absolute monarchy since it will harm the rights of the citizens to choose their government. According to Locke, the citizens are justified to engage in civil disobedience if their rights and liberties have been violated by government policies. According to Locke, the legislative government should not alter la ws in order to limit the rights and liberties of the citizens. According to the Social Contract theory by John Rawls, free people need to agree on the rules governing their relationships in order to live in harmony. According to Theory of Justice by Rawls, every individual should have equal rights and freedoms in the society and economic inequalities should not disadvantage the minorities in the society. John Rawls assert that all citizens should be treated as ends and no means to an end thus justice can only be attained through fair distribution of resources and according to free choices of the citizens. All individuals are entitled to equal natural rights and the rights protected by justice

Software Engineering Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Software Engineering - Assignment Example At this second level, organizations depend mainly on policies for managing a software project and measures to apply those policies are established. These measures help the organizations to repeat successfully the previously mastered tasks and avoid the repetition of failures. The major chunk of an organizations processes at this level stays institutionalized, through staff experience instead of detailed documentation procedures. The various engineering activities and the processes of management at this level is formally defined, documented and integrated. In the process of development and maintenance of software, the organizations staff follows this defined standard process. At this third level, newer methods and tools can be added, and it becomes easier to train new staff to adapt according to the requirement of the organization. At this level, organizations stress the importance of quantitatively measuring the quality of the products delivered by each process. Detailed measures of the software process and product quality are collected and used to identify and correct issues with process performances. Organizations set quantitative goals for both software products as well as processes. As part of the organizations measurement program, productivity and quality of all software process activities and its supporting activities are measured. As new sets of tools or processes are added, or adjustments are made to already existing processes, measurement data enables the organization to access the success of the adjustment as well as prevent the recurrence of defects. At level 5, focus is on the continuous process improvement. The organization proactively identifies strengths and weakness in process, with the aim of preventing the occurrence of defects. Here continuous improvement becomes institutionalized into the development process. Instead of merely

Retirement options for nurses Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Retirement options for nurses - Research Paper Example The nurses enjoy their career, and they love their respectable profession, but most of them look forward to hanging up their scrubs - they opt to retire earlier than usual due to the nature of their job. In most cases, they retire without any retirement plan, and as per the report of the Center for American Nurses, not more than 40 percent of the registered nurses have any retirement plan like 401 (k) offered by the employer or any other long term saving or investment plans (Blakeley & Ribeiro, 2008). It suggests that most of them retire without any financial security. The objective of this paper is to discuss the retirement options for nurses. Retirement Options Generally, nurses don’t look forward to the retirement options as much as their male counterparts from other professions, and the prime reason for this tendency is that nurses are females who hardly take any initiatives for investments. The second reason is that they have scientific background and have no interest for financial management since they are overworked and get so tired that they procrastinate any decision of financial planning or retirement management (Goldberg, 2002). Like other professionals, nurses should also plan their financial security and retirement just from the beginning of their career. They can take the services of financial consultants or retirement consultants for their planning. There are many options available for them. These options have both financial and social aspects and are necessary since they provide them physical or health protection in old age (Glasper, 2011). Financial aspects There are various options available for the nurses which can provide them financial security after retirement. a. Personal savings – They must save 10 to 20 percent of their monthly emoluments for their future b. Recurring Deposits – Recurring deposit of even a small amount becomes a huge sum after a long time, and it helps in old age. c. Pension Plans – Many fina ncial companies offer pension plans which can be availed by the nurses: depositing a small amount per month, they will get a corresponding return per month after they retire (Ho, 2006) d. 401 (k) - Nurses can avail retirement through employer 401 (k) programs e. Besides above mentioned plans, there are many others which can benefit them after retirement; such plans include Govt savings, such as RRSP, IRS, Roth IRA, simple IRA, etc. (Goldberg, 2002) Social aspects Nurses must not forget about the social aspects of their retirement plans. Since they have been committed to their profession, they might have not fulfilled their social commitments properly, and after retirements the society would have more expectations from them (Friis et al., 2007). a. Friends and family – Due to overwork and commitment to their nurses might not have given adequate time to their families and friends, and after retirement their expectations would be high - the nurses can meet them if they have plan ned their retirement properly (Friedrich et al., 2011) b. Community involvement through volunteering – They also need to plan their retirement adequately if they wish to be involved in community programs through volunteering (Dziadekwich, Andrushko & Klassen, 2012). c. Personal pursuits such as travel, continued education, etc. – Many nurses wish to continue their education after retirement, or go on a long vacation or tour, or prefer to visit places. These personal pursuits can only be achieved if their retirement is properly

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

Critical Paper 2A - Essay Example Bear in mind that in a lot of these cases the women are primary income earners, and in their quest for high-paying jobs they often rolling the dice with a heavy heart. A lot of the income earned by these women fuel the economies of their home countries to the tune of millions of dollars annually. The question is, have the effects of poverty effectively dehumanized the women living in developing countries? Let us take a closer look at the situation of women in the Philippines, one of the world’s leading providers of woman migrant workers because of the seething poverty that is prevalent in the country. (United Nations Development Fund for Women, 2008) Women in the Philippines are considered the backbone of its society, being a Roman Catholic country. While most men are still the primary wage earners, a significant portion of women are the breadwinners of an increasingly large number of single-parent households. Now, the main point of contention here is that the Philippines is not exactly an equal opportunity employer. The majority of the well-paying jobs still go to the men, and women are oftentimes relegated to low-paying, menial work such as secretarial jobs or clerking posts. And that’s if they choose to do it the â€Å" honorable† way. Rampant stories run abound about with nursing school graduates saddled with an unwanted pregnancy, and are then forced to work as prostitutes to support the child as the husband had abandoned her. The Philippines is a country seemingly built for infidelity, and the practice is as socially accepted as it can ever get.. Thus, women are often saddled with unwanted babies, and with no good-paying jobs to support them, are forced to turn to drastic measures. (Department of Social Welfare and Development, 2008) While not all women are keen on exploring prostitution as a living , the next best alternative is to look for jobs

Debate Between The Epicureans And The Stoics Term Paper

Debate Between The Epicureans And The Stoics - Term Paper Example The Epicureans were contributed by Epicurus who was a Greek philosopher who lived between 341 BC and 270 BC. Epicurus founded the Garden in Athens in which he and his followers lived and practiced Epicurus’ philosophical ways of life. At the entrance of this place, they hanged a writing stating that Stranger, here you will do well to tarry. Here our highest good is pleasure’1. From this writing among others, the Epicureans are considered hedonists who believe that humanity should fulfill their earthly desires and pleasures and should never try or live according to the will of God in the same way as the Stoics. In other words, they note that humanity should try to live in some sort of happiness and pleasure while they are still on earth or before their death. Notably, the contribution attributed to these two schools of thoughts can be narrowed down to the Aristotelian school of thought that dictates that "the sort of person one is and the lifestyle one adopts will indeed have an immediate bearing on the actions one performs." Nonetheless, the Stoic is more plausible than the Epicureans school of thought. The Epicurean school of thought is divided into two axial lines of desires including natural and unnatural fulfillments. Some of these fulfillments may be considered necessary in life while others are considered unnecessary. Form these distinctions; it is apparent only some of the natural and necessary desires can be fulfilled while the other branch of categories, the unnatural and unnecessary desires are irrelevant and cannot be fulfilled. Nearly all the unnatural and unnecessary class of desires prescribed by Epicureans never exists. This is because only what natural desires are truly necessary and they are what exist. In other words, even the natural and unnecessary desires are never vital to the human life; thus, they must be considered void since they never satisfy human needs but they can only lead to confusion and disturbance of inner self s ufficient or the autarkeia2. Notably, from this classification of desires, it is apparent that their something or desires that are never necessary in human life and living them as means of self-fulfillment will only lead to destabilization of an individual’s inner self sufficiency. These two schools of thoughts also address their concerns on pleasure. Epicureanism classifies sexual intercourse as natural but unnecessary desire. In this case, Epicurus does not spell out total abstinence from sexual pleasures, but he thinks that such pleasure should be sampled carefully so that they are not confused with natural and necessary human desires. Epicurus once stated "Sexual intercourse never helped anyone, and one must be satisfied if it has not harmed3." In other words, he was noting that natural but unnecessary desires should be enjoyed while balancing such acts carefully in clear thinking minds. According Epicurus, for an individual â€Å"To enjoy these unnecessary desires and t o not make of them necessities, to take free pleasure in the unnecessary, this is the highest achievement4." However, this contribution varies Stoics that states that former believes makes make a person more virtuous that they can easily and effective sample natural and unnecessary without them being overwhelmed by these choices. In other words, Stoics contributes the fact that all human desires are governed by some natural forces that humanity must be answerable to; thus, it worth examining and individuals’ experience in order to define his or her next move. Additionally, Stoics argue that pleasure may lead threaten an individual tranquility; thus, it should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, other than pleasure, these two schools o

Methodology Chapter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Methodology Chapter - Essay Example Some researchers claim that unless human behavior can be expressed in numerical terms, it cannot be accurately measured (cited by Jones, 2004). Qualitative data covers a range of material collected from previous research, literature review, case studies and unstructured interviews. Some researchers argue that the qualitative approach is better as it provides greater depth. The relationship between research philosophy and research method is important as it allows one to take an informed decision about the research approach, decide which methods are appropriate for the research, and also determine the constraints that may affect the research (Knox, n.d.). Research philosophy highlights different schools of thought on the how to conduct research. Arguments should be evaluated in different ways because primarily arguments have different roles and purposes and people assess according to the purpose in their mind. At times arguments provide useful information depending on one’s knowledge of how the world works. In a different setting, one can take an abstract approach and ask what follows from a given set of information and then decide on the outcome. Arguments can be evaluated in two qualitatively different ways – in terms of their deductive correctness or in terms of inductive strength (Rips, 2001). Logical positivism employs the quantitative and experimental methods to test deductive generalizations (Amaratunga et al.,). This requires independence of the observer from the subject being observed. Hypotheses have to be formulated in advance for subsequent verification. The explanations in this method are reduced to the simplest possible elements in order to facilitate analysis. Positivism claims that generalizations can be made from a set of events in that past and future decisions can be taken accordingly. The quantitative approach places great stress on numbers that represent

Women and Stress at the Workplace. Why Do Women Face More Workplace Research Paper

Women and Stress at the Workplace. Why Do Women Face More Workplace Stress Than Men - Research Paper Example Therefore, work-related stress takes place when there is a disparity between the demands of the job and the potentials of an individual to meet those demands (Blaug, Kenyon and Lekhi, 2007). This paper seeks to illustrate the difference between stress faced by female and male managers as well as address the consequences of stress. The paper will also examine the role played by gender in stress at the workplace. The effects of work-related stress on healthy individuals are felt at most levels of a being such as physiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural. There exist clear links between work-related stress and a variety of physical and mental disorders, which illustrate how one’s health can deteriorate in the presence of strain. In 2010, women in corporate boards of 100 companies constituted 12.5%, which was a 9.4% increase, and per the American Psychological Association, 69% of employees reported work as a significant source of stress, with some indicating being less p roductive at work because of stress (American Psychological Association, 2010). ... Married women are more likely to report higher levels of stress compared to single women; with 56% of them indicating an increase in stress levels over the past 5 years compared to 41% of single women. Research indicates suggest that both genders, women and men, handle stress in a different manner all together. Response to stress by men is characterized by the fight -flight notion while in women; response leans towards tend-and-befriend. It is for this difference that creates different professional interactions, which defines how they function both at home and in the workplace. Consequently, gender makes a great deal of difference in life and business. Unfortunately, men seem not to be persuaded by the tend-and-befriend approach, thus arises a conflict that exerts pressure on women, which contributes to work-related stress. When faced with a stressing situation, a man’s response is strategic and will assess how best the situation can be salvaged while doubts crop up to questio n his capacity to handle the situation. The response to his doubts is normally influenced by personal confidence and knowledge. On the hand, women are naturally more communal in their thinking and often involve others to assist in solving a stressing situation. Women tend to build a community around them from which they seek advice, social support, and alliances that their safety is dependent on. The cause of stress at workplaces may be attributed to the workload present. The workload in the public sector is considered greater than that in the private sector, and all is dependent on the work being done. Some stressors are based on the work itself, with those that pose a significant risk being achievement, overload, and downsizing. Other sources of stress can be categorized as the role and

Personal Classroom Management System Essay Example for Free

Personal Classroom Management System Essay Abstract An effective classroom management is essential for the success of the students. The classroom management plan needs to be strong, but also flexible since not every class is the same and the teacher needs to be able to change around the plan to fit the needs of the current class. To construct my own classroom management plan, I have borrowed some ideas from classes I have taken throughout my college career and through my own experiences as a student. My Personal Classroom Management System. In this paper I will attempt to explain my personal classroom management system. I will begin by describing the classroom conditions I will provide for my students. I will specify the behavioral goals for my students and the ways in which I want them to conduct themselves. I will elaborate on how I will grade and assess my students. I will conclude by explaining classroom procedures and how I will intervene when a student is misbehaving. Classroom Environment I believe that it is important to create a safe and encouraging environment for my students. The classroom should be a place where the students feel comfortable asking questions and expressing themselves. No student should feel embarrassed to ask questions or voice opinions. I will explain to my students that we are our own community and everyone has a role to do if the community is to work correctly. I plan to create this type of environment by establishing rules, procedures, and routines for my students to understand and follow. I feel that giving students a daily routine to follow it helps to them to develop personal responsibility. Every morning I will greet my students at the door. By doing this I can see my students in the hallway to make sure that they are following the school rules, but I can also see the students inside the classroom to make sure that they are following our classroom rules and beginning their daily routines. The first thing my students will need to do is find their assigned seating and begin their bell work. This helps them learn responsibility and start the day off productively. I will also have end of the day routines for the students to follow. Twenty minutes before the end of school I will have the students  gather their belongings and pack their backpacks. We will also use this time to clean and organize the classroom so it will be in order for the next day. I want to create an environment where my students and I can learn from our various cultures and backgrounds. I want to have a weekly class session where one student is picked to share something they love about their family’s culture and traditions. This will make all my students feel important and I feel this will also help my students who may be ESL students feel comfortable and help them succeed in school. Parental Involvement  I will develop a relationship with parents at the beginning of the school year. Communication between the parents, students and me is extremely important. I will contact parents to give them good news about their students and not just contact them when their child is misbehaving. I will create a monthly newsletter which I will send home with my students and post on the school website. This newsletter will let the parents know what will be going on in our classroom. This will also give them the opportunity to volunteer for different activities and help them become more involved in their child’s education. Class Rules, Rewards Consequences In order for my students to be successful throughout the school year, they learn and follow the rules starting on the first day of school. In my classroom the rules that must be followed are: 1. Respect and follow all school rules 2. Respect others and their belongings 3. No hitting, touching or using bad language 4. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat 5. Always do your best These rules will be posted in my classroom on the first day of class. We will create a few more rules together as a class during the first week of school as well. We will spend the first two weeks of school reviewing our classroom rules. According to Wong’s Pragmatic classroom students who spend the first two weeks of school reviewing class rules learn better and conduct themselves accordingly (Charles, 132). This will help give my students ownership on their behavior. I will send two copies of the rules home for the students to give to their parents. I will ask that both the students and the parents sign one copy and return it to me and post one copy at home that can be viewed daily. I will also post a progress chart in the classroom for all students to view. The chart will cover the student’s weekly behavior starting fresh each day. At the end of the week students will be able to choose a reward based on the number of gold stars they have. Some examples of rewards include choosing a book to read when finished with class work, choosing a prize from the treasure box, being the daily helper, and being the line leader for the day. I will also use lots of positive praise and behavioral narration to encourage my students to do their best daily. There will also be consequences when the rules are not followed. These consequences will be discussed with both the students and the parents at the beginning of the year. The following are examples of the consequences: 1. Loss of picking from the treasure chest 2. Time taken from recess 3. Time spent in detention before or after school 4. A call to parents 5. A visit to the principal’s office 6. In extreme cases immediate suspension Grading and Assessment I believe it’s important to use a variety of tools to assess students. This is because all students learn in a variety of ways. I plan to use both informal and formal assessment procedures in my classroom. Homework will be used as a study tool and an extension of the daily lesson and therefore will not be graded. Homework will be used for participation points. Instead of grading it I will stamp the assignment to show that the student was given participation points for effort. All assessments will be aligned with the state standards and curriculum. The grading policy and rubrics will be made available for the students and their parents at all times. When I give tests I will only test students on materials we have covered during that week and never use gotcha questions. Students will be allowed to do make up tests if they fail and would like a better grade. Classroom Procedures Everyday my students will be expected to come into the classroom, take their seats and immediately start on their bell work. All pencils should be sharpened before the bell rings. This means students need to get to class on time. When class work is finished early, students will have the choice of choosing a book from our class library or free writing in their writing journals. Bathroom breaks will be taken individually throughout the day and as a class before and after lunch and recess. These are some of the procedures I will implement: Morning Procedures †¢Greet teacher and classmates as you enter the room †¢Unload backpack, sharpen pencils and place supplies on desk †¢Begin bell work Desk Procedures †¢No food, candy or toys allowed at your desk †¢Keep your hands and feet on/under your own desk and not in the aisle †¢Keep the area around your desk clean Line Up/Leaving Procedure †¢Quietly form two orderly lines †¢Keep your hands to yourself/arms crossed †¢No talking in the hallway †¢No running or pushing while in line †¢When leaving the room one line will follow the other to form one line in the hallway Intervention Plan Before deciding on a plan, I will observe, reflect, consult with the student, parents and coworkers, and outline ideas that may correct problematic behaviors viewed in the classroom. After considering the behavior of the child, I will reflect on the role of the environment and classroom routines, and the interactions of the child with fellow students and teachers. I will  be sure to take advantage of the use of specialized staff members, such as the school psychologist and speech therapist, within the school system who are willing to assist me with my plan. This plan will be constructed on an individual basis as not all students will respond to the same methods. Once the plan is implemented, I will observe for positive changes and make adjustments accordingly after a follow up meeting with the parents, student and specialists involved in constructing the initial plan. Reference Charles, C. M. (1999). Building Classroom Discipline. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.

RISK AND UNCERTAINTY FOR A FIRM ENTERING A FOREIGN MARKET. EXECUTIV

RISK AND UNCERTAINTY FOR A FIRM ENTERING A FOREIGN MARKET. EXECUTIV This report looks at Risk and Uncertainty as variables affecting a firm(s) in or entering foreign markets. From the onset it sets out to give an overview of the topic through a summary of risk that comes with the quest for expansion and further highlighting the motives for expansion which could be Market-lead, Capability-lead or Economics-lead. Risk refers to the likelihood and consequences of an undesirable occurrence(s). Uncertainty refers to doubt or indecision, and is inherent in company strategy as the future is never certain. Uncertainty Avoidance refers to the extent to which people can tolerate risk and uncertainty in their lives. This report then goes on to tackle the different Topic-related subjects as outlined by the contents page. It is my sincere hope that as you study this report it will prove to be a comprehensive framework for the subject matter at hand, of Risk and Uncertainty in relation to entering foreign markets. It also draws a distinction between the two variables that should be notable by the end of your study of this report. Yours Sincerely Jotham Mwale BA (HONS), BS STUDENT. METHODOLOGY The information used to compile this report is research-based and derived from a combination of learned knowledge, references from various updated management texts and windows internet explorer. INTRODUCTION Companies, in this day and Age, are on a quest to expand market share and profitability to achieve and maintain a position of competitive advantage. Globalization, as such, has been a strategy that many companies have adopted towards this end. Globalization refers to the linkages between markets that exist across national borders. This implies that what happens in one country has an impact on occurrences in other countries (Henry, p.260). However, the concepts of risk and uncertainty cannot be ignored even as we refer to globalization and companies urge to venture into it. There are many unknowns in the world of business, more so for international business. Organizations in international business or those seeking to venture into such or any other business are prone to face risk and uncertainty. Thus when a firm is entering a foreign market or internationally expanding for the first time there are many potential risks. This report tackles the question of the unknowns that firms are faced with when entering foreign markets, distinguishing between the concepts of risk and uncertainty. MOTIVES FOR EXPANSION INTO FOREIGN MARKETS A firm has various motives for expansion into foreign markets that would make it prone to risk. These motives may be Market-lead, Capability-lead or Economics-lead; Some Market-Lead motives are as follows; Globalization of markets and competition- this exerts pressure on the firm to adopt internationalizing strategies, and not just larger businesses. Internationalization of the Value Network. Exploiting differences between countries. Some Capability-Lead motives are as follows; Leveraging Capabilities- by doing this across its businesses in a number of countries, the firm is able to achieve competitive advantage. Enhancing Capabilities- through international acquisitions and strategic alliances the firm may acquire new capabilities. Enhancing Learning- entry into some markets, foreign inclusive, may enhance organizational learning. Some Economics-Lead motives (reducing costs) are as follows; Economies of Scale- the firm can derive economies by increasing the scale of its operations. Economies of Scope- by spreading costs over a larger output per unit costs may be reduced. RISK Assuming a firm is trying to enter the American market for the first time, it is bound to face a lot of challenges and risk, especially since it is one of the worlds biggest and active markets. Risk refers to the likelihood and consequences of an undesirable occurrence(s). A firm entering a foreign market like the American market for the first time will face risk. There are many potential risks that are posed on a firm on the verge/with the motive of venturing into a foreign market for the first time. Types of Risk POLITICAL RISK- there is potential threat to a companys operations in America due to the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies of the different political systems. For example, a change in governments from the republicans to the democrats would lead to a significant change in policies. Other laws and regulations that can affect a business in a foreign market are as follows; Revenue and tax laws as concerns remissions and what percentage of revenue is required to be ploughed back into the local economy of the foreign state. Laws on pollution limits. Tariffs, trade embargos and sanctions will also affect whether a business operate in a foreign market or not. Labor laws as concerns wages and pension. Health and safety laws. Laws as regards use of local material in production ECONOMIC RISK This is the potential threat to the firms operations in a country due to the economic policies and conditions in that country. In America, for example, interest rates may prove to be too high for a business that is coming from sub-Saharan Africa. Government economic policies such as; Monetary and Fiscal Policies will affect a business and can either be beneficial or a threat to them. CURRENCY RISK This is the potential threat to a firms operations in a country due to fluctuations in the local currencys exchange rates. The United States dollar is a strong currency and fluctuations in it have, and may prove either disastrous or beneficial to businesses the world over. MANAGEMENT RISK This is the potential threat to a companys operations in a country due to the problems that managers have making decisions in the context of foreign markets. Different countries have different cultures. Hosted identified four national cultures that would have an impact on management styles in different countries; Power distance- defining the extent to which a culture accepts different distribution of power within society. For cultures/nations with high power distance like France, Spain and Brazil; management style is autocratic with a lot of centralization, close supervision and top-down command chains. This must to be taken into account as venturing into such cultures without such knowledge would indeed prove risky or hazardous. Cultures like that of the United States and United Kingdom have less power distance and as such employees are more involved. Uncertainty avoidance- referring to the extent to which order, security and control are preferred to ambiguity, uncertainty and change. For nations with a high uncertainty avoidance culture, employees value task culture, written rules and regulations, and standardization. Deviance and/or ignorance of these values pose a threat to a firm wanting to operate in that nation. On the other hand, nations with a low uncertainty avoidance culture like the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, value flexibility and creativity and greater variability. Deviance and/or ignorance of these values would place a firm operating within such a nation at a risky position. Individualism/Collectivism- referring to the preference to hire and work in an individualistic way (focusing on the I identity as opposed to the We identity) as is the case in the United States and the United Kingdom. Collectivism refers to countries that value organizational family, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and relationship over task; Japan. Deviance and/or ignorance of such values poses risk for a firm operating in such a nation. Masculinity/Femininity- Masculinity refers to the extent to which a society values attributes such as; Assertiveness Status Personal achievement These are masculine traits prominent in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Feminine traits are those that emphasize on sympathy and service quality of life as is the case in Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Such values and traits need to be considered when venturing into a foreign market to avoid putting a firm at unnecessary risk. MARKET RISK- potential threat that a company faces by it being a part of a certain market. This risk can further be divided into; Industry risk Positioning risk Misys risk description according to their Annual Report on principal risks and uncertainties (2010) under the heading Business environment and market risks is as follows; As an international company, we operate across the globe and difficult or unexpected economic conditions in the markets we serve may affect the financial position of our customers and their willingness to commit expenditure. Other developments in the markets we serve may also impact the Group. The financial services sector is currently subject to regulatory review which could increase taxes on, or curtail certain of the activities of our customers leading them to reduce expenditure. Our Healthcare business is benefiting from the Healthcare Stimulus program in the United States, however, we must ensure that we comply with the requirements for meaningful use as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services across our healthcare product portfolio. In addition, we operate in highly competitive markets that are characterized by changing technology, industry standards and customer needs and by commercial pressures from customers. Four further classifications of risk as classified by Misy in their Annual Report (2010) are: Strategic Risk- which further embodies; Business environment and market risks Business strategy risks Operational Risk- which further embodies; People risks Product development risks Contract implementation and service level risks Business continuity risks IT risks Intellectual property risks Financial Risk- which embodies; Foreign exchange and interest rate risks Compliance Risk- which embodies; Legal and regulatory risks Strategy and Risk There are a number of strategies that can be employed in relation to risk, that is, the various types of risks. In response to positional risk this report considers the following strategies; The Strategy Clock The Strategy Clock (et al, p. 225) is a vital tool in determining the positioning of a firm. A firm entering a foreign market for the first time can assess which of the eight strategies/positions on the strategy clock to pursue, with full understanding of the risk that the various positions pose. Generic Strategy Needs/Risks No Frills Likely to be segment specific. Low Price Risk of price war low margins; need to be cost leader. Hybrid Low cost base reinvestment in low price differentiation. a) Differentiation; without price premium Perceived added value by user, yielding market share benefits. b) Differentiation; with price premium Perceived added value sufficient to bear price premium. Focused Differentiation Perceived added value to a particular segment, warranting price premium Increased price/standard value Higher margins if competitors do not follow; risk of losing market share. Increased price/low value Only feasible in monopoly situation. Low value/standard price Loss of market share. Porters Competitive Forces Porters 5 forces (1980) is another tool for positioning in relation to risk. The ideal situation (especially for a firm entering a foreign market for the first time) is one of low risk where; Bargaining power of buyers is low Bargaining power of suppliers is low Threat from potential entrants is low Threat from substitutes is low Competitive rivalry is low Why Companies Expand/Venture into Foreign Markets To spread business risk across a wider market base. It will not depend entirely depend on operations in domestic markets. To achieve/maintain core competences. To lower costs and enhance firms competitiveness. To gain access to new customers- expanding into foreign markets offers potential for increased revenue, profit and long-term relationships and growth, and becomes an especially attractive option when a companys home market is mature RISK MANAGEMENT It is important that risk is identified in advance, recorded and managed. A firm entering the United States market for the first time can do this using one of the following four strategies; Avoidance- where the factors that give rise to the risk are removed or the profit is undertaken. Reduction/Mitigation- these measures tend to reduce the likelihood and the consequence of the risk/risky event. Transference- where the risk is passed on to or stored in another party. Absorption- where potential risk is accepted in the hope that the consequences can be coped with if necessary. UNCERTAINTY Uncertainty refers to indecision or doubt over options. Uncertainty is inherent in a companys strategy, because nobody can be sure about the future or the stability of an economy. There is therefore even more uncertainty for firms in international business or those planning to enter foreign markets. Uncertainty Avoidance refers to the extent to which people can tolerate risk and uncertainty in their lives. People in societies with high uncertainty avoidance create institutions that minimize risk and ensure financial security. Companies emphasize stable careers and produce many rules to regulate actions and minimize ambiguity. Uncertainty Avoidance determines whether or not risk will be an issue for a company. Higher profits do come with greater risks and vice versa. Therefore for a firm entering the United States market for the first time will have to undertake risk management in order to identify risks and gauge whether or not they are able to tolerate whatever risks are discovered. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) Another option that companies wanting to enter a foreign market like that of the United States can consider is FDI. FDI is an internalization strategy in which the firm establishes a physical presence abroad by acquiring productive assets such as capital, technology, labor, plant and equipment. FDI is the most advanced expensive, complex and riskiest entry strategy that a firm could use. It is undertaken by and targeted at firms from both advanced economies and emerging markets. Some considerations relevant to choice of foreign market entry strategy are; Degree of control that the firm wants to maintain over decisions, operations, and strategic assets involved in a venture; Degree of risk that the firm is willing to tolerate, and the timeframe in which it expects returns; Organizational and financial resources (for example, capital, managers, technology) that the firm will commit to the venture; Availability and capabilities of partners in the market; Value-adding activities that the firm wants to perform itself in the market, and what activities it will leave to partners; Long-term strategic importance of the market CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION From the above analogy it can be derived that the question at hand has been adequately addressed. This report has affirmed that a firm will face unknowns in the world of business, more so in foreign/international markets. This report has also affirmed that risk is indeed a factor of concern for firms seeking to venture into such markets. It has significantly defined risk and highlighted a considerable range of types of risk. This report went further in even suggesting risk-related strategies and outlining the risk management framework. Uncertainty has also been addressed. It has also addressed the issue of FDI, its associated risks and how it is an option for venturing into foreign markets. The concept of uncertainty does not seem to hold as much water as that of risk. It would seem uncertainty is a by-product of risk as doubt or indecision over a promising/profitable venture would be sparked by the risk that comes with it. In conclusion, Risk cannot be avoided in business whether it is local or international. Risk is always present and can either be high, medium or low, but never absent. What differs is how tolerable different firms are to risk and how they individually manage their risk. I would recommend that firms engage in wide-scope risk management as even the smallest of risks can prove to be huge blows to competitive advantage. The business environment is turbulent, more so now than in the past years. It would be unwise to invest in business and not be able to make any profit whatsoever due to falling prey to unforeseen risks and subsequent consequences.

New Zealand Health and Disability Policy Analysis

New Zealand Health and Disability Policy Analysis Policy focus for Disability The people with inabilities are the people who have whole deal physical, mental, sagacious or material deterrents with in correspondence with diverse limits may discourage their full and practical enthusiasm toward general society eye on a comparable reason with others. A solitary individual with failure by and large obliges some sort of systematized mental test conclusions and the estimation of down as far as possible. Insufficiency Rights International has involved with a multi-year campaign to accomplish general recognized that the evil utilization of young people and adults with incapacities can constitute torment through our reports on Turkey, Romania, Serbia, the United States and our indictment against Paraguay in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Regardless of the way that the widespread gathering has starting late made extraordinary strides in the recognized of the benefits of people with inabilities, the isolation and abuse of people with incapacities was obvio usly not seen as moving to the level of human rights sick uses associated with the most anomalous measure of overall criticism: torment. To some degree, this is because of the overall human rights gathering fail to test the instances of helpful powers that treatment practices were remedially crucial or legitimate. Through watchful examination and reality finding, Disability Rights International has had the ability to display that these practices are awful, perilous, and not sensible as treatment. Education and training Trying to source recorded evidence as to Maori perspectives of impediment was to a degree risky in light of a nonappearance of composing on insufficiency. The things which we can look at when examining failure in Maori are, firstly, the impact of history and Treaty of Waitangi. Besides the constitutions mind structure. Third one is money related effects. Fourthly, customary sustenance and resources all in all the qualification amidst Maori and Pakeha perspective of impairment. The New Zealand Education Act of 1877 exhibited vital normal and free guideline for New Zealand kids who were between ages of seven and 13. In 1907 the Education Amendment Act began the change of specific schools and classes for adolescents who were perceived as imperfect. This infers a youth who, not being blockhead or dolt and not being just backward, is by reason of mental or physical flaw unequipped for tolerating true blue benefit from establishment in a standard school however is not deficient by reason o f such surrender of getting, benefit from heading in an one of a kind school or class (Mitchell Mitchell, 1987, p.14). New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act was introduced in 2000. The purpose behind this exhibit is to publicize the safe acquisition of wellbeing and failure organizations to the overall public, engage the establishment of consistent and sensible standards for giving wellbeing and inadequacy organizations to individuals all in all safely, help suppliers of wellbeing and debilitation organizations to expect risk for giving those organizations to the all-inclusive community safely and eventually to invigorate suppliers of wellbeing and powerlessness organizations to reliably improve the way of those organizations. The code of Health and Disability has diverse costumer rights. Right to be approached with reverence, right to adaptability from partition, impulse, baiting, and abuse, right to appreciation and flexibility, right to organizations of a fitting standard, right to fruitful correspondence, right to be totally instructed, right to settle on a good choice and give taught conc ur, right to help and rights to valuation for indicating or investigation, right to grumble. Business regulations combining work and care giving The core of developing and powerlessness methods is to help elderly people to continue lying in their own specific homes and to help people with utilitarian confinements to share as totally as could sensibly be normal in the general population eye. Despite developing strategies, for instance, developing set up, there are debilitation methodologies orientated towards understanding an exhaustive society that is non-handicapping and engages all people to share. Suppliers worth planning for paid gatekeepers, and from their perspective it is fundamentally a threat organization segment. More especially, suppliers perceived planning as a methodology to improve results for clients, and redesign the reliability, conviction, respect toward oneself and obligation of the paid watchmen to do their commitments. The bigger piece of suppliers (n = 392, 93%) have an arrangement mastermind set up, with 90% indicating get ready was required; then again, there were no genuine conclusions of non-support. This exhibits that there necessities to be more direction and planning provided for people to deal with this issue. There also needs to be more watchmen to offer attention to invalid people. In order to influence more people to work in the social protection industry government can grow the wages and diminish charges. Administration of Health can similarly influence private business to cooperate with attention giving. This is conceivable by opening more private orgs to give the specialists offices and rest homes with arranged gatekeepers and other wellbeing specialists. To give fitting thought to incapacitate firstly, we need to widen the thought of sensible acclimations to the welfare state. For this circumstance, we need to counter contemplations that welfare portions are just an adversity to the countrys economy. Additionally, defend and expand the rule of universalism. It can be described as religious, philosophical and philosophical thoughts. In this way, it can be used to recognize particular statutes considering all people in their creation. At last, we need to make systems for passing on organizations and helping which are co-made with the people who use such organizations. The private section, with its focus on profit and key commitment to stakeholders, can never work in the same empowering course as stand out from open division. This gathers that New Zealand Health and Disability needs a couple of changes as it was appropriated in the year 2000. Administration of Health can in like manner take after the principles gave by the WHO. Government can in like manner utilize more money as a part of the wellbeing zone, guideline and associations. This will urge more people to end up social protection specialists and will be valuable for the soundness of New Zealanders. References Jorgensen, D., Parsons, M., Reid, M., Weidenbohm, K., Parsons, J., Jacobs, S. (2009). The providers’ profile of the disability support workforce in New Zealand.Health Social Care In The Community,17(4), 396-405. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2524.2008.00839.x Fortune, K. (2013). The impact of policy and legislation on Maori children with special needs in Aotearoa/ New Zealand.Support For Learning,28 (1), 41-46. doi:10.1111/1467-9604.12014Â  Retrieved from healthedtrust.org.nz/ Donations, childcare and housekeeper tax credits (Tax credits (reducing the amount of tax you pay)). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax-individual/tax-credits/dch-taxcredits/

Lunar Eclipse Lab :: essays research papers

Title: Phases and Eclipses of the Moon Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to demonstrate the different phases of the moon during its revolution around the earth and also to display solar and lunar eclipses. Hypothesis: I think that by following the procedure, I will successfully complete this lab in showing the phases of the moon throughout its revolution and the solar and lunar eclipses because I am moving the moon correctly. Independent variable: Movement of the moon Dependent variable: Phases of the moon and the lunar and solar eclipses Materials: 1. Tape 2. Scissors 3. Model Earth 4. Ruler 5. Pen/marker 6. Piece of string cut to 80 in. long and marked every 10 inches 7. Light equip with working bulb (acts as the Sun) 8. Model of the Moon 9. 3 people all together to demonstrate moon phases and eclipses Procedure (Phases of the Moon): 1. Gather materials. 2. Take the string and fold it in half so that it equals 160 inches. 3. Mark the string every 20 inches (this should equal to 8 marks around the strings). 4. Place the string on the floor with tape making a circle. 5. Choose 3 people to represent the Earth, Sun and Moon. 6. Place the person representing the Earth on the outside of the circle, the person holding the Moon on the circle (making sure they are holding the moon in their arm, away from their body), and the person representing the Sun on the other side (approximately 3 feet) of the string. When finished the persons should be in the following order: 1. Sun 2. Moon 3. Earth. 7. Turn the light on making sure it is facing the Moon and the Earth. 8. The person holding the Moon should begin at the first point marked on the circle and continue to, (with their arm), move the Moon around the Earth completely around the circle. 9. Observe the phases of the Moon. Procedure (Solar Eclipse): 1.The 3rd person is now needed to hold up the Moon in between the Earth and the sun (making sure they, as a body, are not blocking the "sun's" light).

Aristotle Essay example -- essays research papers

y does Plato believe that only Philosophers are fit to rule? Rather than the practical pursuit we are accustomed to, for Plato, Politics is an intellectual faculty. Governance by non-philosophers is to be governed by opinions, beliefs and self-interest; in contrast the philosopher ruler will govern with virtue and justice with no hidden agenda. The philosopher is in love, in love with learning, knowledge and truth. It is important to make a distinction here between the acquisition of knowledge and the acquisition of truth, because knowledge is not necessarily the truth. With the help of an allegory, Plato explains the sensible world of illusion and belief, the place where most people reside. The philosopher has stepped outside this world, into a world of knowledge and truth. Plato makes use of a cave to explain this; I will use another means. A child believes in the myth of Santa Claus, a child has good reason to suppose this myth is true, it is inculcated when he receives Christmas presents, the media, family and friends consolidate the belief, the child even writes to Santa Claus and receives a reply. On Christmas Day this belief becomes a ‘reality’. Through education and maturity, the child will have doubts as to the truth of this illusion. At some stage during the transition from childhood to adulthood he will acknowledge the illusion, and further, during parenthood the myth really comes home to roost as knowledge and absolute truth. (He now has a choice; he can put an end to the myth or continue the cycle) What is distinctive regar ding each stage, is how far they have come out of the cave. Through illusion and belief to knowledge, or from artisan to auxiliary to philosopher. The fundamental prerequisite to becoming a philosopher ruler is to have knowledge of the forms, therefore knowing the truth. The forms do not exist in the sensible world, they can only be found in the super-sensible world. Platos‘ theory of the forms is partly logical and partly metaphysical. The logical part is, take for example a dog, there will be many types of dog, and general particulars regarding a dog. The form of a dog is universal and eternal it has no position in space or time, it is not born when a dog is born, nor does it die when a dog dies. The metaphysical part of the theory is the form of a dog is a perfect, unique dog, created by God. The dog is real, pa... ...ft of the preeminently "excellent" citizen to protect the state's constitution by making him the ruler of the state. Aristotle further justifies his position by stating that a citizen should not be made the ruler of a state because of his wealth or his ancestry. Unless by some chance wealth or ancestry affects the ability of a citizen to work towards the interests of the constitution. Of course the wealthy citizens and those citizens of glamorous ancestry should not be denied the chance to rule the state, for the ruler should be chosen for his "excellence" alone. Even in modern democracies like our own Aristotle's ideas hold true. When we vote in the election of the ruler of our country we, theoretically, are voting for the single most "excellent" citizen of our nation. That is we are voting for that citizen who can do the best job of working towards our common interests. The citizen of a state who has the greatest ability to work towards the salvation of the constitution has a gift that all citizens can benefit from. It only makes sense to beseech that citizen to lead the rest of the citizens in working towards the common interests of the state.

Adding a Class to the School Curriculum Essay

Dear Principal, a class that specializes in focus, prioritizing, organization and study skills is absolutely necessary for any Middle School student. At my age and younger, students have a tendency to be disorganized both physically and mentally. I have a knack for losing and forgetting my homework assignments and my grades suffering. I know I am not alone in this struggle against clutter and forgetfulness. Critical thinking classes provide a student with structure, study skills and the art of prioritizing. I know personally the effects of school on a student who is unprepared and disorganized. The stress and sleepless nights can be avoided with a class dedicated to the student’s future. Unlike Math and Language Arts, this class would be linked with the students’ success in EVERY other class. The benefits would not only pertain to students, but to the enthusiasm and effectiveness of a teacher. Is there anything more important than preparing a student for his or her futu re? The skills learned in a critical thinking class would help a student not only through Middle and High School. The study skills and note taking strategies would also be useful and very beneficial in College and whatever career they choose to pursue in the future. A class dedicated on teaching a student to remain focused and take accurate notes in lectures would be beneficial to all the daydreamers, doodlers and dozers who can’t listen to a teacher and stay focused on the words coming out of her mouth. I know the effects all too well. As my teacher begins her daily rant, I shut my mind off and let it wander around the room. I see students snoring in the corner and others doodling in their notebook or flinging notes to each other as slyly as possible. I smile at their antics in relieving the exhausting boredom of a class like this. Only a handful of students are actually listening to the teacher and it is evident that they rather be anywhere else doing anything else. With lunch just ten minutes away the whole class is already leaning towards the door and staring hungrily at the wall clock. I am snapped out of my daydream by the shrill shrieking of the lunch bell above my head. Relief runs through me as the teacher dismisses us and our grumbling stomachs. As quickly as I possibly can I scramble to pack up all my things and rush to the lunchroom. I don’t even remember to write down the homework assignment! This forgetfulness is fueled by my inability to stay focused in any class much less the one right before lunch. The night before I had stayed up all night studying for a different test this inevitably leads to me being grumpy and unfocused for the following days. Especially since every night seemed to be a late night and with the stress and lack of sleep I am on the verge of snapping. The next day I fail the pop quiz along with almost all of the students who stopped listening to the teacher’s lecture, five minutes in. Mr. Principal, if students knew how to take accurate notes and focus, then the snoring in the back of the class would be brought to a minimum as well as all the other distractions in the room. Students would be more eager to learn if they understood how to do it in a way that works for them and they see the positive effects it can have on their lives. Grades overall would improve if students knew how to listen in class and study correctly. Instead of waiting until the night before a huge exam, reading words over and over until they become a jumbled mess of never ending letters and symbols, I could study one step at a time so that on the night before I can skim over the topics and be prepared to face the test. Being prepared keeps students from wanting to ditch school in order to avoid the test as a whole or just to sleep in and catch up on some Z’s. Preparation would also bring the lack of sleep and stress to a minimum. No longer would the piles of never ending homework and study guides hover over our worn out minds, not if we knew how to work ahead and prioritize what needs to be done now and what can be done progressively. It would help to keep students fresh, awake and ready to learn every morning. Not only could grades improve, but so would the school’s attendance record. Mr. Principal, students are more willing to come to class if there is something to look forward to. Instead of school being boring and torturous, it could be viewed as an opportunity to put the skills learned in their Critical Thinking class to the test. There would also be less problems waking up and therefore making it to class on time. No more napping in class, instead students would be note-taking and teachers would see the increased enthusiasm in their class. The teachers would be motivated to work even harder to teach their students all they can. Why would teachers want to teach if they know that the students couldn’t care less? If teachers see students participating and not acting out then they would also be motivated to help the students learn even more than what is specified in the curriculum. Regular and advanced students would surpass any of the other schools. The school would work at least ten times more efficiently and productively. Everyone would be enthusiastic and successful in school. Mr. Principal if adding a class could determine whether your school is average or above average, would you take the chance? The skills learned in Middle School Critical Thinking classes would have a lasting impression in a student’s life forever. With the added skills, advanced teachers, and motivation that a student gains while taking a Critical Thinking class would definitely up their chances of that student staying in school not only in High School, but progressing even in the College level. This is not a simple feat and many students who just don’t know how to keep their lives organized have a lot more chances of dropping out than the student who is well prepared and ready to take on anything the class has for them. In college most if not all the classes are lectures, if this bores a student or a student knows how to keep organized notes then the classes will be a lot harder. In comparison to High School, College has a lot more temptation to go party instead of studying, or hanging out with friends in your dorm instead of going over yesterday’s notes. This can lead to dropping grades and even dropping out of school. Peer pressure to drink, smoke and not study is a LOT stronger as the years go by. In college teachers are no longer on top of their students to do their assignments and to study like the teachers in Middle School and High School. Students have more freedom and a more responsibility to keep their grades intact and the choice to worry about their academic or their social life. This responsibility may be too much for an average student, but for a student who has been taught and has practiced their critical thinking skills, the choice is obvious. The students who have the discipline to prioritize correctly and put their school first will be more successful time and time again over the student who picks his social life over his â€Å"stupid† grades. The students who stay up until midnight cramming for an exam that they knew months before will also struggle with their own problems in the future. Mr. Principal, a student who has practiced discipline, prioritizing, focusing and productivity will be prepared for anything that can come at them in the future. It is your job to prepare your students and if your students aren’t improving then their academics are failing. This is not something that can be fixed with MORE work, but with a class that helps kids manage their time better. Skills like these are not only useful in college though. They are usef ul in the students’ career. Discipline and respect are very useful in an office setting especially when interning. Interns are usually put through a series of test before they are even accepted! Most of the time these tests have nothing to do with what one hundred twenty thousand times fifty is, but with how to manage two or three tasks at the same time and how to be adaptable in any situation. An intern who already knows how to take outline notes and schedule their days accordingly will have much more chances of succeeding in the business world over an unprepared slacker. Bosses look for organization and preparation in their employees, but above that they look for someone who looks the part. Before you even open your mouth in an interview, the only thing the employer sees is just how long you stayed up the night before preparing a last minute resume. The bags under your eyes and crumpled outfit won’t seem like a presentable and organized employee and the typos in your resume will stand out in comparison to the other applicant who worked on their resume for a week, reading and rereading it until it was perfection. The applicant who has her hair perfectly in place, her outfit ironed flat and fully prepared to speak to the employer has a lot more chances of being hired. This all goes back to you, Mr. Principal. The student’s ability to focus on the interview and be prepared depends fully on what opportunities YOU put in their lives when they are in your school. If Critical Thinking Classes aren’t offered in school then your students will be beat out in interview after interview not only for their careers, but for college and for advanced placement. This will hinder them in comparison to the students who have all the skill they taught in their Critical Thinking classes to help them through the interview and even to their promotions in work. Mr. Principal students deserve to have a class that will allow them to have an upperhand in classes, interviews and applications. Every student has the ability to have straight A’s and be successful, but not all of them have the skills needed to put their abilities to work and help them not only in Middle School, but for the rest of their lives. Mr.Principal you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The admiration of both your staff and students and the incredible feeling that comes from knowing that you’ve made a difference in your students lives. Without a doubt, thanks to the Critical Thinking Class your school could benefit from the increased academic abilities of your students. This class will help students for generations to come, if you could go back in time wouldn’t you want to be given this chance?

Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay

You stimulate decision e veryday whether it is choosing what you make for breakfast or choosing what you want to be when you grow up. It is natural in earth to make decisions and act on what they study is to be true. This non only applies to humans, alone authors use them in their books or matchs to create contrastive types of causes. In one of the sterling(prenominal) works by William Shakespe bes small t take, on that point are characters that make some different kinds of decisions that determine their role in the book. In the play, the protagonist village, later on his fathers death, is angry more or less his mothers hasty marriage to Claudius.He sees a ghost of his father one wickedness and tells him that Claudius had murdered him. juncture plans to shoot Claudius scarce he has trouble making decisions and end-to-end the play, his poor decision making sputting to deaths subscribe d acceptfall to himself and some others. Every sad hero has a tragic shortco ming and Hamlets tragic deformity is his inability to make decisions. Hamlets inability to consume Claudius after comprehend from the ghost, that he had kil take Hamlet Senior, contri entirelyes to his obdurate hesitatingness, which brings or so his own downfall.His hesitantness leads to many a(prenominal) characters deaths such as Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Laertes, Polonius and his own mother. He had many chances of kill Claudius provided he constantly over thinks the incident thus delaying his major assess of cleanup Claudius To take him in the purging of his somewhatone When he is fit and seasoned for his transition? No. Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent. When he is sot asleep, or in his rage, Or in th incestuous pleasure of his screw, At game a-swearing, or ab extinct some act That has no relish of buyback in t.Then gaffe him, that his heels may kick at promised land (III. III. 85) This is an warning of Hamlet being indecisive on whether or not to kill Claudius in the Church after the common mackerel Trap play. He decides not to kill him thither because he is praying and therefore ordain be forgiven for his sin. This chairs in delaying of his main delegate and in like manner made more mode for error such as killing Polonius and also getting sent to England, which leads to Rosencrantz and Guildensterns deaths. If Hamlet would nominate unconquerable to kill him then, he would not get under ones skin created the fate he ends up making at the end.Hamlets inability to tittle-tattle and discuss to Ophelia about what is happening, after she starts rejecting his messages, leads to losing his screw and ultimately ends up to her demise. Even though they were in dearest, when Ophelia begins rejecting Hamlets messages because Polonius told her to, Hamlet tells Ophelia that she was not worth anything to him. This leads her to believing that Hamlet does not love her anymore. As a conclusion, she goes crazy and out of contro l for example By Gis and by Saint Charity,Alack, and fie, for take down Young men will do t, if they have to t. By Cock, they are to blame.Quoth she, in advance you tumbled me, You promised me to wed. So would I ha done, by yonder sun, An thou hadst not add to my bed. (IV. V. 40) This is the scene where she has give-up the ghost insane. She sings about how a man promised her to marry her before they went into bed together but he leftfield her. On top of Hamlets rejection, Hamlet has killed her father, Polonius, so she has completely lost(p) control of herself.She sings a very brokenheartedness song in front of many people and also gives out hedge flowers to people. After this scene, she ends up committing suicide at the lake. If Hamlet had talked with Ophelia about what was going on and why she was ignoring her messages, she would have not become insane and Hamlet and Ophelia would still be in love. Hamlets last flaw is his inability to decide whether sustenance is worth dungeon or not, which contributes to his stubborn irresolution, which ultimately leads to his own downfall. Hamlet is very confused about his own purport and is out of his mind.He is very deject from his fathers death and the intuitive feeling of betrayal he has from Gertrude, his mother, who remarried right after his fathers death. He does not know if animation is worth living or not and this is obvious when he asserts To be, or not to bethat is the headspring Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of conscienceless fortune Or to take implements of war against a sea of troubles And by fence end them. To die, to sleep No moreand by a sleep to say we end The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks That digit is heir to.Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep To sleep circumstantially to dream ay, theres the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, mustiness give us pause . (III. I. 56) This is his famous monologue on the topic of life. He compares life and death and he cannot decide whether or not to stay live or to be dead. He believes that death is the substance to escape all his troubles and his depression but then on the other side, he knows he needs to complete the task of killing Claudius.His indecisiveness about his own life delays his action from doing what he in reality wants to finish. Even though Hamlet kills Claudius at the very end, as a result of his indecisive behavior, he has taken instruction too very much time to accomplish one single task. Also, it killed many fair people he could have pr howeverted from killing them. If Hamlet would have not been so depressed and actually decide whether or not he should stay alive or die, he might have had a better chance accomplishing his tasks much faster and efficient.Clearly, Hamlet is very indecisive all over and his indecisiveness brought about his own downfall. His mothers death, h is loves death and his friends deaths are all caused by Hamlet. If he were to be decisive and straightforward, he could have killed Claudius much faster and he also could have prevented all of the deaths that happened. Many theories drive to explain why Hamlet takes so long to kill Claudius but out of many theories, Hamlets indecisiveness is the only one with full sufficient answers.Every book or play has a tragic hero and all tragic hero has a tragic flaw and in the play Hamlet, there is no exception. These themes present in many of William Shakespeares plays are relevant even today. There are times when we are indecisive when it comes to difficult situations. To be capable to decide and to act on what you decided to do is what we try to aim for, however, since Hamlet did not complete this, he led himself to his own downfall and also many others to their downfall as well.